#Rangersrevolution not stopping yet

#Rangersrevolution. Guernsey’s oldest league club are using the social media hashtag as it marks its 125th anniversary year by taking on their very first opponents – the Army – this Sunday and new club president Guy Hardill said there was much more to come from Rangers.

Rangers’ first great side, the Priaulx League squad of 1924-25. Back row, from left – F. Cochrane (committee), J. Etor (committee), William McLernon, Harold Chapell, G. Robinson, Sid Chapple, Frank Rich, A. Marriette (committee), W. Ellis (financial secretary). Middle row – E. H. Zabiela (commitee), J. Richardson, Lester Rich, C. Machon, J. Meagher, C. Smith, A. Le Moignan. Front – Walter ‘Legger’ Down and Edward Down.

Hardill said the club ‘are so excited about Sunday’s show piece game; the club is simply buzzing’.

‘The match on Sunday will pitch our Priaulx side against a no doubt strong Army side [the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment], kindly supported by the GFA with the provision of a full refereeing team and general support of the event, and the full KGV facility ours for the day with multiple other activities making it a family afternoon out. Not forgetting the showpiece parachuting in of the ball, weather permitting,’ he added.

As a new president, Hardill said he was acutely aware the club has been through good and bad times, but pointed out that in recent seasons the senior team performances have improved, the youth section is stocked with players many of whom have reached Academy/representative level and a minis section that is growing all the time offering all season round training on the 3G pitch at KGV, thus only cancelling in the worst of conditions.

‘I am merely a facilitator for this great old club, and I will give it my all to ensure as a club we are together, and we work with the Guernsey footballing community for the benefit of this generation of footballers and those in the decades to come.

‘We have a strong committee who are totally committed and all involved across the club either playing or coaching and our diamonds Yvonne [Kaill] and Lorraine [Ellis] who work tirelessly for us.

‘We are 125 years old with a lot more years to come. We are immensely proud of our club and being a Ranger is something we hope any player who joins us will always be proud of during and post their playing careers.

‘Since I took up the role it has amazed me how many people I have met who always say they were once a Ranger back in the day, amazed because I hear the pride in that statement when they say it.

‘In the modern era of social media, there is a hashtag we often use, and it’s #Rangersrevolution which I think fits very well.’

More in Thursday's Guernsey Press.