Vance named Guernsey FA director of football
Tony Vance is Guernsey's most-experienced football coach
- Published
The Guernsey Football Association (GFA) has appointed Tony Vance as their director of football.
The Guernsey FC manager will oversee the GFA's High Performance Pathway (HPP) and will be responsible overall for all of the island FA's representative teams.
It means all representative team managers - including those for the GFA's senior men's and women's sides - will report to Vance.
The appointment came after a review of football on the island ahead of the opening of the new Victoria Park stadium next March.
"The key point that the review highlighted for the GFA, is that we need to ensure we have the right people in position to help drive the work to meet those desired outcomes," GFA chief executive Gary Roberts said.
"We are pleased therefore, that Tony was receptive to our approach, has agreed to take on this new and exciting role, and will help to shape and deliver our plans in the coming years.
"The role will involve Tony providing support to the coaches operating across the representative teams and HPP and overseeing the future process to recruit new coaches."
Guernsey lost the last five Muratti Vase finals to rivals Jersey
Vance was one of Guernsey's greatest forwards before moving into coaching and has run Guernsey FC's men's side since it became the first Channel Island team to join the English league system in 2011.
He has also had two spells as manager of the Guernsey FA representative side, leading them to represent England in the 2010 Uefa Regions' Cup and a Muratti Vase success over Jersey in 2010.
"Tony has a wealth of experience and knowledge that is unmatched in Guernsey along with a desire to ensure Guernsey football is successful," added Roberts.
"This desire aligns with that of the GFA Board, which is committed to supporting Tony in implementing this new structure – one that we hope will provide tangible long-term benefits for Guernsey football.”
Vance added: “I was honoured to be offered this newly created role, particularly at a time when Guernsey football is about to embark on a historical new journey at the Association’s first ever home, Victoria Park.
"Taking into consideration the opportunities this venue and its facilities will provide, I am really looking forward to working with all stakeholders as we look to develop exciting new initiatives and programmes that will not only aim to complement those integral to the game today, but also innovate and shape the game for the class of tomorrow.”