Guernsey FA’s Senior Men’s Manager, Chris Tardif has confirmed the squad that has been selected to represent the Association in the commemorative match against the UK Armed Forces FA on Saturday 29^th June., which is being played as part of the Association’s 125^th anniversary celebrations.

When looking ahead to the match, Tardif commented that:

‘Today’s game gives us all a chance to reflect on the history of Guernsey football and in particular our own personal history within the great game. The last few years have been difficult with the transition from player to manager for me. I am fortunate enough to have enjoyed numerous successes playing for my beloved island and I now hope to start doing the same as the manager. 

This season saw us lose the Muratti after a very hard fought game on penalties. I am proud of the effort and determination of the team to hang into a game where we admittedly didn’t play to our potential for the full 90 minutes but did show pockets of how good a team we can be. There were several players that in the end were struggling to run let alone play and this just shows the immense character the squad has. We continue to work hard in progressing the group and look forward to turning the result around next season. With this in mind and the Island Games coming to Guernsey in 2021, we took a new looking squad to Ynys Mon for the recent  tournament. This allowed me to really stamp my style of play on a group with no preconceived ideas and give experience to players that have not played at this level before. However, the most pleasing thing was the age of the overall squad and in particular being able to give three 17 year olds an opportunity. My aim prior to the tournament was to ensure we were competitive for the whole week, therefore reach the semi finals. Once this was achieved and followed by a great result against the current champions the Isle of Man, the gold was in our sights. I truly believe that if we had had 11 players on the pitch for the full game we would have come out comfortable winners but football can be cruel at times.  Now that initial hurt has passed, the silver medal is a fantastic result but one thoroughly deserved by all the players and staff. 

This is a chance for us all to celebrate the great game and the enjoyment it has brought to so many over the last 125 years in Guernsey and hopefully many more years to come. I hope today’s game is a competitive one with a high level of football being played from both sides but played in good spirit for the celebration that it is. Good luck to both sides.‘

The full squad selected is:

Josh Addison

Tom Strawbridge

Jamie Dodd (c)

Frank Tobin

Simon Geall

Jacob Fallaize

Kieran Mahon

Liam Mahon

Niall Hainsworth

Steve Renouf

Seb Skillen

Tyler McKane

Keanu Marsh

Matt Loaring

Will Fazakerley

Paris Pereira

The match, which is being played at the Track will kick-off at 2.00pm and entry is FREE.

The first 250 spectators will also receive a free commemorative match programme.