Meakin takes on Junior Island role
Leon Meakin is the new Island Under-18 head coach.
The St Martin’s boss will be assisted by Jamie Dodd and Jason Leaman as he leads the representative squad into the Stranger Cup group games this month ahead of the Junior Muratti, which takes place on 6 April.
‘It’s a huge privilege to be asked to lead the Guernsey U18 squad in this year’s Muratti,’ Meakin said.
‘Many of the players I know well from their performances for and against St Martin’s in the Priaulx League.
‘My assistants Jason Leaman and Jamie Dodd, and I, are excited to begin working with the group to start preparations for the Muratti, when we meet in the coming weeks and get under way with our Stranger Cup campaign.’
Guernsey Football Association director of football Tony Vance reported that he was ‘delighted’ the new coaching trio had agreed to take on the roles.
‘All have extensive experience in football and this will be important as they prepare this group of players for the Stranger Cup and, most importantly, the Junior Muratti in April,’ Vance said.
‘Leon has a proven track record of being able to get the best out of his players, and has had recognised success in local club football. This step into representative football is a great opportunity for him and I am looking forward to watching his progress.
‘It is also pleasing to see Jamie Dodd step forward and take on this supporting role because he is an individual who has a natural understanding of the game and a great football brain, while Jason will expand the positive work he is already doing with the GFA Under 16 squad.
‘The insight and experience that this coaching group will be able to share with the U18 players will be of great value and I am looking forward to seeing how this new management team can take the squad forward.’
The Island U18s are in a Stranger Cup group with Northerners, Rangers and Sylvans.
Island U18 squad for Stranger Cup
Ollie Miller, Max Wall, Sam Cooley, Tyrese Kelly, Fin Paterson, Emerson Nobes, Henry Marsh, Zach Gilman, Harry Hodgson, Charlie Hynes, Gil Hunter, Ben Wilson, Mason Prigent, Auryn Le Tissier, Jimmy Montgomery, Harry Smith, Harvey Migasiuk, Leon Solano, Charlie Patch, Pearce Le Poidevin, Jack Becker.
