Ex-Jersey FA Manager makes football return after five years away

Sunday 30 June 2019

Jersey FA's former manager has returned to football after half-a-decade away with a new position at Jersey Wanderers.

Craig Culkin is set to be the JTC-sponsored club's new football adviser.

Mr Culkin, who was the Island coach for four years until 2014 and is a former manager at St. Paul’s, joins Wanderers after five years away from football to focus on his young family. 

He recently returned to the game to coach the Jersey men’s senior team under Martin Cassidy.

In this newly created role, he will work with the existing team to develop a strategic plan aimed at giving players a better pathway to playing football at the highest level and mapping out a route to ensure the Club continues to be successful in the future

He will also play a role in attracting players and coaches to the Club and will work with Rob Cameron, the current First Team coach, to deliver an enhanced training programme.

“It’s an absolute honour to be joining JTC Jersey Wanderers in this advisory capacity," Mr Culkin said. "I know Nigel Le Quesne, Club Chairman, well having spoken to him a number of times over the years and his appetite for football and affection for Wanderers is incredible – so much so that his vision and passion for the Club has really helped re-ignite my interest to get back into football, albeit in a slightly different role.

“When Nigel and I met to discuss the potential of this new advisors role, there was real a buzz of excitement about Wanderers and a clear desire to get the Club back to the top of Jersey football – and we hope to do just that within the next couple of seasons. I am relishing playing my part through this appointment and the opportunity to do something very special at JTC Park.” 

Pictured: Nigel Le Quesne, Chair of the Board of the Club and CEO of JTC, and Craig Culkin, the Wanderers' new adviser.

Nigel Le Quesne, Chair of the Board for the Club, and Chief Executive Officer of JTC, added: “There’s very little Craig doesn’t know about football in Jersey and I’m convinced that he can play a hugely valuable role in helping us achieve our objective - ultimately, to be the Channel Islands’ leading domestic football club, both on and off the field.

"Craig’s association with island football, his understanding of the game and his experience at the highest level will be hugely positive for the Club, our players, our supporters and the wider community and we are all very much looking forward to welcoming him.”