2023 Season Preview: Bray Wanderers

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Head Coach: Ian Ryan

Stadium: Carlisle Grounds

Players In: Chris Lyons (Drogheda United), Harry Groome, Luka Lovic (both Wexford), Dave Webster (Finn Harps), Conor Davis, Ger Shortt (both Wexford), Dane Massey (Drogheda United), Max Murphy (Bohemians), Jake Walker (Crumlin United), Eoin Farrell (Wexford), Alex Moody (Wexford), Darren Craven (Longford Town), Conor Crowley, Len O'Sullivan (both Wexford), Cole Omorehiomwan (Shamrock Rovers), Joe Power (Longford Town).

Players Out: Hugh Douglas (Wexford), Conor McManus (Brentford B), Darragh Lynch (Longford Town), Daniel Blackbyrne, Keith Dalton, Jamie Hollywood, Conor Clifford (Lucan United), Ben Clark, Zak O'Neill, Eoin Massey (St Mochta's), Kieran Marty Waters, Kevin Knight, Joe Gorman, Ugo Anny-Nzekwue, Jamie Callaghan (Crumlin United), Evan Harte (St Patrick's Athletic U19), Dean Zambra (Wayside Celtic).

Extratime.ie Key Man: Chris Lyons

Joining the Seagulls from Drogheda United, Chris Lyons may turn out to be an astute signing for Ian Ryan’s side this season.

Lyons previously played for the Wanderers – but has since gone on to shine in the Premier Division with the Drogs over the last number of years.

But 2023 offers him an opportunity to fire his hometown club back to the top-flight.

In a division that often lacks regular goalscorers, Lyons could be the difference maker for the Seagulls this year.

Extratime.ie One to Watch: Ben Feeney



Previously of Cabinteely, Feeney made the switch to Bray Wanderers last season and caught the eye during a demoralising campaign last year.

And in doing so, the talented forward has found his feet in senior football.

Having watched his former teammate Conor McManus earn a move across the water during the off-season to Brentford B, Feeney will be well aware of what a good campaign can do his stock.

An exciting year awaits the ever-improving teenager.

What to expect this season:

After a dismal end to last season, Bray Wanderers supremo Ian Ryan knows that he has a big task on his hand to do better this season.



But he has been able to build an entirely new squad, with just six players remaining from last year.

And the Seagulls freshness is providing hope to their supporters that they can achieve something this season.

While a title charge may be realistic, it will be difficult for them to stay in touch with the likes of Galway United, Waterford and Finn Harps throughout the entire season.

A play-off place should be the bare minimum for Bray this season – and who knows what can happen from there.

First Game: Away to Treaty United, February 17th, Market’s Field (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

About Andrew Dempsey

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