Butler takes jab at ‘Whisper’ doubters
Published:Wednesday | January 17, 2024 | 12:10 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
AFTER CHELSEA officially announced the signing of 18-year-old Jamaican sensation Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards last Friday, his Phoenix Academy coach Craig Butler took a jab at his critics who, he said, were trying to undermine the transfer of the player to the English Premier League (EPL) club.
The former Kingston College star was on the island over the holidays, and rumours surfaced that the deal with Chelsea had gone awry.
However, Butler argued some people seemed to be caught up with discrediting him, and hopes the announcement from the London club silenced his doubters.
“So many people know about my player. It is ironic how many people seem to be telling lies to try and make us look bad. But Whisper has signed to Chelsea and all those people that said we were lying, I hope they feel proud of themselves,” he told The Gleaner.
He explained that the player, training with Chelsea’s first team, was only on the island to spend Christmas holidays with his family.
“He came back to spend Christmas with his family because he may not be back for Christmas for maybe the next 10 years. Remember, they play games over Christmas, so for the next 10 years or so, he might not have the opportunity to spend Christmas with them,” said Butler.
It was also rumoured Richards was having difficulties obtaining a work permit, but Butler revealed that this was also untrue.
“He is good. He is alright. Yes, he got it already,” said Butler.
After Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Fulham in the English Premier League on Saturday, Chelsea’s players were given a week off before their EFL Cup second-leg semifinal against Middlesbrough on Tuesday. Butler said the player went elsewhere in Europe for the period to train.
Meanwhile, according to a Chelsea Chronicle report, Richards is already “impressing” Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino and his coaching staff in training.
According to the report, it is believed that the 18-year-old can make an impact on a team which is desperate for goals, but that he is as raw as they come, despite being very talented and may have to go on loan to gather some experience.
“We’re sure he’s got talent, but we’re probably two years of loans away from him even being considered in the first team picture. Still, if he’s impressing already, that can only be a good thing,” it read.