JERSEY BULLS’ promotion push continues this weekend with the visit of Cobham – and they have been buoyed by confirmation that Springfield will not close on 14 February, as initially planned.
Springfield’s main pitch was due to be closed from Valentine’s Day so that work on relocating much of the perimeter fencing could commence. It would have meant the Bulls would have needed to make alternative arrangements for home games over a six-week period, starting with the visit of Balham on 26 February.
However, while the club’s home fixtures in March may still need rearranging, the Balham fixture will now go ahead as scheduled, as the site is not due to shut its doors until the end of February.
Bulls beat Cobham 3-1 away when the two sides met in August but, as usual, manager Gary Freeman is not taking anything for granted.
‘They’re a tricky team to play,’ he said. ‘They’re experienced and well organised and I think they’ll sit and make things difficult for us. We’ll just have to be patient.’
Bulls are missing their regular midfield generals, Kamen Nafkha and Adam Trotter, for the 4pm kick-off as both are unavailable, meaning Joe Kilshaw and Jonny Le Quesne are likely to join forces in the middle. Target man Lorne Bickley returns to the squad while the Islanders will be looking to in-form Sol Solomon for his usual inspiration, after he spent time training with Championship club Luton Town this week.
Responding the questions relating to the closure of Springfield, a Government of Jersey spokesperson said: ‘We are still working through all the details of the closure and are not yet in a position to give details around dates. However, we have been able to reduce the closure and are working in detail with Bulls, FA and contractors to limit the impact on the pitch as much as possible.
‘Over the coming days, we will be able to develop a full construction programme once delivery dates for materials are confirmed. We will continue to work closely with all user groups to keep them updated.’
The work must be completed by 31 March to meet an England FA deadline. The Bulls will not be eligible for promotion without it being signed off.
Full preview in Friday’s JEP.
