St. Peter's FC boss to herd Jersey Bulls

Saturday 26 January 2019

Jersey Bulls FC have found a manager: Gary Freeman, St. Peter's FC current coach, has been appointed to lead the recently-created club in their first season in the English Football League System.

49-year-old Gary Freeman has been coaching at St. Peter for over a decade and will stay until the end of the current campaign, in which the Saints are now just three points off top spot in the Jersey Premiership.

Freeman first coached the minis and then the under-18s before taking on first team duties in St. Peter. He is now about to embark on a new challenge with the Bulls, a club launched in September by former Muratti player and Les Quennevais PE teacher Russell Le Feuvre.

“I’m delighted to accept the manager’s position with Jersey Bulls FC and I’d like to thank the directors for putting their faith in me,” Mr Freeman said.

Pictured: From left, Ian Horswell, Gary Freeman and Russell Le Feuvre.

Thanking Tom du Feu and St. Peter Football Club as a whole for their support over the years and their understanding with his decision, Mr Freeman said he felt compelled to become the Bull's manager. "For me, the chance to work and test myself at the highest level possible was something I felt I had to apply for."

“I believe this is something Jersey football has been crying out for, as we’ve seen Guernsey go down this route, and many other local sports such as rugby, netball and cricket giving local players the opportunity to play at a high level," Mr Freeman said. "I’d like to think the local football community will embrace this exciting venture.”

“We’re delighted to have Gary on board to lead us through our debut season in English football,” added Russell Le Feuvre, Bulls co-founder . “Gary has the character and drive to lead the club and shares our values of community, passion and respect. He’s well respected in local football circles and we’re confident he’ll mould a cohesive and talented squad of players."

Pictured: The Jersey Bulls will be based at Springfield Stadium.

After signing a three-year deal to use Springfield Stadium, the Bulls saw their bid to join the Combined Counties League unanimously approved by its management committee. It must now await final division allocation from the FA Leagues Committee.

With Mr Freeman hired, the Bulls will now be looking to sign players.  Ian Horswell, the Club's Commercial Director, said in December the Bulls want to be a "Jersey team" and to build on the strength of local players. 

“Jersey Bulls FC is here to provide the chance for local players, coaches and managers to test themselves week in, week out," Mr Le Feuvre assured, adding that Mr Freeman has the skill set to lead the club on this exciting journey.

For Mr Freeman, playing for the Bulls will be a great opportunity for local players, confessing that "to have the chance to play in the English football pyramid is something a lot of players from previous generations could only have wished for."