Introduced in 2015 in memory of the Green Lions’ much-loved former physio, the aim of the fixture is to welcome teams from Thomas’ home county of Yorkshire to kick-start pre-season, and this season Sheffield FC will make the trip over.
Having been involved with both clubs, Fern said that this is a fixture he has wanted to see for a long-time and is excited to see Sheffield FC take on the Green Lions in the pre-season fixture.
‘I’m delighted to finally get it organised. I think it’s been a long time coming since I’ve been involved with Guernsey FC and the connection I’ve got with Sheffield FC from being a really young lad to carry that connection on to be able to get this game on is massive and I can’t thank Guernsey and Sheffield enough for willing to come together to get this game on not only for the fans and for myself, but also for the Mike Thomas Memorial Trophy, which we’ll see back for the first time in quite a number of years, so that’s great as well,’ he said.
‘The world’s first football club is one brand in itself, so for that to be coming to Guernsey and for Guernsey people to experience watching the world’s first football club against Guernsey FC at Victoria Park, it’ll be great.’
Originally from Sheffield, Fern has always been involved with Sheffield FC with his father having played for the club and more recently he has got involved by helping the club with its social media on trips back home.
‘My dad played for, I think he was playing for the veterans side at the time, and he also did the PA announcing at the stadium, which is exactly what I do now. He played for their team for quite a while and so that’s sort of where my love for the club started,’ he said.
‘We were down there every Saturday, every match day, we followed them away and I’ve always kept that connection. It’s nice to have a club back home as well – every time I go back, I’m always there, if I can get involved in it in any way I can, I always do.’
Fern said he will support both teams on the day.
‘Maybe I’ll have to get a half-and-half scarf or something,’ he said.
‘We’ll have to see what I’ll wear, I might wear my GFC tracksuit, I might wear some Sheffield FC stuff but we will see. I spoke to Tony [Vance] about it who I’d be supporting and we’ll see on the day, it’ll be interesting. I’ll just clap for both teams when they score, but I think my loyalties will always side with where I come from.’
Sheffield FC’s season ended in a similar way to Guernsey FC’s missing out narrowly on promotion.
Fern said that the club’s no. 9 is a player to watch out for.
‘Alex Hardwick, he’s on fire this season, he’s had a great year, Nathaniel Crofts out on the wing has been brilliant as well and I’m hoping my mate Sam Green will be back in goal, he’s been injured for the majority of the season but he’s just renewed his contract there so it’ll be good to see if Sam’s back,’ he said.
‘Alex Hardwick has had a really good year, similar to Sam Murray, they’ve both been absolutely on fire, so I think to see them two come up against each other will be a great occasion.’
The match will raise money for the Mike Thomas Fund which provides financial support to players during times of hardship, such as when a football-related injury prevents them from working.
Saturday’s game kicks off at 3pm at Victoria Park.
You need to be logged in to comment.