Football: Watson captain, Botterill out

The former Aland United professional has had a fall-out with her club at St John and is now training with St Peter, but she cannot play after missing the transfer deadline.

‘Jodie is not training or playing so it would be unfair on the others who are active if she had been included,’ said Jersey manager Simon Petulla.

Goalkeepers: Sara Luce, Paula Alves, Steph Henwood-Darts, Chantelle Audrain.

Defenders: Lauren Quémard, Sophie Botterill, Kelly Hughes, Sylvie Spinola, Michelle Bichard, Ciara Giles, Leanne Le Feuvre, Ashley Cummins.

Midfielders: Eve Watson, Irina Jaworski, Jess De Castro, Marta Ascenção, Libby Barnett, Holly Muirhead, Marta De Sousa, Elizabeth Fenlon, Ella Brennand.

Forwards: Catarina Andrade, Rosie Corbett, Mel Luis.

‘Obviously her absence is a massive loss, but it’s a chance for someone else to shine.

‘It is a shame; Jodie wanted a break and is now not playing for a club, but there is always next season and it’s a big season with the Island Games in Gotland at the end of it.’

Seven players who were in Jersey’s victorious Island Games squad last summer have missed out, for various reasons, while there are ten new players in the 24-player Muratti squad.

Petulla said: ‘It was really tough picking a squad because we’ve had around 40 girls involved in our training.

‘However, the management team and myself are delighted with those selected and we’re really excited about the future.’

Current Footballer of the Year Eve Watson will take over the captaincy from Botterill with Michelle Bichard named as vice-captain.

Last night, goals from Ciara Giles, Mel Luis and Holly Muirhead helped St Peter defeat JTC Jersey Wanderers 3-0 in the Colin Welsh Trophy at Les Quennevais.

St Peter will now play Grouville in the semi-finals on Sunday 21 February at FB Fields.

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