GFA’s hands tied on full-size 3G
IT’S now become apparent that Guernsey would not have a team at the big Jacksons International Trophy tournament had it not been for the intervention of Guernsey Football League Management.
Inside Track understands that the invite from the Jersey Football Association was made directly to the GFA and, for whatever reason, they chose not to take it up even though it is being suggested that Island manager Chris Tardif wanted them to.
Disappointingly, the GFA did not refer the invite to anyone else until the league body heard about it and, hurriedly, took it on with their own league representative coach Charlie Pinsard taking responsibility for raising a squad of sufficient ability.
Given that the GFA, understandably, are saving every spare pound towards the Victoria Avenue Stadium project, it is easy to see why they chose not to take up the invite.
Makes sense, in fact.
But not to pass the invite on to the GFLM did them no favours in the eyes of the domestic clubs whose relationships with the association are fractious at best.
As for the question of the stadium project itself, this week’s GFA’s response to widespread rumour that it was running into financial trouble did not tell us much other than it remains on course to be complete at some time.
Meanwhile, football fans and Joe Bloggs in the street are asking why did not the plans include provision for a full size 3G when there is clearly a desperate need for one.
The answer to that is simple enough and no blame cannot be laid at the door of the GFA.
It is apparent that funding for 3G pitches is done on a formula basis with each FA county only eligible for funding based on a prescribed number of such pitches.
GFA chief executive Gary Roiberts adds: ‘The proposed other 3G pitches in the island meet that prescribed number of pitches and are included in the Local Football Facility Plan that was developed in consultation with various partners.’
. BOWLS at Delancey is safe for now. After last year’s grave concerns that the Northern Bowling Association would soon not be viable due to consistently falling membership the club, along with assistance from the Sports Commission, have been working to stop the slide and, very importantly, find revenue and user streams.
Trevor Savident, the NBA president, says stories that the club was about to fold or be taken over by the Guernsey Bowling Club were not true.
‘Nothing could be further from the truth,’ he said, adding: ‘Our fear is that these rumours may deter members or new members joining us.
‘The NBA management committee are encouraged by the number of members and new players signing on for the 2020 season, but we would welcome more. There is certainly no prospect of closure for this Bowls Club and we are looking forward to a successful season.’
. SAD to hear of the passing of two more renowned island sportsmen.
Les Guille was a big presence in boxing in and out of the ring, his influence out of it very substantial as a leading light at the Analgamated Boys’ Club and the Guernsey Dinner Boxing Club.
Pete Mellor, a rapid right-winger or inside-forward, won two Muratti caps in 1968 and was part of the Corbet Field revolution led by Tony Williams and which turned Vale Rec into the force they became from the late ’60s onwards.
With Pessimists in the First Division, he was also a very able and dogged right-hand top-order batsman.
