Following a statement released by GFC on Thursday, which suggested the Jersey Scottish midfielder would not be able to play for the Ryman League outfit unless he moved to Guernsey, both Boyle and Kennedy – who was approached by the Sarnians in January to discuss the 24-year-old’s availability – have sought to clear the air.
Earlier this week Boyle revealed he had been given assurances that, should a sponsor be found, he would be able to remain in Jersey and fly over to the sister Isle for training and matches, but GFC chairman Steve Dewsnip has since said this ‘is simply not sustainable’.
‘Guernsey FC approached me in January and asked if I thought Jack would be interested in playing for them, so I had a good chat with him and we both thought it would be a very good move,’ said Kennedy.
‘The discussions I was privy to suggested the best format for it to happen was that Jack stays in Jersey and fly over for training and matches. You’ve got to remember it’s an amateur level and he is settled with family here.’
As the former Southampton FC junior travels to Alderney today for Jersey’s Insurance Corporation Muratti semi-final, he has expressed surprise at the level of interest the talks have generated.
‘I understood it would be big news, but I thought it would be all positive,’ said Boyle. ‘I don’t want to upset anyone, especially the GFC boys and the Jersey players … I just felt it was a good opportunity for me to play at a better level.
‘Dave and I had a conversation and we agreed it was a good move, so Dave passed my number on to them and they got in contact with me.
‘It was agreed if a sponsor was found I could stay in Jersey and fly over for games and training – it was never really mentioned to me until after the news came out that I would have to move over to Guernsey.
‘If I bought into it and really enjoyed it I would certainly consider it, but it was never in my mind to begin with. I’m a Jersey lad and I’m settled here with a girlfriend and a good job. The only thing I’m not enjoying as much is the football, so if there’s a chance to play at a higher level I need to grab that chance.’
Of Tony Vance, with whom he held initial discussions, Boyle added: ‘Tony has been great with all of this, and we both have a good understanding of where we’re both coming from. He’s wanting to drive the club forward and he feels I can help them progress, and so do I.’
Kennedy, who handed Boyle his Muratti debut in 2008, continued: ‘Jack has rightly said that if the club did progress he would look into the option of moving over, but in the short-term I don’t think that’s in anybody’s best interests. We’re talking about what’s best for GFC and of course what’s best for Jack too.’
