IT has been quite the journey already for the Jersey Bulls.
The side who were founded under four years ago have undergone a turbulent upbringing, battling through curtailed seasons as the pandemic took hold.
Embarking on what is expected to be the first full season Gary Freeman’s squad have experienced, it was hard to know what to expect of the group with no precedent for such a season.
What they have found is that this group of men can dig deep at the toughest of times, earning three points instead of one and earning draws when games looked lost.
Captain James Quérée has become part of the fabric of a Bulls side still in its adolescence.
The finance worker has enjoyed a formidable partnership with fellow team veteran Luke Campbell in the heart of defence, all while leading the team through the various teething issues that naturally arise in a new club.
‘To be part of this journey and be the leader of the team is a huge honour,’ said Quérée.
‘I think it’s important to look at how far we have come. There have been a couple poor results of late, but we really didn’t know what to expect entering a full season. We are currently five points off top with three games in hand, so largely the ball is still in our court.
‘What this team has showed is a superb resilience to battle during games and do everything we can to get the best possible result from the day.
‘It is that sort of attitude that is tough to teach and makes me feel very grateful for the group of guys we have.’
The Bulls have enjoyed having a season where they are able to play in front of fans.
As the restrictions surrounding the pandemic began to ease, locals were able to flood back into Springfield Stadium in their hundreds to support the side.
This is coupled with a magical FA Cup run, which saw Jersey progress through the preliminary stages for the first time, and falling just one game short of the main draw – where a tie with Southend would have awaited the young club.
Quérée said: ‘It’s been incredible having the fans back. There is an overwhelming sense of community around the team. Whether it be on matchday or at the local supermarket, people regularly stop me to chat and say how much they enjoy watching us play.
‘I think that is what I am most proud of. It is testament to how hard everyone in the organisation works, from the top down.
‘Our sponsors are vital, making travel feasible and catering for travelling teams, as well as the organisers who make the home games what they are.
‘Support for the team appears to be growing season upon season, and with the FA Cup run we had, there was a huge sense of camaraderie on the Island.’
The Bulls remain an unpaid team at present, differing from the majority of professional outfits in the sport.
It means that the players all suffer a delicate juggling act between competing for the side, working their day jobs and caring for family.
The integration of the Bulls under 23 players into the first team, has been very important for the side – adding strength in depth to the squad.
With fixtures coming thick and fast, the younger players have the opportunity to penetrate into the first team and give Freeman some well needed bodies to cater for player commitments.
‘Speaking personally, my employer [JTC] has been very supportive of my involvement with the side,’ said Quérée.
‘Usually I am able to make hours up that I have missed through travel and occasionally I’ll take annual leave.
‘I think it’s important for people to realise that we do not get paid. We truly are doing this for the love of the sport.
‘We noticed when travelling to the mainland for games, that the players from other teams perceived that we were all well paid over here, given stereotypes of Jersey.
‘Truth be told we are probably the only team in the league that do not get paid.
‘I think that’s why are are such a close group, this isn’t work, it’s play. We love playing together and it might have a bearing on the mentality we have shown.’
What Quérée and his men have shown, is how the formation of a fresh local club can bring the entire community together.
The Jersey Reds enjoyed success within the community, as they embarked on their professional journey and many parallels can be drawn between their early days and the Bulls.
While the future looks bright for Jersey’s newest attraction, this group of men remain grounded and focused on each game as it comes.
