Fairclough vows to bring back glory days to Arnett

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

After enduring a disastrous campaign for much of last season, when they lingered in the regulation zone for a number of weeks, Wayne Fairclough, head coach of Arnett Gardens, said he was ready to bring back the glory days at the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex this season.

"One of our main goals of this season is to remain competitive and play good, active football so that our complex can be filled once more and be the fortress that it once was," said Fairclough in an interview with The Gleaner yesterday.

The 'Junglists', as they are affectionately called by their supporters, last won back-to-back Premier League titles 2002-4. However, they finished a disappointing eighth in last year's competition, but Fairclough is very confident that they can make a serious push for the title this season.

'Gelling' together

"We have young and experienced players that are coming on very well and we hope that we can get everybody to gel together during the season, so that we will be able to make a serious push for the Premier League title," said Fairclough, who took over the coaching reins during the middle of last season from Fabian Davis.

"I think once these players are motivated and have that will to win, I know that they can reach the high standard that they once achieved in the glory days of Arnett Gardens," Fairclough said.

The South St Andrew-based team has secured the services of former national striker Fabian Dawkins, Daniel Shaw and Kirk Ramsey. They have also signed a number of Super League players, including the likes of James Durrant from Rae Town and former Cavalier pair Paul Grant and Marvin Stewart.

Well-balanced team

"I think we have a well-balanced team going to the Premier League this season because we have a good mix of inexperienced and very experienced players, and I believe this is a good balanced team to challenge for the title," Fairclough said.

He added that the management, staff and players have been working very closely to foster a good relationship, as they once enjoyed during the club's heyday.

"The club is taking a positive direction because they have brought in new management to help move the club forward, and this a very positive sign for the team," he said.

"However, if we are going to win, it is going to take a lot of hard work, dedication and discipline from everybody who is involved with the team," Fairlclough said.

Arnett will travel to the Elliston Wakeland Centre to face Village United in their opening match on Sunday.