Popular Guernsey FC physio remembered with annual match

Saturday 04 August 2018

The Mike Thomas Memorial Match is being played at Footes Lane today, with Guernsey FC using it as an opportunity to pay tribute to their much respected and missed former physio.

It is Guernsey's annual match, which was first played the season after Mr Thomas died from Motor Neurone Disease in 2015.

On this occasion Worthing visit Footes Lane for the pre-season friendly, a week prior to the season starting. The match will kick-off at 14:00 and tickets to watch cost £10 for the Garenne Stand, £6 standing or £1 for U16s.

The Guernsey FC website said "the rebels were a regular opponent of the Green Lions in Bostik South but were promoted via the play-offs in 2016 and have spent the last two seasons in the Bostik Premier Division, finishing 14th and 16th respectively.

"The two sides have met seven times in the past, with three wins apiece and one draw. One of those defeats for GFC was 2-0 in the FA Cup preliminary round in August 2014."

Tony Vance's side have contested the Mike Thomas Memorial Trophy, which was "created in memory of our beloved club physio who sadly lost his battle with Motor Neurone Disease in 2015,"  three times so far. The Green Lions won the first against Billericay Town in 2015, losing 6-0 to Huddersfield Town U21s (Mike and his family's favourite team) in 2016 and 1-0 to Championship side Bristol City in 2017.

Pictured: Kick off is at 14:00 for the Mike Thomas Trophy 

Today's game will also see confirmation that one of Guernsey FC's players is able to continue playing for the Green Lions.

Callum Stanton, who originally came to the island on loan from Premier League side AFC Bournemouth, is now set to keep hold of his Guernsey gloves thanks to the support of Guernsey-based financial services business Nerine Fiduciaries.

Nerine’s backing will allow Stanton to continue playing for the Green Lions in the upcoming season.

He said, “I can’t wait to get started, I’m really looking forward to returning to the club.

“I loved my time with the Green Lions last season and was always keen on returning, I’m confident the club can build on last season and I’m delighted to be able to play my part.”

Pictured l-r: Callum Stanton and Robin Smith

Manager Tony Vance said he is grateful to Nerine for their continued support, “Goalkeeper is one of the main positions when stability and consistency is paramount. Callum gave us exactly that last season and is an excellent young goalkeeper who we are delighted to be welcoming back for another season. He gives us a great platform to build on.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of Nerine, who provided support to three of our players last season. It’s great that they have offered to support us again to enable Callum to be available for us every game.”

Nerine’s group finance director, Robin Smith said, “Nerine recognises the importance of providing opportunities to young people, particularly through team sport, and it’s something we aim to do as much as we can.

“Sport is a wonderful way to learn vital skills on and off the field, as it teaches teamwork, persistence and determination, which are some of our core values at Nerine. Callum’s an exciting young player and we’re looking forward to watching him replicate his outstanding form of last season for the Green Lions.”

Pictured l-r: Brent Blondel and Callum Stanton 

For away fixtures, Callum's flights will be sponsored by Blue Islands. 

Guernsey FC Director Nic Legg said, "Callum enjoyed a fantastic season last year, Blue Islands support was fundamental in allowing this to happen. We are delighted and extremely grateful to Blue Islands for continuing to support the Green Lions this season and we’re sure that fans will join us in showing their appreciation to the local airline for enabling us to keep our No.1 between the sticks."