‘Spanna’ Dennis, legends hailed at Santos 60-year anniversary

Santos Football Club awarded several of the club’s legends, which included current club president Carlton ‘Spanna’ Dennis, during their 60th-year anniversary award ceremony and dinner last Saturday night at the Terra Nova Hotel.

Throughout the night’s ceremony, Santos took the time to highlight several of the club’s former players and administrators who played a key role throughout its 60-year history.

The awardees list included the likes of Kenneth ‘Bop’ Campbell, Allan ‘Skill’ Cole, David Largie, Winston Carthy, Huntley Green, Howard ‘Juici’ Bell, Keith Bryce, Keith ‘Barnaby’ Tulloch, Fitzroy Wagstaff, and Geoffrey Maxwell.

Lorna Bell, the widow of former Santos coach Winthorpe ‘Jackie’ Bell, was presented with the President’s Award by ‘Spanna’ Dennis.

Dennis was also gifted a special award for his years of service at the club, where he worked as head coach and currently, is the club’s president.

Following the ceremony, Dennis said he was at a loss for words as he did not expect to be named among the awardees at the night’s event.

Dennis, who is commonly known as Santos’ ‘head cook and bottle washer’, said it was a special feeling to be honoured by his peers who acknowledged his years of hard work at the club.

“I was caught by surprise because I sit on the committee, and this award was something I didn’t know about. I am honoured and humbled to be honoured by my peers because they have seen my work.

“It would take more than tonight to really explain it all, but I can say this, there is no other club in this country that has done what Santos Football Club has done. Santos is a leader and a trailblazer,” he added.

Santos vice-president Trevin Nairne said the night’s awardees have more than earned the recognition for their years of dedication to the sport.

He explained that the club felt it was the right initiative to acknowledge their legends as they have proven to be positive pillars in the Santos community.

“First of all, it is important to always appreciate where you’re coming from,” he said. “It is also important for them because a lot of them are not involved right now on a day-to-day basis, but they have so much to offer. So when they get this kind of recognition, they feel more appreciated.

“It is important to recognise the impact that clubs like Santos have on Jamaica’s youth and development in keeping boys safe and active. I do believe that for several people who are involved in football, it is very important for us to take this opportunity to say, ‘Thank you, you have done a lot for Jamaica’s youth’,” Nairne said.