Mick Cooke named crisis club Bray’s third manager of the season

Mick Cooke last night became the third permanent manager already this season of crisis club Bray Wanderers.

Unlike the aspirational three-year contract Trevor Croly was appointed on in May, veteran boss Cooke has landed a deal until the end of next year.

The 63-year-old arrives at the Carlisle Grounds to manage a group of players dismayed by the treatment they’ve been subjected to this season.

Despite winning back-to-back league games, a statement released by the squad following Saturday’s win over Limerick included their assertion that “trust between the players and club officials is beyond repair”.

That followed problems with delayed payments on at least two occasions this term.

Cooke, linked previously with the vacancy before Croly’s appointment in May, fared well in previous stints at Monaghan United and Drogheda United. A disastrous start to last season with promoted Athlone Town, however, led him to quit after just 10 games.

“We look forward to getting Bray Wanderers FC back focussed on the football pitch,” read a statement last night.

With an EGM called by supporters for Saturday, just a couple of hours ahead of Cooke’s first game against Derry City, the off-field rancour seems far from over.

Meanwhile, Sligo Rovers have also attempted to put a period of instability behind them by confirming the continuation of Joseph Ndo and Gavin Dykes as co-managers.

The pair had last week been installed in a caretaker capacity following the departure of Owen Heary just four months into his tenure.

“After careful evaluation and consideration of the managerial options available, Sligo Rovers wish to confirm that Joseph Ndo and Gavin Dykes have been appointed to take charge of first team coaching and management,” a statement from the club read.

As neither Dykes or Ndo hold the requisite Uefa Pro license, course arrangements will need to be put in place before the 60 day deadline lapses if either are to be considered long-term options.