GFC ‘hopeful’ but time running out

‘There are meetings going on at this time. We are still hopeful we will be able to compete,’ said GFC chairman Mark Le Tissier yesterday.

‘We are trying to find a way through it [the travel restrictions] and hopefully it will be done,’ he added.

It is understood that the Isthmian are pushing the Green Lions for confirmation of their ability to play home away, but no deadline has been put in place for that verdict.

Meanwhile, the Green Lions have a board meeting on Friday, by which time their position should be clearer.

In domestic club news, Rovers coach Kevin Gillease may have a final to look forward to on Friday evening but he faces the challenge of a new campaign in which star player Carlos Canha is departing the island and may not play at all before he does so late in the year, and Sam Hall is taking an indefinite rest from the game.

On top of that Fin Whitmore, his best remaining frontman, may be joining up with GFC and Blair Howitt’s achilles tendon tear could see him miss much of the campaign.

‘Carlos is definitely leaving November/December time to go to Scotland,’ revealed Gillease.

‘Sammy is taking time away from football. He says he hasn’t got the buzz for it at the moment. But I am hoping we will see him at training again soon.’

Martin Savident has also been a first fortnight absentee as he concentrated on his upcoming charity graniteman effort, but for all that Gillease is cheered by the unity and buzz among a squad which is very much home grown.

That group includes the return of striker Max Simpson-Cohen, who was playing for St Clement in Jersey last season.

Meanwhile, Sylvans coach Martyn de Garis said the return of Robbie Legg to the club is welcome news and if the player is keen to use the westerners as a stepping stone to GFC he said it was no problem. ‘If we can help him, great.’

On the downside, star striker Kyle Smith is sidelined with an ankle injury.