Players’ effort has been ‘monumental’ says Vance

Monday afternoon’s point from the 2-2 draw at South Park, followed by Merstham and Sutton Common Rovers both dropping points, ensured the Green Lions were safe from relegation following an outstanding turnaround in form that has seen them pick up 29 points from their last 17 games, having taken just 11 from their first 18.

‘I know this is going to sound ridiculous, but I have said this before, I was pretty confident we could get ourselves out of it in December/January,’ GFC manager Vance said.

‘I know we were rock bottom, I know we were in a right mess, but I’ve always maintained that if we’ve got the right level of players and numbers, in particular, options for us to manage, coach, put into a game situation where they are capable of doing what you need to do in this league, I always felt that we could pick up enough points.

‘When we were rock bottom with 11 points in January, I don’t think we’d even had half the season, so there was always that in the back of my mind and that gave me the optimism and confidence.’

However, he added that to guarantee survival with three games still remaining was beyond his expectation.

‘I probably felt that maybe it might have taken a play-off, but we’ve avoided that as well.

‘There is relief, for sure, pleasant relief, but I think I'm more impressed with how the players have achieved this over the last few months. It’s a monumental effort.

‘If you look at the 29 points that we’ve won in the last couple of months, that’s play-off form.’

Almost as soon as Guernsey FC’s safety was guaranteed, Vance was being asked about the prospect of him taking on the role as Island men’s coach for the Muratti Vase final and the Guernsey 2023 Island Games.

As things stand, he has not committed to anything.

‘That [survival] was my number one priority,’ Vance said.

‘Obviously we are safe now so I can throw that away, and the Muratti and Island Games becomes a serious thing for me to question.

‘I’m going to give it a week – I know the clock’s ticking, but I’m going to give it some time and have some real serious thought about it.

‘I’ve always said right from the off that if there’s someone else available, then brilliant. It doesn’t look like there is.

‘Obviously the opportunity with Chris [Tardif] isn’t happening – no-one else has jumped out, so let’s see.’