Benjamin says Sacking Was Hasty

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Football

Friday, 13 November 2009 10:55

By Nkrumah Gordon

National coach Rowan “Porridge” Benjamin, who was sacked by his club team, Potters Tigers, earlier this week, has called the executive board's decision hasty, and called out President Joel Rayne for not handling the situation in a more professional manner.

Speaking for the first time following the news on Tuesday, Benjamin said although he is also a member of the club’s executive board, he was never summonsed to a meeting to discuss the issue, but was instead informed by Rayne, via telephone, that his services were no longer required.

“Up to now I still haven’t really received an official letter from the club that my services were not required," he said.

Benjamin, who has been the country’s senior national coach for many years, went on to add that the decision left him in disbelief.

“I think the decision was a hasty one – emotions were running high from the team’s loss to Goldsmitty last Friday and I think that calmer heads should have prevailed," he said. "Our aim at Potters was to build a championship team and people must realize that this is not something that happens overnight."

The coach went on to say however that his heart is still with the players.

“I have helped to bring up a number of youngsters who are currently in the team and can say that a number of them will be breaking onto the junior national teams very shortly, but I am proud of the overall work I have done at Potters and wish them all the best,” he said.

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When asked if he would consider going back to the Potters team in the near future, Benjamin said he would find it difficult due to the manner in which the situation was handled. As for his next move, Benjamin says he will be working with the Liberta team for the remainder of the season.

The coach was sacked following a 5-0 loss to newcomers Goldsmitty at the Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG) last Friday. Rayne said the team felt that it was time to move on, and that it was the ideal time to make a change as far as the coaching and strategizing efforts were concerned. Potters are currently ninth among the 10 standings with five points.

 

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Potters Sack Coach

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