The American-born former Janvrin School pupil, who was selected by the USA for the under-20 World Cup last year, has made a promising start to life in the Fulham first team. He has represented the newly-promoted Premier League outfit in pre-season games against the likes of Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, French side Lyon and Serie A club Sampdoria.
Fossey – spotted by Fulham scout Malcolm Elias while playing at the Jersey Primary Schools Festival in 2010 – played 72 minutes in a 1-0 loss to Sampdoria last Wednesday, having played the full 90 minutes on his first senior start against Fenerbahçe on 18 July.
The 19-year-old’s uncle, Trevor Fossey, who has acted as the teenager’s agent during his rise to prominence, said: ‘This season seems like an opportunity for Marlon to make an impact.
‘He spent parts of last season out with a groin injury and has been trying hard since then to get into the squad for this season. He wants an opportunity to make an impact on the field.
‘Fulham has got a good background with their academy team but he wasn’t sure if he could make the jump from under 23 level to the first team.’
National media outlets have sung Fossey’s praises following the Sampdoria friendly, with some suggesting he should be manager Slaviša Jokanovic’s first choice right back, ahead of Republic of Ireland international Cyrus Christie.
Fossey was picked out as one of Fulham’s key providers against the Italian club and almost bagged an assist when he whipped a dangerous ball across the six-yard box.
The Cottagers have handed 30 academy graduates first-team debuts since 2011/12 and if Fossey is added to the tally he can expect to feature alongside Fulham’s newest and most high-profile signing – World Cup and Premier League winner Andre Schürrle. The German midfielder played 60 minutes alongside Fossey against Sampdoria.
Le Saux remains Jersey’s most successful player to date, making over 320 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, Blackburn and Southampton between 1992-2005, scoring 12 goals and winning the title with Rovers.
His £5million transfer from Blackburn to Chelsea in 1997 made him Britain’s most expensive defender at the time and he made 36 appearances for England, including a World Cup.
Former St Peter and St Ouen forward Chris Hamon is the only other Jerseyman to have played in the Premier League, following one brief substitute appearance in the 1993/94 season for Swindon.
Other players currently plying their trade in the UK leagues include Brett Pitman (Portsmouth), Kurtis Guthrie (Stevenage), Peter Vincenti (Coventry City), Cavaghn Miley (Eastleigh) and Yeovil Ladies duo Ella Brennand and Megan Wood.
