As a club, Casuals is clearly run on a shoe string with a heavy reliance on a small number of volunteers. Take a look at the on pitch activity however and you'll be in awe at the altruistic nature of the players at the currently highest placed amateur club in the British Isles. Truly inspirational.
Wasn't expecting much from the game and the final score of 5-2 suggests expectations were met. Based on goals that I saw it was only 2-1 though which is a marked improvement. Overall the team did look better organised but multiple collective meltdowns at, what once upon a time was, the relatively simple task of defending. Possibly time to reintroduce the mantra of 'if in doubt kick it out'.
After the match Tony Vance talked of a period of transition and 2-3 years before maybe things will be flowing better. Totally get that but mounting injuries mean there's an increased chance of the 'r' word becoming a reality. Many fans have no problem with that, if you're happy to take promotion then relegation is a de facto part of life after all. TV is on the record saying, in a roundabout way, that such a scenario would be disastrous (potential loss of sponsors etc).
If that's really how Guernsey based sponsors view their support of Guernsey sport competing at the highest possible level then, given the circumstances of the time, maybe there is no point in any of this. I'd like to think they're not so shallow however.
With the DC no longer on the scene there is an opportunity for a refresh when it comes to control of the club. Always touted as being run democratically for the benefit of the community democracy, so far, has been decidedly North Korean in flavour. Hearing whispers of a possible change in stance however and a proper membership scheme giving voting rights when it comes to selection of a management committee has to be the way forward.
Also there needs to be a debate over what is meant by a 'family club'. It's said that there are a number of former players considered persona non grata due to issues off the pitch. In reality families contain all sorts. There has to be a question mark over whether 'families' that exclude model individuals are proper families. These lost family members could be the difference between Isthmian or CoCo League football next season. In short, do you want sugar sweet or the best team Guernsey can put out.
I see murmurings here and their about Vance and Fallaize and their suitability for the job in hand. Having the opportunity to speak to them fairly regularly I don't doubt their passion for an instant, although I would say they could show it more on the bench. I don't see anyone else in the Bailiwick with the qualifications for the job unless, of course, everyone's prepared to learn through relegation(s).
Finally, the trip to Carshalton on Saturday could be painful. If you're going take a right on exiting the station then left at the bottom of the slope and toddle down to meet us in the Sun. Only a short walk to the ground thereafter and whatever the result you will have a highlight or two from the day.
Expectations will be low and, again, attitude and aptitude are arguably more important than points.
Keep it Green
Allez les Verts!!
