Season may run till June
GUERNSEY football could run into mid-June for the first time.
FNB Priaulx League clubs have given the thumbs up to extending the season for a significant summer period after been approached by Guernsey Football League Management for their views on how best, if possible, to rescue another Covid-affected season.
The Guernsey Press understands that with that club suppor,t GFLM feels it could withstand a six-week hiatus, but eight weeks would be pushing it.
Phil Corbet, chair of the GFLM, said that when they get feedback from Jersey as to what the Caesareans’ plans are, then GFLM would have a firmer idea as how to progress things.
Should Jersey feel there is no need for Uptons, which are played for at Priaulx, U18 and U16 levels, the emphasis could change.
In the meantime, Corbet said GFLM had gained positive responses from all the clubs broached on keeping their grounds open into the summer.
‘We now know we can’t go much beyond the middle of June because clubs still need to prepare their pitches for next season.
‘But we will do as much as we can to get the season properly concluded,’ he added.
Corbet also said football would work with cricket to avoid clashes.
‘We want seniors and juniors to be able to play all sports.
‘This is amateur sport after all and we are trying to provide everybody with maximum opportunities.’
Rovers are nervous about committing to summer football at Port Soif, due to its position as a major cricket venue.
Paul Porter, the Rovers president, confirmed as much.
‘There are cricket fixtures scheduled so they will have to work around that if they can.
‘The GCB also want this to resurrect the grass square for weekend fixtures and we will have a side playing in the Bowl [competition].
‘Football needs to sit down with cricket and talk about it.
‘We are open to ideas but it’s not just down to us.’
