San Marino v England
Amateur International Friendly
8.30pm, Saturday 10 March 2007
Olympic Stadium

Isle of Man manager Kevin Manning has named a squad of 18 players to take part in next week's Amateur Friendly International against San Marino.

The Island squad, representing England as winners of The FA National League System Cup, will travel to the principality on Saturday 10 March. This may be the last opportunity to get the squad together prior to the UEFA Regions Cup Group 4 matches in the Czech Republic in April.

Since the narrow 1-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland last September, Manning has been keeping close tabs on the progress of the players. Recently the side has turned in two impressive performances against club sides from the Northern Premier League, defeating Skelmersdale United 3-1 and, earlier this week, holding promotion chasing Cammell Laird to a 1-1 draw.

“All of the Isle of Man contingency are looking forward to joining up with Mike Appleby and his staff for a very important fixture," said coach Manning. 

"This fixture will afford me the opportunity to fine-tune the squad prior to competing in the Czech Republic next month.

"After the Republic of Ireland game shortcomings where identified within the squad. An action plan was drawn up and implemented on our return to the Island. We sourced the services of a top athletics/conditioning coach to enhance the squad’s fitness levels, and secured fixtures with Skelmersdale United and Cammell Laird."

He added: "All of the Isle of Man party are looking forward to swapping our three legs of Man to the three Lions of England and securing a win against San Marino in what I am sure will be a very competitive game.”

Mike Appleby, The FA’s Leagues Manager, says the game is an important confidence builder prior to the UEFA fixtures.

He said: “The FA were fully behind the squad and were confident of the team performing well in their three matches in the Czech Republic. The team has been progressing well.

"They were unlucky to lose the match with the Irish and I am confident that they will fare better in San Marino next weekend.”

Squad
Mark Blair (Laxey FC), Grant Dawson (Aire Utd FC), Daniel Lace (Peel FC), Kevin Megson (Peel FC), Julian Ringham (St George’s FC) Mark Teare (Douglas Royals FC), Nigel Shimmin (Peel FC), Sean Quaye (St George’s FC), Chris Bass (St George’s FC), James Travers (Laxey FC), Paul Jones (Rushen Utd FC), Nick Hurt (Peel FC), Lee Dixon (St Mary’s FC), Callum Morrisey (St George’s FC), John Myers (St George’s FC), Ross Williamson (Laxey FC), Martin Reilly (St Mary’s FC) and Michael Hooper (Douglas High School OB FC)

You can follow the progress of the team here on TheFA.com.