Guernsey FC counts the cost as another home fixture cancelled

Friday 23 February 2024

Guernsey FC is facing up to more fixture congestion after their clash with Hartley Wintney was called off.

It had been scheduled for tomorrow and is the latest home fixture to go because the pitch at Footes Lane is not playable, leaving the club with a mounting headache.

"Given the amount of rain we've had this week no one will be surprised to hear that the pitch is very wet and unplayable," said GFC director Nic Legg.

"This is now the fifth game we've had to postpone in a few weeks. This is causing the club significant problems.

"Each postponement leads to thousands of pounds in extra cost. We are required to pay for 28 flights and to provide accommodation for games where the opposition can't return in a day trip. Reorganising postponed games at short notice is challenging as we are only left with limited windows of opportunity and flights are not always available."

Guernsey FC, who sit 17th out of 21 teams in the Isthmian South Central, to complete all their games before the end of April.

Already six games are scheduled for March.

"We are going to end up with a very congested run-in. The cancellations have come at a time where we had won three of their last four matches, and have lost just once in seven home games, easing our relegation fears.

"But the fixture build up puts us into a pressurised situation and adds extra demands on our relatively small squad.

"There is also the impact the lack of home games is having on our fans who are all missing the sense of community and companionship they get from attending games. Attention now turns to next Saturday's scheduled home game.

"Hopefully the States grounds staff can work proactively and do everything in their power to give the game the best possible chance of going ahead. Yet another postponement would leave us in a very tricky spot."