Golding hoping for instant impact at Arnett

While stating that he is not too concerned about short-term results, Mark Golding, the new Arnett Gardens FC chairman, said that he hopes the recent changes in the front office of the club will yield some positive changes on the field of play.

Golding, who is the member of parliament for South St Andrew, was unanimously elected as chairman of the club on Saturday, days after former president Patrick Roberts tendered his resignation.

"We expect the players to respond positively. We are hoping that [the changes] will be reflected in the results going forward," Golding said.

Though they were beaten by Waterhouse FC in the semi-final of the Red Stripe Premier League, Arnett Gardens' season is not over as they will continue their campaign in the final round of the Caribbean Football Union Club championship in May.

"The season has been quite difficult because the players were not being paid on a timely basis from December onwards until I stepped in in March. So they missed a lot of training, and there was low morale affecting the squad. And with the changes, we are hoping that they will respond well," Golding elaborated.

Chris Bicknell is the new president of the club, while Peter Thelwell was elected as the general manager. Derrick Crooks, who was appointed vice-chairman, is in charge of football development.

"We are not in this for the short term. We are really trying to build a programme for Arnett Gardens Football Club that will develop the talent in the community, starting with the little ones and coming right through with the teenagers," Golding said.