Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer

Despite a recent published report indicating that Fitzroy 'Johnny' Reid is the head coach of Wray and Nephew National Premier League (NPL) team Village United, current Jamaica Under-20 coach Dr. Dean Weatherly is still the man in charge. This is according to club executive, Steve Bennett.

In a recent question and answer published in the Western Mirror, Reid said that he had taken over the team on December 15, had conducted about seven training sessions with Williams and senior players Shane Crawford and Fabian Dawkins assisting him.

Reid's comments were prefaced by a statement that speculations that Reid would be appointed, were put to rest. Prior to that rumours were rife that Dr. Weatherly would have been sacked.

While confirming that Reid, who had a previous stint on the Village coaching staff, was again in the club's employ, Bennett said his capacity was only a supporting one.

"Because of Dr. Weatherly's commitment to the country's Under-20 programme his availability to the team on a continued basis was splintered. As a result of this the general manager of football operations, Jeffrey White, felt that we needed some reinforcements and Mr. Reid was added to assist with the programme," Bennett explained.

Reid, Bennett continued, would be working alongside assistant coach Cassman Williams who joined the coaching staff following the relegation of Invaders, another Trelawny club, from the NPL, two years ago.

"He will be working with Dr. Weatherly and Mr. Cassman Williams, but the situation is that Dr. Wearherly is still in charge," Bennett added.

When contacted, Reid maintained that whatever was attributed to him in the newspaper was what he said.

No backing down

"The writer wrote what I told him. I said it all and I will not back down from what I said. The fact of the matter is that I was told by White that Dr. Weatherly would not be available and that the job was mine if I wanted it. He also asked who I wanted to work with and I said I had no problem working with Cassman as he has been there and he knows the players," Reid said.

"Two weeks later I was called by Mr. White asking if I had a problem working with Dr. Weatherly and I said I have no problem working with anyone," Reid added, making it clear that his interest lies in doing the job, not a title or a position of head coach.

Whether or not he is head coach Reid said he will be happy to do the what he has been assigned to do as that is the important thing.

"The truth of the matter is that I am not into the politics of who is who or what. I am here doing a job and I will do it.

"It does not matter who is head coach or who is not and whether I am interim coach or not I will do what I am asked to do. But right now Doc will not be around. The only thing is that I have not had a discussion with him as to what he would like to done or focused on while he is not around," Reid added.

For his part, Dr. Weatherly, who is in camp preparing the Under-20 team for final round of the Under-20 qualifiers which begin on February 21 in Mexico, sees no reason why the arrangement cannot work.

"I have spoken to him and the fact is there is no animosity between us. Based on my commitment right now I cannot be there which is why this arrangement is in place.

"I would not interfere with the programme that he is putting together as long as it works but if it does not then I would have to make changes when I return," said Dr. Weatherly who is into his third season with the club.