FOOTBALL’S two social leagues could yet stay within the Guernsey Football Association.
It is thought that a compromise plan put forward by new GFA chairman Mark Le Tissier (pictured) and supported by the senior clubs, may prove acceptable to the Sunday Soccer and Business Leagues when they stage their annual meetings later this month.
‘We are still in discussions with both leagues,’ said Le Tissier, ‘but we are hopeful that they will both affiliate.’ He refused to elaborate on the compromise deal struck but it is thought that it will involve a watering down of the controversial ‘one player per club’ rule introduced at last month’s GFA AGM.
It is understood that if the compromise is acceptable, teams in the two social leagues will have to register all their players with the GFA and in return all social clubs will be permitted up to five players with dual commitments between the two leagues.
Social league players will not be able to play in the GFA structure, however, and GFA players will not be able to play in the social leagues.
More encouragingly, it is understood that after one more season operating as separate entities, all social clubs will come within the GFA league structure for the 2009-10 season.
All social league clubs have now received a document outlining the pros and cons of staying with the GFA or of de-affiliating.
If the social leagues did affiliate, then Saints are one team who may take advantage by moving their Railway team to one of the other two leagues, according to club president Henry Davey.
‘We have discussed the possibility of joining either the Sunday Soccer League or the Business League. However, this will only happen if one or both of them [the leagues] affiliate and is also dependent on the number of players who sign on for next year,’ he said.
Davey pointed out that any decision made would be in the best interests of the football club and for their players.
‘Our ultimate aim is to give as many of our lads as possible the opportunity to play regular and competitive football,’ he said.
Rumours surrounding Rovers’ Railway team also possibly moving from the GFA to the Business League may also come true.
John Brehaut, from the Port Soif club, said that competitiveness next season was the key issue, but the decision ultimately rested with the team.
‘The players will probably find it too difficult to compete in the new second division, because a lot of them are older and just enjoy playing.
‘They will wait and see what happens before deciding, but the choice will be theirs,’ he said.
Brehaut did admit that he wasn’t totally certain of what technicalities would be needed for the players to switch.
‘We will cross that bridge if and when we come to it,’ he said.
One side that will definitely be remaining completely within the GFA structure no matter what happens is Rangers. Priaulx coach Mac Gallienne said that their Railway side would be entering the GFA’s second tier next season, but under the name of Centrals.
Article posted on 4th July, 2008 - 2.30pm
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