Molynes project too good to turn down – Lawrence

As much as Garnett Lawrence wanted to remain at Portmore United, he said the opportunity to build his own team with Molynes United was too good to turn down.

Lawrence, Molynes United's new head coach, has found the going tough so far in his first full Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season with a team that he has had previous ties with, having helped them gain promotion to the top flight in 2019. Lawrence saw himself step into the spotlight for Portmore in 2021, taking over as head coach on an interim basis for Ricardo Gardner, who resigned abruptly in the middle of the season.

However, Lawrence couldn't guide the 2019 champions to the play-offs, and while there was intent to stay at the St Catherine-based club, he said that coming back to Molynes to lead his own squad was enticing enough to make the change.

"I am in love with Portmore and I am in love with Molyness. I was at Molynes at first and we took them to the premier league. When they offered me (the job) coming back wasn't a hard choice," Lawrence said.

Despite a good relationship with newly appointed Portmore head coach Lenworth Hyde and the urge to stay, he felt that it was the right time to test himself at this level and to turn around the fortunes of a team that has struggled so far since entering the JPL.

"It was difficult leaving Portmore but at the same time they have young kids and it was the greatest opportunity. I love Lenny but I got the head coach position here. So that is one of the things that you look at. You talk about everything with that family and see how well it can go," Lawrence said.

After three games, Lawrence is still searching for his first win, having lost their last two, including Monday's 4-1 defeat to newly promoted Montego Bay United. Lawrence acknowledged after their 1-0 defeat to Vere United that they have to keep pushing, preaching patience with his young core of players.