Dale hangs up boots

Friday 30th October 2009, 2:30PM GMT.

DALE GARLAND is hanging up his football boots for at least the next 12 months as he gives himself the best chance of winning Guernsey’s first track medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Garland (pictured) scored four early season goals for Rangers’ first team, but has missed recent games and yesterday confirmed he won’t be in action again this side of the 2010 Games next October in Delhi.

Although he still loves his football, he admitted he cannot risk getting injured, especially now that Guernsey have high hopes of fielding a first 4x400m relay squad at the four-yearly Games.

Without him to head the squad, there would, realistically, be no team.

It is a move welcomed by Tom Druce, his fellow one-lap runner and double Island Games champion over 400 and 800 metres.

‘Definitely, I’d say it is the right decision – a sensible move.

‘I knew he was thinking about it and it is good to know that he is for a year at least.’

Garland said he had been thinking about it for a while.

‘It’s a big year with the Commonwealths. I’ve got to see what I can do in Commonwealth Games year and do as well as I can.’

To read Guernsey Press stories in full click here for subscription details. Individual editions are now available online.

1
Paul Le Page

October 31, 2009 at 11:28 am

A good decision by Dale in my opinion. Although I prefer football to athletics as a general rule sacrificing lesser things to achieve a higher goal is a wise move.

There’s no point Dale risking an injury playing Guernsey league football when he has a chance of a Commonweath medal. With all due respect, when it comes to achievement they’re not in the same league.

I hope it pays off with success next year.

Report abuse