Morgan confident Reds will buy back St Peter

JERSEY hope to buy back their ground within three years, after being forced to sell their assets for £1.5m in November in order to see out the season.

Reds chairman Mark Morgan says they intend to sell a plot of land for £750,000 to halve their target and take back control of the club’s St Peter ground, clubhouse and pitches.

He said: “It is a huge amount of money, but we’ve got a very large support base and sponsor base and a lot of people that really want to help.

“So when you think about that as £250,000 a year for three years, it should be achievable.

“We went through a horrible time and I wouldn’t wish that on any club, but two things that have come out of it really are fantastic.

“One is that we are back in control of our own destiny, but secondly the number of people that have stepped forward to ask ‘how can I help’, giving their time and ideas. Out of adversity has come some tremendous support and loyalty to the club.”

Jersey are one of three Championship clubs to have had financial difficulties this season – London Welsh went into liquidation in December, while Cornish Pirates were forced to change owners in September in order to survive.

Morgan is determined to keep the club fully professional and would not be interested in buddy-up with a Premiership club.

“I’m very keen for us to stay professional. I can’t see this plan formally being in place for the start of next season, I’m more confident it would be for the start of the following season.

“But that shouldn’t stop us putting informal relationships in place with clubs and starting to make it work. If we know it’s coming, let’s start making it work now.”

Meanwhile Bristol flyhalf Callum Sheedy has joined Jersey on loan.

Former Millfield School captain Sheedy, 21, will be with Jersey for at least three weeks and was among the replacements for yesterday’s clash against Cardiff Blues Select.