GFC confident they retain FA’s support
GUERNSEY FC continue planning for a return to Isthmian League action in late summer, despite no clear indication of when our borders can reopen.
And even if the Green Lions find themselves thwarted by Covid restrictions for a second straight season, GFC chairman Mark Le Tissier is confident the club will retain the FA’s backing and understanding.
‘I am sure the FA would take the same view, if next season our borders remain closed,’ said Le Tissier yesterday, ever grateful that the FA chose not to penalise his club for an inability to line up for the 2020-21 campaign.
‘We are planning for next season and those plans have already started, with various form filling and obtaining licences. But we can’t confirm, of course, until such time we know we can travel. But we’re ready to go.’
In terms of a pre-season, Guernsey FC can always take advantage of any return to the Manx-Sarnian air bridge and utilise the three-year deal they signed with Skipton International to play home and away games against FC Isle of Man for the Skipton Cup.
Heavy vaccination rollouts in the UK and Guernsey, as well as falling infection rates, give strong hope of a return to sporting normality by late summer.
But, even if the worse happens and GFC is again stuck within its own borders with nowhere to play for another winter, Le Tissier said it would be no more than unhelpful. Just how damaging?
‘It’s an interesting question and I only asked it of “Vancy” last week. Honestly, we don’t really know.
‘But the games against Isle of Man and the GFC Originals game showed us very clearly that people [players and fans] still want to do it.’
Meanwhile, Le Tissier sought to clarify that while another Isthmian season had been ended prematurely, it has not actually been null and voided.
Data from what action there has been played this winter remains and it could potentially be used in any restructuring, such as accommodating a potential Midlands division at GFC’s Step 4 level.
