With pre season friendlies done, the local league kicks off this weekend with two new names in Jersey’s top flight, plenty of players on the move and a lot of excitement, and hope, going into the new season.
Here is our club by club preview!
Grouville FC
David Fitton and Grouville will look to build on a positive Charity Cup campaign, beating St John and St Clement to reach tonights semi-final against St Paul’s, as they kick off their league campaign against St Brelade. Harrison Moon and Callum Coote return to the club, alongside fellow signings Jack Griffin, Jules Gabbiadini, Logan Mcghee, Evan Nobes, Jack Da Silva and goalkeeper Tom Bisson. With the likes of Connor Lloyd, Robert Martins-Figueria, Jake Mulholland and Charlie Payne remaining at the club, amongst others of course, you have to put the Groove down as title contenders, and they will have club legend George Noel in their minds throughout.
Jersey Wanderers
A new season, and a new start for Jersey Wanderers. With Chris Andrews and Shaun A’Court stepping away from managerial duties after so many years of excellent commitment to the club, the fresh faces of Chris Gill and Sam Quail take over. The pair, who managed St Peter C last season, have built a very good squad bringing in the likes of Kamen Nafkha, Arthur Illingworth, Ryan Le Cornu, Harry Scott, James Murphy, Jamie Ritzema, Noah Risby and Michael Hood. With Josh and Luke Coutanche, Jamie and Chris Mourant, Robbie Scott and others in the mix too, expect Wanderers to be very competitive this season.
Madeira FC
Bem-vindo Madeira. After promotion last season Madeira FC are keen to get going in the top flight this season. An exciting team who play with a speed and intensity to rival any team in the league, they will cherish the challenge and will be part of some mouthwatering matches. The energy of Joao Sousa and Hugo Viera, Diogo Velosa’s goalscoring ability and their new signings as announced on their Instagram account will make Madeira a fantastic addition to Premiership 1, and if their fans follow them everywhere they go, expect an amazing atmosphere at their games too. Viva Madeira.
Sporting Academics
The crazy gang are back! Like Madeira, after a brilliant campaign last season Accies return to the Premiership. A team who are very technically gifted, with the likes of captain James Walsh, Barry Keith, Connor Campbell and player/manager Jamie Savory often linking up effortlessly, but also a team who are not afraid to put a tackle in, they will be another great addition. With plenty of talent on the pitch, on their day, a team and squad that can beat anyone.
St Brelade
After a tough summer where uncertainty about their future as a club was the main topic, just being here is sure to be a relief for St Brelade. Saying that, with former Jersey Bulls manager Gary Freeman in charge, it is an exciting fresh start for the club. With the likes of Declan O’Connell, Brad Stratford, Connor Maher, Jake Huckerby, Joe Tilstone and new signing Dane McCormick in the squad, as well as Kieran Lester and Francis Lekimamati signing on and keeping one of the islands most exciting youngsters, Will Yates, the fish have a great squad and will cause problems for teams.
St Clement
The holders will be looking to retain their title. With James Beaumont now in charge the anchors will hope to keep Karl Hinds in their squad providing the goals. With leaders in the squad such as Connor O’Shea, Ryan Campos and Joe Brophy, as well as the quality of Jack Lumsden, Jay Dos Santos and new signing Seany McColgen, amongst others, don’t be surprised if they are right up there hunting for trophies again this campaign.
St Paul’s
The exciting young talents of St Paul’s are back with more experience under their belts from last time out. Callum Gilroy, Barry Beatson, Conor O’Keefe and Fergus Boyle, amongst others, will look to build on what has been an exciting time for the club. With the likes of Joey O’Toole and Stanley Dunne coming through as well, this young team will keep developing into a strong side for years to come if they stick together. Another year of top flight football together will do them no harm at all – expect them to get stronger and stronger.
St Peter
It has been a big summer of outgoings at St Peter. Manager Elliot Powell and Dan Garton have been hired by Jersey Bulls, whilst many players of their successful tenure have looked for new starts. Chris Riley, who took the clubs reserve side last season, comes in with a big job on his hands but the talented coach will enjoy the challenge. Peter Vincenti and Jamie Watling the only regular first team faces to remain, but the likes of Tom Ewing and Nathan de la Haye will provide energy in midfield for Riley. Lucas Parker also comes in as a leader, and the hope will be that some youngsters will step up for the crosskeys this season too.
Good luck to all teams this season! Sportscast Jersey are looking forward to covering all of the action!
