Jersey women ‘need your support’

Jersey celebrate with the Springfield Crowd after winning the previous women's 'Muratti' in 2016 Picture: ROB CURRIE

‘EVERYONE needs to look at it as being just as important.’

Sunday marks the return of the Women’s Muratti Vase after a six-year absence and Jersey manager Chad Morris is asking that the Island will give the women as much support and attention as the men will receive 24 hours earlier.

The last time Jersey and Guernsey duked it out for what is officially known as the Norman Piette Trophy in 2016, the Caesareans thrashed their Sarnian rivals 9-0 at Springfield for their 14th win out of 20. And with women’s football growing in support everywhere else in the world, it is hoped that fans in Jersey will also come down in numbers for the 21st edition of the trophy.

‘What they really want is support,’ said a passionate Morris.

‘If people are thinking “I’m going to go down and watch the Muratti’’ as a thing to do for your Island, it is as important on Sunday too. It’s the same thing.

‘We’ve got a squad of proud Jersey footballers who have waited a long time to get that Muratti shirt back on and who want to represent the Island and want to beat Guernsey, so it would be great if the Island could get behind the girls and get themselves down there.’

Meanwhile, Morris believes his side will be as prepared for the game as possible, having trained twice a week for the past five weeks and playing two friendly matches against Rozel Rovers and Jersey Wanderers.

‘There’s been an extra half an hour before every session for fitness,’ added Morris. ‘They’ve definitely as prepared as they can be, but also they have bonded together as a team in a short space of time, which has been fantastic because they all want to play for Jersey.’

Morris says his players are excited by the prospect of playing in a Muratti with all but a handful of players set to earn their first caps. He is also confident his side will be lifting the trophy for ninth successive time.

‘This is a whole new generation coming through now. There’s going to be girls in the squad who were in primary school the last time it was played.’

– Advertisement –
– Advertisement –