Dorey resigns

DAVE DOREY has resigned as chief executive of the Guernsey Football Association. In a shock letter released early today, Dorey announced that he would not seek re-election at the GFA's annual meeting a week tomorrow.

Dorey had previously pledged to serve at least another season as Guernsey's 'Mr Football'. He put his sudden departure down to health concerns and a feeling of exhaustion at having to run the GFA without substantial assistance.

'My health continues to give some cause for concern and I find that I am no longer able to continue shouldering responsibility for the affairs of the GFA,' said Dorey.

'At present, I am unable to bear the burden of responsibility which the position of chief executive brings with it.'

Part of Dorey's resignation letter suggested that he was dissatisfied with some of his GFA colleagues.

'As chief executive, all problems are in the last instance referred to me - albeit that other officers within the association continue to take decisions without referral and do not seek my advice prior to making such decisions.'

There is a chance that Dorey could continue to act in a consultative capacity and he has offered to serve as a member of the GFA's new youth committee.

Those roles aside, the former Vale Rec secretary will sever his links with football after nearly 30 years at the forefront of the sport.

Dorey revealed that he had come close to resigning three times in the past 12 months. He added that he had more recently been considering his position since Island Games week.

'I did believe that I would be able to continue, but events of the past week have once again served only to underline the fact that I am mistaken. I have taken the past few days to consider my position with the GFA very carefully and this time I find myself only more certain that my decision to stand aside is the correct one for Guernsey football and for me.'

GFA president Alec Le Noury accepted Dorey's resignation on Monday evening and today paid tribute to the latter's immense contribution to football.

'The GFA fully respects and understands Dave's change of heart and we wish him well,' said Le Noury. We can never thank Dave enough for all he has done for Guernsey football and hope that at some time in the future he will see fit to return in some capacity.'

Le Noury has called an emergency meeting of the GFA executive for tomorrow to 'discuss the implications of Dave's decision'.

Dorey has suggested that the GFA promote full-time executive officer Mark Le Tissier to the post of chief executive. And Dorey yesterday laughed off reports that he was considering a return to Vale Rec.