NORTH boss Mick Le Prevost could face disciplinary action, as could his club, after his latest outburst in which he said refs were spoiling games.
Le Prevost (pictured) has slated the referee in charge of the club’s last three games, all of which North have failed to win as the wheels fall off their title charge.
But it is his latest verbal condemnation of a referee – ‘the man in black has lost us another game’ – which has upset both the GFA chairman, Mark Le Tissier, and the sport’s referees officer, Graham Skuse.
Le Tissier, a top referee himself, said North alone are guilty of consistently criticising officials.
‘They need to take a serious look at the behaviour of their manager,’ he said. ‘This is not the behaviour we’d expect from a club that has Charter Standard status, given that they need Charter Standard status to be playing in Division One.’
Le Prevost has laid into Colin Wherry, Brent Blondel and Geoff Greening after successive games.
- Read the full story in the Guernsey Press. See below for subscription details.
Article posted on 26th January, 2010 - 2.30pm
79 Article Comments
I wondered how long he would get away with it.
Gone by the end of the season?
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Blame anybody but yourself Le Prevost
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May be it is time for everyone to lay into Mick Le Prevost
And it is not only him, Belgraves should also take control of Ian Champion, he is just as bad – who do these coaches think that they are?
Both should know better and lead by example, let’s face it both of these coach teams that could be coached by disney characters. It is nothing to do with their ability to coach – all of Le Prevost’s acheivement have been from the Geoff Tardif gravy train and what has Champion done to make him the ‘great’ that he thinks he is? He managed to get the Island Ladies to win 1 game in the 2 years when he coached them and luckily for him it was against Jersey.
Both are jokes and will fill the places of 2nd and 3rd nicely come April. Hopefully they will then be removed and replaced by respected people who know what they are doing
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Another great headline for North
Just when you thought things could not get any worse – what a shame to watch this self destruction
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Cheesed off!
Forgive me if I’m wrong but I do believe Le Prevost wasn’t the only coach moaning about the Referee on Saturday. In fact was not the other teams coach sent off by the Referee. As usual it’s the GFA v. North yet again!
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Julia
I think you will find this is just GFA huff and puff, just like expelling rovers from the league – they evetually got a £50 fine
North will stab Mick in the back before the end of the season anyway
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What a pathetic thread. More over hyped rubbish aimed at bringing further disruption to North.
This article highlights an issue that is inherent in football throughout the world, from Sir Alex to Mick Le Prevost. Because it’s Le Prevost and North, lets splash it on the back page and upset the apple cart further. It sells papers I guess.
Ed – Don’t know who you are but who do you think you are to speculate on Le Prevost’s future at the club? Sure he has faults but you’ll not meet a more dedicated club man in
Guernsey
A Saint – Le Prevost has benefited from a very good group of players but if you look at the number of trophies the club has won during his tenure as first team coach, it’s second to none. Regardless of the players he’s had, his record speaks volumes.
Mojo – Does every coach not look to deflect attention from stuttering form? He makes some valid points, albeit slightly outspoken points but he’s trying to back his team during a difficult time
I think it’s time for everyone to jump off the North bandwagon and find something else to focus on.
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from most of the comments above, one can see why football has become a game that is played without passion, and has turned into a souless game. sport is all about a bit of banter and opinion,i am sure i will get the p.c. brigade telling me that you must be nice and respectful to your opposition, thats for after the game in the clubhouse. so coaches, players must be allowed to have passion and soul. and all of the good referees i have known over the years, could all handle a few tasty comments.
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Chocolate Lover – you are harping on yet again with your ‘poor North’ attitude – it really is quite boring now!!
You say we will not meet a more dedicated man in local football?? Local football is not all about North… At my club we have a kit man who is just as dedicated… we have a lady in the canteen who is just as dedicated… we have coaches/players/fans who are just as dedicated… What makes you think that just cos he is dedicated to North that no-one else cares as much as him?!
As for winning things – If I had the team he was left on a silver platter – I would have won trophies as well! Fair play for winning things but lets not forget – North werent exactly struggling when he picked up the reins eh?!
Yes, on Saturday the opposing coach was sent off, however he has not made comments about officials in the last 3 matches – & certainly not whining in the media!
Its very strange that North havent won their last 3 games & who is to blame each time?? Oh yes – the officials!!
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Chocolate Lover
You miss my point, I’m not saying sack MLP, I’m saying I think the committee will offer him up as a sacrifice by the end of the season to deflect the flak that is undoubtedly coming their way. Regardless of Mick’s dedication, how many other coaches have been wasing their own teams kit? (and did a better job than the current laundry)
By voicing it on here does it make it any less or more likely to happen?
The committee have hardly been lining up behind him this season, too concerned with their own infighting and more recently trying to make it look like things are changing.
This really does not seem the right forum for airing dirty laundry, but, where else is there?
The players meeting was a sham, so many ifs, coulds and maybes, it will be the start of next season before the players realise nothing was done. Then you get some more jump ship at xmas again.
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I played for North many moons ago, and still support them over any other local side.
I think the problem occurs when coaches blame the referee for literally EVERY lost game, and Mick is allowing himself to fall into this category. Every team gets decisions that cost them games, and over the seasons they inevitably even themselves out. It makes me sick to see Ferguson, Wenger etc immediately blame the referee when they lose, yet you never see them credit the referee for the victory when a decision goes their way!!
Concentrate on playing better football Mick, not whinging all the time and nearly giving yourself a heart attack every time a decision goes against you!
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WH Bonney – You can whinge about my attitude all you like but I think it’s fair to say that North are coming in for a fair amount of flack lately so why shouldn’t I stick up for the club I love? I’m not playing the ‘poor north’ card as you put it and if you’d read my previous posts I have pointed out where things have gone wrong and been open in my criticism.
‘You won’t meet a more dedicated club man’, it’s a metaphore, not meant literally and I have no doubt that there are equally committed people at other clubs. Just trying to put accross that MLP does a lot for the club.
Re winning things, North weren’t doing bad, but hadn’t delivered the title in 15 or so years and there wasn’t exactly an abundance of silverware on the shelf. I think your comments are disrespectful and unnessecary towards Le Prevost. He may have gone a bit far with his comments recently but he’s hardly a serial offender who is regularly in trouble with the GFA. I’ve certainly never seen him sent from his dug out.
Ed – Sorry fi I missed your point and you’re right in your latest post. From what I understand though, the committee may be offering themselves up after all but only time will tell
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I dont remember calling Mick a serial offender or that he was regularly in trouble with the GFA??
I pointed out that his attitude in the last few games was quite poor, blaming officials for his sides incapability to win matches… If you feel the need to argue that statement… sorry, fact – then argue away!
As for not delivering the title for 15 years, I presume my disrespect towards Mick is the same as you virtually discarding the efforts of Colin Ozanne, Rod Elmy, Mac Gallienne & Geoff Tardiff??
The North side got better over the years & I will not back down from my earlier statement that the team Mick inherited was already good enough to win the league. Infact had it not been for a mudbath at the Corbet Field & a stunning strike from Ettienne Ogier, they would have been champions when he took charge – so dont even think about arguing that fact my friend!!
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Agreed that he has not conducted himself perfectly for the last few games but that is three games in however long he has been there. Hardly a reason to condemn the man.
In regard to Colin, Rod, Mac & Geoff, not sure where I am discarding their efforts or disrespecting them? By simply saying that none of them picked up the league (now that is a fact ‘my friend’) you think that is disrespect then I’m sorry. They’re all good men and good coaches but all without a league title to their name for whatever reason and regardless of their ability as coaches. I somehow think that comments like ‘As for winning things – If I had the team he was left on a silver platter – I would have won trophies as well!’ rank slightly more disrespectful than mine. You are undermining his ability as a coach with statements like this.
I am not arguing that he inherited a good team, simply saying that it takes more than just good players to win trophies.
Oh, and by the way, Le Prevost himself was responsible for nurturing many of the top players at North, past and present, as well as some of his predecessors, especially Tardiff
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All of this is just nonsense
MLP is wrong to carry on at referees, he is just looking to divert the position he finds himself in by creating new headlines, and it definitely is not working.
What nurturing are you talking about Chocolate Lover, MLP made the players laugh by clowning around but nurture, no
He has just picked up the produce of other talented coaches. You cannot tell me that North would not have won all that they have if MLP had not been there – that is nonsense and is probably the exact reason that North find themselves where they are today because they want to heap the praise on anyone who is involved at the club except the players
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Why dont you all get off the back of Mick Le Prevost
It is probably the stress and his caring attitude that have made him react in the way he has over the last couple of weeks
Just leave him alone – you would all do a much better job, I doubt
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Jeff, I believe Mick was involved in coaching at his time as a youth coach, Scott Bougourd, Darren Martin, Ollie McKenzie, Matt Loaring and Jon Loaring as well as his son Alex to name a few. All talented players and you can throw Glyn Dyer and Craig Young in there.
That do you? Make ridiculous statements all you like but it seems to me you are the one who is clowning around by asking that question in the first place. Sure, other coaches have been involved along the line as well but so has MLP.
I’m not saying other coaches may not have won trophies also but credit where it’s due.
Lindatee – the people who are on his back know nothing about what he contributes. They are jumping on the badwagon and it’s all pretty pathetic really.
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Could it be that ‘Chocolate Lover’ is actually Mick Le Prevost??????
As I read all of this garbage it becomes apparent that only Mick could love himself this much!!
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For god s sake all of you!!!!!!!!!!!!! give it a rest….nothing you say will make much difference here. what will be will be…
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Dave -
No Mick isn’t ‘Chocolate Lover’ and those who love him are his family and his players!!!!!!!!!!
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People who know me realise that I probably watch more football on the island than any other person due to the job I do for the Guernsey Football Association.
I have no intention of ‘bashing coach’s’ because they contribute to local football which is more than a lot of ex players have ever done, coach’s do not sit in the bar and whinge into the beer about ‘In Our Day’
Most of my time is spent watching younger referees and this is the point that is begining to scare me, what chance do I have in finding new and young referees in the present inviroment, I have several excellent young referees on my books and support of them is what is really needed, hopefully in the next few weeks I will be able to make an announcement to this effect.
I have been involved in refereeing since 1966 (No it did not cross the line) and I have yet to meet a referee who is not prepared to discuss the game when it is over but not at the same moment that he blows the whistle, politely knock his changing room door 10 minutes after the game and ask can you speak to him about an incident, provided you ask in a reasonable manner I have no doubt that you will receive a reply given in the same tone.
I have only just discovered this forum and think that it is great for local football, keep it going but why be afraid to sign your name?
Graham Skuse
PS
Referees course starting next tuesday at the Corbet Field contact me on 07781156719
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Those players that stay you mean!
I think Mick has been made a bit of a scapegoat to be fair…
The big problem at North is the committee… A president that has no respect & clearly no idea & a director of football with no direction, who has only ever been the presidents nodding yes man…
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Well that’s not a bad few players who have stuck around, I could go on but anyway…
Finally a comment I agree with in regards to scapegoat and committee.
Here’s hoping for change
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Billy the kid, you are not wrong yet.
Did you mean that MLP “has” been made a scapegoat or “will” be?
Committee bashing at North is like shooting rats in a cage this season.
Roll on the AGM
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graham skuse
Welcome to this forum!!
What scares you most about the present environment affecting potential new referees? Is it complaints / disrespect from coaches, or from players?
Human nature says that if you can gain an advantage in a sporting situation, you will try.
Therefore verbal intimidation of a referee has become the norm, at all levels from the Premiership down. However the game of football appears to tolerate such behaviour, whereas rugby players have a far greater respect for the referee
Million dollar question for you Graham – why can football not adopt the rugby approach to respect toward officials?
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To a greater extent a good refereeing performnce will go a long way to earning respect. However, it is unlikely that both sets of coaches and players will come away from a game stating that the Referee had an excellent game, the coaches/players both want their teams to Win and will have a different viewpoint on contentious decisions.
Imagine this:
It is a cup final the game is tied in stoppage time (fergie time). The referee(who has had a good game up until that point)has a clear and unobstructed view sees an infringement in the penalty area and awards a Penalty, which happens to be the last kick of the game. The Penalty is converted. The winning team will be over the moon, yet in most cases the losing team will see the Referee as the Villain.
The referee will most likely be judged on this one incident and not the other 89 minutes of the game. The media wont be interested in the fact that 90% of the referees decisions were correct, becaues that isn’t “sexy” and won’t make the headlines.
Referees need the assistance of players and coaches alike to accept the decision given and get on with the game.For the record as a player I saw my fair share of cards for disputing decisions but they were never changed.
Prior to any game which I referee I will speak to both captains. I will say that I am likely to make some mistakes and I will also invite them to speak with me during the game and if I have chance I will explain the reasons why I did or did not give a decision. Sometimes I cannot always do this as I have to divert my attention to the next incident in the game.
In the passion of the game RESPECT is often lost.
One last scenario which happened last week during the North v Rangers Division One game.
An attacking player was brought down by a player of the defending team just outside the penalty area. I was positioned 3 yards away and awarded a free kick. The midfield players and bench of the defending team hotly disputed the decision and let me know in no uncertain terms.
While they were doing this the defender helps to pick up the attacker from his prone position. The defender apologised to the attacker for bringing him down. The defender turned to me and said, ” Sorry ref, I was a bit slow there”.
He conceded that he had committed a foul yet his colleagues did not see it!
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Mista Joon – I suspect because this kind of thing starts from the top and all top flight football players are overpaid prima-donnas
How can you discipline a player locally for a verbal outburst when Rooney and Co are effing and blinding in the Prem week in week out. There would be calls of no consistency and how do you adopt one set of rules for one and different for t’other. You then have the issue of misinterpretation of the rules
Mr Skuse has the unenviable task of the organising/atrracting/training new refs and what a fine job you do under limited resource.
Until the inherent problems surrounding this issues are addressed at the top, it is an impossible scenario
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Mr Joon (strange name that) I can sum up your question in one word ‘mentality’ the mentality of the Rugby player is totally different to that of a football player.
You may or may not be aware but I originate from Rugby country and played the game before landing on Guernsey’s shores, indeed I played over here for a while.
Someone earlier said that the discilpine should start at the top a point that I totally agree with,due to the confrences and courses that I attend many of the top referees are indeed friends of mine and when asked the same question they will usually state ‘mentality’ closley followed by money orientation.
We play our football on a different planet to big teams like Cardiff City!! and children around our parks and grounds are subjected to language that they would not use in front of their Granny but it is impossible to stamp it out completely, try by all means I am on your side.
Language is one of the most emotive subjects on a football pitch because, due to concentration, a Referee does not always hear it and sometimes when he does if it occurs behind him he does not know who it is, I reiterate, I am on your side.
I suspect that this subject will carry on for a while yet but as a retired man I have the time.
Graham Skuse
PS
There is a referees course starting at the Corbet Field next tuesday contact me on 07781156719
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Chocolate Lover
I agree – the problem does start from the top, but there is far too much money in the professional game for things to change easily
However, if there is a problem locally in recruiting referees, surely the local football administrators have to do what they can to address the issue?
Incidentally, the GFA have introduced their ‘Respect’ initiative at mini and Corbet Cup level, which I gather is working fairly well, but it makes you wonder if the discipline learned at the age of 12 is still going to be evident in the players’ behaviour in 4 or 5 years time
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Yes the G F A have launched or rather relaunched the RESPECT programme but at all levels in fact very shortly a team will receive an award, you note I say a team and not a club.
Yes there are still pockets of problems around but my experience shows that very slowly it is all improving, hopefull in the not to distant future we will see the current crop of young players coming through with good habits.
Graham Skuse
PS
There is a referees course starting tomorrowm night at the Corbet Field ring me on 07781156719 for details.
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I play a bit of social league football and do so because GFA football is too serious for me and I cannot commit to training twice a week because of familly and work commitments.(added to that is the fact that I am not good enough!)
At the start of this thread A Saint basically laid into Mick Le Prevost and Ian Champion. Now I can understand the issue with Le Prevost, on his recent behaviour, but to bring Champion into it is ridiculous. I can tell you that if I were to start taking my football more serious and committing to any club at the moment it would be Bels. Champion took a job that only a few wanted and was the only outside of Bels contender to replace Budlo. He has not only replaced him as the coach but he is in the process of what seems to be a revolution at Bels.
Budlo was successful but his motivational methods, although they worked, were more that of a caveman than a football coach. Friends tell me that Bels are becoming a family club, more and more wives, girlfriends and children are becoming part of the Bels way to do things. This internal closeness is new to Bels and was exactly what Champion did at Saints in the late 1990’s. Looking at where Bels find themselves today in the league table it seems Mr Champion may know what he is doing after all and the continued die together attitude that is growing at Bels could mean that they find themselves right where they are now for a long time to come.
Credit where credit is due – A Saint, you do talk some nonsense!
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Alan: Another ex-GFA speaks! “I didn’t want to train twice a week.” Then don’t – you can still find a club and will still get a game, particularly if you are over 35s, look at the Veterans set up and more teams expected in next year.
If you want to go to Bels I’m sure their vets could accommodate you. Good luck
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Fair comment Alan Travers – its nice to see another person using their actual name on this site and it was nice to read something positive
I have recently been around the Bels, as a friend of a friend, meeting up before a girlie night out on the town and I have to say your comments are true. I never thought I would go to a little bunker in the middle of nowhere for a few beers on a Saturday night. The atmosphere around the Bels is infectious, there seems to be always something going on and I have even taken my kids down – who seem to love the place.
If, as you state, Ian Champion has influenced this in any way he should be congratulated because I would have thought it was his job to win football matches and that must be a big enough job in itself.
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winning football matches will bring more interest and more sponsorship and more support innit
if champion keeps winning his club will get more popular and if he dont he will get what north are getting
its got nothing to do with champion what happens in the clubhouse
all he is supposed to do is the football
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Just read the press about Gary Cortez great news for North except it looks like Finn will stay and continue in some role. I heard gossip about this a couple of days ago, so the source must be good
Just heard from the same source that Cortez’s first action will be to approach Ian Champion to replace MLP and they hope to team Champion up with Cameron as a joint management team
That would set the cat amongst the pigeons
We will have to wait and see
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Conflicting arguement at lunch
Corbet or Champion at North next year? Both my mates seem to think that Corbet is on the move from Rec (doesnt like coaching losing teams) and Champion is linked through another leak
Maybe they are both going
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The AGM is not until June so any change would be for next season.
How many players would come back to North?
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Ian Champion would be the best man for North. Fact.
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who cares Ken, whats the gamble?
the players we have lost we have lost but a lot of them may consider coming back if we sort out our issues
champion or corbet may not be everyones choice but at least our players seem to want to play for champion. I would love to see Rihoy, Saunders and Young among others back in chocolate and blue
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I hear if Corbet or Champion come in more players will move out, they weren’t respected/liked last time they were there.
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Piggy, just because you put fact after everything you write, doesn’t mean it is.
Ross Cameron needs to be involved somewhere along the line. Exceptionally talented coach who has the respect of players inside and outside the club
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Chocolate Lover – Ian Champion would bring some much needed discipline to North and stop players (namely Simon Tostevin) moaning at the refs. Now that is a fact!
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JLP more players than have already moved out?
I think Champion was only with us as Y2 coach for about 3 months before being removed from his post because of a complaint from a players parents because the player was dropped!
If that was still the club rule today MLP would have been crucified and sacked years ago! Champion was replaced by MLP in that role and his group of players included a lot of todays first team, who, as I remember, at the time were upset that Champion had gone. (this is borne out by the fact that he is now coaching some of them at Bels and they dont seem to be trying to leave) His apparent influence both on the pitch and around the club would be a real asset and something we need to bring us all together
Corbet has won everything with us. He is a difficult character to deal with but he could be the man to shake us up. Unlike Champion he would not have anything to do with anything but the football but he has been there and done it so he cant be ruled out
At the end of the day the coach does not have to be liked, he has to be respected and be someone who can look at the bigger picture of our club and give us a lift both on and off the pitch
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Leppy -
Yes even more and I could name them but won’t. They are actually only still there because of MLP and that goes for some of the Youth players coming through as well.
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JLP who is still there? The youngster involved with Champions departure was Jacques Isabelle (obviously gone). Champion used Ross Elliot (obviously gone) in Jacques place. His Y2 team included Kyle Stone (obviously gone), Kris Buddle (obviously gone), Jason Boscher (obviously gone), Sam Stables (obviously gone), Craig Young (obviously gone), Antony O’Regan (obviously gone) and Anthony Austen (obviously gone). The only ones left are Darren Martin and sometimes Sam Matthews and thats about it
I can tell you that many of this lot were unhappy about Champion leaving the way that he did (obviously Jacques Isabelle was happy) and of course they were close to MLP directly after Champion but there is no doubt that the discipline deteriorated very quickly until the death of Martyn Le Prevost and at this point it all fell apart. Some ended up in trouble, some gave up football and some just left the club
MLP will always have a following of youth players because he makes them laugh – he is ‘Mick the Trick’ and I think this is probably where he should spend his time, encouraging youth players to relax and enjoy their football before their game gets too serious
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Leppy –
Ollie McKenzie, Alex Le Prevost, Paul Page, Micky Wilson (returned), Simon Tostevin (returned, Jon & Matt Loaring, Stephen Gibson, William Woodford, to name a few – youngsters coming through – Scott Bougourd, Nigel Hutton, Joe Alvarez – Scott is being mentioned in Island Football circles.
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JLP – we are not comparing the same thing and your list is pretty short on numbers!
There was also a long list of players printed in the press last week that are not mentioned in either of our lists and they never returned to the club
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JLP the names you list are basically who is left at North with any talent, in other words your first team
But is there enough to win Div 1? I think not
Ollie McKenzie (great player), Alex Le Prevost (great player), Paul Page (not sure), Micky Wilson (mega talent but not always up to it), Simon Tostevin (talent with a difference), Jon & Matt Loaring (great prospects), Stephen Gibson (done well but not really), William Woodford (not really), Scott Bougourd (great prospect), Nigel Hutton (great prospect), Joe Alvarez (good enough youngster but laiden with a stupid comment by MLP ‘muratti player in 2 years’ (no chance))
There are other youngsters who are really good prospects at North but it is just too early for them
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Ken Nicolle – I honestly don’t think it matters who takes over at North. Looking at the players that have left, most of them seem to be enjoying there football now. Whether it be at Rangers, Bels or Tics – why would they want to go back?
Jess Le Tocq – I agree with you about the Bels. It seems over the years they have not been the most liked club or friendliest club(in some people’s opinion) but that seems to have changed. More & more families are going down to watch there games & credit must go to the club.
Bobby Jay – I agree with your comment on Alvarez, i don’t think the pressure heaped on him by MLP has helped. I still feel that Bougourd & Hutton will turn out to be much better footballers then Alvarez!
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Ken Nicolle – Peter Griffin is right, once you lose them it is damn hard to get them back and it might be that Champion is the one to bring them back. I wouldnt worry too much about losing any more of our players as what we have got left is not enough to win Div 1 anyway (it hurts to say that but it is true)
Jess Le Tocq – Unfortunately Bels seem to be moving forwards about as quickly as north are moving backwards. North were once the club that attracted youngsters not only for football but for socialising too. We need to address this as soon as possible
Bobby Jay – MLP was mad to make that comment about Alvarez – if he doesnt represent the Island in 2 years then other football clubs/players will never let him live it down – it gives ammunition that can always be used against him
I wish MLP would think before he opens his mouth. He is currently constantly blaming the GFA for the predicament he finds himself in and as a north supporter, through and through, I just want all this to end and something positive to follow the appointment of Gary Cortez
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at an emergency meeting called by ian champion last night at the track he told his players that he intended to join north at the end of this season
they were all asked to keep it under wraps (it didnt work) and if they were asked to deny it so that it did not interfere with them trying to finish this season with a league win
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Champion is in job done
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Just heard that Ian Champion has informed his Bels players that he is joining North
I am completely gutted I hope this is not true things have never been so good for Bels
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What a fast mover you are Gary Cortez
These are the kind of changes we needed, the kind of decisions that we need to be made. Good leadership, taking control
I am sure Champion will get a mixed reception but he wont stand for any nonsense from players or the committee and that is just what we need
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my mate plays for bels and he says there was a last minute meeting called last night at the track
training had been cancelled after their game on wednesday but champion called a meeting late afternoon
unfortunately my mate couldnt make it because it was called so late
i can only take it that this is all true
you cant keep secrets in guernsey
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Just the job
Welcome Ian Champion – now we will see what player movement happens in the close season. This will bring the pressure between us and Bels to boiling point and there will be only one winner – get in there you Northerners
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Groucher – I’ve heard that there was a meeting at the track last night aswell, but it was to tell the players that the RUMOURS were a load of rubbish! Just my opinion, but why would Champion leave a club that so many people on here believe are moving forward, for a club that is in a right mess? Doesn’t really add up to me!
It seems to me that all these rumours are being made up by North supporters to try an unsettle the Bels camp. I’ve heard that it is true about Phil Corbet being in charge of North next year! We’ll all have to wait and see!!
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Although there are a lot who want to see Garry C at North, he hasn’t been voted in yet (and yes this is probably a done deal), but a bit premature for Champy to anounce to one team that he is leaving when GC isn’t actually in a position to officially offer him anything yet!
If this does happen there will be a few back “volunteers” leaving, but then perhaps they have new ones to bring in.
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Got you Bels, what a coup
Champion changed Bels from a right rabble to a club where top players want to join in 8 months
So what will he be able to acheive with a bunch of players who can already play? I cant wait to find out
Bels this season have gone from strength to strength and on the pitch they are way ahead of everyone else right now. It will be a miracle if they do not win the league from where they are now although if we cant win it I would obviously prefer Saints
I stand waiting for Bels to fall apart as they have done watching our problems
A few celebratory beers tonight for me
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I can tell you now for a fact that Ian Champion is NOT leaving Bels to go to North, what a load of rubbish! Don’t know where this information has come from but it seems that people are having a little too mcuh fun starting rumors!
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Peter you sound like an upset Bels player to me, accept the situation like a man
JLP I think Gary Cortez is already shadowing what is happening around North and sorting things out on the quiet. He is travelling to Jersey tomorrow to watch us play St Pauls. This will probably be masked by the fact that he is representing the GFA but he is there for North
Although Champion was probably trying to do the right thing by his Bels players he should not have told them because we all know it is almost impossible to keep things quiet in Guernsey
Whoever the ‘back volunteers’ that you mention are they are part of the past and we need a total change and for everyone to get behind him
There is going to be some media backlash after this – YAHOOOOOOOO
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Do you donkeys ever stop
The people mentioned and contributing to this thread should have a word with themselves
As if any of this matters
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Heard today that Champion won’t be taking over at Northfield, although he’s leaving Bels to coach Real Madrid. Garry Cortez will be appointing Simon Tostevin as player coach, assisted by Dave Finn . Mick has agreed to take over kit-man duties for next season. Also managed to persuade Peter Storrie (Pompey CEO) to join the committee. Could also be a couple of loan deals in the pipeline depending on how long Man Utd stay in the Carling Cup next season. If they’re out early Welbeck and co. are likely to join the Chocolate and Blues. (Also the new manager must decide who to make captain after Darren Martin was caught renting out his private box at the Northfield.)
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classic jose
Let me make something very clear champy is going nowhere
you north and saints people who are trying to create some sort of problem for Bels, trying to make us slip up can try all you like but we are a different club now
no one was interested in bels before champy sorted us out so you can all sit and watch as we start our domination of guernsey football
just understand champy is going nowhere
how could we replace him
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I am a very good source as far as bels are concerned and sorry guys but the meeting on thursday was a meeting with players and Ian to discuss all this rubbish being started by the “Rumour mill” Ian has changed plenty at bels, bels are now winning in style and have a lot more respect for everyone else including themselves. The club is now a far more welcoming place and i would incourage anyone who does not agree to go and see for themselves. I think everyone should give Mick L P a break, we need guys like him in the game, instead of everyone moaning about the apparent BAD Mick L P and Ian Champion look at all the good they are both trying to achieve and succesfully with there clubs. We forget that this is an amateur game and coaches are there to make sure players fulfill their potential and you certainly cannot fault either Mick or Ian Champion for that with their success in the past. My conclusion is that if you want to blame anyone for bad results blame the players, if players are happy with themselves and the club environment there comfortable on the pitch. Bels certainly dont look like a side at the moment who are struggling in any department!
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Obviously there are lots of porkie pies here
someone is going to end up with egg on their face
After weekend discussions I think that Champion is going to end up being hated by the Bels. If he did tell the Bels players that he was staying at Bels he is not being honest with them.
Mark my words he will be in charge of North at the start of next season
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This has been quite an amusing morning reading all of the posts on here. It certainly raises a few questions:
Can anybody say with clarity that Champions meeting with Bels was to deny rumours or not?
If Champion has accepted the job of North coach, then who has offered it to him?
Why would he leave Bels for North as things stand, I’m not aware of any special afinity he has to the club?
Seems like a bunch of rumours and until I hear actual FACTS, then I would dismiss this as absolute nonsense
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I am very close to the Bels and I can confirm that Champion did have a meeting with the players and it was to tell the players that he is joining North
He did not say who appointed him just that he had accepted the North job and asked the players to keep it quiet until the season ended
He considers that he left an undone job at North all of those years ago and wants to put right what he started. Champion not only coached at North but he played for them to so dont be surprised or think that he does not have any past relationships at the club
These are actual facts
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Judge Jenny
You dont know what your talking about, its quite an amusing guessing game trying to work out who you are? Your so full of it, you sound like a silly child trying to play games with things you know nothing about. The only THING with egg on their face will be you. Go on to a forum where you actually might have a valid say!!!
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I spoke to a Bels coach at the weekend and he said it was a load of tosh, definately not true.
I also spoke to an ex committee member of North who said it was not true.
But, for sure some people think it is true. Judge Jenny for instance?
Makes for a better story than Mick Le P’s ref rants.
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So we have conflicting opinion of people saying he is DEFINITELY joining North and others saying he is DEFINITELY not joining North.
Ed, would you expect a fellow coach at the club to concede that he was leaving given the implications it might have? Also, would an ex-committee member of North know such information if indeed Cortez is working behind the scene then I can’t imagine he’s broadcasting it to such people?
I’m not dismissing what you’re saying, you could well be right but there is a lot of people claiming to be in the inner circles here and Champion is definitely doing ‘this or that’.
The only thing for him to do is to go public I guess. A fairly impossible situation because if he says ‘yeah I’m off’ then he could effectively de-rail their season. If he denies it and it then transpires that he is to join North then it reflects pretty badly on him.
I don’t know Champion but it seems like he’s been put in a very precarious position, maybe or maybe not through his own doing.
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I bet half you guys on here have absolutely nothing to do with football and somehow want to play a part in it by starting all these rumours? All you lot have to do is go to these people face to face and ask the questions your all debating? Or is it that, you know you will get the truth? that Champy is not going, and will have nothing to do all day because you wont have anything to moan and groan about? Sad.
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Player – Not sure you’ve grasped the concept of an online forum and perhaps you need to be a little less defensive and more respectful of the people who come on here.
Champion isn’t known, or in most cases, accesible to everybody on this forum to ask that question. This is a place for people to have such debate and if you don’t like what’s being posted here then perhaps you need to not engage in such discussions.
Football is full of rumours and gossip and it is what makes the game appealing to so many people. I don’t doubt that you go to your place of work every day and have similar conversations about John Terry or the Engalnd Captaincy? I wouldn’t believe you if you told me you didn’t so don’t be having a pop at people for choosing this forum to have a debate about what’s happening in local football.
You’re clearly well placed to make such comments about where his loyalty lies but you should remember that not everyone has the benefit of that.
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player – what do you call involved?
5.5 hours coaching on Saturday
3 hours coaching on Sunday
“It” was a topic of conversation that came up a couple of times this weekend in the football circles I mixed in. See my post above.
I did ask the Bels coach I bumped into as well.
Unless definative information is available, through a verifiable source, then people will continue to speculate on the half truths and gossips that prevail.
Specifically on this open forum.
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You guys want more respect? Thats rich, scroll up the page and read your and everybody elses comments on Mick and Ian? Do you respect them? If anyone is getting defensive it sounds like you chocolate Lover? It seems you like to stur up everybody else life and football situation how would you like it if we discussed your real name? () And how bad you are at your hobbies? I get that this site is for peoples opinion but you guys are all getting out of hand. You seem to be the middle man here? thinking you know a bit more than you actually do? Winding all this discussion up at any given opportunity! Maybe its all of you that have no respect for the players and clubs your discussing. I gather your not that close to GFA football so i suggest you stop talking rubbish about (AGAIN) what you know nothing about!
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Player, I’m not sure why you’re getting so worked up about this. My earlier posts are in defense of MLP and the amount of stick he’s getting at present. I haven’t personally commented on Champion as I don’t know the man but I’m perfectly entitled to comment on Mick and North because I know far far more on this topic than you do.
I’m also don’t see the relevance of talking about my name or how ‘bad I am at my hobbies’, I’m not the person being reported on here.
Your assumption that I am not close to GFA football is also way off the mark, I dont’ need to go into details. You are commenting that the other posts on here, as well as mine, are rubbish. Fine, you’re entitled to your opinion but delivering them in the aggressive nature that you ahve above doesn’t exactly make your argument particularly rational
I will presume from your passionate reply that you are closely linked to Bels and I completely understand your frustration at various rumours flying around but this is one little piece of gossip. Spare a thought for what us North fans have had to endure for the past month or so, day after day, story after story. It’s not that big a deal!
As I said in my last post, if you don’t like what’s being discussed, don’t read it. I’ll decline to respond further unless you want to engage in proper conversation
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Im not wanting to engage in conversation, just tell you the truth and what is really going on. If your as close to North as you think you are why are you not in the know? Seems to me your a bitter fan being pushed out of the club, (out of the circle) probably a better way to describe it!
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chocolate lover, you have it all wrong, budlo and ockelford are going to north next season, fact. they announced it at saints after the island game last night, were you not there. you seem to have got really wound up so perhaps it is you who should stop reading the forum. just in case you are making assumptions i am just a football lover
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After investigations by the GP sports department it is clear that many of the comments on this thread referring to Ian Champion (and others) moving to North, are incorrect.
We will not accept any more comments on the subject.
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