'Tegat' ready for Arnett challenge

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Former national striker Paul 'Tegat' Davis, who landed the job as the new head coach of Arnett Gardens FC last week, has his sights on returning the team, which ruled supreme as Jamaica's best in the late 1970s and early 2000, to the top echelon of national football.

"I am confident, ready and highly motivated," said Davis, prior to leaving Montego Bay for Kingston on Thursday. "I got the job because the club's management believes in my ability, and my aim is to reward them with success."

While he will be moving into what many would consider a most challenging environment, the resolute Davis is undaunted. In fact, having had the experience of living through Palestinian missile attacks against Israel, during his time playing professionally in the Middle East, he knows real pressure.

"My first goal will be to re-ignite the passion in the players and get them to realise that they are representing a community with a rich history," said Davis, who has represented Jamaica 87 times, scoring 34 goals. "I will be seeking to inspire the players to give their heart and soul for the club."

Quizzed about the age-old complaint that the management at Arnett Gardens has a penchant of trying to dictate to coaches, Davis said he will be taking a professional approach to his duties and expects the full support of the management team of Dr. Omar Davis, Richard 'Charlie Chaplin' Bennett and George Phang. .

"I aim to work closely with the club's management, but at the same time I am expecting them to allow me to do my job," said Davis. "I have a lot of respect for the management at Arnett Gardens and I am sure they feel the same way about me, so I don't expect any problems."

Having had enviable success coaching at teams such as Village United and Invaders, which he qualified for the Digicel Premier League, his old club Seba United; and at the schoolboy level with William Knibb High School and Clarendon College, Davis thinks he has the requisite skills to make a difference at Arnett Gardens.

"I am going to Arnett Gardens to take the club back to a position of pride in national football," said Davis. "That is my mission and I am ready to take on the challenge."