That’s the opinion of former Sporting Academics manager Ricky Weir who also says the football fraternity should be more concerned about the direction of Island football rather than just who will be Jersey’s next team boss.
Weir, a former Muratti player, said: ‘Jersey football needs something to capture the imagination of players and supporters, how about us asking the FA if we can play in the FA Cup? ‘That would certainly be a boost locally and keep the kids interested as they would see early in their careers that they could progress to play in England’s greatest knock-out competition.’ Weir agrees totally with retired manager Dave Matthews’ recent comments that big changes are required for the sake of the game in the Island.
Matthews stated that Jersey needed a different structure behind the Island management to attract more outside support and finance and that the senior game is about the players, and they need something to aspire too.
‘Dave’s comments are borne out of frustration and disillusionment resulting from the lack of direction and vision within the JFA,’ claims Weir.
‘Change is clearly required and I believe the current JFA president and his vice-presidents have taken us as far as they can.
It’s nothing personal or rude – the administrators have served well; I just feel it’s time for them to step aside and allow others with the necessary drive, determination, vision and energy, to take the JFA forward.
‘I know there is a strong interest business-wise in Jersey to get the right people aboard and I for one will step forward if others decide to move away.
‘Rugby has, and cricket is about to follow, made major changes for their sport and we should follow suit.
Certain routes in football are said to be blocked.
Well, maybe they should be reinvestigated to see if anything has changed or if another route is open to us?’ Weir was extremely saddened when Jersey decided not to go to the Shetland Island Games in preference to spending money on their Centenary.
‘It showed a lack of heart to me,’ said Weir, ‘Jersey lacked the desire to play in a great competition and missing it I felt was not in football’s best interests.
‘If Jersey thinks small it will remain small.
We need to set our targets and then look for the money after.
What’s stopping us hosting an Island Games style tournament during the year the Games don’t take place? ‘Nothing.
It needs looking at and if it materialised it would give the team matches and I’m sure be extremely popular with the players and spectators.’ Weir feels strongly that the Island manager’s job should be a paid position with the JFA chasing who they want rather than them advertising the position.
‘National associations world-wide pay their managers – why don’t we?,’ Weir said.
‘A national team is the pinnacle for players, coaches and supporters world wide and currently funds are found to pay for JFA administrators, but not for the Island manager’s position.
‘A manager should be hand-picked from a short-list of select quality candidates, not open to all comers and advertised with a job description that includes going out and doing your own fund raising!’ Weir concludes: ‘Jersey football needs to move on and now is the time to stand up and be counted.
Our senior team should be the flagship of our sport and we have to do something for the players.
‘Remain the same and we risk losing them to other sports?’ JFA president Charlie Tostevin declined to comment on the views of Ricky Weir other than to say: ‘I respect Ricky’s views but I find it strange that he should approach the media and not myself or the JFA directly.’ What thoughts do you have on the direction Jersey football should be moving in for its senior team? Let us know by e-mailing sport@jerseyeveningpost.com, fax 611622 or write to Sportsdesk, Jersey Evening Post, Five Oaks, St Saviour, JE4 8XQ.
