Lesbirel support

DAVE LESBIREL is mulling over an offer to stand as island manager. A prominent but unnamed local club has approached Lesbirel with a view to nominating him for the post this summer.

And the former Muratti hero is seriously thinking about standing for election at the Guernsey Football Association's annual meeting in July.

'A club has talked to me about the possibility of putting me forward for the island job,' said Lesbirel.

'I'm not saying whether I'll do it or not. Let's just say that I'm thinking about it.

'I'd like to speak to Phil Corbet before making up my mind. I need to know exactly what is involved in the job these days.'

GFA chief executive Dave Dorey reacted positively to news that Lesbirel was considering standing for the top job in the local game.

'I'm delighted to hear that someone of Dave's proven ability and Muratti experience is thinking about standing for the post of senior island manager,' said Dorey.

'I hope that ''Ginger'' stating the attraction of the job encourages other people with recognised ability to stand so that delegates at the annual meeting have a wide choice of good candidates.'

Dorey's enthusiastic comments can be interpreted only as a direct invitation to Lesbirel to stand for election. Dorey and Lesbirel know each other well from the latter's days as a player at Vale Rec, where Dorey was secretary during the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

Lesbirel, who won 14 Muratti caps during a glittering playing career, is generally regarded as one of Guernsey's greatest players of all time.

For that reason, he would be likely to command instant respect within the island dressing room.

His track record as a coach would also stand him in good stead.

After an unremarkable stint at Northerners in the late 1970s and early 80s, Lesbirel worked wonders at St Martin's in the mid-80s and at Belgrave Wanderers in the mid-90s.

His greatest achievement was at Blanche Pierre Lane. Saints finished bottom of the Priaulx League table the season before he took over as manager; within 18 months he had turned them into league champions and Upton Park Cup winners.

He briefly served as ex-island manager Colin Fallaize's assistant before being tempted back into club football.

He came close to winning the title with Bels seven years ago and led them to their first major cup successes for 25 years.

After five years in retirement, Lesbirel's latest foray into local football has been less successful. He agreed to assist Rangers boss Darren Ogier midway through last season, but was unable to prevent them ending the campaign bottom of the table.

It is expected that Lesbirel would be a popular candidate among club officials and ordinary supporters should he decide to stand.