Digicel Premier League teams ready to rumble Published: Saturday | August 28, 2010
The 2010-11 Digicel Premier League season kicks off tomorrow with the usual six matches. Two new teams will be in action - Benfica of St Ann and the returning Reno of Westmoreland.
Reno, were relegated after the 2008-09 season, are back. They topped the Jamaica Football Federation All-Island Confederation play-offs.
The St Ann-based Benfica will play in the top league for the first time. St Ann's last representative in the top league were Black Stars in 1992.
Defending champions Harbour View will start favourites to top the league again.
They still have in their line-up players such as veteran midfielder Jermaine Hue, Kavin Bryan, Richard Edwards and Marcelino Blackburn. Harbour View have not fared worse than fourth in the past five seasons.
They should be strongly challenged by last season's runners-up Tivoli Gardens, Boys' Town, Waterhouse, Reno and a rejuvenated Arnett Gardens.
Tomorrow's matches
1. Benfica vs Tivoli Gardens - 3:30 p.m. - Drax Hall 2. Boys' Town vs St Georges - 3:30 p.m. - Collie Smith Drive 3. Harbour View vs Humble Lion - 6:30 p.m. - Harbour View Stadium 4. Reno vs Portmore United - 3:30 p.m. - Frome Complex 5. Sporting Central vs Waterhouse - 3:30 p.m. - Brancourt 6. Village United vs Arnett Gardens - 3:30 p.m. - Elliston Wakeland
* Arnett Gardens
Position last season: Eighth
Players in: Kirk Ramsey, Daniel Shaw, Fabian Dawkins.
Players out: None.
Coach: Wayne Fairclough
Home ground: Tony Spaulding Sports Complex.
Coach says: Once these players are motivated and have the will to win, I know that they can reach the high standard that was achieved in the glory days of Arnett Gardens. We have a good mix of young and experienced players and we hope that we can get everybody to gel together during the season, so that we will be able to make a serious push for the Premier League title.
* Reno FC
Position last season: Did not contest last year's tournament
Home ground: Frome Sports Ground
Players in: Fabian Blake (did not play last season), Nicholi Findlayson (Waterhouse) and Obrian Woodbine (US Semi-Pro League). The club is in negotiation with Gary McIntosh (Portmore FC).
Players out: None
Coach: Wendell Downswell
Club president (Radford Malcolm) says: We are blessed with an abundance of good talent and with the likes of Lexus (Fabian Blake) and Beckham (Obrian Woodbine) coming back, we should be giving a good account of ourselves. We are looking forward to making the first end-of-round final, getting into the top four at the end of the second round and then make a push for the title. We have an experienced coaching staff in Wendell Downswell, Michael Graham and Patrick Graham, and we expect good results.
* Boys' Town
Position last season: Fifth
Players in: Mark Newsome.
Players out: Peter Keys, Shawn McKoy, Fabian Watkins, Oneil McDonald.
Coach: Andrew Price
Home ground: Collie Smith Drive.
Assistant coach (Omar Edwards) says: We are going out there to win the Premier League. However, we know that it won't be easy for us throughout the nine months. We will have to try our best to keep our players focused and to let them know that they have to be disciplined in order for us to win some silverware.
* St Georges SC
Home Ground: Lynch Park
Coach: Braxton Hyre
Position last season: Fourth
Players in: Dever Orgill (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Players out: Undisclosed
Assistant coach (Raymond Gordon): Our success this year will be based on our experience gained over the past couple of seasons, especially last year when we did well. The aim is to repeat this unity, and with all of our key players available, and the addition of former national youth striker Dever Orgill, we expect to challenge for the title.
* Village United
Position last season: Sixth
Home Ground: Elliston Wakeland Youth Centre
Players in: The club is in negotiation with Teofore Bennett (August Town)
Players out: Delroy Ellis (overseas).
Coach says: Unlike former years, our preseason has been very good and the players are looking forward to making a positive start this year. We have a talented crop of very good young players and they are all aiming to do well. Our ambition is to win the league this year as we are looking forward to earning a place in the CONCACAF Club Championships.
* Sporting Central Academy
Position last season: Ninth
Home ground: Brancourt
Coach: Donovan Duckie
Players in: David Boswell
Players out: Carl Wiggan, Jermaine Christian
Coach says: We will be trying to replicate our first season when we broke into the top six, and then from there we are looking for a top-two finish. The players have been playing together for approximately six years, and this is their fourth season in the DPL, and with a greater understanding of the league and improved management with the help of businessman Garth Young, we are much more mature and ready.
* Tivoli Gardens
Home ground: Edward Seaga Sports Complex
Position last season: Second
Players in: Tivoli are expecting a flurry of late activity before the transfer market closes.
Players out: Errol Stevensen
Coach: Glendon Bailey
Brian Rose (manager): We were second last year and we are looking to go one better, which means to win the championship. We had a weak last round in the pervious season, which cost us the title, so this year we are targeting four strong rounds, and that should be enough.
* Harbour View
Home ground: Harbour View Mini Stadium
Position last season: Champions
Players in: Lamar Hodges, Ranique Cole (both from the Harbour View Under-21 programme).
Players out: None
Coach: Donovan Hayles
Coach says: We are not approaching the season with an outlook of defending our title but as one of the teams that are challenging for it. The mentality of the players I think right now is pretty strong, but physically we are not where we want to be. However, technically and tactically we will be able to get through the first couple of games.
* Waterhouse
Home ground: Waterhouse Mini Stadium
Position last season: Third
Players in: Peter Keyes, Andre Clennon, Theo Brown, Adrian King, Stephen Williams (promoted from Under-21 programme)
Players out: Nicholai Findlayson,
Coach: Baris Johnson
Ricardo Chin (president): We are looking to place three places better than we did the season before, that's our objective this time around. We may have some financial issues but that will always be there.
Coach says: We are hoping for fourth place in this year's competition, and anything above that will be a bonus for us. We made a lot of errors in our first year in the competition, but we learnt our lessons and we are going to put on a good show this year. Most of the players understand what we are aiming to achieve, and their responsibilities are to achieve the goals that we have set out for them.
* Benfica FC
Home ground: Drax Hall
Coach: Harold Thomas
Position last season: (Debut)
Players in: Undisclosed
Players out: None
President (Tyrone Rose): Without a doubt we are here to compete. As the season progresses, we expect to progress with it. The aim is to be in the top six come the end of the season, thereby guaranteeing ourselves a spot next season.
Players out: Cornelius Henry, Wolry Wolfe, Kevin Deer, Tyrone Sawyers, Kemeel Wolfe, Mario Harrison, Adrian Mitchell, Gary McIntosh, Sheldon Baptiste, Maurice Evans, Omar Campbell, Newton Sterling, Christopher Nicholas, Anthony Modeste, Ricardo Webb.
Coach: Linval Dixon
Coach says: It is a young team this year with most of our senior players not there anymore, but we are looking to compete and we think we can win the title. We had a poor season last time, by our standards, so we are looking to do a lot better this year.
-------------------------------------- Digicel Premier League kicks off
First matches on Sunday
BY HOWARD WALKER Observer reporter walkerh@jamaicaobserver.com
Thursday, August 26, 2010
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THE Digicel Premier League (DPL) season was officially launched today at the office of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and it is promising to be more exciting and intriguing by the sponsors.
Digicel Jamaica Chief Executive Officer Mark Linehan, said the company is proud to continue its three year sponsorship of the competition which he said has become a “fantastic showcase of community football in Jamaica”.
The 12-team league is set to kick off on Sunday with defending champions Harbour View hosting Humble Lions at the Compound.
Benfica of St Ann will be making their debut in the top flight while former three-time champions Reno has made a return after relegation following the 2008/09 season.
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Hungry Lion bolster squad for DPL hunt
BY OSHANE TOBIAS Observer writer
Thursday, August 19, 2010
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MAY PEN, Clarendon — Humble Lion FC have bolstered their squad ahead of the new Digicel Premier League (DPL) season by signing six new players, with talented Sporting Central Academy winger Jermaine Christian and August Town defender Ajuran Brown being among the marquee acquisitions.
Christian -- a resident of the Effortville community -- is dangerous going at defenders on either flank and should provide Humble Lion with more option in attack.
Former national Under-20 defender Ajuran Brown joins Humble Lion from relegated August Town. (Photo: Oshane Tobias) [Hide Description] Former national Under-20 defender Ajuran Brown joins Humble Lion from relegated August Town. (Photo: Oshane Tobias) [Restore Description] 1/1
Brown, a member of Jamaica's Under-20 team which won a silver medal at the 2007 Pam American Games in Brazil, was on Humble Lion's 'wanted' list from last season, but stayed with August Town to help them stave-off relegation.
However, with the East Kingston outfit being demoted to the Claro-sponsored Kingston and St Andrew Super League, the way was cleared for him to enter the set-up at Effortville.
The other players signed by the sophomore DPL team are Omar Parker (Rivoli United), Karl Wigan (Sporting Central), Andrew Isaacs (Monymusk FC) and Kenny Lee (Albion FC).
This number could increase by the time the transfer window closes, as Portmore United defender Tyrone Sawyers, former national midfielder Winston Griffiths and former Harbour View and Village United full-back Gregory Simpson are currently working out with the Clarendon side.
Humble Lion's assistant coach Linval 'Pala' Wilson thinks the new signings will add more depth and professionalism to the squad.
"The season is nine months and it will eventually take a toll if we have one set of players playing all the games," Wilson said from Humble Lion's pre-season training base in Bucknor, Clarendon.
"We learnt our lesson from last season and it's time for us to really dig deep and get the best possible result, so what we try to do is sign as many players as possible, especially the younger ones, to give us enough depth in the team," he added.
"I'm very pleased with what I'm seeing," Wilson, a former Jamaica and Reno defender, told the Observer on Tuesday.
Meantime, he said, they are close to tying up a deal for Sawyers and Griffiths, while adding, "we have not released any of our players from last season"
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Sporting Central in transition
BY OSHANE TOBIAS Observer writer
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
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The 2010-2011 Digicel Premier League season is expected to kick off on Sunday and the Observer begins its daily preview of the teams starting today with Sporting Central Academy from Clarendon.
MAY PEN, Clarendon — Brandon Murray wore a dull look on his face as he spoke to the Observer in February about the torrid task he and his management team were having in keeping Sporting Central Academy alive.
Sporting Central Academy players, including Hughan Grey (left), Marlon Allen (centre) and Christopher Banner, go through a warm-down exercise during an early morning training session at Brancourt recently. (Photo: Oshane Tobias) [Hide Description] Sporting Central Academy players, including Hughan Grey (left), Marlon Allen (centre) and Christopher Banner, go through a warm-down exercise during an early morning training session at Brancourt recently. (Photo: Oshane Tobias) [Restore Description] 1/1
Today, he appears a more contended figure, perhaps because he senses an exciting yet unpredictable future ahead for his young team.
The Clarendon-based outfit has been through the test of time (certainly within the last two years) with Murray — the club's president — revealing last season how much they are struggling to meet a number of financial obligations — players often times going unpaid for months.
And despite boasting a number of national youth representatives in their line-up, Sporting have also failed to live up to expectation on the field.
In their first season of the Digicel Premier League (DPL), they defied the odds to finish in the elite top-six, but have regressed since and have had to fight off relegation in the last two seasons.
Now, approaching their fourth year in top-flight football, Sporting Central Academy seem to be finally maturing as a unit and are now hopeful that they will see the light that awaits them at the end of the tunnel.
Staying true to their promise to do things differently if they survived the drop last season, the club has restructured its administrative team with Clarendon businessman Garth Young coming on board to boost its financial standings among other things, Murray said.
"Garth's involvement is not only financial and we really welcome him... 'two heads are better than one'," Murray said.
"He has been a sincere fan of the team for many years and this particular time he (sees) it fit to give his expertise from a management standpoint.
"He will not only be giving his own financial support, but he'll be using his influence to attract more support for the team and it has really been a motivation for us," he said.
As a part of the club's drive for success, they have also returned for former national Under-20 coach Donovan Duckie, whose experience and tactical awareness they hope will blend well with youthful exuberance in helping them to accomplish their goal(s).
"When Donovan was here the club did well... the guys have a lot of respect for him. (So) based on his achievements it was not a difficult decision to bring him back... and he's not filling a gap this time, so we intend for him to be here for the entire season," Murray told the Observer in a recent interview.
For his part, Duckie thinks Young's addition to the management team will have a domino effect on the players.
".... Support can never be too much," Duckie said. "Garth has been around the team for a while, he has a good rapport with the players and he has now decided to come on board to enhance the development of the (club) and... you have been seeing how it has affected their performance even in training."
Sporting Central are also still 'on a high' from the impending departure of team captain JeVaughn Watson to Danish second division team Veje Boldklub.
Murray reckons a move for the national midfielder could be the shot in the arm that the players need to actualise their potential.
"Whenever we going through our financial challenges all of the players feel it," he said. "They know what it means to be without money and to see things not going the way we want them to go. So, we always say to them, listen, 'you guys are integral to this if we are going to be successful'.
"And I know they are all happy for JeVaughn because they know that he works hard and this will now motivate them to achieve their own goals...," he said.
And with a new era now in sight for Sporting, there is an aura of optimism amongst the players.
Marlon Allen, one of the senior members of the squad, said the players are more focused on the task at hand. "It's really something good... because over the years (it was just) Brandon and we needed people to come in and give us this kind of support," the former Clarendon College player said.
"It really boosts the players' (confidence) and coming next Sunday you will see it against Waterhouse."
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H'View look to youth once again
BY HOWARD WALKER Observer staff reporter walkerh@jamaicaobserver.com
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
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The 2010-2011 Digicel Premier League football competition is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, August 29. As the Observer continues its daily preview of the teams, today we look at defending champions Harbour View FC of East Kingston.
DEFENDING Digicel Premier League (DPL) champion Harbour View has just unveiled their new club logo depicting three stars at the top which signifies their three titles won in 2000, 2007 and 2009.
HAYLES... our system is to elevate younger talent [Hide Description] HAYLES... our system is to elevate younger talent [Restore Description] 1/1
But come next season, the designers might have to change the artwork because Harbour View are hell bent on winning their fourth title, and they must start favourites to do so.
Harbour View's general manager Clyde Jureidini, a trained graphic artist, is hopeful he will have to change the logo again at the end of the season.
Said Jureidini : "Hopefully, we can face those challenges at the end of this season and going forward. This is standard procedure in the world of international football; we're just introducing while adjusting to those standards."
Harbour View used one of the youngest teams to lift the DPL last season, amassing 77 points, which was 11 more than their nearest rivals Tivoli Gardens, and they know that this season everybody will be gunning for their scalp.
But Jureidini insists his team is really motivated and will be giving of their best to thwart the added attention and become repeat champions.
"The coaching staff, administrators and players are highly motivated to begin from square one, forgetting last season and dealing with the added pressure of being champions with a target on your head.
"The aim is to raise the level of performances to surpass last season while setting new horizons to excel internationally," he pointed out.
Harbour View made their intentions quite clear by capturing the pre-season tournament -- the Claro Champion's Cup -- but Jureidini doesn't want to make too much of it.
"A fair pre-season indicator only and (we) will not read too much into the Claro Champions Cup victory as the end result, just a good starting point in player confidence along the journey that truly begins this Sunday against Humble Lions, who beat us, and the only club we could not defeat last season. We want to correct that data sheet immediately," he noted.
The 'Stars of the East' once again demonstrated their strength and depth in youth, blooding an entire fledgling side including the likes of Dicoy Williams, Andre Fagan, Jahmali Spence, Ranique Muir, Romario Campbell, John Ross-Edwards and Rafeik Thomas.
It is to be borne in mind that they played without the mercurial Jermaine Hue, the wily Kavin Bryan and the hard-tackling Richard Edwards, which formed the backbone of this young and talented team.
At the moment coach Donovan Hayles thinks they are only 60 to 65 per cent ready, and this must be a worrying sign for the rest of the DPL contenders.
At this time of the season, most clubs are extremely busy in the transfer window, but Harbour View are relying mostly on their youth system to provide talent and success.
"Only a few new players as the internal HVFC system is to elevate our younger talent from the Under-21 triple champions with the same mindset," revealed Jureidini.
"About three Under-21 players and another two seniors will be confirmed by Thursday," he noted.
With such depth in talent, it would take a very brave punter to bet against Harbour View winning the title again this year and securing their fourth lien on the prestigious Premier League trophy.
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TG aim to go one better this season
BY LIVINGSTON SCOTT Observer staff reporter
Thursday, August 26, 2010
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The 2010-2011 Digicel Premier League football competition is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, August 29. As the Observer continues its daily preview of the teams, today we look at three-time title-holders Tivoli Gardens FC.
AFTER some dazzling performances and a promising start to their Digicel Premier League (DPL) campaign last season, Tivoli Gardens' title aspirations ended in disappointment when they failed to lift their game in the final phase and surrendered the title to Harbour View.
To make matters worse, Harbour View defeated them 2-1 in the final match of the season at the Edward Seaga Complex to celebrate their title triumph on the home ground of the outgoing champions, finishing 11 points clear at the top of the standings.
So disappointed with the team's lacklustre finish was club president Edward Seaga that coach Lenworth Hyde was given the boot even before the final whistle of the season was blown.
Hyde was replaced by a former coach and community favourite Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey, who like Hyde brought the national success to the West Kingston outfit during his first stint from 2003-2006.
However, apart from returning to the former coach and entertainer for guidance, the club also secured the signatures of a number of players to bolster their squad and help the team reclaim the DPL crown this season.
With established players like Navion Boyd, Keammar Daley and Roland Dean in the team, the club has added six new players to their roster, including the Arnett Gardens trio of Lennox Creary, Kwame Richardson and Leon Strickland -- three highly respected players.
Shawn McKoy of Boys' Town, Raymond Williamson of August Town and Lennon Wright of Harbour View complete the new signings.
"We didn't do too badly last season," club manager Brian Rose told the Observer in an interview. "We only finished a few points off the leaders, so with the depth we have this year, we believe we can go all the way."
Rose said that under Bailey's regime, things are done differently, compared to Hyde, but he revealed that the players were working well with the returning coach and noted that "The players have had no problems adjusting to him".
According to Rose, Bailey's focus is on the start of the season and although the team is not 100 per cent ready, they will wait and see how the team performs over the first few games and take it from there.
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the recent unrest in the community, Rose said most of the players were getting along fine, although he was still a bit concerned about a few players.
Although they are not doing too badly, he knows it will take a long time for them to truly heal emotionally.
"We just have to be patient," he said.
Meanwhile, the long-serving manager said the public can look for a rejuvenated Tivoli Gardens team this season, one trying to deal with the ordeal that affected and unsettled their community.
However, he believes football is a powerful tool and also holds the key to help them heal the wounds and revive what has become a very depressed community.
"We know that football can do wonders and we'll try our best to use it to help us put behind us, what went on down here," he said.
Rose said he expects to be title contenders as usual and seriously challenging for the crown again this season, "but the aim for us is to go one better and that is all we're focussed on," he said.
He added that although there are still unstable financially, they will make the adjustments as the season goes along.
"Funds are limited, but we will have to make it stretch and try to raise money as the season progresses," he said.
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Resurgent Reno to take it slow
BY PAUL A REID Observer Writer
Thursday, August 26, 2010
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FROME, Westmoreland — After one year of Confederation League football former champions Reno FC return to the Digicel Premier League when they host Portmore United at the Frome Sports Complex.
While the objective for most new or returning clubs is to secure their places for the next season, Reno's president Ransford Malcolm say they have ambitions of doing more than just surviving.
DOWNSWELL... will be team's technical director
The realistic expectations, he said, are to "push for a place in the first End-of-Round Final, stay in the four in the second round and in the third round we hope to be contenders".
Malcolm thinks they have the talent at Reno to be champions as the core of the current squad has been together for three years and have a good understanding of each other.
Reno were relegated form the DPL two years ago but sailed through the Western Confederation Super League unbeaten, then returned to the DPL at the first time of asking.
The Westmoreland outfit will have some experience as former national utility player Nicolay Findlayson returns after a one-year loan spell at Waterhouse.
Fabian Blake, who missed most of last season with work commitments, is also back, while the USA-based O'Brian Woodbine will join the team after his United States Soccer League obligations are fulfilled.
Goalkeeper Dennis Taylor, who was recently named MVP of the Confed League, will anchor the defence that gave up seven goals in 22 games, while Sheldon Bryan, who scored 11 goals in eight games after transferring from Invaders last year, is expected to lead the attack.
While they will play most games at Frome, Malcolm said that because of the good relationship they have with the St Elizabeth community over the years, they are hoping to play at least two home games at the St Elizabeth Technical Sports Complex this season.
Wendell Downswell will be the team's technical director, but Patrick Graham, who captained the team last year, will be an assistant and will also be in charge of the Under-21 team.
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Youthful Village United seek to move up
BY PAUL A REID Observer writer
Friday, August 27, 2010
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FALMOUTH, Trelawny — Despite a late start to preparations for the Digicel Premier League (DPL) season, Village United's new technical director Marvin Tate is optimistic his young team can do better than last season's sixth-placed finish.
Tate, who returns to the Trelawny outfit after a number of years away, told the Observer he was pleased with what he saw of the team in training this week and they were "as ready as we can be" for their opening game against Boys' Town at the Elliston Wakeland Centre.
Tate, who will have Cassman Williams — who led the team last year — Hopeton Gilchrist, Norman Foster and physical trainer Simon Brown on his staff says fans can expect a more attacking style of play from Village this season.
To this end, he has brought in left-back Kemar Brown, who played for Rivoli last season and will give captain Troy Smith more freedom to go forward.
Last season, Smith led Village with 11 goals while playing mostly from the left-back position that he shared with Lance Laing.
So far, Tate says they are yet to see or hear anything from Laing but are going forward with a squad that he says averages about 22 years old.
Some members of the squad started training in Miami, Florida about seven weeks ago while the other started training here in mid-July.
The Village team, he said, were training at the Tucker field near Montego Bay as the Elliston Wakeland facilities, he said, was not ready for either training or camping.
While first-string goalkeeper Ryan Cooper would start on Sunday, Tate reported that they may need to replace backup Kemar Llewellyn, who is seeking to get a transfer to newcomers Benfica of St Ann.
Dino Williams, who was a revelation after joining the team in January, scoring a number of important goals will lead the Village attack with Delroy Ellis and Oliver Trail also expected to feature in the new-look scheme.
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Debutants Benfica eye long-term stay
BY LIVINGSTON SCOTT Observer staff reporter
Friday, August 27, 2010
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The 2010-2011 Digicel Premier League football competition is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, August 29. As the Observer continues its daily preview of the teams, today we look at newcomers Benfica and Trelawny representatives Village United.
WHEN most newcomers enter top-flight football for the first time, their main priority for that debut season is to avoid relegation.
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And Benfica FC president Tyrone Rose understands that that is the perception the wider football public will have of his team.
However, he is confident his side will captivate local football fans and prove they are a club for the future.
Rose said they have drawn on the expertise of some of the more experienced clubs in the league as they aim for a top-six finish this season.
"We've put a strategic plan in place and that was built off mirroring a number of the successful clubs in the league, so I believe we have begun to... understand what it means to compete at this level," he said.
"We have our executive board and operational staff who work around the coaches... but we intend to bring professional football to Jamaica, although there are clubs that are here that say they are semi-professional. We're going to be the first professional," he confidently told the Observer.
He pointed out that this was already evident in the team's discipline, attire and overall professionalism.
"We have maintained discipline and although most of the fans may not agree with the steps we take to keep discipline, we have maintained it as the future of the club depends on it," he added.
Rose said Benfica's arrival into the Premier League will signal a new era in local football, noting that too many matches are being played unnoticed.
"We want people to remember the goal that was scored; the players who brought flair to the game, so our aim is to be the entertainers of the Premier League," he said.
"We do not intend to just entertain and lose, but entertain and win because people will want to see us win and we can't do nothing but win as far as they are concerned," he reasoned.
Meanwhile, coach Harold Thomas has been given the mandate to lead the team this season, along with assistant coach Conroy Brown, and Rose believes they can help the team make the transition that they envision in the big league.
He is also confident the former Rivoli, Waterhouse and Harbour View Under-21 coach can develop the club's young players "and help us move forward as we have a coaching and management staff that is accommodating and supporting of the players", he declared.
And having Under-21 players have added new life to the whole training environment at the club. He believes the club's future rests with these players, although he argues that financing two teams is a mighty difficult task.
"We've never had two teams before... now we have 60 players, so our demand for equipment and services and time have tripled since we left the Super League
"But I truly don't believe St Ann as a parish understands what it means to participate in the Premier League," he said.
"Corporate St Ann has not responded the way they ought to and therefore our financial support outside of the club is almost non-existent," he noted.
"But we have decided to build the club based on business, which requires us to maximise our profits and our income from gate receipts and concession stands.
"If sponsorship comes along, fine, but we're going to run this club like a business and we're going to be successful at the end of the day," he insisted.
Meanwhile, the club has kept the core of the players who help them to the top flight — most of whom have Premier League experience as well.
Benfica are also in the process of making a number of big signings; however, Rose refused to disclose any names until the signatures had been acquired.
"We have brought in the kind of players to bolster our team to keep us in the Premier League," was all he would offer in this regard.
According to the club boss, Benfica's objective will be to win at least five games every round and they are 70 to 80 per cent ready for the opening match on Sunday.
However, they will look at the season strategically as they go along, he said.
"Over the next few days we'll be fine-tuning the technical aspects of our game before Sunday. But the league season is long and we'll have to decide on how we intend to approach each particular game," he said.
And although the St Ann business community has been slow in giving its support to the club, Rose believes they have a firm executive body and a reliable coaching staff that is certain to reap much benefit in the future.
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Fairclough vows to bring back glory days to Arnett Published: Friday | August 27, 2010 0 Comments and 0 Reactions Arnett Gardens' coach Wayne Fairclough. - file
Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer
After enduring a disastrous campaign for much of last season, when they lingered in the regulation zone for a number of weeks, Wayne Fairclough, head coach of Arnett Gardens, said he was ready to bring back the glory days at the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex this season.
"One of our main goals of this season is to remain competitive and play good, active football so that our complex can be filled once more and be the fortress that it once was," said Fairclough in an interview with The Gleaner yesterday.
The 'Junglists', as they are affectionately called by their supporters, last won back-to-back Premier League titles 2002-4. However, they finished a disappointing eighth in last year's competition, but Fairclough is very confident that they can make a serious push for the title this season.
'Gelling' together
"We have young and experienced players that are coming on very well and we hope that we can get everybody to gel together during the season, so that we will be able to make a serious push for the Premier League title," said Fairclough, who took over the coaching reins during the middle of last season from Fabian Davis.
"I think once these players are motivated and have that will to win, I know that they can reach the high standard that they once achieved in the glory days of Arnett Gardens," Fairclough said.
The South St Andrew-based team has secured the services of former national striker Fabian Dawkins, Daniel Shaw and Kirk Ramsey. They have also signed a number of Super League players, including the likes of James Durrant from Rae Town and former Cavalier pair Paul Grant and Marvin Stewart.
Well-balanced team
"I think we have a well-balanced team going to the Premier League this season because we have a good mix of inexperienced and very experienced players, and I believe this is a good balanced team to challenge for the title," Fairclough said.
He added that the management, staff and players have been working very closely to foster a good relationship, as they once enjoyed during the club's heyday.
"The club is taking a positive direction because they have brought in new management to help move the club forward, and this a very positive sign for the team," he said.
"However, if we are going to win, it is going to take a lot of hard work, dedication and discipline from everybody who is involved with the team," Fairlclough said.
Arnett will travel to the Elliston Wakeland Centre to face Village United in their opening match on Sunday.
The very encouraging performances by the young guns at Waterhouse FC last season has prompted the club to rely heavily on the promoted players of its Under-21 programme.
Up to this point, Waterhouse have not signed any new players, but goalkeeper Joel Messam and Boys' Town's Peter Keys are training with the club. They played in the Claro Cup.
JOHNSON... there is still a lot of work to be done Waterhouse players go through their paces at a recent training session at Drewsland as they prepare for tomorrow’s start to the Digicel Premier League. (Photos: Hurbun Williams) [Hide Description] JOHNSON... there is still a lot of work to be done [Restore Description] 1/2
They have, however, lost the services of national player Nicholi Finlayson who has returned to Reno FC, who will again campaign in the flight football this season after spending a season out.
According to the Club's general secretary, Felix Porter, Waterhouse will rely on a "good youthful aggregation that should account well for itself in the Premier League".
"We have a rich vein of experience and youth... (so) we were not too active in the transfer market," said Porter.
Among those players who are expected to step up to the Premier League fully this season to showcase their talent are marksmen Andre Clennon and Adrian King; talented defenders Stephen Williams; Theo Brown, Kemar Thomas and Mark Miller; midfielders Norman Bailey and Ashani Walker along with goalkeepers Kelso Cousins and Kwesi Campbell.
Many of these players are already in training along with seasoned campaigners Rohan Amos, Roger Rodney, Jermaine Anderson, Weston Forrest, Vincent Earl and goalkeeper Richard McCallum.
The youngsters are expected to be joined by veterans Kevin Lamey, Damion Williams, Jonathan Williams and Hugh Howell, who are overseas.
"When these players do return to join the training with those who are already there, it would serve to bolster team effort and present a better bench than was the case last year," Porter added.
And Baris Johnson, who will have his first full season at Waterhouse as coach after serving as Geoffrey Maxwell's assistant last season, said there is still a lot left to go into the preparation. "There is still a great deal of work to be done and one of my main concerns is to get the players to perform well at a higher level and by extension at a more dignified standard of play," said the former Waterhouse player.
Last season, the Drewsland-based club finished the Digicel Premier League third behind Tivoli Gardens and champions Harbour View.
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Blend of youth and experience key to Boys' Town, says Price
BY LIVINGSTON SCOTT Observer staff reporter
Saturday, August 28, 2010
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The 2010-2011 Digicel Premier League football competition is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, August 29. As the Observer continues its daily preview of the teams, today we look at Portland-based St Georges SC and KSAFA's Boys' Town.
PRICE... there is no question we have quality players [Hide Description] PRICE... there is no question we have quality players [Restore Description] 1/1
After a 10-year hiatus, Boys' Town re-entered the nation's top football league back in 2005 with high hopes of rekindling their former glory days when they were champions and perennial contenders of the national title in the 1980s.
Fans yearn for a return of those days when the Red Brigade were kings of their domain.
Since returning to topflight football, they have done fairly well — never in any real danger of going back down. Last season they finished fifth in the 12-team league.
But they have had other successes in knock out tournaments — back-to-back (2009 & 2010) wins in the Champions Cup and the KSAFA Jackie Bell KO in 2006.
Their technical director Andrew Price said he has embarked on a mini-rebuilding process and will incorporate more young players in the team and he hopes they will blend with the more experienced set to create the winning formula.
"We are looking at a youthful squad (this year), because the players that we currently have are young players, plus we have played the league with some experienced players who we believe have served us well over a period of time," he explained.
Price, a former Boys' Town and Jamaica defender, said his team tends to struggle towards the back end of the long season, and is optimistic that introducing "young blood" into the team will cure this problem.
"We are going to need those extra legs when the time comes, so I believe that we just have to be consistent for the entire season, get some wins in a row and build some momentum and take it from there," he added.
Price noted that talents resides within the Boys' Town set-up and he's banking on this to take the Collie Smith Drive outfit to the top.
"There is no question we have quality players, but we will have to play on a consistent basis over a nine-month period... but I believe these are players we can really lean on to give us some good results," he said.
He singled out Marvin Morgan, Dean Thompson, Asrick Samuels, Michael Campbell, Kirk Porter and Daemion Benjamin as the individuals on whom a lot depends.
In addition to the above mentioned players, defender Anthowe Dawkins of Arnett Gardens has made the move down the road. Also, defender Anthony Bennett, who was on loan last season, has formalised a permanent move to Boys' Town, while former Rivoli defender Mark Newsome is also expected to bolster the Boys' Town backline.
And despite losing Peter Keyes to Waterhouse, Price believes he has players to cover for the speedy striker.
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Orgill return sparks new hope for St Georges
Everard Owen
Saturday, August 28, 2010
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BUFF BAY, Portland — Confidence in the St Georges SC camp is soarring, especially with the return of their young, but talismanic striker Dever Orgill to Lynch Park for Sunday's kick off the Digicel Premier League where they will face Boy's Town.
Orgill, who has won many accolades as both a local and overseas-based player, has returned from the Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada where an auspicious professional career away was dogged by injuries.
ORGILL... a lot is expected from promising young striker (Photo: Everard Owen) [Hide Description] ORGILL... a lot is expected from promising young striker (Photo: Everard Owen) [Restore Description] 1/1
Two knee surgeries in quick succession did not help the young player who has been a standout for Jamaica at the youth level.
Now he's back at his old club, promising great things for the new season.
"I am looking forward to playing for St Georges as I am from the parish... I have played professionally and want to add that here... I think I will add to the team's attack and the training has been good," Orgill said.
St Georges assistant coach, Raymond Gordon, is pleased with overall preparations so far and eagerly awaits the new season. "The training has been going well so far, the intensity has been stepped up over the last three weeks and we are looking to give a good account of ourselves," he said.
"We have maintained most of the senior players and they are raring to go. We have four new players including Orgill who has that strength and touch up front that I think we were lacking in the latter part of the season. With his addition, I think the goal-scoring situation will be sorted out somewhat and we hope that the other guys will come into their own and produce some goals for us," Gordon added.
He noted that much is expected of another forward, Romeo Parkes, who "is energetic, vibrant and have some skill".
Other new signings are Horace James, Dwayne Silvera, Ronique Anderson, Anthoniel Williams and Ralston Robinson.
With the new signings, old stalwarts like Damion Harwood, Girvon Brown, Donovan Davis, Danian Reid, Jermaine Taylor, Ricardo Taylor, Dwayne Holmes, Andre Thomas, Leon Irving, Ushane Dobson, Omar Davis, Delroy James, custodians Randal Huie and Romaine Bowers will be heavily relied on to take the Portland side above their fourth-place finish last time out.
"We We are aiming to be right there in the top six and higher as a title contender this season to win the cup," ended Gordon, who assists Braxton Hyre.
Well it look like a mass exedus a happen over the Bridge.Run for Cover....Humble liards bout u hoping for 4th place?u mean u hoping not to get relegated.U gonna get tested when dem face mi big side light dem up in the Matches Box called compound. HARBOUR VIEW mi seh!!!
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Chelsea,Barca,AC Milan,Galaxy and H.View mi seh fi life!!!
Season Kick off yesterday as schedule. -My team Harbour View Humble the Lions 1-0 and send dem back to dem den. -Tivoli welcome newcomers Benfica with a 3-1 whipping. -St.Georges look like dem ago need some help in defence cause Boys Town fire light dem up to win 4-2. -PMU escape from Frome wit a 1-0 win over Reno. -Waterhouse light up a fire under Sporting 2-0.Former Wolmerian Vincent Earl scored. -Arnett gave up a late equaliser to end 2-2 with Village in Falmouth.
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Chelsea,Barca,AC Milan,Galaxy and H.View mi seh fi life!!!
'I'm Happy For The Win' Nodley Wright, Gleaner Writer
Defending champions Harbour View made a positive start to their season and in doing so did what they could not have done all of last season - defeat Humble Lion.
The much-improved attacker, John-Ross Edwards, had the lone strike in the 82nd minute, firing an angled free-kick over the head of goalkeeper Shawn Sawyers, who was caught off his line.
While Harbour View would have been happy with the three points and the positive start to their season, they would not have been particularly pleased with the level of play.
For long periods, the home team offered little excitement, even though they looked more dangerous, especially after having difficulty coping with the physicality and the fitness of Humble Lion.
"I am happy for the win, but I was not particularly happy with the way we did it. We could have done much better with the rotation of the football in midfield.
"In terms of the preparation we knew that Humble Lion would have played a physical game so we needed to move the ball around. It is easier to shoot a sitting duck than a flying bird, yet we were sitting more and allowing them to come at us," was winning coach Donovan Hayles' honest assessment of the game.
Humble Lion's Christopher Bender found reason to praise his team for their character and spirit.
"It was a good game in terms of character and spirit and I think that we shone through (in those areas). "They scored a fortuitous goal and that is part of the game. We have an excellent goalkeeper. Those things do happen in football but we lost no marks in defeat today," said Bender.
The major highlight of the first half was the ejection of Humble Lion's Kirk Duckworth, in time added, following his second booking for a foul on Rafeik Thomas.
The second half was an improvement on the first, even though Harbour View made no obvious adjustments and failed to take advantage of their numerical advantage.
The home team struggled in midfield while forward Kavin Bryan was kept in check by the alert Ricardo Campbell, who had an outstanding game. But while Humble Lion looked good in defense, up front they lacked a goalscoring threat as Narado Brown and Roberto Fletcher did not look the part. Substitute Omar Walters fared little better and fired wide of the gaping goal in the 70th minute from a melee.
As the game wound down Harbour View looked more threatening with Edwards; captain Richard Edwards and Dicoy Williams looking their best players.
John-Ross Edwards, Marcelino Blackburn and Richard Edwards tested Sawyers with long-ranged drives, while the lanky Kimroy Davis had a similar drive for Humble Lion.
With the game looking as if it would end goalless, John-Ross Edwards produced an act of brilliance and perhaps luck to beat Sawyers, who made an uncharacteristic error by being caught off his line.
He blasted an angled right-footer from about 38-yards from the left of the field into the top right-hand corner of the goal over the head of the back pedalling Sawyers.
While John-Ross Edwards soaked up the adulation, Sawyers understandably looked as if he could sink in the ground.
Sunday's Results
1. Boys' Town 4 St Georges 2 2. Harbour View 1 Humble Lion 0 3. Arnett 2 Village 2 4. Tivoli 3 Benfica 1 5. Waterhouse 2 Sporting 0 6. Portmore 1 Reno 0
Portmore United seems to have made some major changes including the overseas return of Eric Vernan and Rafe Wolfe.
Harbour View starting out strong even without Jermaine Hue in the middle.
Jamatl, PMU started cleaning House near the end a last Season and finished the cleaning in the off Season. dem get ridda all the dead weight. My side is on dem way back to reclaim the throne.
