Fallaize pushing for Lions to roar again

‘We say it every season, but if we can keep our squad fit we’re capable of competing for the play-off spots,’ the commanding centre-back said.

‘There are quite a few new teams this year and there’s so much money in this league, so it is going to be tough once again, but we know we can push

towards the right side of the table.’

Fallaize has been a mainstay of the Guernsey FC back line since returning from the USA in January 2022 and he brought up a century of appearances for the club earlier this year.

He played 30 times for GFC in the 2022-23 campaign, and picked up the coaches’ and fans’ player of the year awards at the club’s end-of-season gala.

‘It was a bit of a strange year – I normally pride myself on always being available and playing every game, but I picked up a few injuries over the course of the season,’ Fallaize said.

‘I think I put in some good performances at Footes Lane in particular, which probably helped me to win that award.

‘It’s always a nice feeling to get that recognition.

‘As a club we had a difficult campaign, especially before Christmas when we were bottom of the league, but we picked up some massive results in the new year and that gave us the confidence to push on.’

The defender, now 25, is one of the more experienced members of the GFC squad, with a number of young players set to come into the side in 2023-24.

‘Something I have been trying to do is take on more of a leadership role within the group,’ he said.

‘I want to pass on the advice and the things I have learnt to the guys coming into the squad.

‘I have got quite a bit of experience at this level now, but there’s players who have been around for a lot longer than me who I’ve learnt from and continue to learn from, so it’s my job now to try and help the youngsters to settle in.’

The majority of the Guernsey FC squad were involved in the recent Island Games, meaning they had just over a week’s break between the end of the tournament and the start of pre-season.

‘It has been quite tough – we need a bit of a break after a long season and some poor results, but then again when you are involved in something as special as GFC you cannot ask for too much rest,’ Fallaize said.

‘You just want to be out there in front of all the fans and the kids cheering you on, so I’m looking forward to getting back into it.

‘Having a few new lads in the group also brings some excitement, and we just have to make sure they stay motivated and fight for their places.

‘They are in their comfort zone playing in the Priaulx, so it’s good to see them challenging themselves.’