“Untapped talent” – Exclusive: Guernsey manager Tony Vance on prospect of future Bristol City signings

More “really talented” young players could follow the pathway between Guernsey FC and Bristol City in the future allowing the Robins to capitalise on the island’s “untapped talent”, Green Lions manager Tony Vance has exclusively told Football League World. 

The Championship club announced last week that 17-year-old midfielder Ben Acey had signed a one-year professional contract and 16-year-old Guernsey teammate Tim Ap Sion had joined on a two-year scholarship deal while Alex Scott won the club’s Young Player of the Season award in 2021/22 after making the same move a few years ago.

Vance has formed a strong relationship with City’s academy manager Brian Tinnion and believes the pathway set up between the two clubs should help more players from the Channel Islands turn professional in the coming years.

“I hope not,” he laughed when asked whether we could expect more players to move from Guernsey to City soon. “It’s really denting our chances of doing well.

“I’m joking, it’s what the club was set up for. Not only do we try and find a pathway for our young players to play for Guernsey, outside the comfort zone and outside the island, but if we can push players and get them even further, eg. professional football, then that’s fantastic.

“Most clubs are pleased to have one make that move but to get three in two years is incredible. The pathway is complete in Guernsey in terms of our link, I’ve got a great relationship with Brian Tinnion and the football club. They’re good to me but also I think we’re good for them.”

Guernsey play in the Isthmian League South Central Division (the eighth level of the English football pyramid or step four), which Vance believes has been vital in helping players in the region develop.

He