Stanton back and a future Muratti option

The former AFC Bournemouth goalkeeper has full-time local employment in the pipeline and is expected to between the posts whenever Guernsey FC return to action.

'It is a massive signing for us,' said GFC boss Tony Vance yesterday.

''He is the best keeper in the league and we would have been a mug not to embrace this opportunity.

'He could play at many steps higher but he wants to play for us.'

Stanton was a regular and firm favourite for GFC before the pandemic struck and with the date of Guernsey side’s return to Isthmian League football so uncertain he subsequently accepted a playing contract in Dubai.

All told he has made 94 GFC appearances having originally signed on loan from the south coast club in the 2017-18 season.

It was soon very apparent then he was a cut above the domestic keeping talent available and with the No. 1 position so vital, Vance was keen to involve him even while the player still lived in the UK.

Twice GFC fans’ player-of-the-year he will now live and work on-island.

'He loves Guernsey and is a great example for players to look to aspire to. After all you can fall in love with this island very easily.'

Vance said Stanton's return – he is due on island in midweek – comes at a perfect time.

'It is just the tonic really. Josh [Addison] is unavailable due to work and Jordy [Kelly] is injured.

'Potentially Callum is a game-changer and if we can add a couple more great.

'If we can get the [GFC] product right there is no reason why we cannot embrace the opportunity for others to come.'

Stanton will be the third new ‘old’ face returning to the ranks, following the signing of dominant centre-back Jacob Fallaize after a stint in the United States and midfielder Tom Jackson, who made three appearances for the club as an U18 but two years on, including a stint playing for Malaga City in Spain, has developed into a player regarded as a real prospect.

With striker Will Fazakerley now available for selection after recovering from shoulder surgery, suddenly the GFC boss has much stronger options when the club are due to visit bottom-of-the-table Chalfont St Peter this coming weekend.

In view of the Covid situation whether the game goes ahead is anybody’s guess and Chalfont St Peter’s scheduled New Year’s Day game was one of several postponed due to a player shortage.

In the three games that survived, leaders Bracknell Town won again and are now 14 points clear at the top. Their win at 14th placed Westfield was good news for GFC who are just five points adrift of the latter with six matches in hand.