Baris is back!

Former national representative Baris Johnson is now back in charge of Waterhouse Football Club after spending the the last two weeks away due to differences between himself and the management of the club over player welfare issues.

The promising coach returned to training at the Drewsland-based club yesterday after concerns he raised prior to his departure were addressed by the club's management at a meeting earlier in the day.

"I am happy to report that I am back," Johnson told journalists at a press conference, which was held at the club following the meeting.

"I had a number of the concerns before leaving, however, after the meeting I am more comfortable, and look forward to resuming the work which I started," he added.

First end-of-round final

Upgraded to head coach after serving several stints as assistant coach under different coaches over the past couple of seasons, Johnson, after just a couple of months in charge, guided Waterhouse to the first end-of-round final of the Digicel Premier League (DPL) two weeks ago.

However, after having problems with issues such as the lack of a proper nutrition programme, and training gear and equipment, he left the club prior to the staging of the final.

Waterhouse played the final without him and lost 5-1 to Tivoli.

"A lot of the issues that were discussed with Baris have been raised before, but it was just a matter of communication that led to a number of differences, which thankfully we have sorted out," said Waterhouse president, Ricky Chin.

"But all in all, I am happy with the developments, as I think this incident is a wake-up call for all of us at the club that we need to improve communication.

Meanwhile, Jermaine 'Tuffy' Anderson, one of the senior players at the club, said he and his teammates were happy to have Johnson back.

"Baris is a coach with a lot of vibes and stuff, and the players really respond to his instructions well," Anderson explained.

"It was a little sad when he left, and as you can see today since he has returned, the spirit of the players has lifted.

"We just hope that we can get our focus back, and get back to the top of the league standings."