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Guernsey's ground

VP
Man City Transfer Target!

Jul 8, 2012, 12:53 PM

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Location: Bagshot
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Post #1 of 16 (2277 views)
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Guernsey's ground	Can't Post or Reply Privately

Guernsey's current ground, Footes Lane, only has a 'G' grade which means they have until March 31st to get it up to an 'F' to avoid compulsory relegation let alone promotion.
A figure of Ł500000 has been mentioned but, to be honest, I don't know where that's come from.
An FA delegation are visiting the ground on Tuesday to tell them exactly what's needed for an 'F' and higher. The main problem appears to be the lack of a permanent boundary around the ground.
One thought is that the club may move to The Track and do that up rather than mess around with Footes Lane which is a multi-sport complex.

Rob Batiste's take on the situation in the local press - http://www.thisisguernsey.com/...ions-a-special-case/

A view from a supporter from a new, independent, Guernsey FC site - http://www.ormering.com/News_and_Social.php

(This post was edited by VP on Jul 8, 2012, 12:54 PM)

bomaya
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Jul 8, 2012, 3:20 PM

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Location: Merstham
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Post #2 of 16 (2177 views)
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Re: [VP] Guernsey's ground [In reply to]	Can't Post or Reply Privately

It is quite bizarre. I remember us all having debates on Fans Focus a year when they joined the CCL about the stadium. Most seemed oblivious or dismissive however the club officials I've spoken to since seem very astute people so surely they had a plan in place.

I don't begin to understand all the politics on the island especially the in fighting between the league, FA and Priaux clubs. From the outside you'd think they'd all want to get behind what has so far been an outstanding success story for Guernsey but it seems not.

Last new ground: Lancing (30/03/2013)

007Dale
Youth Team Regular

Jul 9, 2012, 10:30 AM

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Team(s): St Albans City

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Re: [VP] Guernsey's ground [In reply to]	Can't Post or Reply Privately

It has been a success story so far and I would also be surprised if they hadn't thought about the facilities. Presumably money isn't an issue as they're happy to pay for flights for themselves and the opposition.

I wonder if the issue with their joining the English Pyramid in some channel islanders eyes is to do with International recognition. I read a couple of articles recently in relation to Gibraltars application to Uefa, which is being voted on again next year and it also mentioned Jersey and the Isle of Man wanting to join Uefa. New rules brought in after Gibraltars application stops non-UN countries applying (including Kosovo and Northern Cyprus) for Uefa and now Fifa (current members such as Wales, Fareos are ok) however, I think jersey and the like are hoping to challenge this. By Guernsey entering a team in the English Pyramid, that weakens their case.

I don't know if any islanders have more insight into this?

In any event whilst they are allowed to participate in England, I hope they continue to enjoy success.

leohoenig
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Jul 9, 2012, 11:41 AM

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Location: Outer Cheltenhamshire
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Re: [007Dale] Guernsey's ground [In reply to]	Can't Post or Reply Privately

GFC have raised substantial sponsorship to pay for the travel. If they have to put this money into ground improvements, then it jeopardises the project. Some of the argument over further development at Footes Lane is based on the question of how it is paid for, but there is also the question of whether it is desirable at this site.

It appears that GFC were hoping the momentum created when starting the club would override objections. It is unlikely anyone at the club has defined quite how far up the pyramid they feel they can rise, although current debate seems to include rising to Step 4.

As for the international dimension, UEFA membership is not on the agenda at the moment, and for the moment, UEFA rules are going to prevent this from changing. People I have chatted to from the islands have not (generally) appeared to favour UEFA recognition, preferring options such as English competitions.

Gibraltar have won various appearls in their bid to get UEFA recognition, but so far have not yet been brought into the family. It is not impossible that they could compete in qualifying for Euro 2016, but it is unlikely. The same goes for Kosovo, but UEFA and Serbia have both come up on arms against a FIFA statement last May permitting friendly matches against Kosovo. This was interference with both Football and International politics, (FIFA should not have made a statement, it should have been up to UEFA, while UEFA do not want another situation, similar to the Spain/Gibraltar one, over Kosovo). North Cyprus has not even got close to the agenda, but Greenland have a case that ought to be considered.

Fat AND Pompous.
I was going to list all my grounds for the season, but the moderator said five lines only.
Now blogging at www.leohoenig.com

bomaya
Reserve Team Star

Jul 9, 2012, 12:05 PM

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Post #5 of 16 (1850 views)
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Re: [leohoenig] Guernsey's ground [In reply to]	Can't Post or Reply Privately

The flights/hotel costs etc are paid for under a 5 year sponsorship package. I am guessing that this package did not include half a million to bring Footes Lane up to scratch. It is a multi-sports community stadium and it seems that a football club 'taking it over' is a ghastly suggestion to many. So there is talk of a different ground called The Track which I think it currently used by a league team over there. Not having been I don't know whether a brand new stadium is at all on the cards.

Last new ground: Lancing (30/03/2013)

sandhurstbee
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Jul 9, 2012, 1:19 PM

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Post #6 of 16 (1767 views)
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Re: [bomaya] Guernsey's ground [In reply to]	Can't Post or Reply Privately

Do you know when the CCL Fixtures are released? I seem to recall that Guernseys early season fixtures were released early last year to allow flights to be booked.

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Ropemaker
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Jul 9, 2012, 1:34 PM

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Post #7 of 16 (1738 views)
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Re: [sandhurstbee] Guernsey's ground [In reply to]	Can't Post or

I see Guernsey have been drawn away in the Vase (to Crowborough)?

Would any replay be midweek, or the following Saturday?

Or might the clubs even decide to go to penalties on the day if need be?!

Just because you're paranoid, it doesn't mean they're not out to get you.

bomaya
Reserve Team Star

Jul 9, 2012, 3:02 PM

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Location: Merstham
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Post #8 of 16 (1682 views)
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Re: [sandhurstbee] Guernsey's ground [In reply to]	Can't Post or Reply Privately

In Reply To

Do you know when the CCL Fixtures are released? I seem to recall that Guernseys early season fixtures were released early last year to allow flights to be booked.

The first few have already been announced. Think Croydon are the first to go there on the 18th August.

The rest of the fixtures may be delayed until the 23rd July as the Ryman/Southern fixtures are going to be late due to a bereavement apparently.

Last new ground: Lancing (30/03/2013)

Ashtree RockBee
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Jul 9, 2012, 8:12 PM

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Post #9 of 16 (1533 views)
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Re: [bomaya] Guernsey's ground [In reply to]	Can't Post or Reply Privately

The Track is / was the home of Belgrade Wanderers and staged the bi-annual Muratti Vase finals against Jersey prior to Footes Lane, regularly accommodating crowds of 3,000 from memory. The ground has a very decent sized stand on one side, but the pitch is surrounded by a go-kart track which has its 'home strait' running down the flank between the pitch and the stand. I'm guessing The Track would have to be a one-sided ground for spectators as a result but I'm open to being corrected.

bomaya
Reserve Team Star

Jul 13, 2012, 12:27 PM

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Location: Merstham
Team(s): Merstham and Chelsea

Post #10 of 16 (1194 views)
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Re: [Ashtree RockBee] Guernsey's ground [In reply to]	Can't Post or Reply Privately

Some interesting news today about a website showing all their games live!

http://www.guernseyfc.tv/

Last new ground: Lancing (30/03/2013)

Regan
Junior Team Regular

Jul 13, 2012, 12:47 PM

Posts: 43
Location: Hampshire
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Re: [bomaya] Guernsey's ground [In reply to]	Can't Post or Reply Privately

Guildford City went over to Guernsey for a league cup match last year and couldn't play on a Saturday because two other sports clubs had dibs on the dates. That's unlikely going to be acceptable at Step 4.

The ground also needs a serious amount of work to be viable for Step 4 (and Step 5, truth be told) and, being a community facility, they'll struggle to get agreement for all the necessary work.

They're a much better side than Windsor and should easily wrap up the CCL title - but will they be able to get the grading?

chienmort
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Jul 13, 2012, 1:35 PM

Posts: 668
Location: Poole
Team(s): Poole Town FC, Queens Park RANGERS.

Post #12 of 16 (1109 views)
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Re: [Regan] Guernsey's ground [In reply to]	Can't Post or Reply Privately

I have no knowledge of the ground but faced with the same issues, Poole Town had what was called the Cunning Plan. This involved temporary advertising hoardings being placed on top of the low railings on three sides of the pitch.

To get an E grade, a fence was erected on those three sides but the fourth side was fitted with a removable steel fence covered in green tarpaulin. Various views of this are shown below and the slideshow of the whole ground can be seen by clicking the last link.

This fence is up for the whole of the season but taken down to allow athletics and cricket during the summer term at the School. With enough manpower or brainpower a similar solution might work elsewhere.

http://s51.photobucket.com/...Poole-Town-FC-14.jpg

http://s51.photobucket.com/...=Poole-Town-FC-8.jpg

http://s51.photobucket.com/...=Poole-Town-FC-6.jpg

http://www.samspud.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=tatnam

Poole Town FC - les couilles du chien

yorkieexile
First Team Star

Jul 13, 2012, 2:49 PM

Posts: 1766
Location: Hinckley
Team(s): Halifax, Groundhopper

Post #13 of 16 (1047 views)
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Re: [chienmort] Guernsey's ground [In reply to]	Can't Post or Reply Privately

I was in Guernsey last February for a game, and it is true that there is proper accommodation only down 1 side. They are aware that it does not meet ground grading for higher levels in England, but it coped perfectly well on our visit with the crowd they got, although getting away by car would have taken a little while.

However, when I compare it with other grounds I have been to at Step 5, it is head and shoulders above most of them

I wish them well

Steveb
First Team Star

Jul 13, 2012, 6:10 PM

Posts: 2295
Location: Salford
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Post #14 of 16 (935 views)
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Re: [yorkieexile] Guernsey's ground [In reply to]	Can't Post or Reply Privately

Viewing isn't great if you're not in the stand, but I had no idea it wasn't suitable for higher levels of football.
The fact that the venue comfortably accommodated four figure crowds last season, including nearly 2,000 on my visit, shows how over the top ground grading requirements have become.

http://stevebthegroundhopper.blogspot.com

Reaper-NG
Junior Team Regular

Jul 13, 2012, 7:19 PM

Posts: 35
Location: Plymouth
Team(s): Plymouth Argyle, Plymouth Parkway

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Re: [VP] Guernsey's ground [In reply to]	Can't Post or Reply Privately

Wish Jersey would think of joining our leagues aswel, because on way games I could always do some Bass fishing after the matches :)

They should join though.

Plymouth Parkway for Promotion to the Western League Premier!!!!!

Chris1963
Chelsea Transfer Target

Dec 10, 2012, 10:30 PM

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Post #16 of 16 (536 views)
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Re: [VP] Guernsey's ground [In reply to]	Can't Post or Reply Privately

In Reply To

When I was on the island yesterday I noticed a planning application (similar in style to those you get on the mainland) outside the Footes Lane stadium. Upon reading it, it became clear that it was for planning permission for a wooden perimeter fence and gates, presumably to solve the ground grading problems.
The fence will certainly come in handy because it was quite easy to get in without paying - not that I tried to do anything of the sort myself!

The only changes since 2003 have been a small extension to the stand, plus the conversion of the hospitality area at the rear of the stand into a bar for the rugby club. The rugby club's old ground is still in existence next door, and the pitch markings from Saturday's rugby match were still clearly visible on the main stadium's pitch.

There is a lot of flat, open space on the other side of Footes Lane, part of which is occupied by school football pitches. If Guernsey FC ever want to build a new stadium for their own exclusive use, then this might be the perfect location.

(This post was edited by Chris1963 on Dec 10, 2012, 10:32 PM)

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