The Trinity skipper said that the financial strain a week’s unpaid leave would put on him swayed his decision to pull out.’It’s a shame – I was really looking forward to it,’ said Lloyd.
‘I’d love to go over and play in a tournament but I’ve got a mortgage and responsibilities and just can’t afford to take a week off work.’Jersey manager Dave Matthews has replaced Lloyd with Magpies defender Haydn Bechemin.’Obviously I would have loved to have David in the squad but he’s decided himself that he can’t make it,’ said Matthews.
‘We’ve brought Haydn in – he’s had a good season and he was Magpies’ Player of the Year.
He can play right back or central defence and I’m pleased to have him in the squad.’Training has been great.
We’re playing a practice match tonight – against a side assembled by Jon Welsh – at the IJB.
Everything has gone well so far and the hard work is finished.
We’re in to match situations now.’The mood and the atmosphere in the squad are brilliant.
The players have been first class and the attendance at training has been superb.
‘If we can continue that attitude into the Games then I’m sure we’ll do very well.’Jersey meet Froya, Shetland and Gotland – on consecutive days – in their group matches in Guernsey.
They then have a day off before, hopefully, playing one of Saaremaa, Ynys Mon or Isle of Man in the semi-final.
