Guernsey FC

I have been Guernsey FC's club photographer now for three years, since they were elected into the non league football pyramid. I first met them whilst working with the FA on a trip to Croatia in 2010. They were representing England Amateurs and  playing in the UEFA Inter Regions Cup. When they  came up with the idea that they would be a club side I was delighted to be their photographer. They are a great bunch of lads and are good fun to be around. After living with the team for the best part of two weeks I had formed a lasting friendship with many of the players and the management.They have won back to back promotions and are now sailing highly in the Ryman South Division. This is step 4 of the non league pyramid. The club play at Footes lane and have an unbelievable fan base. The average crowd for this standard is around 80/100. Guernsey FC average over 1000 fans a game!! They also have their own TV channel and massive online merchandise.    

Glyn Dyer scores the first ever league goal for Guernsey FC against Knaphill at Footes Lane
©Matt Bunn

The club is run by the Chairman, Steve Dewsnip and the Secretary Mark Le Tissier, brother of former England international Matt Le Tissier. He is the President of the Football club.  

Matt Le Tissier in his one and only appearance for Guernsey FC
against Colliers Wood

                          

In the first season, they were double winners. They were champions of the Combined Counties League 1 and winners of the Premier cup. It was a great night and the final was played was at Farnborough Town's ground. Dom Heaume scored a brace and Guernsey beat Colliers Wood 2-0 to lift the trophy.

Top: Captain Sam Cochrane lifts the Combined Counties Premier Cup
Bottom: Directors Jeff Vidamour, Sara Mallet and Jez Robin flank Secretary Mark Le Tissier
Chairman Steve Dewsnip and President Matt Le Tissier with both trophies. ©Matt Bunn

The Island itself has embraced me and the press like my work enough for them to decide to run a story on me. This was a bit surreal but also great fun and something I shall look back on with great pride.

In the following season Guernsey entered the FA Vase for the first time. The resulting run was a fantastic adventure. Last minute winners, a broken leg to their star player Ryan Zico Black and massive crowds made sure this was a never to be forgotten cup experience. I covered a few of the games, the most memorable for me was the relatively short trip to Spalding in Lincolnshire for the Fifth Round tie. Spalding had spent a lot of money and were the favourites but Guernsey put on a fantastic display after going behind early on. Ross Allen and Matt Loaring scoring memorable goals to win 3-1.

Ross Allen celebrates with Dave rihoy after scoring against Spalding. ©Matt Bunn

This photograph below was taken by non league photographer Andy Nunn a couple of seconds after the above picture. I think it shows my absolute delight but not until I had the picture!

©Andy Nunn

Unfortunately the FA Vase run came to an end in the semi finals to Spennymoor, the eventual winners of the trophy. Guernsey then turned their attentions to the league and because of postponements and the cup run, it meant they had 24 league games to play in 40 days!!!

This made the news and even Sky Sports were on hand to cover a game.  They were there mainly to cover Matt le Tissier making his debut in one of the last games. It was a 4-2 defeat to Colliers Wood and this result made promotion look very tricky. The images of Guernsey and Matt le Tissier were in the Daily Mail, The Star and the Sun, 24 Seven and Four Four Two magazines. This was remarkable because at this point they were step 5 of the non league pyramid. Certainly having Matt Le Tissier as president helps to raise a profile but the club is superbly run.

Unbelievably, Guernsey went on to record win after win and on the final day of the season, after playing 4 games in four days and winning them all, they won promotion.

This season has seen them enter the FA cup for the first time and I was on hand to capture this. It was a baking hot day and they were drawn away to league leaders Crawley Down Gatwick. After losing their goalkeeper Chris tardif with concussion, they came out winners 3-1. At the final whistle, you could see on the players faces what it meant to them to play in the prestigious cup.

Matt Loaring scores Guernsey FC's first ever FA cup goal. ©Matt Bunn

The season has progressed in a lot less spectacular ways than the other two. They were knocked out of the FA Cup in the second qualifying round after losing 3-2 to Dover Athletic at a neutral ground. They also entered the FA Trophy for the first time but were knocked out in the first qualifying round to Billericay Town.

This has meant that they have been able to focus on league points. As this is being written, they lie in third place in the Ryman South and are looking good for a play off place. In their last ten games, they have won 8 - they are the form team!

It is my relationship with the management team, Tony Vance and Colin Fallaize that really helps me as well. Tony lets me into to the dressing room for unprecedented access. It was an honour to be in the room on the first day and I still love it. I only go in if I think it is important and I can get an image that tells the behind the scenes story. I am very aware that there is a thin line to becoming annoying and in the way. I regard them as friends and this makes working with them enjoyable. I know that Vancey does not like being photographed but I always try and get his good side.

Manager Tony Vance plots a victory at Merstham early in the season ©Matt Bunn

Assistant manager Colin Fallaize tells the players to find that extra 20%    ©Matt Bunn

I have been unable, due to work commitments with my agency and a lot of postponements to cover the team since late November but this is now behind us. On Saturday I covered the victory against Three Bridges and next week I am travelling down and staying with the team for a double header against Whitstable on the Thursday and then league leaders Peacehaven on Saturday. Bring it on!

Ross Allen scores his second goal in the 4-1 win against Three Bridges.   ©Matt Bunn

It is with great pride that I call myself club photographer to such a wonderful club. I have made lifelong friends and have taken my family over to the island on a couple of occasions. I hope that the relationship continues to blossom and the promotions and fun carry on. Come on you Green Lions!