There's been an update in the ever-depressing story surrounding Bray Wanderers this afternoon.
In case you missed it, the club was running out of money quite quickly, with the players told they could leave. Then, chairman Denis O'Connor claimed that he had secured funding for the rest of the season. The players requested that O'Connor show them this funding, and gave him until the close of business on Monday to do so.
He didn't. And now there is deep trouble at the Carlisle Grounds. The players released a statement via the PFAI this afternoon with a response to the chairman:
Our union sought to meet with the FAI on this issue to which they refused to agree citing other commitments. It is particularly disappointing that the FAI have refused to meet with our representatives where they could at least have provided us with more clarity on the financial situation with Bray Wanderers.
The players subsequently met last night in order to respond to the lack of proof from O'Connor and the board:
At this meeting, we reiterated our basic request for details of any new investment and assurance that the investment will be secured. None was provided. We also asked the club to provide us with a date as to when any new investment in the club will be finalised. No date was provided.
With no other option, the entirety of the first team squad has put themselves on the transfer list:
In those circumstances, and in view of the fact that the current transfer window closes on 31st July, we as players feel we must be afforded the opportunity to gain secure employment elsewhere, and it is with regret that all players are now placing themselves on the transfer list with immediate effect.
For us as players it is simply about job security, and we have merely asked that any new investment is secured. We have provided the club and the FAI with ample opportunity to obtain this information but as we are now entering a third week of uncertainty, we feel we must take this action.
Bray are set to play against league leaders Cork City on Sunday afternoon, but with this latest statement, it's questionable as to what might happen.
The statement is available here.
