Catching up with… Nick Graham, Steering Committee Chair

As Steering Committee Chair, Nick Graham is responsible for maximising the opportunities Victoria Park presents for players, fans and the wider community. We spoke to Nick about his love of football, how his professional background supports his role and his hope that Victoria Park will deliver something truly special to Guernsey. 

Can you tell us a little about your professional background and how it supports your role?

I own a small business, OSA Recruitment, and have worked there for over thirty years. It seems like a long time, but we have a great team, and recruitment is all about engaging and interacting with people – both clients and candidates.

More recently, I feel lucky to have greater flexibility in my working week, and it allows me time to spend on other projects that interest me. Guernsey is a close-knit community, and long-standing business contacts overlap into other areas, like sport or the charitable sector.

Personal reputations, or a businesses’ reputation are built on acting with honesty and integrity and always being accountable, which I hope to bring to the project.

How did you become involved in Victoria Park?

I have known Rob Jones, Gary Roberts and Tony Vance for many years in football circles, and I respect them all very highly. 

When Rob and Gary asked me if I would like to be involved in this project, I jumped at the chance.

How do you feel about being appointed as Chair?

Genuinely flattered and honoured. These guys all are deeply immersed in Guernsey football and care so much about this sport they love, and their skills and experience complement each other very nicely. 

I am more of a football fan, with maybe a more independent outlook so, hopefully, we will all be able to work together effectively.

What is your main role as Steering Committee Chair?

I am an independent and questioning person, and collaborative. The Steering Committee has so much knowledge and experience; I see my role as to listen to each person’s contribution and find consensus as best we can. 

I’m also responsible for overviewing governance and maximising the opportunities Victoria Park presents for football players, spectators and the wider community.

What excites you most about Victoria Park?

To be involved in this project at this stage is, firstly, to recognise the sheer grit, determination and vision from all the work that has gone into this for the past ten years. We are now at an exciting stage, counting down to when everyone in Guernsey will be able to witness the reality of what Victoria Park will deliver. 

Occasionally, I will go to a Premiership game, and every time I go, I love walking up the concrete steps and seeing the deep green manicured grass for the first time – it’s always a special moment. I would love to believe that when Victoria Park is up and running, every person has a similar experience.

What will the Committee’s focus be in the run-up to the stadium’s opening next year?

I know that when Victoria Park first opens, we all want it to be absolutely perfect in every way – nothing unfinished - so our goal is to make that happen.

Initially, we are focussed on speaking with potential partners around sponsorship opportunities, which is really interesting as we will have various levels of deals available. 

The LED advertising screens have not been seen in Guernsey, and we hope this is exciting and attractive, given the high level of projected footfall.

How do you hope to see Victoria Park evolve over the next few years?

I anticipate a great deal of intrigue and interest around the opening, as it will be novel and exciting. I hope that once players and fans acclimatise to making this their new home, everyone will adjust their routines and really enjoy everything about Victoria Park.

I hope the whole Guernsey community feels proud of the facility and that the Guernsey FA can flourish and grow by having their own home, and that Guernsey FC players and fans are proud to make Victoria Park their fortress.

Ultimately, all parties are keen for players at any level to enjoy their football, retaining young people in the sport, and it will be so positive to grow the sport further.

30 seconds with Nick
 

• Favourite Football team? 
  Man United
   
• Greatest player of all time? 
  Eric Cantona
   
• At half-time, you’ll find me…

Needing a strong coffee (a weak answer, I know!)