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Palmer awaits word from MLS club
BY HOWARD WALKER Observer staff reporter walkerh@jamaicaobserver.com
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
JAMAICAN midfielder Lovel Palmer thinks he as done enough to secure a contract with US Major league outfit Houston Dynamo after two trial stints.
Palmer, 25, the brother of World Championship 100 hurdles champion Brigette Foster-Hylton, told the Observer he is awaiting response from the American club.
PALMER... it's up to them to see if I'm good enough [Hide Description] PALMER... it's up to them to see if I'm good enough [Restore Description] 1/1
Said Palmer: "I'm just waiting on the agent and the club to hear what they have to say. For two weeks, as you have seen in the papers, it went well and I did my part, now it's up to them to see if I'm good enough to fit into their system. I'm just waiting," he reiterated.
A few weeks ago Palmer and Tivoli Gardens' striker Navion Boyd left on trials with Houston Dynamo.
They returned home after a one-week training stint involving other players from various countries, but Palmer was requested for a second stint by coach Dominic Kinnear, who wanted to take another look at the Harbour View star.
Palmer, who scored a 35-metre 'screamer' in the first stint against FC Dallas in a practice game as a central midfielder in a 3-5-2 formation, was asked to prove himself in a 4-4-2 formation against the Chicago Fire last Thursday.
"We played with a diamond midfield. They like the work rate; it was simple; I do what they asked for. They just want to see if you can follow instructions and I responded well," said Palmer, who may have played his last game for Harbour View this season.
"They told me that they would get in touch with the agent after we finished playing the Chicago game. They said, 'Excellent game'. They couldn't fault me for any thing during the game (that) we draw 1-1.
"The players liked it, the coaches liked it, so it's for me to wait and hear what the agent has to say," said the Harbour View skipper.
"I have to give thanks to all the players in Houston. They really made me feel comfortable. Playing in the central midfield, the central halves... were really talking to me, trying to make my game easy as possible.
"The attacking midfielders were coming for the ball; it was great. The players were excellent. I would really love to get a chance to play with them," he delclared.
Palmer is tipped to fill the defensive midfield spot vacated by the off-season departure of Ricardo Clark to Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany.
You see what one game and good performance can achieve ?
I don't hold to this view that because Jamaica is not going to S. Africa that Jamaica is not a good enough team for any side looking warm-up games right now.
Keep searching for games and tekkin it to bwoy wicked pon de ball and opportunities will come for players.
More professional players equals a better REGGAEBOYZ side fi tek wicked to dem again.
Get the conveyor/marketing belt going from top schoolboys up to full pro level; too long wi inna dis ting now without achieveing full potential.
I've seen the other threads on JFF finance issues an all a dat but neva sey nuttin.
The problem with the JFF not getting matches right now is that the JFF only wants to or can only play teams that will foot the entire bill for playing Jamaica.
Very few teams that can afford to do that will want to play Jamaica as Jamaica gets all the financial benefits as well as the experience and exposure for REGGAEBOYZ players for no cost and all the other team gets is a match.
This happened long time now;that's why Jamaica never played in the Cayman Islands for a number of years.
8 years ago Jamaica's match fees had reached something like US$ 30-35,000 to play in Cayman simply because Cayman could afford those fees.
Jamaica only plays there even now when CIFA foots the bill.
If Capt. Burrell is such a good businessman in his own businesses, which he undoubtedly is, how come his business accumen cannot transfer into running the JFF more profitably ?
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If Lovel earns this contract it was not just one match but 10 years of hard work in the Harbour View system. He has proven both at the club and national team level that he could perform well against top level opposition.
If Lovel earns this contract it was not just one match but 10 years of hard work in the Harbour View system. He has proven both at the club and national team level that he could perform well against top level opposition.
Absolutely but if the football world does not see Lovel Palmer performing against some of the world's better sides and players, does he get that call ?
The game against Argentina put the current players representing Jamaica in the international shop window and how many players have had trials with MLS since that match ?
Ric did you know the JFF is a different kind of operation from a bakery. I think we look at football as a business that should be rolling in money like a patty shop. We are ranked 80th and not a football power, not going to the world cup,our players are average and yet we expect them to generate millions. Be realistic.
Ric did you know the JFF is a different kind of operation from a bakery. I think we look at football as a business that should be rolling in money like a patty shop. We are ranked 80th and not a football power, not going to the world cup,our players are average and yet we expect them to generate millions. Be realistic.
Well, well !
So now we come to the issue of a successful baker running an unsuccessful football association/national team ?
CARTER, there are some thinking people on this forum, with a bit of knowledge of the game in general, the game in Jamaica and, in my case, direct contact and history with some of the major people in Jamaican football that we discuss here from time to time.
The baker is successful because he knows the baking business and how to make money from it; any business has its obstacles to overcome to be successful and the football business is no different and now u givin me the excuses/negatives why the baker cannot run a more successful federation.
That means, from a purely business point of view, the baker fi come out of the football business, end of.
My take is that the baker is running the football business, not as a trust for the people of Jamaica, but as his own likkle political fiefdom to further his power in the football circles.
Is freeness the baker a look fi run dis ting, like the world owe Jamaica any favours because im a cry poverty for Jamaican football.
Houston Dynamo FC not going to pay Lovell Palmer on 'freeness', dem going to pay his contract in cold, hard cash.
To be quite fair, the executive positions in the JFF are not paid positions and I don't know if they even have a marketing division within the current structure.
If the JFF was doing as much as it should be doing, its marketing strategy for Jamaica football would be out there because it would be reaching out to the market and we all would see it, like we see Captain's Bakery marketing campaign all over Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
Does this address any more Burrell apologists on the forum.
There have been many brilliant ideas thrown out here by the so-called anti-Burrellists, which I am not.
Maybe the baker can't concentrate on running Jamaica's football business and the bakery at the same time.
If that's the case, then the football people in Jamaica need to find someone who can run the football business and leave the baker to run his bakery.
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Palmer finalises deal with MLS club
BY SEAN A WILLIAMS Assistant Sport Editor
Friday, March 19, 2010
JAMAICA international and Harbour View FC midfielder Lovel Palmer is on his way to US Major League outfit Houston Dynamo after impressing the Texas franchise following two quickfire trial stints recently.
Yesterday, club officials declined to give the transfer fee, but disclosed that the club's skipper will go to the US outfit for an initial one-year period, with the option to extend for an additional three years.
Harbour View FC captain Lovel Palmer reacts to the guard of honour by members of his club in recognition of his signing to US MLS outfit Houston Dynamo at the mini-stadium on Wednesday. (Photo: Collin Reid) [Hide Description] Harbour View FC captain Lovel Palmer reacts to the guard of honour by members of his club in recognition of his signing to US MLS outfit Houston Dynamo at the mini-stadium on Wednesday. (Photo: Collin Reid) [Restore Description] 1/1
Palmer, the brother of World Championship 100 hurdles champion Brigitte Foster-Hylton, is expected to join his new club as early as next week. The MLS season is due for kick-off on March 27.
When reached yesterday, Palmer was besides himself with joy. "I'm just elated as it's every player's dream to play overseas, and I guess I'm living my dream now," he said.
Palmer said he is confident he will fit into the culture of the club, which he described as "more like a family" than anything else.
"I like the players and the vibe in the changing room... players will come up to me and give me tips on how the coach likes things done," said Palmer.
Meanwhile, general manager of Harbour View, Clyde Jureidini, said the relevant documentation formalising the deal between the clubs have been exchanged, noting that they are awaiting a final response from Houston to officially close the deal.
"Basically, it's completed (deal) as all documents that are required have been sent off," said Jureidini.
"In fact, we had the official sending off of Lovel last night (Wednesday) where he his teammates formed a guard of honour for him as he left the field," he added.
Palmer's success was recognised with a citation from SportMax and a Nike kit from Locker Room Sports, two companies with which the player has worked closely on various marketing projects.
Harbour View, which Palmer joined as a Minor League player back in 1999, also made a special presentation to the athletic midfielder at half-time in their 1-2 defeat against St Georges SC in the Flow Champions Cup All-Island KO at the mini-stadium.
"It's fitting that Lovel goes off at this time as it has been about 10 years since he first joined the club and he has progressed nicely, so we wish him all the best," noted Jureidini.
Palmer's successful transfer follows that of a number of Harbour View players -- most notably, Ricardo 'Bibi' Gardner, who signed with Bolton Wanderers immediately after the 1998 World Cup in France for £1 million.
"This kind of thing continues to enhance the reputation of Harbour View and also gives players the opportunity to further their football careers to the level that we cannot provide at the moment," Jureidini noted.
The trial process for the hard-working midfielder started when he and Tivoli Gardens striker Navion Boyd went for an initial look-in by Houston coach Dominic Kinnear, who was impressed by the duo.
But his eyes were more trained on Palmer, and after returning to Jamaica after a week overseas, Kinnear asked that the player return for another stint to see how well he would function in a new formation.
Palmer -- capped 17 times as a senior Reggae Boy -- scored a 35-metre scorcher in the first stint against FC Dallas in a practice game in a 3-5-2 formation, but was recalled to see how well he would operate in the common 4-4-2 which was employed against the Chicago Fire last Thursday.
He is tipped to fill the defensive midfield spot vacated by the off-season departure of Ricardo Clark to Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany.
As an international, Palmer has also played at the Under-17 level. His most recent outing as a senior player was a friendly game against Argentina in Mar Del Plata last month, where Jamaica lost 1-2 in a gutsy display.
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Dynamo sign midfielder Lovel Palmer Jamaican international bolsters Houston's depth 03/19/2010 2:05 PM Houston Dynamo Media Relations Lovel Palmer has made 12 appearances for the Jamaican national team.
Lovel Palmer has made 12 appearances for the Jamaican national team. (W. Thorne/Houston Dynamo) Related
* Palmer hopes to stick with Dynamo * Palmer helps Dynamo down Dallas
HOUSTON -- The Houston Dynamo have acquired midfielder Lovel Palmer from Jamaican club Harbour View, it was announced today. Per team and league policy, terms of the transaction and of Palmer's contract were not disclosed. Upon receipt of his international transfer certificate and approval of a P-1 visa, Palmer will occupy an international roster slot.
Palmer, 25, comes to Houston from Jamaican power Harbour View, where he captained the team into a tie for first place with three games remaining in the 2009-10 season. Palmer has played with Harbour View since he was a teenager, including the National Premier League championship team of 2007, CONCACAF Champions' Cup series against D.C. United in 2005 and 2008, and the 2008-09 CONCACAF Champions League preliminary round against Pumas. He has been the club's captain since August 2005, when he was just 21 years old.
For Jamaica, Palmer has made 12 career appearances since 2005, most recently appearing and setting up his country's only goal in a 2-1 road loss to world power Argentina on February 10.
He has already spent two separate one-week trial periods with the Dynamo, first in Orlando at the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic Feb. 22-27, where he scored a long-range goal against rival FC Dallas. Palmer re-joined the Dynamo for preseason games March 7 against the Austin Aztex and March 11 against the Chicago Fire. He is expected to join the Dynamo prior to their March 27 MLS opener against FC Dallas.
The Dynamo's home opener at Robertson Stadium is scheduled for April 1 against defending MLS Cup champion Real Salt Lake. Tickets for Dynamo games and the 2010 MLS All-Star Game at Houston's Reliant Stadium are available via Dynamo season ticket packages and mini plans at HoustonDynamo.com or by calling (713) 276-7500.
The Houston Dynamo are a Major League Soccer franchise that has won two MLS Cup championships in its first four seasons and represented the United States in four consecutive regional championships. For more information, log on to http://www.HoustonDynamo.com or call (713) 276-7500.
LOVEL PALMER Position: Midfielder Height: 5'10" Weight: 160 lbs. Date of Birth: August 30, 1984 Birthplace: Mandeville, Jamaica Hometown: Mandeville, Jamaica Citizenship: Jamaica Last Club: Harbour View (Jamaica) How Acquired: Transferred from Harbour View on March 19, 2010 Status: Senior International
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Palmer stuck in Kingston
Houston opens at home Thursday against Real Salt Lake (TV: ESPN2, live, 9 p.m. ET), which may been too soon for Jamaican Lovel Palmer to rejoin the team. Palmer was signed as a possible replacement for the departed Ricardo Clark at holding midfielder and returned home after a solid preseason to get his visa.
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Palmer makes debut, eyes Houston starting XI Recent Dynamo signing hopes to make impact at new club
Dwain Capodice MLSsoccer.com April 7, 2010 11:29pm Recent Dynamo signing hopes to make impact at new clubHOUSTON — On Saturday night, Lovel Palmer—one of the Dynamo's newest signings—made his debut in Houston's defeat of reigning league champions Real Salt Lake.
However, having spent a couple of weeks wrangling to formalize the necessary paperwork, the midfielder was just happy to finally be in town.
“It was nice making my debut and making it with a victory at home," Palmer said. "I’m elated.”
Palmer’s paperwork issues stemmed from difficulties getting an appointment with the embassy in Jamaica. The Dynamo front office assisted Palmer in obtaining an emergency appointment and he was happy to have made it to Houston in time for Thursday’s game.
The Jamaican midfielder had been with former club Harbor View for 12 years, including six with the senior team. While Palmer is ecstatic to be moving on to greener pastures, he speaks fondly of his time with his old club.
“I’ve been there since I was thirteen and it’s like family to me,” said Palmer, who has 12 caps for the Jamaica national team. “A lot of people were disappointed I was leaving, but they were happy I was moving on to better things. It was great, and I’m sure they were watching [Thursday] and were rooting for the Houston Dynamo.”
While the paperwork may have taken longer than expected, it did not take Palmer long to feel welcome in Houston during the preseason. His new Dynamo teammates helped make the transition easy.
“The first day on the pitch, I felt like I was here forever,” Palmer said. “The players welcomed me with open arms.”
As for those teammates, they are excited to have the Jamaican midfielder on the team.
“Lovel’s that guy that came in, didn’t say a whole lot, put his head down and worked hard,” fellow midfielder Brad Davis said. “I think he had some good games and scored a fantastic goal in Orlando, and he’s just 25, but if you give him a little time with this team he will fit in quite well.”
Prior to the start of the season, head coach Dominic Kinnear discussed what had made the team sign Palmer.
“We liked him, and we feel there was a need in that position for one or two guys that can play in there,” Kinnear said. “I thought the way he played with us, he did alright. We saw enough of him that we did feel that if he comes in, he will get better.
"He covers good ground, he’s pretty strong in the tackle, a good athlete and makes decent decisions on the ball. The one thing that stands out is that he strikes the ball from distance with both feet so I think he will be a good addition for us.”
Now that Palmer is finally with the team, Kinnear will get more time to figure out if Palmer can play at any other position. Kinnear originally envisioned Palmer as a holding midfielder, but he said he will let Palmer’s abilities speak for themselves.
"He does play a couple of positions for Jamaica, so we’ll find out more as we go along,” Kinnear said. “The main reason we brought him here was the holding midfield position, but he could see some time in other positions as well.”
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After making MLS debut, Palmer now ready for the hard grind Published: Thursday | April 8, 2010 0 Comments and 0 Reactions Palmer representing Jamaica against Switzerland in Florida in 2007. - FileNodley Wright, Gleaner Writer
National utility player, Lovel Palmer, made his Major League Soccer (MLS) debut last Thursday evening for the Houston Dynamo when he came on as a late substitute in his team's 2-1 victory over defending champions Real Salt Lake.
The 25-year-old Palmer, who departed the island on Wednesday night, arrived in Houston on Thursday morning to be part of his new team's home opener.
"That game was the home opener and they (the club) saw it as very important to have me there," explained Palmer, who tied up a deal with the club on March 14, following two trial stints from February 22-28 and March 4-12, respectively.
The former St Elizabeth Technical High School daCosta Cup player could have his second taste of MLS action on Saturday against last season's beaten finalists, Los Angeles Galaxy, in another home game.
'I won't get carried away'
While he may be sharing the field with the MLS stars such as Landon Donovan, the man who has replaced Ricardo Clark - who moved to Germany - on the Houston roster, Palmer made it clear that he will not get carried away. He said while his contract could run for four years, only one was guaranteed.
"The contract is structured in such a way that only one year is guaranteed, with an option of the club signing me for the other three years if I do well, so I have to put in a lot of work," he explained.
"Anywhere in life that I am is because of hard work. That has always been the order of the day for me and I will never divert from that," he added.
Challenges aside, Palmer could not be happier with this break.
"All my life I have been waiting for this opportunity. I am elated. It is every footballer's dream to play outside of his country. The plan is to play well, continue to impress and if I am successful that opens doors for other local-based players," said the St Elizabeth native, who came up through the ranks with the Harbour View Football Club.
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Q&A: Houston's Lovel Palmer Dynamo mid talks about ending season on high, Jamaica experience Dwain Capodice MLSsoccer.com September 27, 2010 Fans voted Lovel Palmer's strike as MLS Goal of the Week for Matchday 4. Jamaican international Lovel Palmer wants to help Houston end the season on a high note. (Getty Images)
HOUSTON – This offseason, midfielder Lovel Palmer left Harbour View – the team he loved and played for in Jamaica since he was a teenager – to travel to the US and earn a spot with the Houston Dynamo.
Prior to traveling to Kansas City and DC with the Dynamo, the Jamaican international sat down with MLSsoccer.com to talk about his first year in MLS and his national-team experience.
MLSsoccer.com: How do you feel your first year in MLS is coming along and, in particular, your play at midfield of late?
Palmer: I’m comfortable and the players and coaches here give me the confidence to do whatever, and I am grateful for that. Coming in as a defensive midfielder, it wasn’t anything new, but it wasn’t a position I played very often. Back in Jamaica, I used to be versatile and play right wingback, left wingback, center mid or right mid. For me, it’s wherever the coaches think I can play the best. If they think I can make a difference with the team, that’s good.
MLSsoccer.com: How hard was it missing the matches against San Jose and Toronto while you were on national-team duty?
Palmer: It was very hard. It was frustrating for me [to watch against Toronto] and I can only imagine for the guys on the pitch. I am happy to be back and happy to be with the guys. Hopefully we can get back to [our] winning ways and end the season on a high.
MLSsoccer.com: Talk about your recent call-ups to the Jamaican national team.
Palmer: It was alright, and I was a little disappointed I didn’t get more playing time. I played 15 or 20 minutes in both games [against Costa Rica on Sept. 5, and against Peru on Sept. 7] and it was good and nice to get back into the team for my country. I just need to keep performing well for my club and hopefully [Jamaica's coaching staff] will recognize it.
MLSsoccer.com: Jamaica have some players having good years in MLS. How do you think they will do in qualifying for the CONCACAF Gold Cup?
Palmer: For Jamaica, we have a pretty good team with a lot of players that are playing well. Omar Cummings, Dane Richards, Shavar Thomas, Khari Stephenson are playing well. First, we have to focus on the qualifiers because, if we lose track, we can be surprised by some teams. Qualifying for the Gold Cup will be a big achievement.
MLSsoccer.com: What are your thoughts on the final stretch of games with Houston?
Palmer: This season’s only going to get tougher. We’re trying to salvage some pride. Other teams have playoff hopes and think they can come out all guns blazing because we’re not doing well. They’ll try to get points off us. We prepared for the journey and we will do our best, as we need to finish this season on a high.
Dwain Capodice is a contributor to MLSsoccer.com. Questions or Comments can be sent via email to dwaincapodice@gmail.com.
i like his attitude, everybody gonna get upset when they don't play how much they want to, but he taking it in stride. he wants to be a part of the team, and doesn't want to overlook the minnows. is he the model player or is he just saying the right things? lol. IMO, dis a very good player.
Keep up the good work Lovell. Nice utility player to have in a team and always has the right attitude. Wish some of our more talented baller had an attitude like him and Cummings.
