GUERNSEY F.C.
What would be your message to young aspiring Guernsey footballers? Be ambitious! Be honest with people and if you want to achieve something in football the harder you work the better chance you have. Focus and discipline is so important and the sooner you can get these things right the better chance you have of success and make the most of every opportunity you get. At times you have to be patient and wait for the opening that gives you a chance to showcase your ability, during this period you have to stay positive and learn from the coaches and players around you. When I was young I always believed I should be playing - it’s natural to think like this - looking back I was not quite ready so now I understand why I was not picked and young players must understand this. How would you sum up Guernsey FC’s achievements so far and can you comment on the often unseen work the players, officials and representatives do in the community? Incredible, the support from the local community is something I can’t thank people enough for. Without it Guernsey Football Club would still be a dream. I believe it’s so important we make ourselves present within events on the island. The Guernsey public have shown such an amazing amount of support for the club so we must be seen doing these things. From school sports days to charity events, any way Guernsey FC can help within the community I can assure people we always will. What are the fitness levels like after a short summer break and how would you assess the performance against Exeter City in the first friendly? Fitness levels are very good, since the introduction of Guernsey FC all the players have had to take a much more serious approach to their fitness and diets.
With advice from ‘Big Fal’ and Mike Thomas we have the best individuals available within Guernsey regarding these issues. All the players use the gym for extra conditioning sessions to help avoid injuries and keep themselves in a condition that allows them to compete at a higher level. On match days the players will prepare in their own individual way in terms of food intake and hydration and we have noticed a huge advantage by preparing properly. The Exeter fixture was a fantastic experience - the distinct difference which we highlighted before the game also, is their ability to pick the correct option when in possession; it’s why they are paid to play football. What are the realistic targets for the future - do you believe it is achievable for Guernsey FC to reach the professional football league pyramid? Not in my career I don’t believe this is achievable but I hope we can climb a few more leagues. In the future with the correct coaching set-up and development of youngsters I hope Guernsey FC can retain more young players on-island rather than see them leave for UK academies at high cost to them and their families. I would love to see a Guernsey FC football academy set up, linked with the College of Further Education. Obviously if a young player gets an opportunity for a full professional contract that’s fantastic, hopefully through GFC.
SPORT