THE Jersey Football Association has begun its search for a new men’s representative team manager, after Elliot Powell confirmed his intention to step down from the role.
The 26-year-old will manage the Jersey FA Under-21s side in next month’s Ambassadeur Bowl match against Guernsey FA Under-21s, and will then relinquish both the men’s and U21 positions to focus fully on his commitments with Jersey Bulls.
Powell took over as interim Jersey manager in 2023, leading the side to a memorable Island Games gold, ending the 14-year wait for men’s triumph at the Games.
Having subsequently been confirmed in the job on a permanent basis, he oversaw an impressive Muratti performance, which resulted in a well-deserved win at Springfield in May.
“Having the opportunity to lead Jersey has without doubt been the proudest moment of my career to date and I’d like to thank David Kennedy, Jimmy Kelly and Tim Pryor for the opportunity and their support throughout,” said Powell.
“Ultimately, circumstances have dictated this decision and while wholeheartedly supporting the association’s move to combine both senior and U21 positions, I unfortunately cannot provide the commitment or dedication that such a prestigious role demands.
“The Island Games triumph, followed by a dramatic Muratti win, are memories that I will cherish forever, and I will be supporting the new management team from the stands as they look to defend both in 2025.
“Finally, I’d like to thank my coaching staff of Dan Garton, David Kennedy, Peter Vincenti, Lucas Parker, Andy Dewhurst, Richard Hebert and Glen Johnson for their unwavering support and expertise during my tenure.”
Powell’s entire coaching team will also vacate their Jersey FA positions to pave the way for a new regime.
Recruitment for the combined dual role of Jersey FA men’s representative manager and Jersey FA under-21s manager has begun with immediate effect.
The successful applicant will have a busy and exciting schedule in the second half of this season, managing the under-21s against Northern Ireland Schoolboys (February 2025) followed by the Muratti match(es) for the senior side and then the Island Games gold-medal defence in Orkney in the summer.
Tim Pryor, chief executive of the Jersey FA, said: “While we’re disappointed that Elliot has decided to step down, we respect his decision and completely understand the commitment, bandwidth and time required to ensure Jersey Bulls are successful.
“I thank Elliot, on behalf of the Jersey Football Association, for his diligent and passionate work in the Jersey men’s role over the past few years, and it’s a credit to his professionalism that he’s come to us now with this early decision to allow us time to plan for his successor.
“There’s an exciting 2025 ahead for the successful applicant, with the opportunity to build on recent successes, but also to shape a team of their own that Jersey can be proud of.”
Interested coaches/managers have been asked to email a cover letter, outlining their suitability for the voluntary position, to tim.pryor@jerseyfa.com by Sunday 3 November 2024.
More information about the vacancy is available on at jerseyfa.com.
