TONY VANCE is to fill the vacant island football manager’s job. And that is despite being in effect sacked as assistant coach by the GFA for his links with Guernsey United.

Sources within the GFA have indicated that only one person responded to the association’s advert for the post created when Steve Ogier – and Vance (pictured) – was forced out in September having supposedly nailed their colours to the Guernsey United project.

Leading players have been unofficially briefed over the matter and the talk in at least one club dressing room this week was that it all pointed to Vance stepping up to the top job. When pressed on the matter yesterday, the GFA rushed out a statement confirming the appointment.

‘The board was unanimous in its decision to appoint Tony and will be working with him to provide a meaningful programme for the island’s best players in the future,’ said GFA chairman Mark Le Tissier.

Vance’s about-turn will have shocked those at Guernsey United, who had considered him a driving force in the project to take a local side into the national league pyramid system next season.