JACK Cannon’s first game in charge of Jersey is a key one, leading the U21s out tomorrow in the Frank Wilson Memorial Trophy against Northern Ireland U18s at Springfield Stadium.
Cannon is locally footballing royalty and Jersey’s joint record holder for Muratti appearances (23 matches).
The defender took the reins from Elliot Powell as the Jersey FA men’s representative coach, with the position now also encompassing coaching of the U21s.
The annual fixture against Northern Ireland was first contested some 40 years ago, with Jersey winning just three times during that period, although they are unbeaten in the previous two instalments under former coach Paul Renton.
His charges drew 1-1 in 2024, and secured a memorable 1-0 victory in 2023 through Luke Coutanche’s pivotal strike.
Tomorrow’s fixture will offer Cannon valuable insight into which talented youngsters will be on his radar for both the Muratti and the Island Games in Orkney this summer.
Jersey FA chief executive Tim Pryor said: “We have a huge Muratti semi-final in Alderney next month, so tomorrow offers Jack a great chance to have a look at some of the younger lads that are fighting to get into the senior side.
“That is the main reason we combined the role of the men’s and U21 management role, so that both Jack and his assistant Peter [Vincenti] can cast a careful eye over the talented youngsters and be familiar with their ability, should an opportunity in the senior fold arise.”
The long-standing history of the fixture with Northern Ireland is testament to the continued relationship between the two football associations.
Islander Paul Sowney in particular has played a crucial role as the liaison between Jersey and Northern Ireland.
Pryor added: “It’s a really special fixture and we owe a lot of gratitude to Paul for his efforts.
“He puts in lots of hours voluntarily to make this happen and it’s such a great spectacle and opportunity for our youngsters to take on top-quality international opposition.
“Jersey’s footballers carry a lot of pride to wear the shirt and represent the Island.
“Obviously we [Jersey FA] have partnered with Jersey Bulls for a lot of the younger age groups, and the kids play a lot of Combination football for their respective clubs, but this is a chance to wear the Jersey badge on your chest and play for the national team.
“We know that Northern Ireland will bring a lot of class, but hopefully we can put in a strong performance and get another good result like we have in recent years.
“Most importantly, we would love to see a large and proud Jersey crowd at Springfield Stadium tomorrow to cheer on our youngsters.”
Action is set to get underway at 7pm and entry is free to spectators.
Jersey FA U21 squad: Harry Gladdish, Ralph Depledge, Kyle Wilson, Connor Lloyd, Ewan Brodie, JJ Lloyd, Tom Goncalves, Evan Lees, Joey O’Toole, Stanley Dunne, Will Yates, Nathan MacDonald, Callum Gilroy, Connor O’Keefe, Seaney McColgan, Harry Scott, Casey Nixon
