Barrett ignoring critics

Throughout last season and for much of the current campaign, former national goalkeeper, Jacomena Barrett, has come in for some criticism after a number of high-profile errors, causing many to question his abilities.

Barrett is, however, not getting too bothered by the opinion and believes he still has a lot to offer, especially to Montego Bay United, who are battling relegation at the bottom of the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) table.

Montego Bay went to Effortville on Sunday and came away with a point after their 1-1 draw. But it took a string on outstanding saves from the custodian to keep MoBay in the game.

When asked about the criticism he has faced this season, Barrett said everyone was free to have their opinion, but he still works hard in training and it’s showing in the games.

“Opinion is like breathing, everybody breaths, so I can’t stop anyone from having their opinion, so I just leave it as it is. I know I just have to go in training and keep putting the work in and it manifested today on the field. Despite conceding one goal, I did a great job,” he said.

In the first half, the veteran ‘shot stopper’ denied Renae Lloyd what seemed a certain goal from six yards out, showing great reflexes to stop the midfielder. He also came off his line moments later to block Corey Hylton, who broke away on goal.

Then after the break, Humble Lion, came out and stormed the MoBay goal but again found Barrett at his best to deny a number of clear cut chances for the home team.

With relegation looming large over the western Jamaica club, Barrett admitted that the challenge they face in fighting relegation is much tougher than challenging for title, but he expects the club to escape the drop nevertheless.

HARD TASK

“The challenge is there and the season is much rougher. We had a late start and we are now trying to get back on our feet. It’s a hard task but we have to stick together and fight it through to the end, as being relegated is not part of what we stand for as Montego Bay United and as St James, and we have to represent each time we go out there.

“So we have to work together when we go out there, and when the team gels and play with a bit more purpose in our games, everybody have to help each other going forward to get us out of this trouble that we are in,” he stated.

“But there is no thinking to it (relegation), it’s knowing for a fact that we have to do it. Each time we enter the pitch, we just have to work harder. We have to do it, not just me but all players. We need everyone to pull their own weight now, so we have to put in the work as we just need to go forward from here as a team,” he added.

Montego Bay United are rooted at the foot of the RSPL on 21 points.