Stewart (left) and
Maxwell
Nodley Wright, Staff Reporter
BRADLEY Stewart who on Wednesday vented his frustration at the running of the Duhaney Park football club which he said could force him to walk away was on Thursday spared that task.
He was fired.
In his place was installed former national coach Geoffrey Maxwell.
According to Mark Francis, a director of the club, it was necessary for changes to be made.
"Right now as far as Duhaney Park is concerned, it was important for a change," said Francis who explained that their major problem with Stewart was one of communication.
"There were articles in the paper ... I believe that in a situation like that he should have discussed that with the club before going ahead and making those statements.
"We have not been winning for one. The communication between management and coach was not up to standard. The article was another example of this and it was obvious that we had to make a change."
Stewart, who was informed of his firing on Thursday night by one of the directors of the club, said he was not surprised at the action taken.
"It was not a surprise. About a month ago when I was unable to get any concrete word about remuneration for the team I said to them that it is about time I tender my resignation because as a coach it was proving to be a difficult situation.
"They said that they did not have a problem with the coaching it was more a problem of financing. What they had a problem with was where I was trying to get support for the team amongst a group that was put together by another of the directors who has now resigned," Stewart said.
While he had no problems with his dismissal, Stewart said that he has not been paid by the club since the start of the season.
"I said to them when you are taking the letter of termination you take what I am due in wages. I called again this morning to say the same thing and they said they would get in touch with me," Stewart said of his response when he was informed.
Francis denied that Stewart is owed by the club.
"The only person who has been paid in full is Bradley Stewart. Mark you, the players have not been paid for the past two months. It is not as if we owe them and have no intention to pay. We made arrangement with Arnett Gardens to have our home game against them played at their grounds for the simple fact that we could be able to generate funds to alleviate some of the financial burden in salaries."
As far as Maxwell's appointment is concerned Francis said it was a situation of the "Lord working in mysterious ways". Maxwell, he said, was approached Wednesday evening and at a further meeting on Thursday he agreed to assist.
"When I explained to him the club's inability to pay players and ability to function from day to day the man just said that he will see how best he can help."
Maxwell said a number of teams have expressed an interest in his services but he decided to accept Duhaney Park's offer because of the challenge it offered.
"I have always loved a challenge and I believe the present situation at Duhaney Park is a tremendous challenge.
"I hope I can turn things around and the only drawback is that the team is extremely young. The management has asked for help and what gave me the motivation to make the decision was the fact that this is another KSAFA team," said Maxwell who added that he has been in similar situation before with Waterhouse.
