The Jersey Football Combination executive committee’s proposal was accepted last night, by 20 votes to six, at the annual general meeting at Fort Regent, where former JFA vice-president Charlie Browne was elected as the new president following Tim Darwin’s decision to step down.
The vote means clubs will have an increased number of league matches next season – 22 each – and the 2015/16 campaign will start earlier than normal.
The proposal was put on the table to get the Premiership and Championship back to eight teams each following St Martin FC’s recent withdrawal, which had left an imbalance of ten clubs in the top tier and just six in the Championship, where the latter would possibly play each other four or five times.
Darwin, who remained in the president’s chair for the proposal discussion, said: ‘It was an interesting debate and I’m pleased the proposition was accepted because I believe it is the right thing to do.
‘Fixture congestion appears to be the biggest issue, but overall I’m really pleased that clubs at the lower end of the Championship were unanimous in supporting the change.
Departed JFC president Tim Darwin: “I’m really pleased that clubs at the lower end of the Championship were unanimous in supporting the change … they’re are already looking forward to the challenge”
‘If it works there is nothing to stop next year’s annual general meeting voting to do the same again the following season and if that happens promotion and relegation issues would be irrelevant.’
Grouville president Richard Noel said: ‘Grouville believe it is the right move; the players want to play regularly and be challenged and this will now happen.
‘We are currently playing the same clubs four or five times a season and having large gaps between fixtures. That leaves players disillusioned and it results in many leaving the game, and we don’t want that happening.’
Senior vice-president Frank Lucas’s proposition to make Tim Darwin an honorary life president, seconded by former league president Tom de Feu, was accepted unanimously.
Browne said he was honoured to be taking over from Tim Darwin and that he would look to move the Combination forward towards its 50th anniversary, in ten years’ time. He also told the gathering delegates that he is happy to listen and discuss any problems or proposals people may have.
Retiring president Darwin said he was proud to have been president for 14 years and while not everything had been perfect, his biggest disappointment was not having a league sponsor in recent years.
