DEPOSED President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Captain Horace Burrell, yesterday indicated that he is still committed to the country's football development and may be in a position to do more for it.
"First of all I love country over self and whatever I can do for my country I will," said a visibly disappointed but gracious Burrell in response to a question about him throwing his support behind the new administration.
The former army man was speaking to the media, which gathered at the Starfish Resort in Trelawny for the Jamaica Football Federation Congress, after he was defeated 54-49 by Crenston Boxhill. One ballot was spoilt.
Burrell, who still holds positions as Caribbean Football Union First vice-president, member of the Disciplinary Committee of FIFA and the Disciplinary Committee of CONCACAF, also stated: "I will have a lot more to do and maybe even more," in reference to queries regarding his future role in Jamaica's football.
The man seen by many as a visionary who transformed Jamaica's football, making it a brand around the world and presided over its greatest moments, which included a historic qualification for three World Cups, congratulated Boxhill, the first man to challenge him for the post, which he has held since 1994.
"Well at this time I just want to congratulate Mr Boxhill who has just been elected new president of the Jamaica Football Federation," Burrell said as he emerged from the election area with long-time loyalist Carlton 'Spanner' Dennis at his side.
"I do wish Mr Boxhill and his team very well. I believe that the elections were held in a fair manner and the delegates have spoken so I do wish them all very well," he continued.
Later on Burrell said that he had no idea how he lost the election.
"I actually have no idea. I can only conclude that the members have decided that he is the better of the two candidates to take Jamaica's football to the next level and I wish them all very well," said Burrell, whose voice sometimes wavered.
"Once again I guess I will have to sit down and reassess just about everything and I think that it is right at this time for the focus to be placed on Mr Boxhill and his team," Burrell said, deferring to the new president.
"I have been defeated and I concede. Again I thought that the process was very fair and he is the winner and he has been charged to take Jamaica's football to the next level."
He indicated in a later interview that some of the delegates had tricked him onto believing that he had their support. Following that interview, the normally confident Burrell, now looking humbled, retired to his room on the brink of tears.
Later in the afternoon when the day's proceedings were over, a refreshed Burrell, who had retired after giving the first round of press interviews, emerged. He spent a brief time mingling with a few people just in front of the hotel lobby before leaving the property with his chauffeur.
