A quality import goes a long way

NOW here is a question for you... What is an acceptable number of overseas players for our flagship rugby side?

The acquisition of two more talented Kiwis in Malcolm Barnes and Sam Stevens, plus a new kicking three-quarter from the UK in Luke Sayer, gives Jordan Reynolds' side an increasing chance of coming from behind to snatch another promotion.

If that happens and we are able to give Jersey a scare in the Siam, few will be complaining other than, perhaps, the family and supporters of a talented youngster emerging from the excellent Academy who finds his pathway blocked by a Blair Campbell, Nick Barton, Aussie Reynolds himself or any of the new boys from Down Under.

I am uncertain if 'overseas' recruitment is a thorny issue at all within the Guernsey Rugby Club membership, but for what it is worth this neutral viewer is perfectly at ease with the introduction of new recruits – as long as they are standouts and who the local boys can learn from watching and playing alongside.

Perhaps it is the fan in me that lends me to applaud any sport or club wanting to significantly better itself by looking outside the local talent pool.

It is the only way to significantly improve standards in team sport.

That said, it is not without its dangers and as Guernsey FC tick along nicely at the top of Combined Counties Division One, its management no doubt already has one eye on the future and how it guards against stagnation in terms of personal and pyramid position.

It is a point worth serious consideration because the fans, and there will be another 1,200-plus at Footes Lane this afternoon to see Hartley Wintney come to town, will not stand for a mere meandering existence.

They want to see their Guernsey team get somewhere.

The next question is what will it take to get out of the Combined Counties League altogether and get on the next rung – the Ryman Division One South and beyond?

My guess is that it will require more than the current talent pool can offer. Not much, but perhaps a new player or two.

And it is that process of recruitment, rules of engagement and ultimate acquisition which concerns me most.

As a fan – GFC is a community side and on that basis there should be no bias in anybody supporting it – I want GFC to go as far as they can within a framework that ensures the island's best are not stifled.

Were I still a young cricketer I would have loved to have played alongside and learnt from Jeremy Frith.

Were hockey my sport I would surely want to be feeding off the brilliant Andy Whalley.

Had rugby been my game, how wonderful it would have been to have felt the assurance provided by the superbly consistent Nick Barton or, for an all too brief spell a few seasons back, the brilliant scrum half Willoughby Bloem.

Of those four only the latter did not hang around long, but Frith, Whalley and Barton have been players that their respective sports could not have done without and at the same time succeeded.

They have all been leaders by example and lifted their colleagues to newer heights.

Their sheer presence and consistency clearly proves an inspiration to others.

At some stage the Green Lions will require someone of a similar standing.

The way things are the Lions won't be short of offers, but it is what they are offering that is most important in my mind if the club is to progress through the leagues and reach a level which sees our boys not only entering the FA Cup but threatening to make the third round.

That's a big ask, but with a couple of footballing 'Frithys' and 'Barts' on board, then it is not a ridiculous or self-defeating scenario, and can take the biggest local game to new heights.

Of course, the Lions would have to be careful and might do well early on to set themselves some constitutional rules which prevent them getting carried away.

And those rules should ensure that every Guernsey FC player is a full-time island resident and that no player is actually paid a penny.

Remaining totally amateur is vital for the club, not least because I cannot see sponsors wanting to see their money go into players' pockets, although that is not to say a star player cannot benefit in other ways, such as with a job and accommodation.

Rugby has managed to entice some good talent here without, as far as I am aware, handing over a note, so football should be able to do the same.

Why, I would even take a Jerseyman on board as long as the player moved lock, stock and barrel here and became a respected Sarnian as cricketer Ward Jenner achieved before career drew him back to his home island.

Guernsey sport can never be short of Friths, Bartons and Whalleys, real class acts who can take a whole sport forward by their own skills, dedication and conditioning levels.

So keep bringing in the talent I'd say.