Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Guernsey

By Ian Townsend

We're leaving, on a jet plane...and we arrive in sunny Guernsey, where Emma David is waiting to tell us about her club.

We asked a supporter from each of our member clubs to answer the same series of questions as part of our preview of the new season. We also asked them to predict how their particular division would finish, from one to 24- and their answers will be revealed in a collection of Supporters Prediction Tables to be released the day before the big kick off.

Here are the answers of Emma David, representing beautiful Guernsey.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

At the risk of putting you off right from the outset, I have to say – the end of it! It’s been a toughie and no mistake. At the very start we were still on a high from the visit of the actual FA Cup to our island, and had no idea yet of the trials and tribulations which lay in store, so that was a special time - and of course there were gemstone moments scattered throughout the season. But it wasn’t till near the end of a gruelling eight months that we knew we were finally safe from relegation, and then could really start to appreciate just how much our players had grown and developed through the season’s challenges, both individually and as a team... staying up after what we’d gone through honestly felt as sweet as a trophy or title.

2. And what was the worst moment?

Do you take coach parties? The Bad Moments Bus is so packed, it’s hard to see who’s in the front seat... Was it being topped ‘n’ tailed, by losing arguably both the league’s most prolific scorer (Ross Allen) and most effective goalie (Chris Tardif) for most of the season? (The former went travelling, the latter suffered a nasty double leg break). Many of the ‘Misery Bus’ seats are occupied by away fixtures where availability woes and our unique logistics meant we were struggling to cobble together a travelling team, from established players carrying knocks and playing out of position, and raw inexperienced youngsters. On more than one occasion we flew out with only one outfield sub, and it wasn’t rare to be fielding a team whose average age would’ve struggled to make it past a nightclub bouncer! There were many moments of disappointment and frustration. I even dyed my hair green in January to try to boost morale! But for my money, the biggest twin gut punches were (on-pitch) Jack Domaille’s horrific knee injury, and (off-pitch) learning a young GFC superfan was losing his battle with childhood leukemia.

3. How will you do this season?

Simply put: better! A whole lot better, I think... we’ve learnt a lot. We had to dig so deep last season that I think the team have a stronger bond than ever now, and greater reserves of mental toughness and emotional resilience. Plus the very young players we had to throw in at the deep end have come on amazingly well and really grown into their new roles. I’m not supremely confident that we’ll make the play-off places, but we’re certainly aiming to finish in the top quadrant. We’re trying out Hudl (the match analysis software) for the first time this season, we have a special partnership developing with Bristol City FC, a new headline sponsor, a snazzy new kit, some returning faces, some new young signings... and a tonne of passion and commitment! I believe the club have the potential to better last season and challenge for the play-offs.

4. Which matches are you most looking forward to- and why?

Every single one of them. Really. It’s just such a relief to have secured another season competing at this level. Every match is a chance for the lads to shine, a potential three points, and that’s how you have to approach it... some clubs are now old friends of ours and always fun to square up against; some are new opponents this season so that represents a new challenge. It’s always extra enjoyable when a team brings plenty of travelling support, and I have a soft spot for Corinthian-Casuals because of their famed ‘Corinthian Spirit’ and the fact they’re also a fully amateur outfit. But we learnt last season to take nothing for granted, and always put your heart into each game, so all of the upcoming fixtures are potentially special.

5. What is your favourite away ground?

I’ll let you know as soon as I’ve been to one! It’s pretty expensive getting off the rock, and I’m still hoping one day I’ll be able to make it to the UK for an away game. Next year’s a big birthday for me, so fingers crossed...

6. Who do you consider your biggest rivals- and why?

Everyone! Last season really showed us that there are no pushovers in our league any more. You have to treat every opponent with respect. The standard at this level is so much higher than it used to be, with a number of ex-professionals moving down to non-league, and a lot of young talent working up through the grass roots levels. And form can be a fickle predictor: it’s all about those 90 minutes. There were a lot of occasions we felt confident going into a match but came out the worse, and others where we went in as underdogs but really raised our game and dominated. So, everyone represents a challenge. But equally, as I said, each match is an opportunity, a chance to learn, to strive, to shine.

7. What advice would you give to an away supporter visiting you for the first time?

Don’t forget your passport! And if you can possibly work in an overnight / longer stay, then please do - we’ve tonnes of nice restaurants, pubs and beaches over here for you to explore. We appreciate it’s a long haul, but the facilities are excellent, our island’s beautiful, and our hospitality is legendary, so why not make an adventure of it? Just don’t be calling us tax exiles: it’s not true and is guaranteed to get us riled!

8. Who is your favourite player (for your club) of all time- and why?

It’s only GFC’s seventh season, but I’m still spoilt for choice. Our lads are great role models at home and island ambassadors away; they sacrifice a lot for the club, with all the pre-dawn starts, nights away and unpaid leave they have to take, for no reward except the chance to test their skills at a higher level than would be possible against purely local opposition, and the honour of pulling on a green shirt. So I’m proud of them all, I could make a compelling case for many of them. But... I have to say, some of the most exhilarating moments to watch over the past six seasons have been when Ross Allen has been on top form. If you’ve witnessed that, or seen footage, you’ll know what I mean. Electrifying stuff... However I hope this time next year this is an even harder question to answer, because of the quality of performances in the season to come... #COYGL

9. Finally, predict who will fill the top five positions at the end of the forthcoming season:

Corinthian Casuals, Hastings United, Hythe Town, Carshalton Athletic, South Park.

Where next?

Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Cheshunt New match reporter Finley Chung gives us the lowdown on Cheshunt.
Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Merstham We head to Moatside for our next season preview, in the company of Craig Williams.

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