Yorke backs Ato in guiding Jamaican sprinters

Former Trinidad and Tobago's (T&T) striker Dwight Yorke has defended his countryman, Ato Boldon's decision to coach Jamaican junior sprinter Briana Williams.

Boldon has been facing a lot criticism from persons of his homeland that he is helping to develop a rival nation's track and field programme.

The 44-year-old Boldon guided Williams to the sprint double at the IAAF World Under-20 Championships in Tampere, Finland, earlier this month, which led to the resentment of some members of the T&T track and field community.

But Yorke, a former Manchester United player, told STAR Sports that Boldon is doing a great job in helping to develop the sport in the region.

GREAT JOB

"It is fantastic, and I think that is what the Caribbean should be about," said York.

"We are not a big country like England or these kinds of places with so many people, and so Ato Boldon, with his experience, he is doing a great job. Not because you come from Trinidad and Tobago, you should be able to help somebody in Jamaica," he said.

"But he's been able to do that because he is an athletics man and he wants to see the Caribbean islands do well, and if it means learning his trade and getting the opportunity in Jamaica because Jamaica is really pushing athletics, and I am not so sure if Trinidad and Tobago is doing as much," Yorke said.

"However, I know that they are doing some stuff, but maybe not as much as Jamaica, but he sees the moment, and good luck to him."

Yorke scored 52 goals in 96 appearances for Manchester United during his four-year stint with the club. He also netted 19 goals from his 74 caps for his country between 1989 and 2009.