Follies contribution immeasurable

Western Bureau:

IT IS said that the measure of a man should be determined by the level of contribution that he has made to humankind and the life of Anthony ‘Follies’ Williams certainly weighed its full worth to football in Jamaica.

Williams, who is known for his lifelong service to the sport of football in Hanover, western Jamaica and the entire island at large, passed away last week following a brief illness.

He became a household name, especially in western Jamaica in the late 1970s where he played daCosta Cup football for Rusea’s High School. He went on to play professional football straight out of school.

He played in the Premier League with Wadadah in the early ‘80s, a team he went on to coach after hanging up his boots.

The greater part of his coaching career came at his alma mater where he served as assistant to Emerson ‘Diggy’ Henry, during which time they won four daCosta Cup titles, three Olivier Shields and three Ben Francis Cups. In the twilight years, he also served as a football analyst for the 2018 World Cup coverage on local radio.

Henry, who was his coaching partner for more than 20 years, described him as a jovial-but-dedicated person who gave a lot to football.

SHOCKING NEWS

“It [news of Follies’ passing] wasn’t easy. We knew he wasn’t doing so well and that it would happen at some point but it was sort of a shock to happen so early. Follies was a jovial person who never took anything too seriously, except for the football,” Henry said.

“During that time, I was involved with national teams a lot and he stepped up for me. Especially in 2002 when I got shot, he was the one who carried the team right through. He was a real dedicated person ... ,” he added.

Williams’ former teammate, fellow coach and dear friend Paul ‘Tegat’ Davis, who described his passing as sad, said his contribution to football and the life of youths in western Jamaica was immeasurable.

“Me and him talk the whole day before he died and to know that he passed the next day is sad. Follies was a good player and was a nice person. He was someone you could call on and he assists you with anything he can. He was a good family man as well,” said Davis, coach of Arnett Gardens FC in the Jamaica Premier League.

“His contribution was immense, from his playing to his coaching and even as an analyst. He played a significant role in a lot of people’s lives. Right across St James, Hanover and Westmoreland, he spent a lot of time with the youths. He saved a lot of them from going down the wrong road because he was a leader in his own right,” said Davis.

Davis is also urging older men to do the necessary check-ups, especially for prostate cancer, before it is too late. He noted that they can’t take anything for granted.

Daniel Ricketts, president and coach of Wadadah United (formerly Wadadah FC), said the club had lost a stalwart who will be forever in the club’s legacy.

LOST A STALWART

“It’s very sad. He was a player then transitioned into a coach and did a lot for Wadadah. We have to lift our hats off to him. He had a lot of success at the schoolboy football level. The club has lost a stalwart and he will be forever remembered for his services to football in Jamaica,” Ricketts said.

Sports icon Steve Bucknor, who coached Williams in his early days, both at Rusea’s and Hornets Villa in St James Division One, said Jamaica had lost a student and teacher of the game of football.

“I knew what was happening to him a few days before, it was almost expected. It was said to me that he said ‘the end was coming soon’, so it was not surprising but it is really sad,” Bucknor said.

“To have been at Rusea’s so long meant that he must have been doing something good. I do believe that the youngsters from the parish of Hanover would have learned a lot from him.”

sports@gleanerjm.com