FORMER HEAD coach of Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore, says he is pleased with the opportunity to coach again after he was appointed head coach of Jamaica Premier League team, Mount Pleasant.
“It’s a pleasure, not only to be at Mount Pleasant but back in football and I’m really excited to be here and I’m looking forward to the challenges, said Whitmore.
Whitmore, who was sacked by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) back in December 2021 after a failed World Cup bid, is also making a return to local coaching following his 2006 - 2008 stint with former club Seba United.
Despite knowing the challenges that lie ahead, Whitmore says he is up for the task.
“I know it’s a lot of challenges and I look forward to taking on those challenges. What I can say is, I know the expectations might be huge, I know the fans want some sort of silverware at the St Ann-based community and we’re putting things in place to reach these goals,” said Whitmore.
Despite heavy spending on players in the transfer window and with the acquisition of Jamaica’s winningest head coach, Whitmore urged patience.
“We have to work together as a team, both on and off the field. The players there have to know what we’re about and remain committed to the task, and that’s the only way we’re going to get success at the club. I think we have to get a bunch of committed players, players who want to win, the attitude, the focus have to be different. Mount Pleasant is a top team, everybody would be wondering why Mount Pleasant isn’t getting success, so again it’s for us as a technical staff to look and see where we can fix the problem going forward,” said Whitmore.
Founded in 2016, Mount Pleasant’s best run in the Premier League came back in the 2018-19 season where they finished third in the regular season and went on to lose in the semi-finals to eventual champions, Portmore United.
“We have to know what we’re about this season and seasons beyond. It will be a whole different change. It’s a work in progress, we don’t want to set any high hopes. Again, we’re trying to put a team together that will bring us some sort of success. I don’t want because ‘Tappa’ Whitmore is there to expect any miracle. One goal, one focus,” Whitmore concluded.