NOBODY is certain of a place in an island side any more and Guernsey will win Sunday’s Muratti.
Those were two bold claims that came from Tony Vance (pictured), as he marked the inaugural pre-Muratti media press conference with openness and almost unqualified confidence.
The starting side will be revealed at training tomorrow night, released to the public on Friday and it will be a shock if the side differs too much from the XI who destroyed the Kent County League in the Carlsberg FA National League System Cup last month.
‘I haven’t told the guys yet and, honestly and truthfully, I’m waiting on a few things,’ said the man who takes charge of his first Muratti final after 18 appearances as a player.
Monday’s game against the England Universities has, he admitted, clouded the issue.
‘My mind was almost made up but a couple of players have played themselves into serious consideration.’
Although he wouldn’t confirm or deny who they were, one of those players was almost certainly Bels midfielder Scott Bradford.
‘We are trying to create a very competitive environment and, including the captain, Matt Warren, no one is now assured of a place in the starting sides. People are really hungry to get in there.’
Vance’s final XI may not be as clear in his own mind as it was last week, but his confidence of winning for the first time in four years is encouraging, although such a result goes against a worrying trend of Caesarean domination across the board.
‘I think I will pick a team who will beat Jersey and I can guarantee I will make three substitutions to freshen things up.’
The coach also didn’t waste the chance to talk up the performance of young Rangers goalkeeper Tom Le Tissier, who impressed hugely at the Corbet Field despite conceding three against the talented English Universities.
‘Tom had an excellent game. I rate him highly.
‘He’s not around all the time because of his university commitments, but he’s played enough games to warrant selection. He’s got his place in the squad on merit.
‘He’s pushing Jody [Bisson] all the way, which is what we need.’
While the Jersey squad trained last night, will meet up again tomorrow and then for a final session on Saturday morning, the news from Jersey is that veteran Scot David Brodie is set to make a return to the Reds’ line-up.
But while Vance respects the creative midfielder’s ability, it is not a potential recall that worries him.
‘He’s an excellent player, but I’m not having sleepless nights about him.’
Article posted on 29th April, 2009 - 2.30pm
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