Culkin, who resigned from the top job in 2014, has been assisting current incumbent Martin Cassidy in the build up to Saturday’s clash at Footes Lane – a match that provides Jersey with an opportunity to claim a fourth inter-insular win in five years.
And Boyle, who lifted the Vase at Springfield 12 months ago following a 1-0 victory, says the approach adopted by the coaching staff is paying dividends as the Caesareans look to bounce back from a defeat on penalties to the Army in last week’s Southern Counties Cup final.
‘Craig has come back in to give “Cass” a hand and that’s been nothing but a plus,’ said Boyle.
‘He’s just got it … an aura, the confidence, and he has a good way of coming across to players, which has been a big help.
‘We’ve worked a lot on our shape and reflecting on that [Army] defeat, we played alright but we didn’t take our chances. We should be brushing teams like the Army aside and on another day it could have been 4-, 5- or 6-0. We’ll be looking to put that right on Saturday.’
Discussing his side’s chances for the 103rd Muratti final, Boyle said: ‘Winning home or away is obviously massive, but doing it away is always a little bit sweeter.
‘When you’re at home you have your family and everyone you know watching, so the pressure is off a little bit when you’re away. But nothing comes easy in Murattis – our squad is full of ability but that counts for nothing if you don’t do the ugly stuff first and work hard.
‘Guernsey FC just avoided relegation, but that could actually be a plus for them as they finished well and they might have a more positive mindset. It might have given them a bit of a lift.’
He added: ‘For years I’ve said we’ve been underdogs but this year I feel it’s a hard one to call. I wouldn’t want to be a betting man for this match.
‘Both teams have every right to win the game … it will be whoever wants it more and whoever’s more clinical in front of goal who will win.’
