The Channel Islands media (possibly) picked up on this and the Press, the Beano and Crapaud TV have all been speaking to the player, who confirmed 'I have talked about it with Tony properly for four or five weeks now and, as long as a sponsor can be found, I am 99% sure that I will be a Guernsey FC player next season'.
News that is sure to arouse mixed feelings among GFC fans. No word from GFC as yet, despite much probing, and probably best not to hold your breath for anything just yet. Following the usual practice of climbing ladders to listen in on private conversations through open windows (we don't know how to tap phones you see), this is our understanding of the position:-
Tony Vance has indeed had discussions with Jack Boyle but, as yet, nothing has been proposed to, considered or decided on by the club - in other words ther is no Boyle deal in the bag.
Jack Boyle is the only Jersey player that TV believes can bring anything to Guernsey FC that isn't already there within the 10 parishes. So, for those concerned that all of St Sampson's good work might be undone in the blink of an eye, we don't believe that will be the case.
The club receives enquiries from UK based players, keen to sign on, on a regular basis. The party line remains that if you re-locate first (or at least have everything lined up), then there's a discussion to be had.
So that's our understanding, as for thoughts on the matter....
Nothing against Jack Boyle, a good player who's played at a higher level (arguably not at Airdrie though), seems to be ambitious and has age in his favour (possibly our next Zico). Nothing against Crapauds either, and here I must confess that I have spent a sizeable chunk of my years in very close relationships with a number of them (no long term ill effects though).
Do have an issue with selection/eligibility goalposts being moved without any form of supporter consultation, noting that a number of strawpolls among supporters have suggested overwhelming support for a team of Guernsey based players only. Also, the club captain is on record saying he'd rather a team of 'locals' to be playing at Step 4 rather than the possibility of Step 2 through signing 'imports'.
So the issue of moving the goalposts needs some discussion/consultation with supporters, in other words the community that the 'club' claims to represent, which takes me back to the point made a couple of days ago about ways to achieve the vision set out in 2011.
If a signing is made without any form of consultation then don't be too surprised if a few more season ticket holders don't bother renewing for next season. Don't be too surprised if relations with GFA clubs and the GFA itself take a dip as well.
There is clear benefit in attracting good quality players such as Jack Boyle to come and join GFC but that requires a fundamental change in strategy that has to be supported by the GFC community. And let's not kid ourselves that one or two quality signings will lead to promotion to the promised land, it will take more than that to cure us of the Tuesday night away game syndrome. Again, back to the blog of a couple of days ago on the need to take measures to ensure players can afford to commit to mid-week trips.
We're all used to the club's officials (be they self-appointed or appointed by the self-appointed) harping on about a community club, now seems an appropriate time for them to demonstrate their sense of 'community'. Get more people with a sense of involvement and that can only be good for long term sustainability, surely.
Keep it Green
Allez les Verts!!
