Injury leaves Anderson feeling hard done by

With the play-offs of the Red Stripe Premier League looming, defending champions Arnett Gardens FC will be without outstanding youngster Oneil Anderson.

Anderson, who suffered a fractured ankle against Sandals South Coast in their fixture last month, has been ruled out of the season entirely.

Anderson, who made headlines earlier this year when he showed up late for the MLS Caribbean Combine because of his club’s failure to make proper travel arrangements, said that the injury has weighed heavily on his shoulders as it has prevented him from achieving his main objective of the season, which was to win another title with the Junglists.

“I work hard all year for this time of the season, and to know I got injured is really hard,” Anderson told STAR Sports. “I would really like to be out there on the pitch helping the guys win another title, but I will be cheering them on from the sidelines.”

SEVERAL ISSUES

The Arnett Gardens camp has been affected by several issues this season. The conflict in the front office between President Patrick Roberts and Member of Parliament Mark Golding, who has refused to take up his honorary position as chairman of the club until the management has been restructured, spilt over on to the field as several players have publicly complained about not being paid on time.

But Anderson believes that when the whistle blows for Arnett Gardens’ first match of the playoffs, the troops will be ready for war.

“The players are not getting their pay, but this is Arnett Gardens and when you reach this time of the season, everybody is gunning for the title and the lack of pay will not stop them from showing up,” Anderson said. “Everyone is coming out to play Arnett Gardens, and we don’t want to lose against anyone so we will come together.”

Anderson will also miss the final round of the Caribbean Football Union Club Championship, but he vows to get back in shape for the beginning of next season to fulfil the promise he has shown earlier this season.

“I wanted to win the title and get a contract overseas, but I just have to come back next season and finish off what I started,” Anderson said.