Overwhelming call for winter break

They are just two of the conclusions to come from the Guernsey Football League Management survey into what the modern player wants, dislikes and changes required to the local game.

Glyn Smith and former Muratti captain Sam Cochrane, who are the main faces and spokesmen for the survey which has just a few more days to run, are happy with the response.

But, ideally, they would like more players to go online this week and add their thoughts.

‘Nothing has surprised me in the findings,’ said Cochrane, who has gone out of his way to speak to players at a number of clubs.

‘Any feedback, positive or negative can be used to take the game forward,’ he added.

Preliminary findings shows that 71% of the 102 players who have responded want a designated winter break from grass football and within that time play tournaments on the KGV 3G.

Almost as many – 69% – want more midweek football and there is also a strong push for different Saturday afternoon kick-off times.

While 24% are happy to stay with 2pm kick-offs, which is the traditional start time for FNB Priaulx League games and most senior league football, 16% would favour 1pm starts, 12% noon and 11% 4pm or after.

But it is the desire for a winter break and more midweek action which will get the GFLM thinking when they opt to act on the completed findings.

Smith said he was happy with the response to date which has seen 36% of Priaulx League players go online to complete the questionnaire.

‘I’m not disappointed with the numbers.

'It’s not bad but we would like to get a few more.’

The survey has been open two months.

It can be found on the GFLM Facebook page.