Holders absent in otherwise strong entry
LESS than six months before the start of the NatWest Island Games and men's football coach Steve Sharman remains confident that every one of his top players will make themselves available for selection.
And while it has been confirmed that the holders will not be defending their title, Guernsey could still potentially face a tough route to gold this summer.
However, just three weeks before the group stage draw is due to take place, it is not something that is fazing Sharman in the slightest.
The final entry list of 16 men's and 11 women's teams have been confirmed for the competition in Jersey, beginning on 27 June, but interestingly, there is no Bermuda in either.
'I haven't spoken to every single one of the players individually, but nobody has indicated to me that they will be unavailable for the tournament,' explained Muratti-winning coach Sharman.
'We are confident that we can perform strongly and we will go there, work hard and if we play to the best of our ability, then we should be able to go deep into the tournament.'
Entry list
Men: Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Falklands, Ynys Mon, Isle of Man, Hitra, Saaremaa, Western Isles, Gibraltar, Isle of Wight, Shetland, Menorca, Gotland, Aland, Greenland. Reserve: Froya.
Women: Jersey, Guernsey, Ynys Mon, Isle of Man, Hitra, Western Isles, Gibraltar, Isle of Wight, Gotland, Aland, Greenland.
More in today's Guernsey Press.
