Unfit Arnett promises better 2017
President of Arnett Gardens FC Patrick Roberts says the players are past the issue over the cut in salaries two months ago and will get back on track with better performances in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL).
Arnett ended the year in sixth position on 22 points from 17 games in the RSPL. They went down 3-2 to Humble Lion in the latest fixture last Wednesday. That was Arnett’s seventh defeat of the season. The decision to cut the salaries of Arnett Gardens players last October appears to have affected the team on the pitch as they have been struggling to win games.
Coach Jerome Waite told STAR Sports a month ago that the decision to cut players and the technical staff salaries was affecting the team’s performance.
However, Roberts now says that the players understood the reason for that move.
“The management team met with the players twice and they are sticking it out. The players are committed, so that is no longer an issue. The cut in salaries had affected the team, but that is in the past,” Roberts said.
LACK OF FITNESS
He believes that it is more a fitness problem. “It is lack of fitness. The coach will be stepping up the training for the next game on January 4,” he added.
Patrick also mentioned that some players could move in the next transfer window, “The window of transfer will be open come January, so if players want to leave, we won’t stop them. We don’t know who will leave,” he informed.
Despite being in mid-table, 13 points off leaders Montego Bay United, who are on 35, Roberts is confident that the south St Andrew-based club will rise in the new year.
“Arnett is always peaking in the second and third rounds, so we are not too worried,” Roberts stated.
The effect was such that the team was only able to earn four points from a possible 21 of their last seven games in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL).
Arnett’s last victory came on December 11 when they edged Harbour View 1-0 at the Harbour View Stadium in east St Andrew.
The Trench Town club’s next game is on January 4, when they tackle the University of the West Indies FC. The RSPL will resume on that day following a twoweek break.