Butler takes charge at Vere United
Published:Saturday | July 27, 2024 | 12:09 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Vere United president Lothan Cousins says the proposal Phoenix Academy boss Craig Butler made for the merging of the two organisations was a “no-brainer”.
Butler has been granted full control of the Jamaica Premier League’s (JPL) club’s operations for the next 10 years by Cousins, also the club owner, and who expects the partnership to breathe new life into the club and the parish on a whole.
Cousins pointed out that Butler is no stranger to the parish, having served as coach of Humble Lion and Sporting Central in the past, and that he believes in the young talent in Clarendon.
However, he said the offer Butler made, which includes improving the current facility by putting in lights, improving the playing surface and increasing the seating capacity among other things, was a no-brainer.
“Phoenix has also proposed to establish a B field that the community can also access, a field of the highest standard that they can play on because we are looking at the development of the parish and the development of the facilities we have.
“It is not just about the team, it is also about the improvement of the facilities, and at the end of the day if somebody comes to you with an offer like that and you are thinking about the benefit of the parish and the players in the parish and youth talent, it is a cinch.
“Craig has a passion for Clarendon and he believes Clarendon has some of the better young talent, and he reached out to us as a club to say he wants to put forward a proposal where he would manage the club on the behalf of us,” Cousins said.
The agreement in place will see Butler and his team taking charge of club operations for the 10-year period and the club will now be recognised as the Vere/Phoenix United.
However, contrary to some reports, Cousins noted that Phoenix will not own any shares in the club but will have the option to renew when the deal runs out.
“This merging with Phoenix is a management agreement. It is not a sale of the club,” Cousins said.
“The club will remain associated with the Clarendon Football Association and the club’s home venue will remain in Vere at the Wembley Centre,” he stated.
“The fans are very excited, the community is very excited and I believe in the end we will be vindicated by the results.”
Cousins, who is an attorney-at-law and member of parliament for South Western Clarendon, said turning over operations to Butler will allow a better day-to-day management of the club.
He also believes the veteran football coach and administrator has all the qualities to make the club a lot more competitive than they have been in the JPL to this point.
“We saw what he did with the Manning Cup with Mona High. With Vere being in a similar position to where Mona was at the time, I believe it is still going to be important that we are a club competing to win and so we needed that extra boost of energy and that extra boost of creativity and administrative thinking.”
Meanwhile, in a release, the Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) said the merger marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Vere United, promising a future of growth and success under Butler’s esteemed leadership.
It said that Butler, known for his exceptional contributions to football development in Jamaica, brings a wealth of experience and an innovative approach to club management.
It pointed that his work with the Phoenix All-Star Academy has garnered international acclaim, producing, top-tier talent and enhancing the profile of Jamaican football on the global stage. “With this partnership, Butler is set to bring his expertise and vision to Vere United, positioning the club for an exciting new era” the release said.
PFJL CEO Owen Hill also expressed enthusiasm about the alliance.
“We are thrilled to welcome Craig and the management team of the Phoenix All-Star Football Academy in this capacity, where his competence and tenacious leadership will be invaluable to the football ecosystem.
“His proven track record in football development and his commitment to excellence align perfectly with PFJL’s vision for professional football in Jamaica. We believe this partnership will significantly enhance the competitive landscape of the Jamaica Premier League in the short, medium and long term,” Hill said.