BFA Confirm All Well Following March Friendly Against Congo
IslandStats.com
The Bermuda Football Association (BFA) has confirmed there are no reports of health concerns or illness within the national setup, following recent reports regarding a rare strain of the Ebola virus spreading in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Islandstats.com contacted local football authorities to check on the well-being of the senior men's national team delegation, who recently shared a pitch with the African nation.
Bermuda faced off against the Democratic Republic of Congo in an international friendly on March 25th at the Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico. Given the high-profile nature of the fixture, the BFA has maintained a watchful eye on the delegation out of an abundance of caution.
Medical guidelines dictate that the Ebola virus typically carries an incubation period of anywhere from two to 21 days before physical symptoms manifest.
The onset of the illness is known to be sudden, mirroring early influenza with acute symptoms such as severe fevers, debilitating headaches, and intense muscle fatigue.
With the incubation window for potential exposure from the March fixture now safely passed, local officials have moved quickly to reassure the public that the traveling contingent remains in perfect health.
BFA President Mark Wade provided a brief, definitive statement to clarify the status of the national squad and staff who made the trip to Central America.
"As of today, we have no reports of illness in our delegation that went to Mexico," Wade confirmed.
The clean bill of health comes as a welcome relief for the Bermuda' staff and players, allowing the focus to shift firmly back to their upcoming match against Cape Verde, set to take place on June 6th, 2026, at the Pratt & Whitney Stadium in Hartford, Connecticut.
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Daggers Secure Signing of Kane Crichlow on Two-Year Deal
IslandStats.com
Dagenham & Redbridge have completed the permanent signing of Bermuda international forward Kane Crichlow on a two-year contract.
The 25-year-old moves to Victoria Road from National League side Sutton United, providing a massive attacking boost for the Daggers as they look to build under the newly appointed leadership of head coach Lee Allinson.
The acquisition represents a significant statement of intent for the East London outfit, who recently concluded their National League South campaign in 13th place and are co-owned by a high-profile investment group including internet sensation KSI.
Crichlow, a former Watford youth product, brings a wealthy mix of technical versatility and non-league pedigree to the Daggers' frontline. He spent the latter half of last season on loan at Chelmsford City, where he netted three goals in 21 appearances to follow up a highly successful 13-goal haul with the Clarets the previous year.
The Bermudian has also established himself as a lethal weapon on the international circuit, racking up 10 goals for his country since his senior debut in 2021. Head coach Lee Allinson did not hide his excitement after securing the forward's signature.
"I'm delighted to get Kane over the line," Allinson said. "He's a really exciting, front-footed attacking player with plenty of quality. He knows where the goal is and he'll be a fantastic addition to the football club."
The move introduces a fascinating dynamic to the Dagenham locker room, where Crichlow is set to link up directly with former England and Premier League striker Andy Carroll.
The 37-year-old former Newcastle and Liverpool frontman is a minority shareholder at Victoria Road and briefly served as interim manager last season before returning to a playing role under Allinson.
With the explosive pace of Crichlow joining forces with Carroll’s veteran aerial presence, Dagenham fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic as the club targets a heavy promotion charge and a deep run in the FA Trophy next term.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Stars Edge Under-17s in Hard-Fought Bernard Park Clash
IslandStats.com
Dandy Stars 2 Under 17 National Select 1
The Dandy Stars solidified their credentials in the Bermuda Football Association Women’s Division with a gritty 2-1 victory over the Under-17 National Select.
As the only fixture on the division's schedule, all eyes were on Bernard Park, and the spectators were treated to a fascinating contest of youthful exuberance versus tactical composure.
The Dandy Stars stamped their authority on the match early on. The deadlock was broken in the 19th minute when Robin-Valana Pearman found the back of the net with a fine finish to put the Stars 1-0 ahead.
With the momentum firmly in their favor, they doubled their advantage just eight minutes later. Jenay Edness-Gomez capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 27th minute, coolly slotting home to give the Dandy Stars a comfortable 2-0 cushion that they comfortably carried into the halftime break.
The Under-17 National Select emerged for the second half with a renewed sense of urgency, determined to claw their way back into the tie.
Their pressure paid dividends early in the second period. In the 52nd minute, Daley Outerbridge breached the Stars' backline to pull a vital goal back, changing the complexion of the match at 2-1.
Despite throwing everything forward in the closing stages in search of a dramatic equalizer, the young Select side could not find a way through a resilient Dandy Stars defense. The veteran composure of the Stars shone through as they successfully managed the remaining minutes to secure all three points in a crucial division encounter.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Goater - Why Replacing Pep Guardiola is an Impossible Job
IslandStats.com
With the talk that Pep Guardiola will leave at the end of the season Manchester City and Bermuda International legend Shaun Goater shared his views on what Guardiola has achieved at Manchester City, it’s just mind-blowing.
The man is a serial winner. For a decade or so now, he has just continuously provided trophy after trophy. But it’s not just what he won; it’s the way and the style in which he did it. It has been absolutely brilliant—totally dominating teams and totally dominating possession.
I remember watching him in those early first years. He actually educated us as fans. We were so used to a more direct game, but over time, we came to understand his philosophy. It was a revelation: “Hold on, we’re dominating the ball. We’ve got the ball for 75% of the game, we're creating most of the chances, and the opposition is just trying to get it.”
He didn't just change City; he influenced football at the lower levels too. Now you see clubs all the way down the pyramid trying to play out from the back. Before Pep, English coaches used to call it nonsense. Now, they’re all having a go because they've seen what's possible. He truly put the game on a completely different trajectory. He is going to be a huge, absolute loss.
During my time working with the women’s team at City, Gareth Taylor and I would occasionally get to watch and observe Pep’s sessions. In particular, we'd watch the 'Matchday Minus One' session right before a game.
It was fascinating. He would go through the tactical details according to how the opposition played, setting up the game plan and strategy. Then, I’d watch the actual match, and it would unfold exactly how he anticipated. The opposition would do precisely what he predicted, and City would get the result.
But for me, his real magic—the skill that people don't fully see—is what he does when a game is in progress. It could be halftime or 65 minutes in, and his analysis team feeds him information. Pep has this unbelievable ability to make that little tweak or adjustment—switching a formation, telling a player to go higher, lower, inside, or drop—to completely get on top of the game and create the goals needed. That in itself is worth all the money. If every coach knew how to do that, we’d all be Pep Guardiola.
Tactically, he’s evolved right before our eyes. Look at how he’s managed teams with a recognized number nine like Erling Haaland, where one player scores 50% to 60% of the goals.
But I also recall the time when we didn't have a recognized striker and he played with a False Nine. I have to say, that was a time when I think I saw City play the most brilliant, beautiful football. I remember thinking to myself, “I don’t really think you even need a forward!” I was almost talking myself out of the very position I played!
It was so effective because players were constantly rotating. One moment a player was up high, then they'd drop into midfield, and a midfielder would break forward. Teams just couldn't cope. We had seven players in different positions scoring over ten goals each. The goals were completely balanced across the squad. It was a fascinating thing to see him execute.
Like everyone here at City, I just want to wish him the best. It has been a real joy, and I have to say a huge thank you to him for bringing so much joy to the game.
As for the next manager trying to fill his shoes? Good luck to them!
Pep will be deeply missed. He has been absolutely awesome for us. I think I speak for all City fans when I say I can't wait to see where they put his statue. Personally? I think it needs to be front and center of the building.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Lambe Departs Needham & Crichlow Returns to Sutton
IslandStats.com
Needham Market FC have confirmed that Bermudian international Reggie Lambe is to leave the club ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, marking the end of a significant chapter for the veteran playmaker at Bloomfields.
The Suffolk-based club released a statement today thanking the 35-year-old for his contributions. Lambe, who has enjoyed a storied career including spells in the Football League and the MLS, became a vital component of the Marketmen’s midfield, providing both technical quality and leadership to the dressing room.
The club stated that the departure comes as they begin to reshuffle the squad for the forthcoming season, with Lambe now expected to field offers from several clubs across the non-league pyramid.
Meanwhile, fellow Bermudian Kane Crichlow is heading back to Sutton United following the conclusion of his loan spell at Chelmsford City.
The pacy forward joined the Clarets on a temporary basis to gain valuable first-team minutes and has impressed during his time in the National League South. His return to Gander Green Lane comes at a crucial time for Sutton, as they evaluate their attacking options for the new season.
Crichlow’s development continues to be closely monitored by national team selectors, and his return to a full-time professional environment at Sutton is expected to provide the ideal platform for the next stage of his career.