Hamon slams the GFA

CHRIS HAMON has launched a scathing attack on the GFA's decision to re-introduce registrations. Clubs are now required to name a first XI who are not able to play down in the Jackson or Railway Leagues. Registrations have already been submitted and are able to be altered only on the first and 15th days of each month.

The Vale Rec head coach, while emphasising that he was not speaking for his club but from a personal point of view, said he was dumbfounded by this rule.

'The registration system of naming 11 players in a first team is an absolute joke.

'It is a massively backward step - it's crazy, disgusting, an ill-thought out idea.'

'It annoys me, disappoints me that a decision like this has been made without proper consultation with managers or coaches. The first I knew about it was when I picked up the Press.'

Hamon revealed that 20 has been the regular number at pre-season training, adding that with 11 having to be registered, it would leave nine for the other two teams.

'We would be much better off to pull out of the Priaulx and have those 20 playing in the Jackson and Railway and we could still enter competitions like the FA Cup and the Stranger,' he said.

'I am sure we are not the only ones in this predicament. This will be a tricky season for many.

'You hear about Rovers who have a goalkeeper shortage. What happens if they start the season with only one goalkeeper and he has to be registered in the first team - you end up with someone else, a forward for example, having to play in goal in their second and third teams.

'Clubs should be able to play who they want, where they want, when they want.'

'It is the first team - the Priaulx League - that is important results-wise.'

The new ruling that allows under-18s to play a maximum of 40 club games per season has made the situation even worse according to the ex-Muratti star.

'Although we want to do things as properly as we can, we are a very small island with limited resources.

'We have to dilute some of these rules for our sport to stay healthy. It seems to me that too many rules are being inflicted on us and we are not adapting things to suit our local game.

'We have to do things that will make the top level strong.'

The GFA were approached for a response, but have yet to do so.