PETER VINCENTI has won the race for the position of Jersey under-21 and senior football team manager.

One of four candidates for the position, the former Island manager this morning received the nod of approval for the Jersey Football Association position ahead of St Paul’s manager Tony Hoyland, Trinity F&SC joint-manager Joe Morley and an unnamed former Birmingham City professional who was not interviewed because he lives off-Island.

He replaces Dave Matthews who stood down from the post last month.

Vincenti, who was working in London when he heard the news today, said: ‘I’m very pleased and privileged to be back in charge and I’m looking forward to the r๚le immensely.

‘It’s hard work but extremely enjoyable.

The standard has dropped – that’s a general consensus – and I want to help raise it again.

‘If we can crank up the standard of the Island players it will help raise the standard in the league.

Whether I can have the success I had last time I don’t know but I will certainly be aiming high.’ Vincenti says he has several helpers in mind, including former Island U18 manager Jon Welsh as an administrator while ex-Muratti goalkeeper Steve Carlyon will find out through the JEP that he will be receiving a phone call re assistance as goalkeeping coach.

JFA president Charlie Tostevin, who stands down in July at the Association’s annual general meeting, said: ‘Peter has accepted the position this morning, it was a very difficult choice as all three candidates were exceptional.

‘Peter is well-known to us already, his track record is second to none and we wish him well for the future.

‘He takes charge immediately and his first game will be in the South West Counties Championship at home to Gloucestershire at Springfield on Saturday 11 February.’ Vincenti’s previous tenure was between 1992 and 1998 when he guided teams to five senior Muratti and five under-21 Muratti wins; Island Games gold in 1993 and 1997 and bronze in 1995.

Hoyland said: ‘I’m disappointed I didn’t get the job, I really wanted to coach and work with the best players.

St Paul’s are now my priority and I will stay and help the club fight to remain in the First Division this season.’ Morley said: ‘I’ve no regrets going for the interview, I was told it was very close and I’m honoured by that fact.’ ‘Congratulations to Peter; I’m sure he will do as good a job as he did last time and raise the standard of the football like all coaches are currently trying to do.’ The candidates were interview by the JFA president and vice-presidents Norman Parslow and Charlie Binet.