Jersey Bulls pull out from FA Cup draw

The Jersey Bulls enjoyed a dream run in last years FA Cup, packing out Springfield Stadium for their third qualifying round against Chertsey Town Picture: JON GUEGAN (33740648)

THE JERSEY BULLS have announced that they have made the ‘hard decision’ to remove themselves from the FA Cup qualification round draw on Friday.

The Island-based club enjoyed a dream run in last year’s instalment, which saw them fall one game short of the first-round proper.

The Bulls have cited a lack of foresight of fixtures, the regularity of flight cancellations and the realisation that any successful campaign results in a back-log of league fixtures at the end of the season as the reasons behind the decision. The club will instead focus their attention to the Combined Counties Premier League South and the FA Vase.

Manager Gary Freeman said: ‘As a group we have made the decision not to take part in the FA Cup but to focus on the league and vase competitions.

‘We understand that many of our supporters will be disappointed – we are too – but it’s the right thing to do for the club at this time.’

Last season his side played 58 matches, 28 of which were played away from home and 11 were midweek, which naturally takes its toll on the players.

Chairman Russell Le Feuvre said: ‘It’s been such a hard decision to reach as a board, management team and players. We have agonised over it.

‘Everyone naturally wants to take part in the FA Cup – it’s such an amazing competition and we thoroughly enjoyed our run last season.

‘The FA Vase is managed differently to the FA Cup, with matches played just once a month, with no replays until you are successfully through to the final or knocked out. This just makes more sense for us right now.’

The magic of the cup has a huge allure to the top clubs as well as the grassroots sides.

However, at present the Bulls see the current FA Cup replay set-up as favouring the mainland sides, rather than island teams – with issues surrounding the reclaim of travel expenses also.

The Bulls do anticipate taking part next season, providing the aforementioned issues are laid to rest.

– Advertisement –
– Advertisement –