Williams up to tough Tivoli task

Phillip Williams is the new man in charge at Tivoli Gardens FC and recently made his debut as first team coach against Arnett Gardens in a 0-3 home defeat.

He followed that up with a 2-1 loss at Drax Hall to Mount Pleasant FA. Williams, a Level Two coach, was given the reigns due to the departure of Omar Edwards, who left to take up a new role in Turks and Caicos.

Williams now has his work cut out for him to get the west Kingston club into the top six, which means a play-off spot, with just six game left in the regular season. However, he is confident he can get the job done, because of the fighting spirit and mental toughness he says he sees in the team's performances, in spite of the results.

"These players are very talented and they love the club," an optimistic Williams said. "It is very encouraging for me as a coach to see that kind of effort and fight even through the pain. There are a lot of positives to take into this week of training to amplify for our upcoming games."

The man from the western end of the island insists he is ready for this stage, as football has been part of his life for as long as he can remember, both as a player and a coach.

"Well I have been around football all my life; I played Western Confed football for Clarks Town FC in Trelawny and have been coaching for a number years at the junior level with St Andrew Technical (High School)," he said. "Two years ago, I was given the mantle of being in charge of the Manning Cup team, and that year we went to the finals and followed that up by making it to the semi-finals last season."