Vance pleased with 'positive signs' for Guernsey

Tony Vance has begun his 14th season as Guernsey FC manager

Guernsey FC manager Tony Vance says he is excited by the latest crop of young players coming into his side.

Simon Arnold and Zach Gilman made their debuts, while Alex Ward played for just for the fourth time for the Green Lions in their 2-1 loss away at Hartley Wintney.

Vance felt his team were the better side in the Isthmian League South Central meeting.

"I don't think players previously pushed on enough for me," he told BBC Radio Guernsey.

"Now it's time to open the door for all these youngsters and try and get them to be better and the early signs are really exciting to see."

With Guernsey FC having to rely solely on island-based players, Vance and his coaching staff are hoping to give the island's best young players experience of the league early in the careers.

It comes as the club prepares to move into their new Victoria Park ground in March.

"Simon Arnold can play anywhere and he showed he can play at this level which is good, he'll get better," Vance added.

"Three youngsters on the bench were surrounded by the older heads, and let's not forget you've got likes of Tom Vaudin, Tom Dodds and Charlton Gauvain who aren't exactly very old, so it does bode well.

"I thought the senior players were good, so it's exactly what we're trying to achieve with this group - to try and take us forward.

"I can't look into a crystal ball, but if that's the first step to push us on over this two-year program that we've decided to go for then signs are positive."