Georges taking a disciplined approach

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Portland-based St Georges FC got off to a disastrous start in their 2010-2011 Digicel Premier League campaign, securing a mere three victories in their opening 18 league encounters.

This came as somewhat of a surprise as they enjoyed a very rewarding 2009-2010 season, finishing fourth in the standings and also making their first-ever end-of-round final.

Their struggles this season have resulted in them changing coaches, and the well-travelled Geoffrey Maxwell has been given the task of lifting them off the foot of the 12-team table and out of the dreaded relegation zone.

The team showed signs that they still possess what it takes to save their season as they scored two victories in their last three league outings before the Christmas break, and also made it to the Portland knockout final.

Maxwell attributes the team's change in fortune to improvements made in the area of discipline, since he has taken over at the club.

"When I went there, the total squad had a deep disciplinary problem," Maxwell pointed out. "Players were able to do as they pleased, talk back to the coaches and the coaches, to my mind, and from what I have been told, could not control the squad. All of that has been erased and I have thrown two or three of the senior players out of the squad," he added.

Maxwell has also been focusing on the technical and tactical ability of the team and is expecting great things from them in the third round as he targets a top-six finish.

"The third round is where we are targeting for a reverse in our fortunes," Maxwell disclosed. "Two games can turn around the fortunes of the team, so we have been gearing the team towards the third round and there is also a fourth round so there is a lot of football to be played," he added.

He is, however, cognisant of the fact that it is going to be a tough task to move up the standings, but he has confidence in his team.

"To come out the relegation zone ... it is going to be a matter of commitment," Maxwell shared. "The players have now been adjusted mentally, they are much more focused. The discipline is extremely tight right now," he added.