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Faukland coach calls time after guiding Premier League berth

Published:Wednesday | July 27, 2022 | 12:13 AMKavarly Arnold - Gleaner Writer
Members of the Faulkland FC team celebrate after gaining promotion to the Jamaica Premier League following their win over Falmouth United in the semi-finals of the Jamaica Football Federation Tier Two competition at Drax Hall on Sunday. Faulkland won 4-3 o
Kavarly Arnold
Members of the Faulkland FC team celebrate after gaining promotion to the Jamaica Premier League following their win over Falmouth United in the semi-finals of the Jamaica Football Federation Tier Two competition at Drax Hall on Sunday. Faulkland won 4-3 on penalties.

Western Bureau:

GREGORY PALMER, coach of Faulkland FC, announced his decision to step down from his role after guiding the team to next season’s Jamaica Premier League.

Faulkland secured promotion with a 4-3 win on penalties over Falmouth United on Sunday after the teams ended full and extra time locked on 1-1.

The result also sees them advance to next Sunday’s Tier Two final with either Chapleton Maroons FC or Treasure Beach FC, who will play their rescheduled match today at Drax Hall in St Ann. Maroons lead the tie 2-1 from the first leg.

“I have been with the club from inception. We came from division two and the objective was to get to the Premier League. The objective is now met, so I think someone else could carry on the task,” said Palmer who doesn’t believe announcing his decision so early will affect the team come Sunday.

“I don’t think it should affect the team. The team is in high spirits. They said, ‘Coach I’m going to give you this title, we are going to win it’, so I don’t think it should affect them any at all,” he added.

When asked if he will be continuing with the club in another capacity or walking away completely, Palmer said the team was focusing on Sunday’s final right now. He also believes the club will find a capable replacement for next season.

“The directors and I have not discussed everything in full yet. After conveying my decision, they told me to just focus on finishing the season successfully and then use next week to breeze off. I have two weeks in total to think about everything,” Palmer said.

“Just like with any organisation, if someone should step away the proper channel of recruitment for replacement must take place. The club would be looking for coaches that fit the style of play,” he added.

He continued: “I certainly will not be on the sidelines for another team. Certainly, not at this time. Sometimes you have to rest, rejuvenate and come again.”

Club president Dalton Reid said right now the focus is on winning the championship.

“I have spoken to him but the board hasn’t met on it. Being with the club so long he is just a bit tired. I told him to just focus on winning the championship and then after the board will meet and we will have further discussions,” Reid said.

“Personally, I would want to see him coach the team in the Premier League after taking us there. I would want to see him with the team next year, but of course, I am speaking for myself but the decision lies with him mostly and the board members,” said Reid.