GUERNSEY Muratti defender Frank Tobin could make his debut for Jersey Bulls this week, having switched island clubs over the Christmas period.
The former Bristol City junior, who made his 88th appearance for Guernsey FC just last month, has moved to Jersey to begin a new job and is wasting no time in putting any allegiances to one side for the good of his football career. He joined Gary Freeman’s squad for the first time last week and will be in contention for selection when they host AFC Croydon at Springfield on Saturday.
The 27-year-old, who played in Guernsey’s 6-2 league victory over Staines Town on 12 December, has joined the Bulls on a dual-registration deal, making him – in theory at least – still available to appear for Guernsey in Isthmian League South Central.
It is understood that Tobin moved to Jersey in the latter part of 2021 and travelled to continue playing for GFC. However, he has now committed his immediate future to the Bulls and his new Caesarean team-mates.
Bulls head coach Dan Seviour said: ‘Being on an island and with the way our club is set up these opportunities will come to us when people move here from the mainland or from Guernsey.
‘Frank has a background of growing up with Bristol City and has experience of playing a step above us with Guernsey, so it’s a great opportunity for us to add more quality to the group.
‘Looking at his ability, I don’t think he’ll have a problem settling in and we always say that as the team grows the competition will grow. It will benefit the squad and it’s something the players should look forward to.’
The Bristolian made a name for himself after moving to the Channel Islands in 2017, with his searching runs from the heart of the defence proving a useful outlet for Guernsey. He can play in the centre or on the right-hand side of the defensive unit, as well as in midfield.
Bulls manager Gary Freeman confirmed that he has spoken to his opposite number at GFC, Tony Vance, to discuss Tobin’s credentials – and received positive feedback. Vance reportedly ranks the player alongside those at Step 2 of the National League pyramid; three tiers above where the Bulls currently sit.
The finance worker, who also turned heads on the athletics track at Footes Lane – recording the island’s sixth-fastest 200m time in 2019 – was in the Sarnians’ starting XI for the 2019 Muratti Vase final, which Jersey won on penalties following a 0-0 stalemate.
