ISLE OF MAN VS BURY: 2020?

The Manxmen look set for England’s non-league – maybe even the EFL

For years, the Isle of Man’s sporting pedigree has extended only as far as Mark Cavendish and the TT motorbike event, but that may be about to change.

The island could have representation in England’s non-league pyramid for the first time next season, with the newly-formed FC Isle of Man applying to join the North West Counties League. They could even take on Bury, if a reformed Shakers outfit end up in their division.

“Our aim is to have a professional football club on the Isle of Man – we think we have enough talent on the island,” club co-founder Paul Jones tells FFT. “We want to push towards League Two – we’re looking to do that within the next 10 to 15 years.”

The Isle of Man, population 80,000 or so, has been home to many famous people, from Nigel Mansell (ask your dad) to Norman Wisdom (ask your grandad). They haven’t produced many footballers, however. Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney was born there, but left at 10 months old and learned his skills in Scotland. “There are 26 teams on a small island, so we do well for participation,” adds Jones of the Isle of Man Football League, “though the standard isn’t amazing – good players get frustrated.”

Entering the English pyramid had been discussed for ages, and people took notice when Guernsey FC joined England’s Combined Counties League in 2011, then Jersey Bulls FC did the same this season. “Guernsey and Jersey have set the precedent so we shouldn’t have any issues in the FA saying yes, aside from tweaking our stadium and assuring them we’re financially viable,” insists Jones. “That has to be done by the end of March. Before that, the North West Counties League must apply on our behalf. We’re hoping for good news on that soon. “Our ground, The Bowl, has sold out for football a few times in recent years – that’s about 3,000 and we envisage getting close to capacity in the early days. That’s a big selling point for the North West Counties League and the clubs. We’d have to pay for the travel of all teams coming to the Isle of Man, but Jersey and Guernsey also do that. We feel like we’re a nation on the Isle of Man, so we hope that it will feel like a national team.” Unfortunately, despite the Manx flag depicting three legs, FC Isle of Man’s men won’t have that advantage. “Definitely not...” chuckles Jones. “Although I’m sure there’ll be some comments from visiting fans about it!” Fleetwood, Accrington and Salford have risen from the North West Counties League to the EFL over the years. Who knows? Maybe FC Isle of Man will be next. Chris Flanagan