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‘Magee has learned the value of loyalty’ - Butler insists honour, and not ‘money’ the reason why star playmaker joined Vere Phoenix
February 06, 2025
After much speculation regarding his next club destination, Jamaica midfielder Tyreek Magee eventually turned out for Vere Phoenix FC on Monday in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) against Cavalier.
Magee, who last represented Colorado Springs Switchback in the United Soccer League (USL), was being touted for a move back to the USL or even to big spenders Mount Pleasant Football Academy in the JPL.
Before the move was confirmed, reports were rife that there was a salary demand of $1 million and he would be heading to St Ann.
However, to the surprise of many the diminutive playmaker chose to join the Clarendon-based club.
Craig Butler, one of the most influential persons at Vere Phoenix, said the player signed with the club out of respect and loyalty, and that money was not really a factor.
"There were a lot of liars out there because at no time Magee had any interest to go to Mount Pleasant," Butler declared. "Respect to Mount Pleasant, but Magee and I have had a good relationship over the years.
"He has seen what I have done for other players who have talent and are faithful and loyal and he has seen what has happened to the ones that are not faithful and loyal.
"Not everything in life you can buy. A lot of people believe that but I don't. Not everything is for sale and that is not true," Butler said regarding talk that the club paid lots of money to secure Magee.
"Loyalty. Magee has learned the value of loyalty. Some went to Portugal and are back in Jamaica right now. So those that stand with me, I will fight for them."
Butler revealed that he has already met and spoken with head coach of top Belgian club Genk, and stated that the 25-year-old player will be back in Europe at the end of the season.
"We have gone already to Genk and have had meetings with Dmitri De Conde (coach) and his staff and in the summer Magee will have a place to go. I took up Magee and started working with Magee and other people came and said come to us," he shared.
"They dropped him in Aipen (Belgium), without the knowledge and understanding that it was a club that is owned by Aspire Academy and they always only play their players.
"So Magee not playing for four years made it seem as if he was a bad player when in truth and fact he was being stifled," Butler stated.
"He learned his lesson. He came back and said ,'coach let us work together and get it done'. He has been loyal since and he stood up and he has worked with us like family," he said.
In the game on Monday, Vere Phoenix lost 2-1 to Cavalier to sink into the relegation zone on 17 points, three ahead of last place Humble Lion and two behind 12th place Harbour View.
Vere's goal came by virtue of a bit of brilliance from Magee, who beat an opponent and angled a powerful shot at goal. Goalkeeper Vino Barclett parried his effort, and Kevaun Atkinson was on hand to stab home the rebound.
Butler thought the player showed obvious match rust, but is confident things will get much better going forward.
"It (Magee's performance) was good. I think he is a little bit rusty. He hadn't played a game in a while. But he has been training well and he combines well with Kyle ( Butler). We still haven't gotten our number six in from Colombia. He will be joining us soon, as his ITC (international transfer certificate) we are still waiting on it," Butler informed on their latest recruit.
"He is 20 years old. He is very good and once we have that number six to protect Magee and Kyle, we will be fine," he added.
Asked about the team making a turnaround to make a positive run with the additions, Butler answered in the affirmative.
"Yes. We also got in a new goalkeeper which is good for us and I think we will take positive steps going forward."
