‘Con’ to retire after Island Games

Concanen, 35, said yesterday that the time had come to stop and representing his home island next summer would be the perfect way to go out.

‘I started in Guernsey in the 2003 Island Games and I’ll finish there at an Island Games.

‘I’ve told the boys that whatever game it is [at the Games] it will be my last game.’

Concanen is now keeping fingers crossed the Covid-19 restrictions are eased sufficiently for Alderney to take their place in the upcoming season’s Priaulx League and, for the first time, the Guernsey FA Cup.

The veteran defender, who also has the rare distinction of having won a Guernsey Muratti cap, is delighted that the Ridunians will be in the hat for the cup.

On learning the news, he said: ‘Good... I’ve been calling for that for years.’

Concanen says he has welcomed the enforced break and said the Alderney squad needed it.

‘We hadn’t had a break for two to two and a half years and the boys were getting a bit leggy. I’ve quite enjoyed it.’

Alderney hope to have Romanian forward Marin State back when the new season does start, while Concanen is still in the market for a couple more signings to boost their small pool of players.

‘I will try and get a couple of people on board,’ he said while welcoming the thought of a tougher, more competitive FNB Priaulx League with Guernsey FC players potentially back for an extended stint.

‘It will only improve the league and the youngsters – the 17 to 19 year olds – it is only going to improve their game, playing against better players.’