'Super clubs' the way to go?

THE merger of two of Guernsey's highest-profile clubs could be the first of many, it has been claimed. Pessimists secretary Dave Piesing, who is also chairman of the Guernsey Cricket Board, believes that others will follow Pessimists and Taverners in combining.

He said that a lack of administrators and the need for junior development would be key factors for clubs to deal with.

'I think that there are several clubs struggling,' he said. 'We are getting to a stage where clubs are going from four teams, to three, to two.

'Players are getting older and clubs will have to start looking at where they are and where they are going to be in five years' time.'

Piesing added that the island was developing a fine crop of young players, but clubs needed to be clear about how these players could develop within the evening and weekend league structure.

He said that the four-team model that the new outfit will operate - currently matched only by Rovers - was likely to become increasingly popular among 'super clubs'.

'I am a great believer in the four-team structure being the best. You can blood youngsters in the bottom team and if they are good enough they can go all the way through to the first team.'

The alternative model would be 'bespoke' clubs running just one team, often between a group of friends.

Piesing accepted that tradition was a hurdle that had to be overcome in mergers.

'Pessimists was a great name which has been around for many years,' he said.

'On the other hand, you cannot be a traditionalist for the sake of it. I am sad to see it go, but you have to look forwards, not backwards.

'We were in a position that if we hadn't done anything, the name would have gone in a couple of years anyway.'