Duckie optimistic about Vere’s future

While Vere United could not repeat last season's success, head coach Donovan Duckie says that he is very optimistic about the future of the club despite personnel challenges.

Vere were mathematically eliminated from play-off contention after losing 1-0 to Waterhouse on Monday in their Jamaica Premier League game at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

Shaqueil Bradford scored the lone goal in the 36th minute as Vere United remained in 10th place with 19 points and one game remaining.

Vere, in Duckie's first season as head coach in 2021, made the play-offs. Reflecting on the challenges of 2022, Duckie said that they found the going more difficult as they were without key players for most of the season. However, he says that he is pleased with the foundation that has been laid to mount a challenge for next year.

"We are very depleted. We have been depleted for more than four months and we have done very well. We have not been embarrassed by any team. In all the games we have been competitive. So I'm very excited with what we have created," Duckie told STAR Sports. "Now it is for us now to get some quality players to add to this foundation so that the team can matriculate into a powerful one next season."

Vere's heaviest defeat was on February 5 when they lost 3-0 to Tivoli Gardens. Since then they have not lost a game by more than two goals. However, they have only scored 11 goals this season, the least in the league.

While satisfied with the displays by the team over the past few weeks, Duckie said that they need a quality striker to boost their attacking threat for next year.

"I am very impressed with how we have been playing for the past six or seven games. (But) we need a true number nine. That is a crucial part of the team going forward," Duckie said. "We are now looking forward to getting some players that can complement these players, so that we can be stronger."

Vere will close the season against Montego Bay United on Sunday.