Tobin wants to contribute goals towards play-off push
GUERNSEY FC defender Frank Tobin has revealed that he expects an ‘interesting challenge’ in the Isthmian South Central division next season.
Tony Vance’s side have now gone 17 months without competitive action and Tobin believes this puts the Green Lions at a disadvantage after fellow teams in the league were able to fulfil some games last campaign.
The former Bristol City youngster still remains optimistic about his side’s chances this year despite the tough circumstances.
‘I always like to think you go into the season with the hope of challenging for promotion,’ he said, before admitting that the lack of time together as a squad will inevitably make competing at the summit an even tougher task than normal.
‘If we’re challenging for a play-off spot come the end of the year, I would see it as an extremely positive campaign,’ he added.
Guernsey FC enjoyed an improved 2019-20 season prior to Covid’s intervention, but on the pitch it is probably the emergence of Alex Scott that the campaign will be best remembered for and Tobin feels that the young players in the squad should look up to the England under-18 international as they aim to break into the first team.
‘I remember him training with us in pre-season two years ago when he was 16, as well as his first game for us where he sat on the bench, waiting for his opportunity. Now look at him, playing for Bristol City and having an England cap at youth level, which he thoroughly deserves after all his hard work.’
Tobin also spoke about his experiences in the FNB Priaulx League at Port Soif last season, as he formed a solid partnership with James Grundy in central midfield to help Rovers finish the campaign as runners-up.
He added that he ‘thoroughly enjoyed’ playing under head coach Kevin Gillease, who allowed him the freedom to attack and be able to show a side of his game he does not often get a chance to display.
Tobin sounded enthusiastic about the possibly of utilising his newly-refined attacking skill set for the Green Lions next season.
‘If I could score five-plus goals this year that would be a great year for me as a defender. I rarely get over three goals in the year so if I can hit five that would be great.’
Tobin also revealed that domestic teammate Ben Le Tocq has joined up with the Guernsey FC squad in pre-season following an impressive year for Rovers.
He confirmed, too, that St Martin’s midfielder Louis Hunter had joined Le Tocq in making the step up from the island’s top division and said that the pair would ‘both add something different to the squad, coming off the back of great seasons in the Priaulx’.
