BRAY WANDERERS CHAIRMAN Denis O’Connor has responded to claims made by the players last night.
In a statement issued by the PFAI, they expressed their disappointment that a number of players’ wages hadn’t been paid in recent months, saying that some were considering leaving the club unless “drastic changes were made”.
It added that the trust between the players and officials is “beyond repair”.
The news comes at the end of a chaotic week for the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division club, in which reports were rife that manager Trevor Croly had stepped down less than two months after taking the job.
Croly wasn’t present at last night’s league game away to Limerick as David Cassidy acted as player/manager during the 1-0 win.
This morning, O’Connor questioned the decision of the PFAI to release the statement and expressed disappointment that the club had not been contacted about the issue by the players’ association.
He also insists that the late payment of wages was down to a “clerical issue”, which has since been sorted.
“There were problems with three players payments this week which was due to a clerical issue which the Club are investigating,” said O’Connor. “These problems were sorted out within 24 hours of my becoming aware of them. In respect of an allegation that there has been a transfer or registration embargo imposed on the Club, this was and is entirely untrue.
I have only been involved for a short period in the Club – but have always prioritised the players payments and welfare and most of the squad would be aware of this from the crisis last season.
“A good win by the squad is forgotten by the timing of such a statement,” he adds. “One that does not take account of the voluntary efforts being made in a Club which suffers financially year in year out but continues to use best efforts not just for its senior squad but right down to youth in the Club.”
O’Connor says the club are at this moment considering Croly’s position with a statement expected in the coming days. And he revealed that the players have agreed to “clear the air” talks this week.
Best of luck, Paul. C’mon Ireland!!