Symons heading back to Vale Rec

It was announced last week that current Manzur boss Romeril will be taking over as Vale Rec’s Priaulx League head coach from next season and Symons will be making the same journey to be his assistant.

‘It’s great to be coming back home to where it all started for me and I have only fond memories of my time at Vale Rec,’ said Symons, whose appointment coincides with the 19th anniversary of Rec’s most recent Priaulx League title in which he played a pivotal role as a classy defender.

‘Whilst the latter part of my on-pitch career represented a move away from the Corbet Field, the club has always remained very close to my heart.

‘I’m really looking forward to this new and exciting challenge, and can’t wait to get started.’

Romeril is delighted to have retained the services of his right-hand man.

‘Malcs has been a linchpin of the Manzur journey, right back to the early days when he helped establish the first five-a-side team before progressing into the social league and then the GFA system.

‘Malcs has provided invaluable assistance to me on and off the field during Manzur’s time in the Priaulx League and I look forward to continuing to work together as he returns to his spiritual home.’

Club chairman Jody Bisson is very happy to see one of his former teammates returning to the Corbet Field.

‘I was fortunate to commence my senior career at Vale Rec around the same time as Malcs,’ he said.

‘We enjoyed many successes together in the early 2000s including winning, among others, the Wheway Cup in Jersey and the Priaulx League title here in Guernsey.

‘Malcs was widely regarded as one of the finest centre backs of his age. His presence in the middle of a back four was formidable, with an equally brilliant ability to be able to read the game better than any other player on the pitch.

‘It is fantastic that Malcs is going to be sharing that knowledge and his great personality with our current and up-and-coming crop of players.

‘On the 19th anniversary of our most recent Priaulx League title win, welcome back to the “Betsy” Malcs.’