'Class act' Sarahs back in Rec colours

VALE REC look set to struggle this season, but when haven't they in the last few years? It seems that whenever people talk about the upcoming Priaulx League, they always mention that Bels, North and St Martin's are going to be at top. But they always seem to go onto say, 'Rec are going to struggle'.

That was also the consensus 12 months ago when looking ahead to the 2006-07 season.

Yet under Chris Hamon, Rec managed to finish fourth, one point behind third-placed Sylvans and more importantly, one point off the Wheway spot.

Admittedly, they did not have the glittering stars in their ranks like other teams. Their only island squad member last year was Jody Bisson, their goalkeeper and captain.

But what was evident in nearly every game last year was that they would give 100 per cent for the full 90 minutes.

And Johnny Reid, who replaced Hamon as boss at the end of last season when the former Muratti goalkeeper stepped down after the Rawlinson Cup final that they lost to Bels, wants that to continue in the new campaign.

'We hope to carry on like that, maybe crank it up a bit more,' said Reid.

'I think we're a sound team. We're very, very solid. It's just when we lose our discipline we throw away games.

'When we're on top we tend to stay on top. To finish fourth with the squad we had was a really good achievement.'

Reid also heard word that Rec are going to struggle. He puts this down to the fact that the yellow-and-greens have been quiet in the transfer market over the summer.

'People think that because you don't pick up the signings you're not going to do well,' he said.

'That's a lot of nonsense. At the end of the day it's down to the players.'

However, Rec have picked up a class player over the close season in Neil Sarahs.

Not really classed as new signing, the 30-year-old left Rec and the island four years to join Avon and Somerset police.

A decent centre half who was in the Guernsey set up before he went, Reid is delighted to welcome him back.

'He's a plus - he's a class act,' said Reid.

'He's definitely an island player and he's a giant at the back. He organises very quickly and he's got a lot of experience.'

Reid also has been buoyed by the news that Gareth Holden has decided to stay at the Corbet Field. Word had been going around that the gifted striker was going across Grand Fort Road to join North.

But Reid said he is staying put.

'People were talking to him and I think he got disappointed because we didn't pick up some players,' he said.

'I had a chat with him and he's happy. He holds the ball up and he always gets something going.'

Another plus is that Matt Falla is fit and raring to go. The hero of the 2001 Muratti missed a lot of football last year and he is set to partner Holden up front.

'Last season we didn't have Matt much through injury and suspension,' said Reid.

'He is looking very, very sharp and he's well up for the season.'

Other positives for Reid is that he said that the versatile Matt Patch should be back in the yellow-and-green strip around October after being out last season with knee problems.

Big defender Malcolm Symons is also set to return from long-term injury before Christmas while Ross Abbott is another who returns from injury.

Reid also welcomes Robbie Titterington, Jack Byrne and Mark Ramsden up into the seniors after progressing from Youth One.

He says he is also going to give promising juniors James Gauvain, Tom de Garis, Simon Shaw, Rory Moriarty, David Hooper and Nicky Buddle a run out this season.

'I'm going to look to use them through the season to give them experience,' he said.

'When the time is right, I'm going to try and get them into the game.'

Reid has received help from former island boss Phil Corbet.

Also fitness instructor and Guernsey volleyballer Troy Bodie has been putting the players through their paces in pre-season training.

'Troy is excellent and he's done a good job,' said Reid.

'It's hard training but good training. He's got some good ideas.'

So all in all according to Reid, things do not look that bad.

'My goal is to try and get top three and if some trophies come along, then very good,' he said.

'I've got a lot of faith in the lads. They put a lot into the game.

'I'm sure that we'll get a lot more this year.'