Guernsey Press

Standard has been set for Romeril’s second season

VALE REC boss Mark Romeril admits there are ‘more expectations’ on his side as he enters his second term in the Corbet Field hot seat.

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Vale Rec won silverware in the form of the Stranger Cup in Mark Romeril’s first season in charge. (Picture by Luke Le Prevost, 32399909)

Rec enjoyed a successful 2022-23 campaign as they lifted the Stranger Cup and finished fourth in the Priaulx League.

‘We know it will be more difficult this time around – when we came in last year there were a lot of quick wins for us in regards to improving standards at the club,’ said Romeril, who is once again joined by assistant Malcolm Symons in the dugout.

‘Now the aim is to be consistent and to maintain the standards we have set. We’re definitely better equipped now than we were – we have made improvements and are looking forward.’

There has been little news in regards to player movement at the Corbet Field this summer, with young defender Finley Belnavis being the only addition to the ranks so far, coming in from Rangers.

Forwards Tiago Rodrigues and Zach Masterton-Pipet have both left, joining Sylvans and Rovers respectively, but the head coach says he is ‘content’ with the shape of his squad.

‘It’s great that we have retained almost everybody, and Fin is a very good addition to the group.

‘We also have Jacques Wilcox and John Hunt back from injury, who will both be like new signings as neither played at all last year.

‘They look quite fit and will be very welcome additions, and having Joe Blackham back fit now is going to be important, too.’

It was also announced recently that Rec would be entering the Wheway Cup, after the JFA made the decision to include four teams from Guernsey going forward as opposed to the usual three.

‘I am feeling upbeat about it all at the moment, and it’s exciting having the prospect of two Jersey trips – one in pre-season and one in the Wheway,’ said Romeril.

‘There’s a very nice atmosphere at the club all round going into the new season.’

The Rec boss also spoke about how his side’s pre-season was going, saying that ‘all eyes are on the first Priaulx game’.

‘We have a very organised plan of what we’re doing, which started off by giving the lads a bit of a longer break than most teams had, which we felt was important.

‘We are doing a six-week programme to prepare ourselves for the season, but of course we know how quickly everything can change when the league actually starts.’