Tough TG - Edwards confident in Tivoli Gardens role

Tivoli Gardens FC coach, Omar Edwards, knows all too well that his West Kingston-based team is one of the toughest to lead, but considers himself a disciplined tactician, taking on a job to lead the former champions to a respectable Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) campaign.

Prior to Edwards, three coaches came and went for different reasons in a short space of time at the club.

"When I talk to the players, they don't back answer or give strong opposition, and that is really a plus to coach at a team like Tivoli Gardens. So far, they are responding positively, and I must say kudos to my players for doing that," Edwards said at the Red Stripe Premier League Press Conference, yesterday.

Edwards, who is assistant coach of the national Under-17 team, as well as head coach of Denham Town High school's Manning Cup team, says despite losing two home games and winning two on the road, his charges' performances have been encouraging.

"We are playing some good football; we created several opportunities, but we are failing to capitalise on our opportunities at home. Some persons might say it is pressure playing at home, but we are really playing some good football," he reasoned.

"I was called to coach the team, and part of that is building, and I am going to do it to the best of my ability. Many have gone before me, and I know that Tivoli is a difficult place to coach. I have also spent over a decade coaching at Boys' Town at the highest level," he stressed.

Ahead of a visit to league leaders Jamalco FC in Clarendon tomorrow, Edwards is eyeing a win. Tivoli Gardens are in eighth place on six points.

"Jamalco has started the season pretty well. They have players on their team, [one] is the leading goal scorer, so in my opinion, they are doing something pretty good, but going to Jamalco, we are going for maximum points," the coach noted

He also noted that players at his high-school team, Denham Town, could find their way in the Tivoli Gardens team if they show enough ability.

"If I believe we have players there (Denham Town High) who can matriculate into the Tivoli Gardens team, and they want to go there then certainly," he outlined.