The Star (Jamaica)

Ottey relishing reunion with Duckie

- KAVARLY ARNOLD STAR Writer STAR Writer

Former national and Montego Bay United (MBU) striker Allan Ottey said that he already feels the welcome at new club Waterhouse FC.

Ottey spent six years in the National Premier League with Montego Bay United, winning the title in 2014, then again in 2016. He parted ways with the Tuckerbase­d team at the end of last season and since signed for JFF Western Confederat­ions/Charley’s JB Rum Super League club Faulkland FC.

“The feeling is very good. The players, coaching staff and management have made me feel at home, so I’m quite happy and I’m just looking forward to the rest of the season,” Ottey said.

His return to the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) was confirmed by Waterhouse president Donovan White yesterday.

Donovan Duckie, head coach of Waterhouse, has high hopes for Ottey, having worked with the 25-year-old at MBU in 2014 when they won the RSPL title. He said that he is happy to have the player at Drewsland and he believes that he can bring much needed experience to the squad.

“We were in a situation where we needed strikers, one with experience, but youthful and understand­s my philosophy as a coach,” Duckie said. “When I contacted Allan, he told me that he would think about it. He has made the move now and we are just happy to have him at Waterhouse.”

PLAY A BIG PART

Duckie, whom Ottey described as a good coach and motivator, said the player can play a big part in the team’s rebuilding, if he can settle.

“We have developed a relationsh­ip from the national under-20s to Montego Bay United,” Duckie shared. “I know his capabiliti­es and ambitions. I have high hopes for him to come in, adapt, and fit into our system here.”

Ottey scored three goals and made three assists in as many games for Faulkland prior to his departure. Waterhouse will be hoping he can carry his good form straight into the RSPL as soon as he makes his debut. Their next fixture will be against UWI FC at the Drewsland Stadium on Monday night.

Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) general secretary Dalton Wint said the associatio­n is set to receive over US$100,000 (around J$13 million) from its scheduled friendly internatio­nal game against South Korea in Turkey on January 30.

Wint said that the federation is also in negotiatio­ns with a Turkish club to play a practice game before the friendly internatio­nal.

“It will be beneficial and good exposure for our players,” said Wint. “There will be a warm-up game against a club team, but we have not yet tied that down firmly, but that will also be beneficial because it is an opportunit­y for our players to be scouted,” Wint said.

“I can tell you it will be over US$100,000, that includes monies paid for our airfare and all of that, but it is not a net though,” he said.

He added that both games will provide the Jamaican players with the chance to display their talents to internatio­nal scouts from around the world.

 ?? FILE ?? In this 2017 photo: Allan Ottey of Faulkland FC (right) and Grand Palladium FC’s Carlington Ewar chase the ball in their recent JFF Western Confederat­ion / Charley’s JB Rum Super League encounter at Jarrett Park. Ottey has since signed for Waterhouse FC.
FILE In this 2017 photo: Allan Ottey of Faulkland FC (right) and Grand Palladium FC’s Carlington Ewar chase the ball in their recent JFF Western Confederat­ion / Charley’s JB Rum Super League encounter at Jarrett Park. Ottey has since signed for Waterhouse FC.
 ?? FILE ?? Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz celebrate after scoring in their Gold Cup semi final match against Mexico on July 23. Jamaica won the match 1-0. The team will next be in action against South Korea on January 30, in Turkey.
FILE Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz celebrate after scoring in their Gold Cup semi final match against Mexico on July 23. Jamaica won the match 1-0. The team will next be in action against South Korea on January 30, in Turkey.
 ??  ?? Wint
Wint

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