Football: Meet Guernsey's new managerial duo

Tuesday 14 November 2023

A coaching duo has been picked to lead Guernsey into the next Muratti.

The Guernsey FA has announced that Dave Merris and Ryan-Zico Black will be joint managers, bringing with them experience from careers in professional and semi-professional football.

The pair were recruited after Tony Vance and Colin Fallaize left their roles following the Island Games.

GFA Chief Executive Gary Roberts said: “After a thorough recruitment and interview process, which included independent interview panellists, I am delighted that the Board of Directors have been able to appoint joint Managers of the calibre of David and Ryan, whose credentials for the role are, in our opinion, unquestionable. 

“We were in the fortunate position of having to consider some excellent applicants and I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of those that applied for the position."

“The wealth of experience that David and Ryan bring to the role, both from their careers in professional and non-league football, and more recently within local football, including Guernsey FC, is an attribute that we firmly believe will be important in building a successful Senior Men’s Representative team. 

“Both David and Ryan have experience of playing in Muratti matches and within an Island Games tournament, and we firmly believe this experience and knowledge will be invaluable to them as they transition into this new role.” 

Guernsey have not lifted the Muratti since 2017.

Merris and Black said they were relishing the new challenge .

“Having both played professional football and non-league football during our careers, the transition into management is one we have both been looking forward to. We believe that in combing our experiences and skills sets, we have a great opportunity to benefit Guernsey football now and for many years to come. With a lot of good young players coming through, and experienced players at both Guernsey FC and Priaulx level, the future looks bright and we are excited to begin working with everyone.” 

Merris moved to the island in the 2021-22 season. His semi-pro CV has some famous names on it, including spells at York City and Harrogate Town, as well as Guiseley, Ossett Town, Scarborough Athletic and Pickering Town.

He played and coached at Bels, then made his Guernsey FC debut in October 2022.

Black also plays in midfield for Guernsey FC and was part of the squad when it launched in 2011-12.

As a young player he had trials at Southampton and Bournemouth, before signing for Morecombe, making over 100 appearances in the Conference.

He has represented Northern Ireland at U18 and U21 level, played for Lancaster City in the Conference North and other non league clubs. He also played at Irish Premier League side Glenavon before becoming Paul Gascoigne’s first signing for Kettering Town in 2005.

Black also played semi-pro in Spain and Australia.