Bray’s 2024 campaign was one full of ups and downs, including three managerial changes and an unexpected run to the promotion/relegation playoff final.
One thing is for certain, The Seagulls can’t afford to get this transfer window wrong.
Let’s take a look at the Wicklow clubs business so far:
INCOMINGS:
The Wanderers have made five new signings so far this Winter, along with retaining key players such as Killian Cantwell and Guillermo Almirall.
Thomas Considine
The 22 year old right back has switched Markets Field for Carlisle Grounds ahead of the 2025 season.
The Irishman played a key role in Treaty’s season last year, appearing 27 times and scoring 3 goals.
This is a shrewd signing by Bray, as it provides much needed cover, and possible competition for Max Murphy at right back.
Cian Curtis
Playing 42 times and scoring 10, 20 Year Old Cian Curtis played a huge role in guiding Wexford to a playoff position.
Bray are in desperate need for goals, with Cristian Magerusan and Ben Feeney, two of the seaside clubs top scorers last season, departing the club.
Supporters will be hoping the blooming striker will flourish on the new astro turf at the Carlisle Grounds.
Cian Doyle
The former Wanderers academy graduate has returned to the club after three years in Drumcondra!
Things really didn’t work out for Cian at the Irish champions, only featuring 6 times in three years at the club, with none coming in the league.
Cian Doyle could play a huge part in Bray’s upcoming campaign, with it really being anyones guess as to who will start in midfield for The Seagulls, with Darren Craven declining and limited options elsewhere.
Rhys Bartley
Former Ireland Under-17 International midfielder Rhys Bartley has joined the Green Army on a season long loan from Pats.
Just like Cian Doyle, Rhys Bartley will provide an option in the middle of the park.
Dylan Barnett
I think like myself, a lot of Bray supporters will be very excited by the return of Dylan Barnett. The Bray native was at the club for three years between 2019 and 2022, winning Player of The Season in 2020.
If Dylan can get back to the levels he was at during his first stint at the club, it could definitely be a signing to be excited about.
OUTGOINGS
Bray have let heaps of players go this window, so in this piece I’m only going to go into detail on first team regulars
Evan Osam
After joining in 2024, and making 14 appearances last season, Evan Osam has not *yet* agreed a new contract with Bray and is a free agent, this is a loss for Bray with the left back being a reliable option all throughout last season
Ben Feeney
This one stings for me, our 9th top scorer at just 20, who made 87 appearances and scored 24 goals for the club over three seasons, has left. I think this could be a huge blow for the Seagulls as he has been one of our main goalscoring outputs over the last few years.
Harry Groome
The well rounded midfielder who scored our only goal in the Playoff Final has moved to Dundalk after three years at the Carlisle, Harry has been a great player for Bray and gave his all everytime he stepped on the pitch, he will be a huge loss for us and a huge push towards re promotion for Dundalk.
Cole Omorehiomwan
This is heartbreaking for Bray supporters, it was inevitable, but it still hurts. Athlone have got an absolutely EXCELLENT player in Cole. He was such a presence at the back for us and banged them as well.
This is a huge loss for Bray and will be very hard to replace.
Cristian Magerusan
Bray’s top scorer in 2024 is now a free agent. Cristian scored 10 in 27 last season, while also spending time on the sidelines. Cristan was never the finished product and was always very raw but in a way that makes him the player he is, unpredictable and passionate.
Magerusan will be a huge loss for us and I don’t think we’ve done enough to replace him.
MY OPINION
In my opinion, The Seagulls haven’t done nearly enough to replace key players who have left such as Omorehiomwan and Magerusan, with most of our signings being 18 to 20 year olds with little to no experience, I think with the lack of signings up front we will lack goals this season and I don’t think