This Is Guernsey

THE island could have its own team playing in the FA Cup by 2010. A new club – Guernsey United – coached by island senior football manager Steve Ogier (pictured) and his assistant Tony Vance, aims to play weekly in a UK semi-professional league next season.

The people behind the club today confirmed their proposals to take island football into a whole new ball game after details were leaked by the Guernsey Football Association.

The plan entails playing, possibly in the Kent League, several levels above local football as well as running a reserve side in the island’s under-21 development league.

United, a limited liability company, has been formed by a consortium that includes former GFA chairman Dave Nussbaumer.

Also backing the project are former GFA board members Jeff and Mark Vidamour, James Blower, former island cricket boss Peter Vidamour, Guernsey Press sports editor Rob Batiste and public relations specialist Darren Duquemin.

Messrs Ogier and Vance will head up the coaching team and Mike Thomas, the Guernsey physiotherapist, will be in charge of the medical support side.

‘Guernsey United has been created to encourage the island’s young and emerging footballers to stretch their ability and ambition to the full,’ said Mr Nussbaumer. ‘We want to help these players realise their dreams.

‘Together we are committed to attracting and investing in the island’s best young talent.

‘Giving the local lads regular football at semi-professional level will put them in the game’s shop window and help propel some towards professional careers.’

Should the ambitious project finally take off, the island’s top footballers face the choice of staying with their current GFA club or sampling the excitement and extra commitment of playing higher-level football on a weekly basis.

‘The intention is for United to be Guernsey’s own community team,’ said founder member Mr Batiste.

‘Some will see this move as damaging to their own club’s future success, but the team is doing this for one reason only – to give Guernsey’s young footballers every chance to excel.’

Guernsey United has applied to affiliate to the GFA and discussions with the Kent League about playing in their Premier Division from the start of the 2009-10 season are ongoing.

The statement  said there would be no further media comment while plans for Guernsey United were being progressed.

Article posted on 16th September, 2008 - 2.30pm