Bray Wanderers manager Alan Mathews says he is confident the club is in a position to challenge for a top six finish next season after a restructuring and change of ownership steadied their financial position.

Under new chairman Dennis O’Connor and with the backing of the McGettigan group, which owns the town’s landmark Royal hotel, Wanderers are hoping to put a couple of very difficult years behind them and make progress in the league again.

“I think the new owners see themselves as bringing a new dynamic to the place” says Mathews, “trying new things and attracting new, young fans. It’s going to be an interesting time and I think against that background we have to firmly aim to finish in the top half of the table this year.”

Mathews has kept together the core of last year's squad, while Jack Memery, Hugh Douglas and Chris Lyons have joined. Mathews expects to make three more signings over the next couple of days.