ST JOSEPH'S BOYS chairman Niall O'Driscoll has become Bray Wanderers' new owner.

SunSport has learned that O'Driscoll has bought a majority stake in the troubled club although Gerry Mulvey has retained some shares.

2 O'Driscoll has bought a majority share in the Wicklow club Credit: Sportsfile

O'Driscoll is due to be introduced to the players at training this evening and will reassure the squad that their wages will be paid for the remainder of the year.

The change of ownership is likely to be confirmed on Friday.

Bray's players balloted for strike action when their wages for June were not paid on time which would have put tomorrow's game against Cork City in jeopardy.

But monies owed to the players - who had stopped training with the club - were received prior to last Friday's 6-0 defeat to Bohemians.

2 Bray Wanderers players called a halt to strike action

O'Driscoll is believed to have stumped up then and will also ensure that wages for July, due on Friday, and the remainder of the year are honoured.

A year ago, Bray released a statement questioning the club's viability, blaming poor attendances despite having a competitive team on the pitch.

All wages were paid up to date for 2017 but Mulvey sought fresh investment to honour this year's commitments with a weekly playing bill of €10,400.

But, in just the second week of the season, cash-flow problems struck. Wages were ultimately paid but partner club Joey's did not receive UEFA solidarity money as per their agreement and, to date, have received only a fraction of what they are owed.

The two clubs had joined forces as a result of the FAI introducing new underage leagues.

And it is believed that O'Driscoll's actions have been spurred by a desire for the famous nursery to retain a pathway to senior football.

Former Joey's coach Graham Kelly is in his second spell as caretaker boss this season following Martin Russell's resignation.

With star players like Aaron Greene, Rónán Coughlan and Daniel Kelly already gone, Bray face a real fight to avoid relegation from the top flight.

But O'Driscoll - Managing Director of Insurance Firm O'Driscoll O'Neil - coming in will bring in some much-needed stability to the club and should ensure its long-term future.

It is unclear whether he will pursue Mulvey's plans of redeveloping the Carlisle Grounds to fund the development of facilities elsewhere which had received little support from the local council.