Ross Allen, left, justified his selection with a fine display up front. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0574880)
SO our sad modern Muratti record gets sadder. Another near miss but, ultimately, another loss for Steve Ogier.
One win in four does not make for pretty reading and the manager knows it. Consequently, he is mulling over his future in the job. But is it his fault we lost or the fault of the system he represents, one which is, quite plainly, faulty?
Rather than argue the merits or otherwise of players chosen or not – which is the trap everyone falls into when ultimately it is too late – is it not more appropriate to discuss why the management team are forced into taking big risks over selection, which they undoubtedly did on Monday and paid for.
The pool of real talent in Guernsey diminishes by the year and it says something about our game when the manager feels impelled to choose a young midfielder barely seen in a Sylvans shirt this season due to university studies, a Rangers striker with an average record in Priaulx football and a captain who has been an infrequent presence in Sylvans sides since the turn of the year.
Sure, Allen proved an inspired choice but, overall, Ogier played the risk game – and lost.
There was a time, not that long ago, when you had to prove yourself at the top of the local game to win a cap.
That meant consistently producing the goods for your club or, otherwise, there was a hot rival ready to step in. Not so nowadays.
The shortage of good frontmen is particularly acute.
Simon Tostevin, who was a shoe-in in most people’s eyes to lead the attack, was dropped to make way for a player who likes to play in the hole.
The word is that Ogier did not consider the big Northerner fit enough to get 90 minutes, but how much that was down to the risks being taken on fitness elsewhere in the side?
Kevin Graham, brilliant a performer as he is, was always in danger of failing to last the distance in a game played at a pace at a level above the norm.
The same, too, with Warren.
I was intrigued to hear another former island manager still involved with Priaulx football say that he would not have started with Tostevin either and for the same reason: fitness.
Muratti games place an added emphasis on strength, stamina and overall fitness. That’s why men such as Colin Fallaize, Chris Dyer, Micky Ogier and, latterly, a younger, inspired Warren, were so hot in this arena. They were everywhere.
They were fantastic athletes and that’s why I was disappointed a player such as Ben Coulter did not feature in the squad at Springfield.
Meanwhile, Bels will argue until late into the night that Matt Drillot, a late-developing warhorse, should have been in the mix too.
They may have a case. But until the overall levels of the domestic game start rising, managers are going to keep taking risky punts – and Jersey will continue to dominate the fixture.
Article posted on 10th May, 2008 - 9.29am
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