Roberts resigns as Arnett’s president
After 18 years, Patrick Roberts has walked away as president of Arnett Gardens FC (AGFC) on the heels of their defeat to Waterhouse in the semifinals of the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) on Monday night.
Roberts made the move following a well-documented dispute with Member of Parliament for South West St Andrew, Mark Golding, over leadership of the club.
At one point the players were not paid for over two months and that led to some players not attending training sessions. In March, the players signed a petition to have Roberts removed as president.
However, Roberts said he was not forced out as he declared last season that this would be his last year at Arnett.
“I made an announcement from last season that at the end of the 2017-18 season I would resign. My resignation is effective May 9,” Roberts told STAR Sports.
“From day one, the member of parliament made it clear that he would not be working with my administration and he wanted a free hand in moving forward, where he can appoint his own team. The season is over for Arnett, so it is time to wish him (Golding) the best,” he added.
In a letter tendered to the Jamaica Football Federation, Kingston and St Andrew Football Association and the Premier League Clubs Association yesterday, Roberts indicated that this would be his last season.
“During my time as president of this club, I have had the opportunity to work alongside some bright sporting minds, both internally and externally. I’ve also been blessed with the opportunity to grow and learn the business of sports locally and on the international scale, having also served as vice-president of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association.
“My tireless efforts have thankfully not gone unnoticed, as, on a daily basis. Since I made known my intention to resign, I have received many emails, countless texts and social media messages and kudos for my part in improving the standards of the club, as well as bringing hope to many youths who have sought to bring meaning to their lives through sports. My involvement in sports, and in particular the AGFC, is consistent with my desire to improve the welfare of those who come into my orbit. I have been truly blessed and it was my pleasure to serve this club,” Roberts said in the letter.
Roberts stepping down as president is the second major departure for the club this week as club captain Oneil ‘Bigga’ Thompson also confirmed he was leaving after the Waterhouse game.