Jersey Bulls opt out of 2024-25 FA Cup

Last season, Falmouth Town eliminated Jersey Bulls from the FA Vase in the last 16. However, Jersey Bulls will not be participating in next season’s FA Cup due to logistical challenges associated with travelling to replays in England during the busy summer months. The island team competed in the opening two qualifying rounds last August and required replays for both matches. This forced the club to travel off the island on Tuesdays immediately after their Saturday games, which was difficult during the holiday season.

Ian Horswell, the Bulls’ chief executive, explained that it has become too challenging from a logistical standpoint. The team struggled with players getting time off work at short notice for replays. While Bulls can host matches if drawn at home initially, they must travel to England for any replays. Horswell expressed hope that the team can re-enter the competition in the future, especially now that FA Cup replays have been abolished.

After missing the 2022-23 edition of the FA Cup due to costs and league priorities, Bulls returned to the competition last season. Despite reaching the third qualifying round in their first campaign in 2021-22, they were eliminated in a replay in the first preliminary round last season. Following their loss in the play-offs, Gary Freeman resigned as manager, and Elliot Powell was appointed as the new manager last month.

Despite missing out on the FA Cup, Jersey Bulls will still participate in the FA Vase and have reached the last 16 in the past two seasons. Their previous season ended with a 3-0 defeat at home to Falmouth Town in the competition. Additionally, the club’s youth team has entered the FA Youth Cup for the third year in a row, reaching the third qualifying round last season and the first qualifying round in 2022.