FA give thumbs up for June extension

GUERNSEY will have up to the end of June to complete the on-hold 2020-21 season, but there are unlikely to be any big inter-island clashes such as a Muratti or Upton in that time, writes Rob Batiste.

The sun is shining on Belgraves again as they look to make up for lost time with regard to completing the new 3G all weather training pitch at the Track. The heavy rain either side of the new year had delayed progress but now the new drainage system has been put in place and Andy Robert, the Belgraves president, is hopeful that the project will be completed inside another four weeks to coincide with the probable resumption of the season. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 29273933)

That is the message from Gary Roberts, the GFA chief executive, who said yesterday that the English FA has now confirmed the 2020/21 season could be extended until 30 June should leagues wish/need to do so.

‘I have communicated this information to GFLM [Guernsey Football League Management] and am aware that they are developing various scenarios to conclude the season depending on when we reach Stage 3 and full competitive football can safely resume,’ he said.

But in terms of inter-insular football Roberts said the current situation in Guernsey has added a further delay to the Inter-Insular Committee meeting again.

‘I expect it will reconvene next month to begin looking at what options may be available. Obviously this will depend on what may happen with inter-island travel corridors but I still cannot see any fixtures being viable this season.’

Jersey FA remain keen on a 2021 Muratti Vase final even if it has to be played in the early autumn.