Duckie credits players, fans for turnaround

Waterhouse's coach, Donovan Duckie, is pointing to his players and the team's supporters for the mini-revival being experienced since he took charge of the Drewsland-based club five matches ago.

Duckie lists the swift adaptation of the players to his philosophy and the vociferous support from the community as the main two factors for the team's positive run of results.

"At Waterhouse, I must give the players credit for their ability to listen and their willingness to work. We must give them full credit for adapting so quickly, and they have done so fast," Duckie noted.

"It is also a great community, but it is bigger than playing football; it's a mentality and a way of life for these people to try and aspire to great things, and I see things much different from others.

LOVE FOR GREAT TALENT

"Waterhouse community love winners and people who are honest and have great talent. So if you are great talent and you are doing your best, the people will show you love. But if you are there and not doing the right things, they will not show you anything. So there are a number of things (that contribute to the turnaround). and when everything comes together the right way, it will be great," he continued.

Duckie took charge after Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey's resignation in early November following a string of poor results which saw the team going winless in six games.

Although the team's present form has seen them take seven points (two wins and a draw) from their last three games, Duckie insists that there is more room to improve.

"Form is temporary, but class is permanent, and through coaching, you can improve players to be class players, and if we achieve class, form will be easy," he said.

Meanwhile, the coach yesterday played down statements he made, which appeared in Tuesday's edition of The Gleaner, where he pointed to his experience, while noting that he believes he can play a role in the national programme.

Although admitting that he still harbours thoughts of coaching internationally, Duckie is convinced that a recall to the national set-up will only be possible if he continues his good work over time.

"I never got the chance to express this (national ambitions) because I have always maintained that talk is cheap," he stated.

Waterhouse are currently seventh in the standing on 15 points, their highest position in the table for nearly two seasons.