Clubs choose status quo
CLUBS have vetoed a proposed shake-up of domestic football and opted to keep the leagues as they were for 2023-24.
The new Guernsey Football League Management board had sent a discussion paper entitled ‘Battling Back’ which outlined a plan to raise standards by, among other things, splitting the Priaulx League in two following the first 14 games.
It was also suggested that Division One – or the Jackson League – could become primarily an under-23 development competition.
However, none of that will be happening for next season. The one change agreed is for Division One to revert to playing each other twice rather than once.
‘There was a full and open discussion and the outcome was nothing is going forward at this stage,’ said GFLM chairman Andy Robert.
‘I think it’s a question of more discussion needed, more detail, more background – some clubs are of the view that now is not the time to do it.
‘They are possibly not convinced at this stage, but we will take what they have said away and keep working.
‘We will continue to do our research and make another go at putting forward some proposals at some point for the next season.’
Robert revealed that not all voices were dissenting, though.
‘Some clubs were in favour of the Priaulx League split, but there were not enough to carry it through.
‘The Jackson becoming a development league option also had some merit for some clubs and did have some support, but again not enough for it to go through.
‘We respect the clubs’ positions and draw a line under it for now.’
