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Guernsey F.C.

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This article is about the club competing in the English football pyramid. For the representative team, see Guernsey official football team. For the rugby club, see Guernsey RFC.

Guernsey
Full nameGuernsey Football Club
Nickname(s)The Green Lions
Founded2011; 13 years ago (2011)
GroundFootes Lane
Capacity5,000 (720 seated)
ChairmanJulia Hands
ManagerTony Vance
LeagueIsthmian League South Central Division
2023–24Isthmian League South Central Division, 18th of 21
Websitehttp://www.guernseyfc.com/

Guernsey Football Club is a community football club located in St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands. The club was formed in 2011 and became a member of the Combined Counties Football League Division One for the 2011–12 season.

History

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Background

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The FNB Priaulx League, currently operated by the Guernsey Football Association, has been the top level of football on Guernsey since 1893.[1][2] In addition, a Guernsey team has competed in the annual Muratti trophy against fellow Channel Islands sides since 1905[3] and at the Island Games since 1991. In June 2011 the Combined Counties Football League accepted Guernsey into its Combined Counties Football League Division One.[4] Level 10 in the English football league system. This made Guernsey the first team from the Channel Islands to compete in mainland British football, and the club funds the cost of both its own and other teams' travel to and from the island.[5]

Guernsey-born former England international Matt Le Tissier was the club's president until his resignation in August 2014,[6] whilst his brother Mark is the club's Football Secretary.[5]

2011–12

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Guernsey played their first game on 16 July 2011, Sky Sports came to Footes Lane to film Guernsey v Feltham 2–0 on 12 November 2011. The club beat Bedfont Sports 7–1 on 24 March 2012 to win the Combined Counties Division One at the first attempt and gain promotion.[7]

On 30 March the club also reached the final of the Premier Cup, beating Guildford City 4–2 after extra time.[8] They went on to beat Colliers Wood United in the final after extra time 2–0.[9]

2012–13

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Guernsey (in green) playing Walsall Wood in the quarter-finals of the FA Vase

Guernsey started their second League campaign in August when they played Croydon with an 8–0 win in the Combined Counties Football League Premier Division after securing promotion in the previous season.[7] They also entered the FA Vase for the first time.[10] Sky Sports returned to Footes Lane to film the Semi final first leg against Spennymoor Town on 23 March 2013. To get the pitch playable, a novel way to dry the pitch was tried, using a helicopter,[11] copying an idea tried in Melbourne, Australia, 50 years earlier.[12]

With 27 games postponed in the season due to Cup matches and the terrible winter weather, Guernsey were scheduled to play 17 games in April 2013,[13] 23 games in 43 days.[citation needed] the last four matches of the season in four days. League results: 2012–13 Combined Counties Football League. Finishing the season in style, Guernsey earned promotion for the second season in succession.[14]

2013–14

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Guernsey's entry into the FA Cup competition was confirmed,[15] with certain conditions, including strict financial obligations, which have been alleviated with the 60Saviours campaign, whereby 60 individuals or groups pledge to support each game in the FA Cup and FA Trophy competitions.[16]

During the FA Trophy match against Barkingside[17] on 6 October, Ross Allen scored the 350th competitive goal since forming, in just 111 games and little more than two seasons. Advancing to the first round qualifying, Guernsey had their first FA Trophy match at home where they met Billericay Town but lost 1–2.[18]

With promotion, Guernsey competes in the 2013–14 Isthmian League Division One South, with 46 league matches in the season,[19] coming 4th in the league and reaching the playoffs for promotion to the Isthmian League Premier Division but losing out to Leatherhead 3–2.

2014–15

[edit]

Playing in the 2014–15 Isthmian League Division One South for the second year. Five friendly games were played before the start of the season. GFC lost its FA Cup preliminary-round match against Worthing 2–0[20] but in the preliminary round of the FA Trophy won 4–0 against Barton Rovers[21] before crashing out of the competition in the next round. In the league, the season has seen some disappointing results including a record 8–0 loss against Merstham,[22] reaching the season's half way mark with only seven wins in 23 games. A marked improvement in the number of wins from mid December coincided with the club's 500th competitive goal on 17 January resulting in the next seven wins in just 10 games. Guernsey's 8–1 September win over Three Bridges[23] proving to be the highest scoring match in the league during the year, Guernsey finishing the season safe, in the second quartile.

Guernsey have now played 197 matches since their formation, winning 122, drawing 28 and losing 47. They have scored 529 goals, conceding 281. The Green Lions have been victorious in 103 league games, drawing 26 and losing 39. They have scored 454 times (Matt Loaring got the 450th against Worthing) and shipped 237.

The club's head physiotherapist, Mike Thomas died on 21 May[24] after battling with motor neurone disease.

2015–16

[edit]

For the 2015–16 season, Guernsey is playing in the Isthmian League Division One South for the third consecutive year. Most Guernsey players participated in the 2015 Island Games where the Island team won Gold.[25] Two friendly games being played before the season starts, winning the second which contested the newly created Mike Thomas Memorial Trophy.[26] Guernsey has entered the FA Cup and FA Trophy competitions for the third consecutive year. Drawing their first FA Cup match 2–2 against Phoenix Sports before losing the replay 1–2.[27] Guernsey FC exited the FA Trophy at the first hurdle, losing 2–0 against Thurrock.[28] On 21 November, a goal was scored by Ross Allen, his 199th and the club's 500th league goal. GFC reaching the half way mark, 23 games, in a better position than last season, with 11 wins and 36 points putting them in eighth place. Ross Allen moved to the top scorer in the division by picking up his 200th and 201st goals in the next match against Dorking Wanderers.[29] A great run up to the end of the year with a 6–2 victory over Tooting & Mitcham United, then coming from two down to get a 4–4 draw against South Park putting Guernsey in a play-off position, becoming the top goal scoring team in the division, with Ross Allen not surprisingly being the Ryman Isthmian League's top scorer after nine goals in the last four games. Guernsey's 100th home league match saw the unbeaten run increase to nine matches with a 2–1 victory over Whyteleafe F.C. This was followed with a long sequence of games lost, especially away games, resulting in Guernsey dropping to a disappointing 13th place.

The season ended with the following statistics, 246 matches have been played since the club was formed, 143 have been won and 34 drawn, 626 goals scored, 375 conceded. 63 players have represented the club, of whom 30 have scored a goal.[30]

2016-17

[edit]

Guernsey is playing in the Isthmian League Division One South for the fourth consecutive year with a new captain, following the resignation of Sam Cochrane who wished to stand down after five years in the post. The first FA Cup match at home, on 20 August against Thamesmead Town FC, with the FA Cup Trophy being brought to the well attended match.[31][32] The result was a 2:2 draw resulting in a replay which was lost on a penalty shootout. The FA Vase match on 8 October being played away at South Park FC was equally disappointing, losing 2:0. An October match, held on the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, failed to see Guernsey repeat the success against Hastings United F.C. A tragic collision resulted in the Captain goalkeeper, Chris Tardif suffering a double leg break at the home match against Godalming Town F.C. which ruled him out of the team for the rest of the season.[33] In December 2016 it was announced that Guernsey had formed an official link with Bristol City F.C. with regard to training and with the possibility of young Bristol City players gaining experience in away games of Guernsey F.C.[34] Cameron Pring and Jake Andrews, on loan from Bristol F.C. played at away games during December and January, Pring boosting the defence on four occasions and Andrews scoring eight goals in eight games for Guernsey. The season progressed with three away wins, sufficient to keep Guernsey out of the relegation zone. Thomas Dodds picked up the majority of awards at the end of season event. Guernsey FC were chosen by the FA as one of eight clubs that had, for the FA Cup, "provided the competition with standout stories and moments in a memorable season.". This was in recognition of the fact that the FA Cup trophy left the mainland to attend a fixture for the first time ever in the competition's history. Former captain Sam Cochrane was nominated by the club to represent them, and was welcomed on to the pitch at Wembley, sporting the club's colours, for the singing of ‘Abide with Me’ at the FA Cup final.[35]

Stadium

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The team plays its home games at Footes Lane, a 5,000 capacity multi-use sports facility in St Peter Port, Guernsey. The stadium is also used as an athletics track, by the Guernsey Rugby Club and was a venue for the 2003 Island Games and 2023 Island Games.

In 2023, it was announced that Guernsey FC will relocate to a new stadium in 2025 being built at Victoria Avenue, St Peter Port, adjacent to The Track. 8 years in the planning, the buildings, including a clubhouse with bar and kitchen, and a changing room block, will be next to a new 3G pitch with a 400 seats stadium and terracing behind each goal.[36] In July 2024 this was unveiled as Victoria Park with 600 seats and was scheduled to open in March 2025.[37]

Players

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For the 2011–12 season, the team was composed of players from the seven senior teams of the Guernsey Football Association (GFA). The first player officially signed was the Guernsey national side's captain, Sam Cochrane. Following this, all twenty members of Guernsey's 2011 Island Games squad which earned a silver medal were signed. The club currently operates a squad rotation policy, allowing the players to represent their respective GFA league clubs when called upon. Channel Islander-born players are eligible to play for any of the Home Nations. Former England international footballer and then GFC President Matt Le Tissier signed up as a player for the 2012–13 season, with his first and only appearance on 24 April 2013.[citation needed]

First-team squad

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As of 9 November 2024.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK England ENG Josh Addison
2 DF England ENG Niall Hainsworth
3 DF England ENG Jamie Dodd
4 DF England ENG Tom Dodds
5 DF England ENG Tom Vaudin
6 MF England ENG Kieran Mahon
7 MF England ENG Charlton Gauvain
8 MF England ENG Matt Loaring
9 FW England ENG Sam Murray
10 FW England ENG Ross Allen
11 FW England ENG Owen Wallbridge
12 MF England ENG Fin Du Port
No. Pos. Nation Player
14 MF England ENG Simon Arnold
17 MF England ENG Brandon Wallace
18 DF England ENG Dave Merris
19 MF England ENG Rhyan Evans
20 FW England ENG Alex Ward
21 DF England ENG Jacques Cauvin
22 FW England ENG Fin Patterson
23 FW England ENG Frazer Maginnis
24 FW England ENG Jacob Fallaize
25 MF England ENG Oscar Leadbeater
26 FW England ENG Zach Gilman
27 MF England ENG Ben Acey

Non-playing staff

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The team is coached by Tony Vance, who also coached the Guernsey national football team until he resigned in December 2011,[38] and is assisted by Colin Fallaize and Steve Sharman. The club's head physiotherapist was Mike Thomas, who died in May 2015. He was assisted by his son Dan Thomas and the consultant club doctor is Richard Weiler.

The club chairman from establishment to August 2016 was Steve Dewsnip and club secretary was Mark Le Tissier, brother of former England international footballer Matt Le Tissier. Mark Le Tissier took over as chairman in September 2016.[39] The club's patron is Sir Geoffrey Rowland, the ex-Bailiff of Guernsey.

GFC TV record and broadcast matches to subscribers over the internet. On occasions they have produced live broadcasts which have been shown in various Guernsey locations.

Honours

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League honours

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  • Isthmian League Division One South
    • Non-League Paper's National Game Awards 2013–14 Ross Allen Golden Boot Award with 54 goals [40]
    • Pro Direct Soccer Golden Boot 2013–14 Ross Allen[41]
    • Isthmian League Division One South 2013–14 Team Performance of the Year Award [42]
    • Isthmian League Division One South 2013–14 Ross Allen (46) - Golden Boot Award [42]
  • Combined Counties Football League Division One
    • Champions 2011–12
    • Fair Play Trophy Winner 2011–12 [43]
    • Leading Scorer Trophy 2011–12 Ross Allen with 51 league goals

Cup Honours

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Records

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League results

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Season Level League Played Won Drawn Lost GF GA GD Points Final
2011–12
10

Combined Counties Football League Division One

34
31
1
2
138
22
+116
94
 1st
promoted
2012–13
9

Combined Counties Football League Premier Division

42
30
6
6
131
56
+75
96
 2nd
promoted
2013–14
8

Isthmian League Division One South

46
23
12
11
93
65
+28
81
 4th
playoffs
2014–15
8

Isthmian League Division One South

46
19
7
20
92
94
-2
64
 10th
2015–16
8

Isthmian League Division One South

46
21
5
20
94
88
+6
68
 13th
2016–17
8

Isthmian League Division One South

46
9
11
26
66
112
-46
38
 21st
2017–18
8

Isthmian League Division One South

46
13
10
23
65
98
-33
49
 18th
2018–19
8

Isthmian League Division One South East

36
7
9
20
50
77
-27
30
 18th
2019–20
8

Isthmian League Division One South East

28
9
9
10
39
47
-8
36
 Results expunged
2020–21
8

Isthmian League Division One South East

Hiatus[53] Results expunged
2021–22
8

Isthmian League South Central Division

36
9
9
18
60
79
19
36
 14th
2022–23
8

Isthmian League South Central Division

38
10
10
18
42
73
-31
40
 15th

Cup performance timeline

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Tournament 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17
FA Cup
A
A
2QR[50]
PR
PR[27]
PR[54]
FA Trophy
A
A
1QR[18]
1QR[51]
PR[28]
PR
FA Vase
A
SF[52]
A
A
A
A
Combined Counties Premier Challenge Cup
W
3R[44]
A
A
A
A
Combined Counties Division 1 Challenge Cup
QF
A
A
A
A
A

(A Absent, PR Preliminary round, QR Qualifying round, 3R 3rd round, QF Quarter Final, SF Semi Final, F Finalist, W Winner)

Players who have turned professional

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Guernsey football leagues to revert to former names". BBC Sport. 14 July 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
  2. ^ "Past Winners of the Priaulx League". Guernsey FA. Archived from the original on 6 October 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
  3. ^ "Muratti Vase". RSSSF. Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Archived from the original on 4 August 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
  4. ^ "Guernsey FC gets green light to play English teams". BBC Sport. 21 June 2011. Archived from the original on 24 September 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
  5. ^ a b "Guernsey FC is massive undertaking, says director". BBC Sport. 14 April 2011. Archived from the original on 24 September 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
  6. ^ "Matt Le Tissier steps down as Guernsey FC president". BBC News. 6 August 2014. Archived from the original on 27 October 2014. Retrieved 10 January 2015.
  7. ^ a b "Guernsey FC secure Combined Counties Division One title". BBC Sport. 24 March 2012. Archived from the original on 3 January 2014. Retrieved 25 March 2012.
  8. ^ "Guernsey FC 4, Guildford City 2 (aet)". This is Guernsey. Archived from the original on 20 May 2012. Retrieved 31 March 2012.
  9. ^ Guernsey Press (7 May 2012). "'Dom'-inating Green Lions finally get just rewards". www.thisisguernsy.com. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  10. ^ Guernsey Press (29 February 2012). "FA Vase offers Wembley 'carrot'". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 1 March 2012.[permanent dead link‍]
  11. ^ Channel TV (23 March 2013). "Is this the Green Lions biggest fan?". Channel TV online. Archived from the original on 16 December 2013. Retrieved 24 March 2013.
  12. ^ British Pathe (1963). "Helicopter Dries Football Pitch 1963". British Pathe. Archived from the original on 17 June 2013. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
  13. ^ BBC.co.uk (15 March 2013). "Guernsey FC to play 17 games in April as fixtures pile up". www.thisisguernsey.com. Archived from the original on 23 March 2013. Retrieved 19 March 2013.
  14. ^ BBC.co.uk (6 May 2013). "Guernsey FC: Fourth win in four days earns promotion". www.bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 21 May 2013. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  15. ^ Guernsey Press (30 April 2013). "Lions in FA Cup". www.thisisguernsy.com. Archived from the original on 15 October 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  16. ^ BBC Sport (24 June 2013). "Guernsey FC go ahead with FA Cup plans after appeal for help". bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 10 July 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  17. ^ "Barkingside FC - Guernsey FC (2013. 10. 06. 14:00)". hatharom.com. 6 October 2013. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
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  19. ^ "Guernsey FC: A success story". channelonline.tv. Channel Television. Archived from the original on 6 March 2014. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  20. ^ The Rebels (30 August 2014). "The Rebels Ground Number: 404 Saturday 30th August 2014 Worthing 2-0 Guernsey FA Cup preliminary round". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
  21. ^ "Guernsey FC 4, Barton Rovers 0". Guernsey Press. 19 October 2014. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
  22. ^ "Guernsey FC suffer record 8-0 defeat at Merstham". BBC Sport. 19 November 2014. Archived from the original on 24 September 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  23. ^ "Three Bridges forward Ben Godfrey out for revenge on Guernsey". Crawley News Co UK. 30 January 2015. Archived from the original on 15 August 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  24. ^ "Guernsey FC's physio Mike Thomas dies". ITV News. 21 May 2015. Archived from the original on 27 May 2015. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
  25. ^ "Island Games 2015: Guernsey men beat Isle of Man to win gold". BBC Sport. 3 July 2015. Archived from the original on 12 August 2015. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
  26. ^ "Trophy founded in memory of Mike Thomas". BBC Sport. Guernsey Press. 29 July 2015. Archived from the original on 15 August 2015. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
  27. ^ a b "Guernsey FC out of FA Cup". BBC Sport. 3 September 2015. Archived from the original on 6 September 2015. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  28. ^ a b "Results Saturday 3rd October 2015". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 22 November 2015. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
  29. ^ "Dorking-Wanderers defeated by Guernsey". Dorking & Leatherhead Advertiser. 30 November 2015.[permanent dead link‍]
  30. ^ "2015-16: Our season in numbers". Guernsey FC. 29 May 2016. Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  31. ^ "The FA Cup is coming to Guernsey". Guernsey Press. 16 August 2016. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2016.
  32. ^ "The Emirates FA Cup heads to Guernsey for the first time". The FA. 16 August 2016. Archived from the original on 24 September 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
  33. ^ "GFC captain Tardif suffers double leg break". Guernsey Press. 24 October 2016. Archived from the original on 24 October 2016. Retrieved 24 October 2016.
  34. ^ "Official link between Guernsey and Bristol City announced". Guernsey Press. 1 December 2016. Archived from the original on 2 December 2016. Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  35. ^ "Cochrane Representing Guernsey At FA Cup Final". Island FM. 19 May 2017. Archived from the original on 31 July 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  36. ^ "'Momentous day for local football' as Victoria Avenue project finally begins". 18 July 2023.
  37. ^ "New Guernsey stadium to be named Victoria Park". 3 July 2024.
  38. ^ BBC Sport (30 December 2011). "Tony Vance resigns as Guernsey manager". www.bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 24 September 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2012.
  39. ^ "Mark Le Tissier Becomes Guernsey FC Chairman". Island FM. 23 September 2016. Archived from the original on 24 September 2016. Retrieved 23 September 2016.
  40. ^ "Guernsey FC's 54 goal striker..." BBC Sport. 14 May 2014. Archived from the original on 18 May 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2014.
  41. ^ "Hot-shot scoops paper's golden boot". Isthmian.co.uk. 19 May 2014. Archived from the original on 30 May 2014. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  42. ^ a b "Ryman League Roll of Honour 2014". Isthmian.co.uk. 21 June 2014. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
  43. ^ "HONOURS LIST 2011–2012". Combined Counties Football league. Archived from the original on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 12 March 2012.
  44. ^ a b c "Over Land and Sea | putajumperon". Putajumperon.wordpress.com. 6 May 2012. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
  45. ^ a b c d "Guernsey FC 11, Crawley Down Gatwick 0". This is Guernsey. 1 January 2014. Archived from the original on 31 December 2013. Retrieved 2 January 2014.
  46. ^ "Merstham inflict record defeat on Guernsey FC". This is Guernsey.com. 19 November 2014. Archived from the original on 24 November 2014. Retrieved 21 November 2014.
  47. ^ "Guernsey beat Rye United 6–5 in FA Vase fourth round". This is Guernsey. 14 December 2013. Archived from the original on 29 January 2013. Retrieved 2 January 2014.
  48. ^ "Croydon 4, Guernsey FC 7". This is Guernsey. 13 February 2013. Archived from the original on 31 December 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  49. ^ "Video – Green Lions find Wembley road blocked". This is Guernsey.com. 25 March 2013. Archived from the original on 31 March 2013. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
  50. ^ a b "Guernsey FA Cup campaign ended by 3-2 loss to Dover". BBC Sport. 28 September 2013. Archived from the original on 30 October 2013. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  51. ^ a b "FA Trophy: Guernsey FC lose 5-3 on penalties at Northwood". BBC Sport. November 2014. Archived from the original on 24 September 2021. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  52. ^ a b "Spennymoor Town set for Wembley". The FA.com. 30 March 2013. Archived from the original on 3 April 2013. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
  53. ^ "Club statement: Guernsey FC will not compete in the league in 2020-21". Guernsey FC. 15 September 2020. Archived from the original on 28 September 2020. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  54. ^ "Guernsey FC knocked out on dreaded spot kicks". Guernsey Press. 24 August 2016. Archived from the original on 24 August 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
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