Dave Nussbaumer has accused some parties of being single-minded and unwilling to look at the bigger picture. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0544669)
DAVE NUSSBAUMER has announced that he will step down as Guernsey Football Association chairman and has taken the opportunity to fire a parting shot at some of his critics.
In an email sent to all the clubs and other parties connected with local football yesterday, Nussbaumer stated that he will not be looking for re-election at the GFA’s AGM in the summer.
His announcement came after the previous evening’s open forum where the association presented their five-year plan to take football forward.
The plan includes the well publicised under-23 development league to replace Youth One and the Jackson leagues and such innovations as having rolling substitutes for all the leagues apart from the Priaulx.
People connected with the sport in the island had been invited to the meeting and Nussbaumer believes that he and his board were subject to some negative comments.
‘I was made aware last night of petty “under the breath” swipes at what I consider to be some very good ideas,’ he said.
‘And to those of you who uttered, “You should do it because you are paid to do it”, please don’t ever underestimate how hard Neil [Laine, GFA secretary] and Garry [Cortez, GFA fixtures secretary] work on your behalf.
‘Personally, I am appalled at such negativity and single-mindedness from such individuals who I hold in such high regard.’
The GFA have until 1 May to submit their plan to the English FA. That will form part of the National Game Strategy 2008-12.
Along with the U-23 league and rolling substitutes, among other things the GFA want to reduce the number of first-team fixtures, develop junior girls’ leagues and make the women’s game nine versus nine on three-quarter sized pitch.
In a meeting chaired by Advocate Peter Ferbrache and open to debate, most of their proposals, especially ones concerning women’s football, were met with silence from the 40-odd strong gathering.
That clearly rankled Nussbaumer.
‘I am also concerned at the attitude of some individuals, clubs even, who do not care about ladies’ football,’ he said.
‘It is apparent to me that some of you are too focused and greedy for your own success and so are unwilling to look at the bigger picture – football for all.’
Nussbaumer also touched on the relationship between the clubs and the GFA.
‘My main concern is of my continued perception of a strained relationship between the clubs and your executive,’ he said.
‘Until that relationship is 100% strong and everyone is singing from the same hymn book, the real issues and necessary changes to our game will be almost impossible to implement.
‘I think that the current relationship between some of the clubs and the GFA is very harmful to local football and is something that is in total contradiction to what we should all be trying to achieve.
‘It was obvious from last night’s meeting that all parties have different issues but we should all be willing to bend for the good of the game. When things are not working, which clearly in some areas they are not, you need to go back to basics, and start all over again. This may be the only way forward.
‘I want to see everyone enjoying the game and players developing, both individually and as part of a structured group.’
Nussbaumer took over as head of the GFA in 2005, following Dave Dorey’s resignation.
‘It has been an absolute privilege and honour to have been your chairman for the last three years and I really do wish you every success moving forward.
‘Doing nothing is not an option though,’ said Nussbaumer.
Loading ...
Share this article:
What are these?