Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
Bailey: I have recommitted myself and I decided to stick it out. - FILE
TALK THAT the man who led Tivoli Gardens to their last Wray and Nephew National Premier League title in 2003-2004, Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey had given up his post appears premature.
"Based on what was happening I thought it was best to step aside so there was some truth to the talk but the plan was never to abandon the club," explained coach Bailey, adding that he has since had a change of heart.
"Following a meeting with the president (Edward Seaga) and the backing that I received from him and the team I have recommitted myself and I decided to stick it out until at least the end of the season," explained Bailey, adding that he was refreshed and rejuvenated.
IMPENDING DEPARTURE
News of Bailey's impending departure came after his team's 2-3 loss to Village United at the Edward Seaga Stadium, their home ground, the latest of three unfavourable results. That loss which gave Village United their first win away from home for the season, followed a 0-3 loss at Seba United last week Wednesday.
The Seba loss was preceded by a 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Arnett Gardens. All these results left Tivoli Gardens in fifth position on 28 points after 20 weeks of matches but well off the pace. Harbour View lead the league by a mile on 50 points, 11 ahead of second-placed Waterhouse.
Despite the case Bailey said there will not be any wholesale changes either to his coaching staff or player personnel.
"There are no plans to make any changes to the coaching staff. I think they did a good job and we will keep it at that," said Bailey, adding that they have identified what their problems are and will work harder to sort them out.
THE FOCUS
"We have not targetted anyone really to come in through the transfer window because we have the material here," he said of his playing staff.
"Injuries have been a major problem for us and our focus will be on getting people better. If you look at our squad you will see that we have been hard done by injuries. Jermaine Johnson has been out for a while, Kasai Hinds was out, came back and is out again, Fabian Davis has been out for the longest while, Christopher Nicholas is injury-prone and Steve Green has not made himself available as yet," lamented the man who also has a career as a dancehall deejay.
Another source of strengthening the team Bailey added was the Under-21 which he referred to as their "feeding tree".
