Thompson key to Boys' Town's title hopes

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Boys' Town are vying for their first hold on the coveted national premier league title in 21 years, and one of the key figures in their quest has been influential midfielder O'Neil 'Bigga' Thompson.

Thompson will lead the Red Brigade into Sunday's final round of games when they will travel to the Edward Seaga Sports Complex to face league leaders Tivoli Gardens, who sit on 69 points; one more then Boys' Town (68).

"It is a good feeling going into Sunday's game knowing that if we win the game we will be crowned champions," Thompson said during Tuesday's training session at the team's home ground. "That's the main objective; everything else is just secondary at the minute," he added.

Thompson is cognisant of his role in the team, but was quick to point out that it has been a total team effort that has resulted in the Red Brigade being in the strong position they are currently occupying.

"If you come to a game on a weekend or on a Wednesday at Boys' Town you can see the responsibility that O'Neil Thompson has. It is something I relish although it is something I didn't really ask for, because sometimes I want to be more to myself.

"These days we have been playing as a team, trying to find out each other's strengths and weaknesses and work on it, and that's going well for us at the minute," he added.

The 27-year-old is Boys' Town's first and only overseas transfer following his move to Norwegian side Notodden FK in 2007. He played two seasons with them before joining English team Barnsley in August 2009. He was then loaned out first to league two side Burton Albion and then Hereford United.

In 2010 he expressed a desire to return to Jamaica, where he rejoined Boy's Town in 2011.

"It has been a good experience (playing abroad), some people might say I have failed, but I know best and chose what was best for me and my family and I think I have done the right thing," Thompson said.