PLCA upset over absence of clubs
GENERAL MANAGER of the Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA), Pat Garel, said yesterday that the absence of clubs at the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) weekly press conference is “unacceptable’ and would not be “tolerated” in the future.
Humble Lion FC and Waterhouse FC failed to send representatives to yesterday’s mandatory function. The Clarendon-based Humble Lion did not show, while Waterhouse’s manager turned up after the briefing was over.
“It is embarrassing for the noshow of the clubs as the weekly press conference is mandatory. We will have to do something about it moving forward,” Garel told The Gleaner during the press conference at Red Stripe yesterday.
“This can’t be tolerated and is unacceptable. The clubs that are selected to be in attendance were sent emails for them to be there two days prior to the holding of the press conference” she said.
Struggling Waterhouse are scheduled to host MaverleyHughenden FC in the feature game to be televised live on Television Jamaica (TVJ) on Sunday.
“The absence of Waterhouse is really unacceptable as their game is a live television one. The sponsors won’t be pleased,” she asserted.
Garel also claimed that she contacted an official of the Waterhouse club before the 10 a.m. start of the press conference and she was told that the manager and two players would be in attendance. Pat Garel, general manager of the Premier League Clubs Association.
Waterhouse’s manager, Doreen Thompson, who turned up an the end of the briefing, said she was informed very late.
“I was informed late by the coach (Marvin Tate). I’m not a person who normally shows up late (for any function),” Thompson informed The Gleaner.
In the case of Humble Lion, the club’s secretary, Daphne Taylor, said assistant coach Lenworth Gordon and captain Wolry Wolfe should have been the representatives.
“We sent the assistant coach and Wolry Wolfe. At the moment, we don’t know why they did not turn up,” Taylor said when contacted.
The other four clubs who were scheduled to attend the briefing – MaverleyHughenden, Jamalco, Harbour View and Tivoli Gardens – were represented.