Dundalk first up for Bray
THIS FRIDAY SEES Bray Wanderers kick off their 2010 Premier Division campaign with a home clash with Dundalk. Wanderers were meant to be competing in the First Division this season but due to Cork City folding last week, the Seagulls were reinstated to the Premier Division.
Eddie Gormley's side had of course already been reinstated to the top flight in 2009 after Derry City had been removed from the Premier Division for off-field activities, meaning Wanderers took the Ulster side's place despite originally finishing bottom of the league and thus being demoted. So just like a cat with nine lives, the Wicklow club are back where their fans will feel they belong.
And while the Carlisle Grounds' club unexpected return to the top flight may have been greeted with delirium by most fans, there may be some on-field drawbacks to their sudden change of circumstances. Only a small handful of last year's first team squad are still at the club, with the majority demanding too much money for a First Division club such as Bray Wanderers too afford.
But despite now being a Premier Division club again, they still only have a side that the club felt capable of competing in the First Division only. Manager Eddie Gormley now faces a race against time to sign some much-needed experience ahead of the season's opening night this Friday.
If he can't find some reinforcements to help the Seaside 's club's cause, it could be a case of leading lambs to the slaughter.
But if, as expected, Gormley adds some new, more familiar names to his panel, Wanderers fans can expect another season that will probably go down right down to the wire.
- DANIEL GORMAN
