News

Jersey face Guernsey in annual Police football fixture

Tuesday 1 April 2008

RELEASED TO MEDIA AT 16.55 PM ON TUESDAY 1 APRIL

PREMIIERSHIP referee Dermot Gallagher is to referee the annual football match between States of Jersey Police and Guernsey Police in Jersey on Wednesday 2nd April 2008. The third time he has done so.

This year is the 62nd anniversary of the teams battling it out for the Sutton Trophy. Overall, Jersey have won the trophy 42 times, while Guernsey have won 17 games. The teams drew in 1985 and in 2006.

This year, the kick-off is at 1.30pm at the St Brelade's ground, Jersey.

Last year, Dermot presided over the match in Guernsey where Jersey were victorious. On the day, funds were raised for a charity which supports people with Down’s Syndrome which Dermot supports by selling tickets for one of his shirts and this year, the successful fundraiser is being repeated.

The squad representing States of Jersey Police is: Robbie Herd, Jim McGranahan, Denis Magee, Steve Langford, Manny de Freitas (Captain), Dean Machin, Stuart Spencer, Tommy Hayden, Tristan Le Marquand, Peter Hewlett, Leon Dupre, Callum O'Connor, Mike Birch and Ben De La Haye.

The squad representing Guernsey Police is: Jason Savident, Neil Sarahs, Robbie Dover, Jim Wood, Phil Breban, Andy Hockey, Darron Hamon, Nigel Henaghen, Rex Williams, Geoff Greening, Greg Stuart, Ben Looijenga and Karl Zierlinger.

Acting Deputy Chief Officer Shaun Du Val will also be in attendance to make a speech and hand over the trophy to the winning side.

Speaking about the fixture, Stuart Spencer, team coach for the States of Jersey Police said: ‘We are absolutely delighted that Dermot Gallagher has agreed to take charge of our annual match against Guernsey. His experience and knowledge of dealing with some of the world's greatest footballer's is second to none so it will be amazing for both teams to have him officiate this game again.

‘This must be one of the few occasions where a Premiership Referee has taken charge of a local match and anybody wanting to see him in action or watch the game is welcome to come along. We are most appreciative of St Brelade's allowing us to use their facilities to host this match.’

After the match, Dermot Gallagher is offering the signed shirt for charity, and tickets are being sold for £1 in order to be in with a chance of winning the shirt. After the game, Dermot will pick the winning ticket. He will also spend some of the Wednesday evening holding a question and answers session with local referees.

Media information:

Stuart Spencer of the States of Jersey Police will be available to speak to the media after the match at St Brelade.