JERSEY will “take the game to Guernsey” tomorrow as head coach Elliot Powell eyes a statement victory in his first Muratti Vase final.
The 26-year-old was named as the interim Jersey FA manager for the 2023 Island Games in Guernsey, in which he steered the side to gold.
While experiencing his first Muratti as permanent Jersey manager, Powell knows exactly what to expect.
He was part of Martin Cassidy’s team for the 2023 victory in Guernsey, who vacated the role after seven years at the helm.
The Powell era now begins, with the Caesareans entering tomorrow having claimed six of the last seven men’s Muratti Vase finals over their oldest foes.
“There will be some pre-match nerves, I’m sure.
“For me, it’s a position I never expected to find myself in at this stage in my coaching career.
“So to have the opportunity to lead out my Island in front of a home crowd filled with friends and family watching on, is something I feel very privileged to do and certainly don’t take for granted.
“I have so many memories of watching Murattis gone by with my dad and obviously last year, being part of the winning team with Cass [Martin Cassidy] was incredible.
“To be in this position is something I’m really grateful for.”
Once again, Jersey include a healthy mix of youth and experience, with the latter playing a central role in 2023’s comeback victory.
Central defender Luke Campbell was at the double that day on away soil and the veteran returns to the squad.
Bulls captain James Querée, along with teammate Luke Watson also make the shortlist.
However, while understandably Bulls players form the bulk of the squad, Powell was keen to emphasise that combination players are also key to his plans.
He added: “It was hard enough picking the provisional squad, and it’ll be even harder trying to whittle that down to 18 for tomorrow.
“It’s not only a testament to the Bulls, but also the great work that the combination clubs are doing to produce these great players – especially the younger ones that have come in.
“Karl Hinds as well. He was fully deserving of his spot in the Island Games team last year as he is again for tomorrow’s fixture.
“I think he’s scored near enough 100 goals over the last two seasons, so his talent is plain to see.
“I want to show players locally that it doesn’t matter whether you play for a combination club, or the Bulls, if you are worthy of playing for Jersey, you will be picked.
“I’m delighted with the dynamic of the squad. The lads have all gelled together really quickly.
“We will take the game to Guernsey. If you look at most of the recent Murattis, they have been decided by the odd goal.
“The aim will be to put pressure on them early as the home team and establish our own style of playing.”
Powell is joined by former professional footballer Peter Vincenti as his assistant, along with Dave Kennedy and Lucas Parker as coaches.
Glen Johnson, the head of goalkeeping at Scottish side Queen’s Park, completes the coaching team.
“You can’t just have one brain on the sidelines,” the manager continued.
“You need a strong team behind you and that’s what I am lucky enough to have.
“Everyone reads the game slightly differently, which is vital in order to adapt as the game materialises.
“But there is that connection in the shared goal of winning and we all have the same expectations.”
Action from Springfield Stadium is set to get underway at 3pm.
Muratti Vase results (since 2015)
2015: Jersey 3-2
2016: Jersey 1-0
2017: Guernsey 2-1
2018: Jersey 1-0
2019: Jersey 0-0 (penalties)
2020-21: No fixture
2022: Jersey 1-0
2023: Jersey 2-1
Jersey FA Men’s [18 to be selected from the following 21]: Adam Trotter, Euan Van Der Vliet, Fergus Boyle, Francis Lekimamati, Fraser Barlow, Harry Curtis, Jack Lumsden, James Carr, James Querée, Jay Dos Santos, Jay Giles, JJ Lloyd, Joe Kilshaw, Jonny Le Quesne, Karl Hinds, Kieran Lester, Lorne Bickley, Luke Campbell, Luke Watson, Miguel Carvalho, Pierce Roche
