Teddy Johnson adapting to new coaching role

As fiery as he was as a player, former national midfielder Jermaine 'Teddy' Johnson is quickly adapting to being an example for the young core of Tivoli Gardens players in his first season as the club's full-time assistant coach.

Johnson, 41, retired after the 2021 Jamaica Premier League (JPL) campaign, helping the club to its first play-off appearance since the 2017-2018 season and made it to the semi-finals.

While he operated in a player-coach role last year, Johnson has been beside head coach Philip Williams in guiding the team to similar heights this year.

Johnson says that the greatest challenge has been to ensure that he keeps his emotions in check, especially when dealing with the referees, knowing that he has to set example for his players.

"You have to change drastically because you don't want to be the same person when you were playing," Johnson told STAR Sports. "I understand they (referees) are trying and they are human beings, but sometimes they make some calls that you think are wrong and then it kind of upset you. But then you have to realise quickly, you are not still playing. You have to teach from the sidelines. People are watching you and see how you will react."

He is eager to impart the knowledge he has gained over his decade-long playing career to his boyhood club, who after a slow start this season, are on a two-game winning streak, including their 3-1 win over Mount Pleasant last Saturday. It is the moulding of the young core which has excited Johnson the most, having broken through as an aspiring Tivoli Gardens prospect himself.

Seeing the young players strive and play the right way makes it more of a joy to be a part of the team," he said. "It's a good opportunity to showcase what I've learned over the years. And me giving back to the players is much needed because I have a lot of experience."

While he hopes that one day he has the chance to be the club's head coach, Johnson says he has been leaning on the counsel of Williams.

"That would be a joy for me because that is where I got my start from," he said. "Me being a coach is trying to get better in every aspect, being humble, and being patient."