Messages

31

Football / Re: Jamaica Football Thread.

« on: May 29, 2012, 10:36:47 AM »

1. that is not the final team

2. there are so many new players, so there is no chemistry as yet.

3. the game could have easily been 3-1 Jamaica, with multiple shots cannoning off the post. 

32

Football / Re: Jamaica Football Thread.

« on: April 12, 2012, 01:15:24 PM »

Andrae Campbell off for trials in Norway
 
BY LIVINGSTON SCOTT Observer staff reporter
 
Thursday, April 12, 2012

 FORMER national Under-20 and Waterhouse left fullback, Andrae Campbell, was scheduled to leave the island on Wednesday for a two-week trial stint with Norwegian First Division outfit, Nottoden FK.
 
The 22-year-old former Portmore United player headed a shortlist of players identified by head coach of player development at Nottoden FK, former Reggae Boy Altimont Butler, during a one-week scouting mission in the island in February.

CAMPBELL … this is my second chance and I intend to make the best of this opportunity, so I will go there and try to secure a contract
 
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Butler, a former Portuguese and French League player, said he believes Campbell has all the attributes to succeed in Europe.
 
“He’s a very simple player with good technique and he has the right attitude... we watched him in the Waterhouse-Boys’ Town game and I thought he was impressive,” Butler told the Jamaica Observer via telephone from Norway.
 
“But left-footed players are rare and most clubs are on the hunt to find good left-sided players... and this will also be a great opportunity and a chance for him to play for a club in Europe,” he added.
 
According to Butler, Campbell will reside with him during the trial and will train with the first team, and he is confident that once the player comes in and work hard with the right attitude, he can make the breakthrough.
 
He also disclosed that other locals may follow Campbell in the near future as he is keeping his eyes on a number of possibilities.
 
“I like Joel Senior of Harbour View, he is a player who shows good work rate... and also Xavian Virgo (Boys’ Town) showed much potential... so hopefully by the latest June-July, we can get those two players on a trial here,” Butler noted.
 
Meanwhile, Campbell, who will be venturing on his second trial stint to the Scandinavian country, is confident of landing a deal this time around.
 
“This is my second chance and I intend to make the best of this opportunity, so I will go there and try to secure a contract... because we local players have to think this way, so we can help ourselves and make our family better,” he reasoned.
 
The young defender says he expects a very difficult two weeks, but insisted that with “hard work anything is possible”.
 
“I just have to remain disciplined, committed and be hungry for it... and once you have all those ingredients, then the sky’s the limit,” said Campbell.
 
Among the Jamaicans who have had stints at Nottoden FK are Harbour View’s Fabian ‘Koji’ Taylor and Boys’ Town’s Oneil ‘Bigga’ Thompson.


Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Andrae-Campbell-off-for-trials-in-Norway#ixzz1rr5MSzR7

33

Football / Re: Jamaica Football Thread.

« on: April 05, 2012, 12:22:17 PM »

Stewart signsthree-year dealwith Aalesunds
André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

The Gleaner understands that Reggae Boyz striker Tramaine Stewart has secured a three-year deal with Norwegian outfit Aalesunds FC, after impressing on trial there.

Additionally, Tivoli Gardens striker, Navion Boyd, and Village's Dino Williams, who are also part of Jamaica's senior football team, are reportedly close to moves overseas, with both expected to sign for the United Soccer League (USL) outfit Charleston Battery sometime next week.

Stewart, who has been in hot form for his local Premier League club, Portmore United, was recommended to the Norwegian First Division campaigners by his national teammate Demar Phillips, who is now a key player for the club following his transfer from Stoke City in 2009.

Another Reggae Boy, Jason Morrison, is also contracted to Aalesunds.

The 24-year-old Stewart, who scored a goal against New Zealand in a recent friendly international, recently scored a hat-trick in a practice game for Aalesunds and is said to be a big hit among the outfit's technical staff.

Romel Wallen, Williams' agent, confirmed that a move is imminent for his client, and further explained that while there was interest from clubs in Europe, he chose the USL so that he will be able to remain with Village for their relegation battle.

"Dino had interests from two clubs in Sweden and Finland, respectively, but the player decided that he wasn't quite ready to leap to Europe at the moment and he really wanted to remain in Jamaica and help Village battle relegation, being their most important player," said Wallen, who is attached to the Pro-Goals Sports Management agency.

Tremendous benefits

Wallen is, however, looking forward to seeing his client join the USL ranks and believes that he stands to benefit tremendously from the experience that he will gain.

"As a result, he will be going to Charleston Battery to gain some exposure in the USL, a more professional league that will certainly help him in his development and ultimate leap to Europe," Wallen noted.

"Charleston for years has been a good stepping stone for Jamaican players, as coach Michael Anhaeuser is highly fond of Jamaican talent and helping them to develosp for the next level," he added.

In other news, national goalkeeper Duwayne Kerr, now contracted to Norwegian club Strommen, has been attracting significant interest in that part of the world.

He was recently approached by former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who now manages defending champions Molde.

Solskjaer reportedly submitted two bids for the former Portmore United custodian. However, the bid was rejected by Strommen, who deemed the proposed fees inadequate.

andre.lowe@gleanerjm.com

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120405/sports/sports1.html

34

General Discussion / Re: Kid Shot Dead, No Arrest!

« on: March 19, 2012, 05:08:39 PM »

Trayvon Martin: Sanford police acting like de facto defense team for George Zimmerman

Sanford police chief Bill Lee

It has been three weeks since 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was fatally shot by an admittedly zealous neighborhood watch volunteer while walking with a bag of Skittles in his pocket from a convenience store to his father's home in a gated community in Sanford, Fla.

This much is fact: Martin was unarmed. The man who shot him, George Zimmerman, 28, called police to report a suspicious black male and was told by a dispatcher to stand down and let police officers confront Martin, if a confrontation was warranted. In spite of Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee's claims to the contrary, recently released 911 tapes feature Zimmerman making an issue, however minor, of Martin's skin color.

Think Progress: 15 facts you need to know about the Trayvon Martin case

Zimmerman, who has been referred to repeatedly in news reports as "white," is of Hispanic heritage, according to a statement released by his father. Martin, a student at North Miami's Krop Senior High School, did not have a criminal record or school disciplinary record for violent behavior. Zimmerman was arrested and charged several years ago with battery on a law enforcement officer for interfering with another police officer's attempt to arrest Zimmerman's friend. He ultimately pleaded guilty to misdemeanor simple battery, a move that allowed him to remain eligible for a concealed weapons permit in Florida.
WATCH A 'TODAY SHOW' INTERVIEW WITH TRAYVON MARTIN'S PARENTS:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

And while the palpable tension between residents who argue Zimmerman murdered Martin, the police who've taken on the de facto role of Zimmerman's defense team, and "citizen observers" who've begun to weigh in on this incident online, is understandable, three key principles have been muddled in the fight.

First, Martin didn't "ask for it." A candy run to 7-Eleven does not constitute a death wish. Even though the recently released 911 tapes don't clarify what happened in the moments before the shooting after the dispatcher told Zimmerman to stand down, an angry verbal scolding from Martin to the stranger who has admitted shadowing him in his car wouldn't have translated into, "shoot me!"

Change.Org petition: Prosecute to killer of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin

Online reader comments on Central and South Florida news websites suggest otherwise though, with hundreds of anonymous comments demanding a current photo of Martin, rather than the years-old school pictures that have been released to the media by Martin's family -- the implication being that if it turns out Martin was physically larger Zimmerman, it somehow made sense for Zimmerman to disregard the dispatcher's admonition, and leave his vehicle, gun in hand, to confront Martin.Second, Chief Lee has lamented to the media that since his tenure began, his desire has been to foster positive relations with Sanford's black community, given his department's checkered history where race relations are concerned.

Two years ago, the son of a Sanford police lieutenant was caught on tape punching a homeless man, unprovoked, and it still took seven weeks for other Sanford officers to arrest the assailant.

And in 2005, two armed security guards -- both considered extended members of the Sanford Police Department family -- killed a black man they say was trying to run them over.

If better relations are really what Lee wants, in this case the first thing he can do is avoid the appearance of impropriety by ceasing to refer to Zimmerman in terms and phrases typically reserved for defense attorneys. Rather than defend Zimmerman as being "clean" and a good guy, and denying things about Zimmerman that a listen to those tapes and basic circuit court records checks can prove, Lee should step back and tell all sides dispassionately that the police department is only interested in finding the truth of the matter and his department will withhold opinions on this matter till after the Seminole-Brevard State Attorney's Office decides whether or not Zimmerman should be charged with a crime.

To that point, Lee can order a separate investigation into his officers, whom residents say tried to intimidate them into claiming it was Zimmerman and not Martin they heard crying for help during the fatal confrontation.

Finally, all sides in this case insist to varying degrees that race did or did not play a role in Zimmerman shooting Martin. The uncomfortable truth is they may all be right.
There's enough good science out there that suggests even when we don't think we're weighing superficial qualities like skin color, often we are.

And political correctness be damned, it's that sort of revelation that gives credence to the beliefs of some black men that even when they are minding their P's and Q's they are potential victims of law enforcement gone awry.

In a 2009 New York Times column, David Brooks cited a gathering of neuroscientists and academics where, among other things, scholars and students discussed just how ingrained a behavior it is to categorize people by race and then react to those people based on superficial judgments like skin color.

"Many of the studies presented here concerned the way we divide people by in-group and out-group categories in as little as 170 milliseconds," Brooks wrote.

That's pretty fast, certainly less time than it takes to pull a trigger, or to declare a victim or suspect innocent or guilty.

But if the importance of those studies isn't clear to you, consider Brooks' general take away from the neuroscience gathering: "...But it also suggests that even though most of our reactions are fast and automatic, we still have free will and control."

http://www.thegrio.com/opinion/trayvon-martin-sanford-police-de-facto-defense-team-for-zimmeran.php

35

General Discussion / Re: Kid Shot Dead, No Arrest!

« on: March 19, 2012, 04:43:46 PM »

Florida college students want Trayvon Martin shooter arrested


    Trayvon Martin: Sanford police acting like de facto defense team for George Zimmerman
    Trayvon Martin: 15 facts you need to know about case of teen shot in Sanford, Florida
    White House comments on Trayvon Martin case: 'A local law enforcement matter'

Phoebe Denson, left, Myrtle Hudson march towards the Titusville Courthouse on Sunday, March 18, 2012, in Titusville, Fla. A rally was held demanding justice for Trayvon Martin, a black Florida teenager fatally shot by a white neighborhood watch volunteer. No charges have been filed in the February death. (AP Photo/Florida Today, Craig Rubadoux)

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- College students around Florida are rallying to demand the arrest of a neighborhood watch captain who shot an unarmed black teen last month.

Students were rallying Monday in front of the Seminole County criminal courts building in Sanford and on the campus of Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

FLORIDA A&M AND FLORIDA STATE STUDENTS RALLY FOR TRAYVON MARTIN

The students are demanding the arrest of 28-year-old George Zimmerman, who authorities say shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin last month during a confrontation in a gated community. Zimmerman's father has said the man is Hispanic and is not racist.

Zimmerman has claimed self-defense. Florida law allows a person to use deadly force if the person believes he or she is facing a deadly threat.

The case has been turned over to the State Attorney's Office, which can file charges or present the case to a grand jury.

http://www.thegrio.com/news/famu-florida-state-students-want-watch-leader-who-shot-trayvon-martin-arrested.php#46784755

36

General Discussion / Re: Kid Shot Dead, No Arrest!

« on: March 19, 2012, 04:29:44 PM »

Black militia leader on Trayvon Martin shooter: 'We'll find him'


Najee Muhammad rallying for a stay of execution for Troy Davis

Members of a self-proclaimed "New Black Liberation Militia," based out of Atlanta, GA, say they plan to attempt a citizen's arrest of George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watchman who confessed to fatally shooting the unarmed Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fl last month.

One of the leaders of this group, which is "a multi-faith, spiritual,cultural, scientific, and political instructional institution," according to its website, is a top student of the late Dr. Khallid Abdul Muhammad, a controversial National Spokesman and Representative of the Nation of Islam.

Najee Muhammad, who calls himself "the national commander and minister of the New Black Liberation Institute and Militia," was active in protesting the execution of Troy Davis, who was convicted of and executed for the August 19, 1989 murder of police officer Mark MacPhail in Savannah, GA.

WATCH COMMANDER MUHAMMAD AT TROY DAVIS PROTEST:

The militia's website also states their mission is to "focus on saving and nurturing black children, rebuilding our communities, supporting black women, remaking the black man, re-instilling self respect and self awareness of black people, and re-instilling love for our people, ourselves and our communities."

The law on citizen's arrests varies with each state, and Florida is one that relies on common law. It states that a civilian can apprehend a person who he or she has witnessed commit a felony crime -- usually as a last resort, in the case that the police have yet to arrive and the alleged criminal is fleeing the scene.

Members of The New Black Liberation Militia plan to make a citizen's arrest of 28-year-old George Zimmerman, since local police have yet to detain him.

"We'll find him. We've got his mug shot and everything," said Muhammad.

The problem is, only two people are known to have witnessed the incident -- Zimmerman, who insists that he only acted in self defense (as per stand your ground law), and Martin, who was killed.

State prosecutors will decide whether Zimmerman met the legal standard for the state's self-defense law, which allows wide latitude in using deadly force if someone feels reasonably threatened, or if he shot Martin unlawfully and should be arrested.

Members of the Black Liberation Militia (or anyone who conducts a citizen arrest) could then face criminal charges themselves, due to the fact that Zimmerman has yet to be charged with any crime pending Florida investigation.

In the Florida Court of Appeals case Ripley v. The State of Florida (2005), it was made clear that the citizen's arrest law is identical to an officer arresting someone outside of their normal jurisdiction.

http://www.thegrio.com/specials/trayvon-martin/new-black-liberation-militia-plans-to-make-citizen-arrest-of-george-zimmerman.php



http://sites.google.com/site/newblackliberationinstitute/home

37

General Discussion / Re: Again they are after Obama

« on: March 18, 2012, 08:24:31 AM »

even under gridlock and racism

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2POembdArVo&feature=youtube_gdata_player


http://www.thegrio.com/politics/the-road-weve-traveled-watch-obama-2012-campaign-film.php

38

Football / Re: Jamaica Football Thread.

« on: March 16, 2012, 05:37:21 PM »

Arsenal youngster for Reggae Boyz friendly

Friday, March 16, 2012

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ARSENAL B team forward Nigel Neita, along with three other overseas-based players, has been confirmed for Jamaica's friendly international against Costa Rica at the National Stadium next Wednesday.

Head coach Theodore ' Whitmore confirmed the young striker's availability after training at the match venue yesterday.

And although he declined to comment on his expectations of the player, he said the 18-year-old striker will definitely give the programme a big boost heading into next week's friendly match.

"We've invited four overseas players and have confirmed three already in Jermaine Taylor, Jevaughn Watson and Donovan Ricketts, but (Ricketts) he will be out with an injury.

"Nigel Neita has been confirmed and is expected to arrive in the island this Sunday, along with the others, and his presence will be a big boost for us," he said.

Whitmore reiterated the need to finalise a squad for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers and says tough matches such as these can determine which players get in.

"As much as possible, we want to widen the pool of players... because our main objective is June 8 and beyond, so we want to get as much as we can out of these games," he said.

However, although finalising the squad is one of Whitmore's focus, he noted that there are also some technical areas that need improvement.

"This is just a continuation of the Cuba and New Zealand games... How we play, our organisation, our shape and ball possession are some things we are lacking, and we want to work on these things going forward into the Qualifiers," he added.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Arsenal-youngster-for-Reggae-Boyz-friendly_11035710#ixzz1pKGxNasK

39

Football / Re: Jamaica Football Thread.

« on: March 03, 2012, 07:32:14 PM »

MBU buoyed by St Fleur's arrival

BY PAUL A REID Observer Writer

Saturday, March 03, 2012

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TUCKER, St James — An air of optimism surrounded the Montego Bay United's training session at their home base on Thursday afternoon as Bahamian national player and former Sporting Central Academy's striker Lesley St Fleur made his first appearance for the Red Stripe Premier League outfit since signing in the January transfer.

St Fleur was one of several new signings for the team that is lying seventh in the standings despite losing just once since the first round but only arrived in the island on Wednesday afternoon.

[Hide Description] ST FLEUR... roughed up in practice match against Granville
[Restore Description]
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The Bahamian started along side another newcomer, Horace James, at the forward positions for MBU in a practice game against Western Confederation outfit Granville United less than 24 hours after arriving in the island and several times the midfielders attempted to force the ball to him.

Obviously, not everyone was as impressed, however, as St Fleur had to be substituted in the first half after he was kicked in the back of the knee by a defender, minutes after he was forearmed across the nose and knocked to the ground in an off-the-ball incident by the same defender.

St Fleur, who scored three times for Sporting Central earlier in the season before leaving abruptly for a trial stint in the US, says he has been at home in the Bahamas since then and has managed to keep fit.

Obviously not satisfied with his accomplishments at SCA, he told Sporting World in an exclusive interview on Thursday that he was looking forward to "putting in my efforts here and hopefully I can get better results than I did while at Sporting Central".

This would be good news for MBU coach Nedier Dos Santos who worked with the Haitian-born St Fleur in his stint as the Bahamian national coach, as he has repeatedly said they needed more 'finishers' at MBU.

Despite their one defeat in 18 games, MBU have won just four times in that period and have given up early goals and forced to chase the game to earn a draw.

Interestingly, MBU have scored the most goals in the league so far with 34 and have given up 26 — the sixth best defensive record — but were in 10th position after the first round.

St Fleur said he was also "looking forward" to his reunion with the Brazilian coach who had led the Bahamas to the only win over Jamaica when they won 1-0 in a CONCACAF Olympic semi-finals qualifying series in Haiti in October 2007 where St Fleur scored the only goal.

In addition to Dos Santos, St Fleur will have two other familiar faces at the Montego Bay club as he will team up with national defenders, wing-back Troy Smith, and central defender Keneil Moodie, both of whom played for Jamaica against the Bahamas in Port Au Prince.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/MBU-buoyed-by-St-Fleur-s-arrival_10944177#ixzz1o6jBy4k8

man get some serious beating

40

Football / Re: 2012 International Friendlies.

« on: March 01, 2012, 10:41:16 PM »

Italy # 20

http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/29/player-ratings-italy-0-vs-u-s-1/

kid have talent.

41

Football / Re: Jamaica Football Thread.

« on: March 01, 2012, 01:16:14 PM »

no player is guarantee a place

http://www.televisionjamaica.com/Programmes/EyeOnSports.aspx/Videos/16126

42

Football / Re: Jamaica Football Thread.

« on: February 23, 2012, 09:00:12 AM »

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/-Stew-Peas--to-spice-up-W-Cup-Qualifiers_10861681

43

Football / Re: T&T Pro League 10th in region

« on: February 16, 2012, 03:19:20 PM »

I am not sure about this, T&T should be ranked number 1 in the Caribbean as they hold the most Caribbean Cup Club titles and better results versus other Caribbean teams.

Only lately Puerto Rico league have been champs, any should be number one (for now) but Jamaica is no way higher than T&T, I will give them over T&T at international level, not club.

T&T probably have the worst attendance in the Caribbean.

first thing first, Jamaican clubs do not enter champions league because it's a waste of money with no return. there are agents in Jamaica that can get players exported easier than champions league.

44

Football / Re: Jamaica Football Thread.

« on: January 29, 2012, 06:37:17 PM »

New Boyz coming
Published: Sunday | January 29, 2012 4 Comments

Nodley Wright, Sunday Gleaner Writer

The Reggae Boyz could be taken more seriously in a very short while with the possibility of three high-profile England-based additions to the unit.

Blackburn Rovers livewire David "Junior" Hoilett, Leicester City's hitman Jermaine Beckford, and Bolton Wanderers' midfield steel Darren Pratley could soon be available to coach Theodore Whitmore for selection. That the players could soon be taking instructions from Whitmore was confirmed by Jamaica Football Federation president, Captain Horace Burrell, yesterday.

"Right now, I am in touch with his father. We spoke at length and we are hoping that plans will work out," Burrell said of Hoilett.

"His father hails from Ocho Rios, speaks with a strong Jamaican accent and is a proud Jamaican. In fact, he was overwhelmed when we called him. What I can say is that we have the seal of approval from his father who promised to have a father/son discussion with him and guide him in the right way."

Offer to represent Canada

The 21-year-old lightning-quick winger, who was the subject of a number of speculations linking him to more highly placed clubs than Blackburn for figures ranging from £8m-£15, was reported to have turned down an offer to represent Canada on the instructions of his father, who serves as his adviser. The reported reason was that his father felt that Jamaica would have been a better fit for the Canada-born star.

Beckford a 6' 2" goalscorer, who stood out for Leeds before earning a dream premiership move to Everton in 2010, transferred to Championship team Leicester City at the end of season for £2.5m after a reasonable season and has been a hit since. Just yesterday he struck a double for Leicester, who recorded a 2-0 win over Swindon Town in the FA Cup. It was Beckford's 14th goal in 14 FA Cup matches.

Beckford interested

"Myself and general secretary Horace Reid attended a game in Leicester City and had a lengthy chat with Jermaine (Beckford) after the game. He is extremely interested and our internal staff is extremely busy in proceeding with the necessary paperwork," Burrell said of the 28-year-old, who started out as a Chelsea trainee, indicating that only a passport stands between the player and an official Jamaica cap.

Like Beckford, Pratley was also watched by Reid and Burrell during a recent visit to the United Kingdom.

"We attended a Bolton game and we had an interview with Pratley. He is excited about the prospects of representing Jamaica and, as with Beckford, the internal staff is working on the necessary paperwork," Burrell said of the six-footer.

Pratley, a former mainstay at Queens Park Rangers before transferring to Bolton Wanderers in July 2011, first came on the Jamaica radar in January 2009, when he was invited by then coach John Barnes for a friendly international against Nigeria on February 11 of that year. The midfielder, who qualifies to represent Jamaica through his grandparents, pulled out of the friendly after suffering a broken shoulder shortly before the game.



http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120129/sports/sports1.html

45

Football / Re: Jamaica Football Thread.

« on: January 22, 2012, 07:13:17 PM »

Portmore duo set for MLS trial stints

SW

Sunday, January 22, 2012

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THE Portmore United duo of Andrew Vanzie and Alanzo Adlam are set for trials with two US Major League outfits.

Vanzie, 21, the former daCosta Cup player at Garvey Maceo High and a key midfielder at Portmore, is scheduled to strut his stuff for the Seatle Sounders.

Vanzie has also represented Jamaica at the Under-23 level and made his debut for the senior team in an international friendly against Ecuador in Quito last September.

Twenty-two-year-old Adlam, an Excelsior High Manning Cup player who has also represented the Under-20 and Under-23 teams, is due to do his stint at DC.

Adlam has been instrumental to a resurgent Portmore United in the Red Stripe Premier League, having scored eight goals so far to propel him to joint leading scorer with four other players.

Portmore United chairman Wayne Sinclair, said "this is a fantastic opportunity for Andrew and Alanzo".

While it's the philosophy of Portmore to develop and trade players for the international markets, it is always difficult to part with players who are key to the team's domestic ambitions.

"Though it is always a challenge to replace such a key part of your setup, we continue to support our core philosophy of putting the personal and professional development of our players ahead of what may be the best interests of the team," said Sinclair.

"We have the depth to continue our successful run so far this season, and sincerely hope that these trials will result in a permanent move for both players," he added.

Vanzie, who departed the island last Tuesday, is expected to be at the Sounders for four weeks, while Adlam is set for a two-week stint with DC United and will leave for Washington tomorrow.


Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Portmore-duo-set-for-MLS-trial-stints_10610591#ixzz1kEurKjD3

46

Football / Re: Jamaica Football Thread.

« on: January 22, 2012, 07:10:54 PM »

Brown for trial at Aston Villa
Published: Sunday | January 22, 2012 4 Comments
Rusea's High's Brian Brown. file
Rusea's High's Brian Brown. file

Nodley Wright, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Rusea's High schoolboy, Brian 'Rambo' Brown Jr, could be on the verge of making a dream move into the ranks of professional football when he departs for England later this week.

The 19-year-old will depart for England on Thursday to begin a three-week trial stint with Premier League club Aston Villa. Brown's time with Aston Villa means that he will have to pull out of the Reggae Boyz's training camp later this week in preparation for three friendly matches in February.

"He was invited to the national squad, but we had to inform them that he will be leaving the island for a trial in England," confirmed Anthony 'Follies' Williams, Brown's coach at Rusea's.

"Brian (Brown) will be at Aston Villa where he will remain for about three weeks. They have requested his presence and will be responsible for his airfare, accommodation and everything else," Williams explained.

News of the expected departure of schoolboy football's most prolific scorer in schoolboy football over the past two seasons and the leading all-time goal scorer for Rusea's High for Aston Villa will come as a surprise to many who were told at the end of the schoolboy season that Brown would be concentrating on his academics. Brown was said to have turned down opportunities from a number of Red Stripe Premier League clubs, including Montego Bay United.

"There were a lot of local offers for him from Red Stripe Premier League teams as well as scholarship offers from American universities including Harvard. He was more focused on getting an education, so he decided to stay with his local club, Montpelier, while focusing on qualifying himself academically," Williams confirmed.

Williams is happy for the player he has nurtured into a top-quality player and one who was a thorn in the flesh of opposing defenders in the just-concluded schoolboy football season, finding the back of the net 38 times and over 60 for the past two seasons.

"Based on the circumstances, it is a good move for him. I think he is set for great things and at 19 years old and with a big break such as this, it is now or never," said Williams of the son of the former Seba United star of the same name, Brian Brown.

The powerfully built youngster who is known for his strength, speed, hard work and his ferocious left-foot shots will leave with the blessings of the school community, according to Williams.

supportive school community

"Brian Brown collected his particulars from the British High Commission last Tuesday and is due to depart the island on Thursday coming. The school community, the principal and everyone are very supportive of him and we know he will give of his best," a pleased Williams said.

Last season, another Jamaican, Omar Cummings, had a successful trial stint at Aston Villa under the watchful eyes of then coach Gerard Houllier, but he was unable to take up the offer due to his failure to secure a work permit. Should Brown succeed at this club, he will join another Caribbean standout, Trinidad and Tobago's Dwight Yorke, who moved to the club as a 19-year-old and shone for them before gaining super stardom at Manchester United.

Currently, only two home-grown Jamaicans, Ricardo Gardner (Bolton Wanderers) and Ricardo Fuller (Stoke City), are with Premier League teams.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120122/sports/sports23.html

47

Football / Re: Jamaica Football Thread.

« on: January 22, 2012, 07:05:20 PM »

Mattocks off to big new challenge
Published: Sunday | January 22, 2012 0 Comments
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber (right) welcomes Darren Mattocks, the number two player drafted by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC during the 2012 Major League Soccer Super Draft at the Kansas City Convention Centre on Thursday, January 12, in the United States.- AP
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber (right) welcomes Darren Mattocks, the number two player drafted by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC during the 2012 Major League Soccer Super Draft at the Kansas City Convention Centre on Thursday, January 12, in the United States.- AP

Robert Bailey, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Former Bridgeport High Manning Cup star, Darren Mattocks, left the island yesterday for a pre-season training camp with Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Vancouver Whitecaps.

The 21-year-old Mattocks, who was selected second overall by the Whitecaps in the MLS Super Draft last week, said he is ready for whatever challenge he might encounter and is looking forward to a very productive season in Canada.

"I have been away from competitive football for about a month now but I think I am in pretty good shape and so I am going there with a mindset to work very hard," said Mattocks. "I am also eagerly anticipating this new challenge in my career because it is my dream to play professional football," he said.

Mattocks, who signed a lucrative three-year endorsement contract with the MLS prior to being drafted, said he does not know much about the Whitecaps' organisation and its players, but he has been in constant dialogue with the team's coaches.

optimistic

"I am going to go there to work very hard and to build a good chemistry with my teammates and also to score a lot of goals this season for the Whitecaps," said Mattocks, who scored 39 goals in 47 career matches for collegiate powerhouse University of Akron in the state of Ohio.

Mattocks, who led Akron to the NCCA National Division One Championships in 2010, also helped Bridgeport to win Manning Cup title in 2006.

"I am a winner because everywhere I go I have been winning trophies and hopefully I can help Vancouver to win the MLS," Mattocks said.

He also stated that one of his main goals in the MLS next season is to break fellow countryman Damani Ralph's rookie-year goalscoring record.

"I think I am good enough to become the rookie of the year and I also want to break the MLS rookie goalscoring record of 11 goals, which is presently held by my good friend Damani Ralph," he said.

Mattocks, who was called up for the first time to the senior Reggae Boyz team for a four-day training camp last month, added that he hopes to be a part of the national set-up for the World Cup qualifiers later this year.

"It is my dream to play for my country at the highest level and especially since this year is a World Cup qualifying year.

"I just hope that the coaching staff will recognise my hard work and give me a call-up," Mattocks said.


http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120122/sports/sports6.html

48

Football / Re: Jamaica Football Thread.

« on: January 19, 2012, 08:11:57 AM »

Red Stripe widens view on Premier League
Published: Thursday | January 19, 2012 0 Comments
Head of marketing at Red Stripe, Jomo Cato, reveals the nine camera angles from which games will be captured for the Red Stripe Premier League TV show, which starts on January 23 with the end-of-round final. - Contributed
Head of marketing at Red Stripe, Jomo Cato, reveals the nine camera angles from which games will be captured for the Red Stripe Premier League TV show, which starts on January 23 with the end-of-round final. - Contributed

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

The Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA) and Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) sponsors, Red Stripe, have joined forces to develop what they hope will be a football package of the highest quality, which they intend to showcase to an international audience.

Chairman of the PLCA, Edward Seaga, pointed out at the press launch to highlight Red Stripe's plans for the league - held Tuesday night at the company's head office - that despite the beer company and the other sponsors' influx of cash into the league, it is necessary to reach an international market to generate more funds.

"What Red Stripe is doing is good and what the other sponsors are doing is good, but put all of them together and that can't support the league," Seaga expressed to The Gleaner.

"That is why we want to bring the attractiveness of the performance on screen up to a level where we can sell the games abroad, as to make it successful we have to go abroad," he added.

The initial target market will be the diaspora in the United States and the Caribbean.

"Those are the two starting points, and we know that with the game being lifted that market will increase substantially and it will become a marketing venture for us," Seaga further expressed.

More cameras added

In an effort to showcase the game in the best possible way, Red Stripe will have nine cameras present at matches earmarked for television coverage, which is the minimum requirement of some international stations.

"We have added more cameras and we are also working with other sponsors to develop the stadiums in Jamaica, so that we can showcase more of the games," Jomo Cato, head of marketing, Red Stripe, shared.

"We don't have enough stadiums that can, for example, do night games and getting people out in the evenings is a big growth opportunity for football," he added.

Starting with the second end-of-round final, to be contested on Monday at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, Red Stripe will be having weekly Monday night games, which are slated to start at 9:00.

"Monday is a great night for at home viewers. We know that we easily have about 500,000 people looking at television, we want to take that up to probably 700,000 if we can," Cato disclosed. "So the audience is there to make connection with, but beyond that we believe that there are more opportunities to showcase football by taking it into more nights than once."

Managing director of Red Stripe, Renato Gonzalez, pointed out that Red Stripe's involvement in local football was something being clamoured for by their consumers and community.

"We also believe at Red Stripe that it is a role for our company to give back to the community, so we could not have a better opportunity than to get together with the Premier League and give back to Jamaica," he outlined.

Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, with responsibility for sports, Natalie Neita-Headley, took the opportunity to encourage other corporate entities to get on board and support sports locally.

"I am using this opportunity to invite all the companies in Jamaica, please, adopt a sport," Neita-Headley pleaded. "It can only augur well for the development of careers, employment, business development, community unity and nation building. I want to endorse and big up Red Stripe. This is a bold move on behalf of Red Stripe, and Monday night I will certainly be at Arnett Gardens," she added.

Red Stripe signed on as title sponsors of the Premier League in November last year.


http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120119/sports/sports6.html

49

Football / Re: Jamaica Football Thread.

« on: January 12, 2012, 06:01:08 PM »

Jamaican youngsters to join Ajax - Butler
Published: Thursday | January 12, 2012 1 Comment

Leighton Levy, Gleaner Writer

Jamaican teenagers Kyle Butler and Leon Bailey are to join Dutch football powerhouse Ajax Amsterdam. So says Craig Butler, Kyle's father and head of player development and coach of the Under-15 programme at Austrian soccer club USK Leube Anif. Butler is also president of the local-based Phoenix Academy.

Butler says he is not yet in a position to reveal the terms of the respective agreements, but the players will be at Ajax and the Phoenix Academy will benefit from them.

Thirteen-year-old Kyle is a former student of St George's College while Bailey, 14, formerly attended Kingston College. Both players currently play in the Austrian Bundesliga Two, where they have been making their mark.

Describing the boys' moving to Ajax as the biggest breakthrough in local football, Butler said he was overwhelmed by the development.

"I am jumping through the roof," said Butler, even while expressing particular joy for young Bailey. "From Cassava Piece to Ajax Amsterdam, I can die now."

According to the 43-year-old Butler, the boys were seen while playing for Anif during an indoor five-a-side tournament recently and two clubs - German Bundesliga club Mainz and Ajax - contacted him expressing interest in the two teenagers.

Anif, he said, drew with Mainz and lost 2-1 to Ajax during the tournament, but because of the teens' impressive play, Humphrey Nijjman, agent for retired Dutch international striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, as well as the head scout of Mainz, made direct contact with him.

Over the ensuing weeks, Butler and the clubs, who campaigned aggressively, exchanged emails and other correspondence, he said, but in the end they settled on Ajax.

"Ajax will do more for Jamaica. The idea of total football will help them to learn quicker and they can pass that on to other players in Jamaica," Butler argued. "The boys will travel to Holland in about two weeks to tour Ajax facilities and see about securing appropriate lodging for their stay in the Dutch capital."

This latest agreement follows on the heels of two other Jamaican teens who have reportedly been signed to other super clubs in recent times through the efforts of Butler, Anif and the Phoenix Academy. Romario McKnight reportedly signed a three-year deal with French giants Lille in November last year. The 16-year-old former student of Calabar High School also played for Anif under Butler's guidance and was the second teen from that club who had been picked by a powerful European soccer club.

Two weeks prior to McKnight's signing, another Calabar High student, KeVaughn Atkinson, signed a five-year deal with German giants Bayern Munich.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120112/sports/sports2.html

50

General Discussion / Re: Skin bleachers

« on: December 06, 2011, 01:34:47 PM »

socapro, i now see that you is a idiot. you only went back to post this video because a vidio was posted that trinidad is the murder capital. . i am not a bleacher, so why should i be ashame. if you want to say i should be ashame because i am black, then we all should be ashame, because we all are black. when i say jamaica is the most africanized caribbean island i am not only talking about skin color. i can understan you saying haiti, but i dont get the tobago part. not saying they are not africanized, but not even close to jamaica. jamaica has a large indiginus african culture that is not mainstream, from present day maroons to kumina to revival churches.... etc. i am currently busy, so later i will show more in dept what i am talking and show me what tobago have to offer. y :rotfl:ou really is a fool 

51

General Discussion / Re: Skin bleachers

« on: December 06, 2011, 11:50:32 AM »

Yes there are bleaching problems in some of those communities, but there is no epidemic, that's just the media at work. The average Jamaicans don't bleach. Go to any university in jamaica, walk on any street and you see that 89% of the population is still dark skin african. On the other hand Jamaica is still the most africanized caribbean island culturally. When you have communities that idolize people like kartel and dudus, you bound to have stuff like this happen.

52

General Discussion / Re: Skin bleachers

« on: December 06, 2011, 11:20:43 AM »

Alot of people in ghetto have low self esteem, so shut you rass. I did not say all. Some even scared to say where they from. They think they are closed off from the rest of the country so they do whatever it takes to get attention. On the rester hand you have some who become very successful

53

General Discussion / Re: Skin bleachers

« on: December 06, 2011, 10:19:27 AM »

the giographic and demographic of the video says it all. the average Jamaican knows that not every one bleach, less than 1% of Jamaicans bleach. how many high profile actors, musicians (other than kartel  ), athletes actual have light skin in Jamaica?, usain bolt can buy bleaching cream if he wants, he has the money, but he's too proud to go that low. from the video you can see most of those people can't even put a proper sentence together, you already know where they from, where they have very low self esteem. you can't compare Jamaica with India or Dominica republic. in India only light skin is portrayed in the media, in DR people say they or not African, in Jamaica ghetto people bleach cause they have low self esteem. the average Jamaican is proud of their blackness, you visit Jamaica tomorrow you see more dark skin than anything else, but visit a ghetto you see allot of two color people.     

54

General Discussion / Re: Trinidad : Guns ,drugs and secrets

« on: December 04, 2011, 07:15:17 AM »

Steuuuups. Yea strong political agenda, and what is yours?. You can go on Jamaica stating and check the crime stat yourself, cause I dont know what's your agenda, not wasting my time. The facts of the matter is Trinidad is the murder capital. You actually said 2.6 mil before, but its ok.

55

General Discussion / Re: Trinidad : Guns ,drugs and secrets

« on: December 03, 2011, 10:28:26 PM »

Ok, tired of waiting!

Here are some links to the facts:
http://www.indexmundi.com/jamaica/demographics_profile.html

And here is the important link showing the murder rate of JA as well as that of T&T!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_intentional_homicide_rate

Note where JA is in the chart as opposed to T&T!

JA 52 murders per 100,000 inhabitants.

T&T 37 murders per 100,000 inhabitants.

Push come to shove, I do know where I will feel safer!

Both of our countries have a lot to be ashamed of on the homicide front and do need to get our figures down but to call T&T the Murder capital of the World or even the Caribbean is pure fantasy especially while Jamaica is still part of the Caribbean!

i couldn't reply as i was  busy. but seriously, are you for real, have you even ever been to Jamaica before, or you just go with what you see on TV? . you just put yourself in a hole, earlier you told me Jamaica population was 2.6 then you post links that said:

2,868,380 (July 2011 est.)

  but wha di rass . secondly you posting table from 2010, how many days we have left for 2012? when was the curfew in Trinidad.... 2010, or 2011? my point is, lets keep it present.

http://tuffchin.com/2011/05/confirmed-2011-jamaica-records-its-lowest-murder-rate-since-2003-says-pm-golding/

http://www.jis.gov.jm/news/112-national-security/29185-2011-a-safe-year-for-police

Push come to shove, I do know where I will feel safer!

of course every one will feel bias for their country. right now Jamaica is moving to bed and breakfast and community tourism, which already started in parishes like st Elizabet, 20 percent of Mandeville http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandeville,_Jamaicaretire are foreigners. after capturing Tivoli from dons, downtown Kingston is now under major reconstruction .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO8ytTQ0Vag&feature=related

digicel global head quarters  http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110927/business/business3.html
sandals city etc.. 10 years ago those things would have never be consider for downtown because of high crime http://www.opm.gov.jm/news_and_public_affairs/251million_contracts_singed_for_redevelopment_of_downtown_kingston , my point is you have to have confidants to do stuff like that, which shows that crime rate have fallen allot.

do you think any one would invest billions in a so-call murder capital of the world   http://www.ramsa.com/projects-search/resorts/harmony-cove.html

yes there are crimes in Jamaica, but only a Jamaican can understand Jamaica. my real issue is, why whenever there are problems in Trinidad you look for outsiders to blame for your failures, sports politics etc.. in Jamaica we look within our-self to make changes.

56

General Discussion / Re: Trinidad : Guns ,drugs and secrets

« on: December 03, 2011, 02:06:29 PM »

Yes clown 1.3 million is a little over a million. Secondl :rotfl:y, don't even try it, there is no large Jamaican population in trinddad.  I visit Trinidad multiple times, you must be talking the large percentage of Trinidad that talk like jamaican . I don't think more than 20 Jamaicans in Trinidad.

57

General Discussion / Re: Trinidad : Guns ,drugs and secrets

« on: December 03, 2011, 01:27:01 PM »

Dummy JA population is three times yours. Trinidad is just a little over a million. Census in jamaica say 2.8 million, but there are garrison communities that census never been done. Jamaica true population could be over 3 million.

58

General Discussion / Re: Trinidad : Guns ,drugs and secrets

« on: December 03, 2011, 07:07:31 AM »

Dude Jamaica murder rate drop more than 45%, go read and you will see. secondly Jamaica population is three times yours , with tourist arrival could reach 5 million by 2015. 90% of Jamaica crime is now in Spanish town.

59

General Discussion / Re: Trinidad : Guns ,drugs and secrets

« on: December 02, 2011, 11:34:05 PM »

Trinidad is the murder capital of the world. just live with it and stop blaming people or finding excuse, their may be crime in parts of yaad, but we not splitting British and Swedish tourist in two or assassinate the minister . after been out of the world cup you guys should be happy to win your first major trophy.

60

Football / Re: Jamaica Football Thread.

« on: November 22, 2011, 06:21:33 PM »

Sport
J'can teen 'baller signs with French giant Lille

Howard Walker

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

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ANOTHER young Jamaican from Phoenix Academy, Romario McKnight, has signed a three-year contract with top French side Lille after impressing in a two-week trial.

McKnight, 16, a former Calabar High School midfielder, is a part of Austrian outfit Anif and is the second player from the Craig Butler-led Phoenix Academy to sign with a top European club.

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About two weeks ago, 16-year-old Kevaughn, Atkinson also from Calabar, signed for German giant Bayern Munich in a five-year deal.

The details of the contract are still being worked on, said Butler, and the youngster should be joining the French outfit in January.

When contacted via Skype, McKnight was very elated.

"I played a couple of games and I think they liked my stamina and my skill level," McKnight told the Observer.

"It's a dream come true for me and I am just working to set the stage for other Jamaicans. They just have to stay focused and remember that you have to make a lot of sacrifices," was his advice for other young aspiring Jamaican footballers eyeing the professional ranks.

As for the language, McKnight has no problem, saying "I speak French fairly well" as he spent time in the French-speaking side of Canada.

Lille are the current French champions and this season signed former Chelsea and Liverpool player, Joe Cole.

Lille are currently third in the standings on 25 points behind leaders Paris St Germain and Montpellier on 30 each.

They are playing alongside Italian giant Inter Milan and CSK Moscow in the lucrative UEFA Champions League.

Meanwhile, Butler said his motivation to help young footballers be the best they can be comes out of the the lack of opportunities that stifled the promising career of one of his favourite schoolboy footballers and Jamaica College teammate, Richard 'Pot Cover' McDonald.

"That has being an inspiration for me... he didn't get the chance (and) to me he could have been the answer to Jamaica's goalscoring problems in the '80s. He was strong, skilful, intelligent and just didn't get the opportunity," said Butler.

"Every time I see a young kid, I remember 'Cover' and just want to give them the opportunity," said Butler.


Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/J-can-teen--baller-signs-with-French-giant-Lille_10220851#ixzz1eU1r7SHb