Jersey FA Men’s team manager charges into new position at Bulls

Wednesday 29 May 2024

The Jersey FA Men’s team manager has taken on the top job at the Jersey Bulls following the resignation of Gary Freeman earlier this month.

Elliot Powell will remain in post at the Jersey FA as he also becomes first team manager for the Bulls.

Powell holds a first-class degree in Sports Coaching, a UEFA C Coaching License, and a professional certification in Talent Identification and Development.

His new position for the club has come after the Bulls' promotion dreams were dashed this season, losing to AFC Croydon in the play-offs, which saw Freeman and all his management team step down after four seasons.

Before the play-offs, it had been the Bulls' most successful season to date since they were founded in 2018.

Powell and his new management team, which is yet to be announced, are hoping to fulfil the club's aims of promotion from the Combined Counties league to the next step of the English football pyramid.

Powell said: “I am honoured to join Jersey Bulls. It is something I have been ambitious about doing for some time, and I am excited for the opportunities we can create.

"The club has a strong foundation and a passionate fan base in Jersey and the UK. I am committed to bringing success to the Bulls and building on the club’s proud traditions and culture.”

Pictured: Elliot Powell takes over from Gary Freeman who stepped down with immediate effect last month alongside his team Kevan Nelson, Richard Hebert and Dan Seviour.

Jersey Bulls Chairman Russel Le Feuvre said: “We are delighted to be able to appoint someone of Elliot’s calibre and we thank all those who showed interest in the club and the role.

"We owe so much to our exiting Manager Gary Freeman and his management team for their unwavering dedication and achievements in their tenure, ending in our most successful season to date."

Ian Horswell, CEO of the Bulls, added: “We are thrilled to have Elliot join the club.

"We have an exciting schedule of pre-season matches and look forward to welcoming supporters to Springfield again for what should be the start of another exciting spectacle for the island of Jersey."

Returning to the island from university in 2019, Powell took up the managerial position at Jersey Championship side St John’s, transforming a team that had finished bottom in the previous season. Despite a season cut short by the pandemic, he led St John’s to an second place finish, setting the up for future success.

In 2020, Powell embarked on a long-term project with Jersey Premiership side St Peter’s. Over four seasons, he elevated the team from mid-table mediocrity to champions, capturing every amiable trophy in Channel Island football, including an unbeaten run to the Premiership title in the 2022-23 season.

He was then appointed as the Men’s Representative Assistant Manager for the Jersey FA in February 2023.

Under the management team’s guidance, Jersey successfully defended the Muratti Vase and Powell led the team to a historic gold medal at the Island Games, marking the first win since 2009.

Following these triumphs, he was appointed as the permanent Manager for the Jersey FA Men’s team, continuing his winning streak by overseeing a dramatic 3-2 victory over Guernsey in the latest Muratti Vase contest.