SPORTING Club Franูais are close to running just one football team next season.
With the Combination’s 2004-05 league season beginning on 28 August, Sporting Club are currently struggling with just 20 to 25 players for the forthcoming campaign and unless there is a last-gasp surge in recruitment then they will only play in Division II and withdraw their Reserves Division II side from competition.
First-team manager Colin Brown said: ‘The football section is in dire straights financially and we’re also contemplating running just one team because of a lack of players.
‘The players are aware of the situation; we’ve had a meeting and if everyone pays £40 for the season we will get through this season.
We are struggling though and I’d be grateful if anyone came forward and helped us out - financially and playing-wise.
‘We have enough players to go with one team this season but not two at present.’ Player and Reserve-team manager Jimmy McGranahan said: ‘Our Club is more like a community centre as are most of the football clubs in the Island.
We provide a place for young people to come, meet, train and play football together.
‘To lose this would be a terrible shame not only for ourselves but also for the future young players in the Island.’ Anyone wishing to help Sporting Club in their plight can contact Colin Brown, telephone 07797 882723.
Players wanting to join the club can attend training on the field behind Grainville School on Tuesday or Thursday evenings between 6 and 8 pm.
Just a year ago St Lawrence FC were on the brink of folding as they only had 19 signings.
Players responded to a JEP story and St Lawrence went on to field two teams with their second team winning the Reserves Division II KO Cup.
This season St Lawrence will also be fielding a C-team.
Article posted on 30th July, 2004 - 12.00am
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