Guernsey FC and Jersey Bulls return to FA Cup
Guernsey FC's new home at Victoria Park will stage FA Cup and FA Vase games for the first time
- Published
Guernsey FC will play in the FA Cup for the first time in eight years - and could meet Jersey Bulls in the competition.
The Green Lions have not played in the world's oldest knockout tournament since 2016 after pulling out for financial reasons.
Meanwhile Jersey Bulls have returned to the tournament after withdrawing last season due to issues with travel logistics.
The Channel Island rivals could meet as early as August's extra preliminary round - the two club teams have never faced one another before.
"It's been a long time since we entered the FA Cup," Guernsey FC manager Tony Vance told BBC Radio Guernsey.
"Financially it costs us, it's not all the bright lights and excitement everyone thinks - you have to win about seven games to even remotely have a chance of earning any income, so those extra games do cost you, but that aside it's exciting and it brings a fresh impetus to the season.
"It's the most famous club competition in the world and it's got so much history.
"We've been lucky enough to play in it, the trophy came over here once and it was amazing.
"You can only dream of getting to a certain level, but teams at our level have done it so there's always that dream."
Jersey Bulls' promotion has earned them a place in the FA Trophy for the first time
Jersey Bulls will play in the FA Trophy for the first time, having won promotion to the Isthmian League last season after winning the Combined Counties Premier South play-offs.
Bulls were knocked out of the FA Vase by eventual winners Whitstable Town in the third round last season and will start in the FA Trophy's first qualifying round - they could face sides from the National League if they are able to make the third round proper.
Guernsey FC will also play in the FA Vase this season after their relegation from the Isthmian League to the Southern Combination Premier Division.
They are eligible for the competition for the first time since they made the semi-finals back in 2013, when they lost 4-1 on aggregate to Spennymoor.