You may have noticed a few changes in squad numbers for Guernsey’s first team for the 2025-26 season.
Tony Vance introduced squad numbers at the start of last season, rather than issuing 1-11 for each fixture, to show faith in those who were showing full commitment for the season ahead and help those players feel like they have more of an identity within the squad.
Most of the squad continue with the same number as the 2024-25 campaign, but there has been some movement to lower numbers from some as well as numbers issued to players who have joined (or re-joined) the club.
Whilst it is by no means a surefire indication of status in the era of squad numbers (as players may still choose to wear a higher number (eg Jacob Fallaize choosing to retain #24), traditionally players “progressing” to lower numbers is regarded as having a growing status within the squad as they get closer to a traditional “starting” number. But no doubt the whole squad will have an important part to play this season, regardless of their number.
Midfielder Seb Vance wore #15 last season but has been handed the number 6 shirt for this campaign (worn by Kieran Mahon last season but he is currently unable to commit to the full season). Brandon Wallace is the new number #11 (previously worn by Owen Wallbridge), a reward to a fine end to the previous campaign that earned him a Muratti start. His number #17 from last season has been assigned to the returning Callum Le Lacheur, while Will Fazakerley is also back involved and takes the vacant #19.
Zach Gilman has moved from #26 down to the vacant #16, Ben Solway takes Vance’s vacated #15 instead of last season’s #28.
The full list for the season is as follows (there may be additions as the season goes on):
1) Josh Addison
2) Niall Hainsworth
3) Jamie Dodd
4) Tom Dodds
5) Tom Vaudin
6) Seb Vance
7) Charlton Gauvain
8) Matt Loaring
9) Sam Murray
10) Ross Allen
11) Brandon Wallace
12) Fin du Port
13) Seb Sheppard
14) Simon Arnold
15) Ben Solway
16) Zach Gilman
17) Callum Le Lacheur
18) Dave Merris
19) Will Fazakerley
21) Jacques Cauvin
22) Fin Patterson
23) Frazer Maginnis
24) Jacob Fallaize
