Molynes United upbeat for next season
Published:Wednesday | April 3, 2024 | 12:11 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
AT THE start of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season, Molynes United were a serious candidate for relegation, as the then Alex Thomas-coached team failed to win after nine matches and were rooted at the foot of the table on four points.
The loss of leading striker Nicholas Nelson to Dunbeholden was also a colossal blow, with the team managing just six goals in those nine fixtures under Thomas.
However, in came Jermaine Thomas and in a short period, the former Dunbeholden coach was able to turn the club’s fortunes around and make them competitive once again.
In 16 matches under Jermaine Thomas, the team won five games and drew four and are now 11th, and despite losing their last three matches, Molynes remain very upbeat in their outlook for next season.
Assistant coach Jermaine Miller pointed out that in the club’s five years in the league, it has never made the playoffs, despite coming close on a few occasions.
Although Miller thought they made it slip again this season, he believes they have the foundation to build a team capable of challenging for the playoffs next season.
“Based on the games and how they were played out, we believe we could have really made the top six this season had we gotten some crucial points we made slip away. But it’s the nature of the game. It was a good enough season to build on,” he said.
“We have a really good bunch of players. There’s a lot of quality in the team. But for next season, we want to have a good preseason, something that we didn’t get this year and see if we can start on a high and carry it through.”
According to Miller, the impact the coaching staff had on the team’s transformation should also help the technical team to pick up where they left off this term.
“It (performance) is a big motivation for us the coaching staff. We came in when the team was on four points and now we are on 23. Getting the team out of relegation was one of our objectives and we met that.”
Molynes will play Cavalier in their last game on Sunday, and Miller said the preparation for next season starts from that game.
“For that game, we just want to focus on the youngsters in the team and give them some game time. Also, we will look at what we have and just try to mould our unit to be competing for the top six next season.”