Jackson to join the pride

Tom Jackson, all 6ft 2in of him, arrives on island next week and will be here for the reminder of the Isthmian South-Central season.

Jackson, now 19, last played for Guernsey FC in the win at Ashford two and half years ago.

Covid limited his options since then but after several months playing and training in Spain, he is keen to fulfil a wish to play regularly for Guernsey, where his grandparents live.

‘He’s a very big boy and a good player,’ said a delighted Tony Vance, who is grateful to right-hand man Steve Sharman, the player’s godfather, for his part in the re-signing of the powerful midfielder.

Sharman is confident that the former AFC Wimbledon Academy player, who subsequently played for now defunct Whyteleafe, will make a big impact here.

‘He can play anywhere in midfield and people won’t recognise him [physically] from the team that won at Ashford 30 months ago. He is a man now.

‘We are doing the international clearance now – it is in the hands of the FA.

‘But he moves over to the island early next week,’ added the GFC assistant coach.

This winter Jackson has been at Malaga City in the Spanish Fifth Division and had trials with Colchester United.

But ahead of going to Loughborough University in October 2022, Jackson is keen to nail a place down with the Green Lions.

Sharman sees bits of two Island greats in his playing style.

‘I think he has got a bit of Chris Dyer about him but also Brian Knight. For a big lad he is outstanding technically.

‘He is going to push our midfielders very hard for a place,’ predicted Sharman of a player who previously made three GFC appearances, two as a sub.