Busy transfer window as RSPL start nears
SEVERAL RED Stripe Premier League (RSPL) outfits were busy doing business during the first transfer window that closed on Friday, a little over a week away from the league’s kick-off next Sunday.
Reigning champions Arnett Gardens added 14 new players, mostly youth, to the already quality talent pool at the Trench Town-based club. The Jerome Waite-coached club will be looking to give an opportunity to players who have little experience in the nation’s top-flight league.
Cavalier, who are back after being demoted two seasons ago, have tied deals with 21 players, the most by any top-flight club so far this season.
Among Cavalier’s experienced new players are goalkeeper Peter Harrison, formerly of Arnett, and Oshane Roberts, who transferred from Waterhouse. The Cavalier team included little-known players from the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association leagues and St Catherine competitions.
Waterhouse boosted their squad with 11 new players. They have included Dasha Satchwell, who joined from Arnett; Rickcardo Harriott, also from Arnett; as well as Shamar Dyer, Rodico Wellington, Denardo Thomas and Ricardo Thomas – all coming from relegated Maverley-Hughenden.
SEVEN FOR BOYS’ TOWN
Boys’ Town signed seven players for the 2017-18 new season, including Phillip Peddie and Wayne Williams, both coming from relegated MaverleyHughenden.
Tivoli Gardens’ roster is bolstered with nine new players. However, they have opted for only two players with RSPL experience. They are Andrew Whyte, formerly of Maverley-Hughenden, and Lloyd Tyme of Portmore United.
Former champions Harbour View have acquired 16 players from other clubs this season. Among the players with Premier League experience are Cleon Pryce, Kaheem Manning and Ryan Wellington from Portmore United; and Andrew Allen and Kimarley Fray – both coming from Boys’ Town.
The University of the West Indies signed four new players. They are Oshane Roberts and Ryan Miller – both coming from Cavalier; Fabian McCarthy from Montego Bay United; and Stephen Barnett from Harbour View.
Last year’s beaten finalists, Portmore United, and Sandals South Coast, who will be making their RSPL debut this season, have not done any business, according to the Jamaica Football Database.
Humble Lion’s big signing is former Harbour View and Waterhouse creative midfielder Romario ‘Rom Rom’ Campbell. They have also acquired Darren McLeod from Montego Bay United, Oakum Henry (Jamalco), Rahju Watson (Jamalco), Romu Parkinson (Sporting Central Academy), Matthew Taylor (Marcus Garvey United), and Rohan Ranger (Marcus Garvey United).