GUERNSEY ATHLETICS have signed their first batch of players – in fact 10 in 24 hours – at the weekend.
There must have been a few concerned people at the relaunched club as one week into the June transfer window and only weeks before the start of the 2009-2010 Division One season they still had no players on their books, other than player-coach Kevin Graham.
But this all changed over the weekend as 10 put pen to paper for the KGV-based outfit.
‘We’re very happy that these guys have come forward and signed on,’ said Tics’ coach Steve Ogier (pictured).
‘We’re pleased that they’ve taken a step into the unknown. There’s a challenge in front of them and they’ve stepped up to the plate.
‘They’ve seen what we’re about and have bought into the idea and are taking the challenge head on. At the end of the day they are making a bit of history.
‘I’m really happy.’
In keeping with the club’s ethos of developing local talent, their first signings are all young players.
Island Under-21 defender Miles Pengelley has moved from Sylvans as has Junior Muratti players Richard Moore and goalkeeper Tom Creed from North and St Martin’s striker Luke Winch.
Another Island under-18 player in Etienne Le Prevost has joined from North, while Tom Jenkins, James Ashplant and Nick Lowe have transferred from Saints, North and Sylvans respectively.
Ogier’s son, Vale Rec youth player Jacques, has signed up as well.
The only over 21 to join so far is Vijay Wiltshire from Rangers.
Ogier said that he has another four or five players very interested, but declined to name them.
Tics are also in the process of signing up to three players from the UK through their link with the England Universities football squad.
But Ogier had no further news on this.
However, he did admit that he would like to sign a couple of experienced footballers, in the mould of Jersey’s 38-year-old midfield general Dave Brodie. But, as he pointed out, there is a dearth of experienced players on the island.
‘In an ideal world yes, but to be honest where are all the players from between 28 to 32?’ he asked.
‘There’s none about. Why aren’t players playing in their 30s any more?
‘We could do with a couple of experienced guys but where are they? We could do with someone like Dave Brodie.
‘If we can’t get someone like that, these guys will have to mature a bit quicker then.’
Tics also confirmed that they will be going on a pre-season tour of the north of England.
On Friday 31 July they will take on Goole Town and then the next day Whitby Town. Players on that trip will not have to lay out a penny, nor will Tics signings have to pay subscriptions.
Article posted on 9th June, 2009 - 2.30pm
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