Edwards has Tivoli ticking again

Coach Omar Edwards has been guiding his charges at Tivoli Gardens FC in the right direction with the team moving up the ladder in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) this season.

Tivoli are currently in second position on 29 points, the same as the University of the West Indies. However, Tivoli enjoy a better goal difference behind leaders Montego Bay United on 31 points after 15 games in the preliminary stage.

The West Kingston outfit are rolling on a five game win streak after scoring a 1-0 victory against struggling Waterhouse last Sunday.

Edwards spent 10 years as assistant coach at Boys' Town then moved over to neighbouring Tivoli last summer and is doing a great job as the new boss.

Tivoli finished in mid-pack in the RSPL last season but are now a different outfit under Edwards' guidance.

"This season is totally different. When I came in the first thing was to get the players to understand and adhere to the rules and regulations of the club," Edwards told The Gleaner.

"We had former national and international player Jermaine Johnson in the squad, and we got him to understand his role and be better disciplined in his approach to the game," the 32-year-old coach added.

"The coaching staff has developed a code on how to play and that has made life easier. We have fixed both aspects of the game in defending and attacking as a team," Edwards explained about his team's impressive form in the nation's elite league.

"I am not totally new to the Premier League, but it's my first time hired as a head coach. My ambition is to go all the way in winning the championship at Tivoli," he added.

With regards to support from the management team, Edwards praised their effort.

"The management is totally behind the team. I am extremely pleased with the management team. The players' salaries are not the best, but they are working on improving that aspect," Edwards divulged.

In 15 RSPL games this season, Tivoli's record shows nine wins, two draws and four losses. They scored a league high 23 times and conceded 12 goals.

Tivoli will next play 10th- place Harbour View on Sunday at the Edwards Seaga Complex in West Kingston.