GUERNSEY RANGERS are delighted to announce that former professional goalkeeper and Muratti coach CHRIS TARDIF will take on the role of first-team manager for the 2022-23 season.

This announcement will be the first in a line of significant appointments by the island’s oldest club, all to be revealed in the coming weeks.

A pleased Club president, Jonathan ‘Jono’ Robilliard, said it was a big coup for the club to attract a manager of proven experience and knowledge of the game.

‘From early on this season when we appointed Colin Fallaize as the club’s head coach, we have been working hard to supplement that appointment by further strenghening our coaching teams in the senior ranks.

‘Colin will continue in his current role which he will share with his commitments to Guernsey FC and I know is delighted with the confirmation he will be working with the former Bournemouth, Portsmouth and Oxford United keeper in the summer pre-season and beyond.’

First-team captain Shane Billien and Rob Cowley will continue to take responsibility for selecting and running the side until the end of the current season and are on-board with the club’s move in this direction.

‘We have been very grateful that the boys stepped in to fill the vacancy created by Rex Williams’ departure very early in this campaign,’ said Mr Robilliard.

Meanwhile, the newly-confirmed appointment said he had put aside other potential roles in domestic football to take the job, so excited he was with the Rangers project moving forward.

‘After some time to reflect and consider a few different options that had presented themslves, I’m excited to be taking on the role of Priaulx manager at Rangers next season.
‘A new wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm at all positions around the club is something that I wish to add to and was also a big draw for me.

i know the current standing of the Priaulx team makes it appear that this is an odd choice but with the wealth of youth talent we have at our disposal and the plans we have in place, I am very confident this great old club can re-establish itself as a strong force in a short time with the ambition to challenge for the league title inside three seasons.

‘The project sold to me, much of which has to be kept under wraps for a short while, is very exciting. It is a big challenge and the sort of which I want to undertake and I know that I thrive on.

‘I have really missed the regular involvement in the game, but football is something I love and care about deeply. This role excites me greatly and I will be giving it my all as I know the rest of the staff will be and what I will be expecting from the players.

‘I believe Rangers are going places and with everything being developed by Jono and Chairman Mark Bousfield the future is much brighter than some may think by simply looking at the Priaulx League table.’