
Season Review · April 24, 2026
Difficult campaign - A season to learn from and improve
Season 17 proved to be a challenging chapter in Bray Wanderers' history, as the club struggled to find consistency and defensive solidity in a tough division. Finishing 12th out of 55 teams, the Wanderers managed only 3 wins, 3 draws, and suffered 16 defeats. Their goal-scoring record was modest, with just 16 goals scored, while conceding a staggering 65, resulting in a goal difference of -49 — a clear indicator of defensive struggles throughout the season. Despite the hardships, the team displayed resilience and a collective spirit, with several players contributing in multiple roles, emphasizing the squad's versatility.
Gary's mark
5/5
Poor
Finished
12th
Points
12
Record
3-3-16
GD
-49

Gary "Nano" Pettit-Thompson IV
Lead Football Journalist
The Match & Season Desk
Data-first, narrative-second. If it happened on the pitch, Gary filed it.
A Columns Desk filing — visual season centre first, then the full notebook.
Season Centre
The campaign in pictures — before the filing.
Position
12th
Points
12
Win Rate
14%
Games
22
Season Shape
Most used XI
Best-fit starting eleven for the campaign's most common formation.
Primary shape
3-4-3
Formation usage
Standouts
Season honours
MVP by goal contributions, plus the leading scorer and creator.
Season MVP
Abdou Ndiaye
RM
0 contributions
Top scorer
Abdou Ndiaye
RM
0 goals
Top assists
Abdou Ndiaye
RM
0 assists
Season profile
League-relative strengths
Percentile rank against clubs in the same league. Further out is stronger.
- Results
- 12
- P4
- Scoring
- 16
- P4
- Defence
- 65
- P21
- Goal difference
- -49
- P8
5/5
Season mark
Poor
Campaign Record
3-3-16
Wins
3
14%
Draws
3
14%
Losses
16
73%
Attack · Defence
-49 GD
The Filing
Gary's notebook, desk by desk — with the forthcoming newsroom voices framed around the edges.
From Gary's Notebook
Season Overview
Filed by
Gary Nano
Season 17 proved to be a challenging chapter in Bray Wanderers' history, as the club struggled to find consistency and defensive solidity in a tough division. Finishing 12th out of 55 teams, the Wanderers managed only 3 wins, 3 draws, and suffered 16 defeats. Their goal-scoring record was modest, with just 16 goals scored, while conceding a staggering 65, resulting in a goal difference of -49 — a clear indicator of defensive struggles throughout the season. Despite the hardships, the team displayed resilience and a collective spirit, with several players contributing in multiple roles, emphasizing the squad's versatility.
A fun fact from this campaign is the goal difference of -49, highlighting the defensive issues that plagued the team. This season served as a tough learning curve, exposing areas that need significant improvement if Bray Wanderers hopes to climb the ranks in future seasons.
Campaign Highlights
Key Achievements and Highlights
Filed by
Gary Nano
- Defensive resilience from key players like Jaime Alfaro and Jose Herrera
- Team effort with multiple players contributing across different roles
- Demonstrated resilience despite a difficult campaign
- Limited but persistent goal-scoring efforts
Standout Filings
Player Analysis and Standout Performers
Filed by
Gary Nano
- Jaime Alfaro (CB):The team player — Contributing in multiple ways. Although not scoring or assisting, Alfaro’s defensive presence was vital in organizing the backline.
- Jose Herrera (CB):The team player — Contributing in multiple ways. Like Alfaro, Herrera played a key role in efforts to shore up the defense.
- Hamidou Soro (CF):The team player — Contributing in multiple ways. Despite not scoring, Soro’s work rate and positioning were appreciated.
- Mohamed Gba (RM):The team player — Contributing in multiple ways. Gba provided width and effort on the flank.
- Ricardo Castillo (AM):The team player — Contributing in multiple ways. Castillo’s versatility was a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season.
Pressure Points
Areas for Improvement
Desk lens
Touchline
Bray Wanderers need to focus on defensive organization and consistency to reduce the number of goals conceded. Improving goal-scoring efficiency is also critical, as the team struggled to convert chances into goals. Building a more cohesive attacking unit and tightening defensive lapses will be essential for future progress.
The Long View
Final Assessment
Desk lens
The Ledger
Bray Wanderers' Season 17 was marked by defensive vulnerabilities and limited offensive output, culminating in a tough league position. The squad showed commendable versatility and resilience, but significant improvements are needed in defensive stability and goal-scoring to compete more effectively. With targeted development and strategic reinforcement, the club can aim for a more competitive and balanced campaign in the seasons ahead.
