Pro moves have 'put Guernsey on the map' - Vance
The departure of a fourth player in five years from the island to the men’s professional game is a major success story for the whole of Guernsey football.
That was the message from Tony Vance as he wished Jack Griffin well following the teenager’s move to Bristol City this week, with the young striker following in the footsteps of Alex Scott, Ben Acey and Tim Ap Sion by joining the Robins.
‘Four players in five years is hugely significant – it’s put Guernsey on the map,’ said the Guernsey FC manager.
‘Lots of people who have impacted these players should be really proud.
‘This is a huge measure of success.'
Podcast: Listen to a full interview with Jack Griffin on this week's Guernsey Press Football Podcast
Griffin made history as GFC’s youngest ever goalscorer on his debut against Westfield on the opening day of the Isthmian South Central season and added a couple more to his tally – a wonder goal at Chertsey Town and the crucial winner at Binfield.
‘They are getting someone who can finish and can do it off both feet. He is one of the very few who is totally two-footed,’ said Vance.
‘In terms of a striker, that’s what it is all about. He can get it in the net and his goals for us have been three very different goals.
Video: Coaches Ross Allen and Rob Jones on how the GFA Aztech Academy has been revamped to help develop the next Alex Scott and Jack Griffin
‘He wants to score, but what I have really enjoyed in the short time he has been with us is he is very competitive and he understands game management, which is unusual for such a young age.
‘Jack has got a great mentality – his desire and work ethic are excellent.
‘Sylvans have been brilliant with him, he has developed really well under them and you have to remember not long ago they had Jack and Tim up front.’
