Jersey’s players will pay £75 for away matches in the competition this season and it appears many are not prepared to put their hands in their pockets to help the cash-strapped Jersey Football Association out as the body remain without a sponsor.Manager Dave Matthews announced a squad of 20 players for Saturday’s match last week and ten have already withdrawn for a variety of reasons including the cost, injury, suspension and work commitments.Manager Matthews, who steered Jersey to a Muratti replay success last May and then guided a young squad to the bronze medal position in the Island Games in Guernsey weeks later, said: ‘Ten of the 20-player squad announced last week will not be available this weekend for a variety of reasons.
I do not want to comment on the players who are missing or for what reason.’All I’m interested in is the guys I’m taking away and I’m extremely grateful to four who I contacted last night and who have jumped at the chance of being part of the squad this weekend.’They will join up with the squad who have had two sessions this week already and I’m looking forward to working with them.’Striker Ross Crick, who is the Island’s leading goalscorer this season with 21 goals, will miss the Cornwall match because of the monetary request.’I can’t afford it and I’m gutted to be missing out,’ Crick said.’I do feel sorry for the manager but I don’t blame anyone as it is costly to get off the Island and unfortunately we do not get sponsored.’It’s a really good competition to play in and everyone should be aspiring to play at the level.
I believe the JFA made the right decision to play in the competition as Jersey football would be taking a step backwards if they had not entered.’Many other players are in the same position as me and we all have our income tax to pay.
I’ve also got other expenses as well because I’ve a trip to South Africa organised as well as visiting England later this month.’Defender David Lloyd said: ‘I’m not in a position to pay £75 for just one game of football.
I’d love to go but I just can’t afford it.
I’m not getting any younger and I want to play as much football as I can but unfortunately I’m not in the position to fork out that amount for just one game.’James Fortune (St Paul’s), Luc Le Mière (Grouville), Russell Osmand (Jersey Wanderers) and Scott Jones (First Tower) are the four new faces in the Island squad.The remainder of the 15 who will travel to Cornwall this weekend are: Jimmy Styles (Wanderers), Casey Hickling, Chris Carter, John Rutter (all First Tower), Lee Bradshaw, Stuart André, Glen Durrans (St Paul’s), Gordon Brodie, Chris McNabb, Lee Harvey (Jersey Scottish) and Allan Brown (Trinity).Harvey and Brown are currently receiving treatment to injuries while André, who is at university in Chester, is currently suffering from a heavy cold.
