Blog: Guernsey FC half-term report

Credit: Andy Dovey

+ Positives

  • Strong at home once again

  • Young players showing promise

  • New link with Bristol City

- Negatives

  • Long-term injury to Chris Tardif

  • Departure of Ross Allen

  • Away form still a problem

Progress so far?

Evolve or die. Every one of Guernsey FC’s seasons so far has brought new experiences and new obstacles, and 2016/17 is no different. On the pitch, for the first time in six campaigns Tony Vance’s men are in a relegation fight, and have, in the manager’s own words, entered “a new chapter” in the club’s development off it.

Losing two of the club’s best, and most committed, players - Chris Tardif to long-term injury and Ross Allen to a travelling bug - hasn’t helped the cause, but neither has it signalled disaster. Josh Addison has settled in goal, and Allen’s absence could see his influence extended and others encouraged.

Meanwhile, the new wide-ranging agreement with Championship side Bristol City promises to freshen up things at the just the right time. Reinforcements in key areas will help to hold the fort until, as one fan recently put it, the academy “cavalry arrives”. The Bristol City link is both a short-term fix and a far-sighted vision. It feels like a “360” deal which, if it delivers, could be leveraged by every level of local football.

Who’s impressed?

Thomas Dodds. Since making his competitive debut in the FA Cup replay at Thamesmead Town, Dodds has become a driving force in the Green Lions midfield. A clutch of MOTM performances highlight how influential he’s been when Guernsey have been at their best this season. That hasn’t been often enough lately, but Dodds’ composure and work rate will see him play a big part in helping turn things round. He is also a shining example to other young players of the opportunity Guernsey FC presents.

Target for the rest of the season?

Win away. Easier said than done, but GFC’s new West Country relations might just give the club the shot in the arm it needed. Jake Andrews and Kodi Lyons-Foster showed enough against Herne Bay to suggest they, and any other Robins players that follow, can inspire an upturn in Guernsey fortunes on the road. Good home form is important to keeping supporters turning out at Footes Lane, but an improvement in away form might be vital to keeping players turning up to training.