No Ferguson, no Whitmore
Former coach wanted return of assistant as part of Mt Pleasant negotiations
Published:Sunday | September 1, 2024 | 12:14 AMOrane Buchanan - Staff Reporter
MOUNT PLEASANT coach Theodore Whitmore will start life in the 2024-2025 season of the Jamaica Premier League with a very familiar face by his side.
According to Paul Christie, sporting director at Mount Pleasant, the club pushed to reunite Whitmore with Davion Ferguson, who had already been slated to start as Portmore United head coach this season, upon request from Whitmore.
“What I do know is that his (Davion Ferguson’s) heart was always at Mount Pleasant. He enjoys working with coach Whitmore as they have an understanding and bond that is not a secret. I knew it would be a matter of time before Whitmore would request for his original team, which included Ferguson. The mandate from Whitmore was to have back his original team,” said Christie.
Ferguson’s recall comes on the heels of the abrupt sacking of Harold Thomas and his coaching staff after a 2-0 defeat against Cavalier in the Concacaf Caribbean Club Championships. Thomas was the man to replace Whitmore at the end of last season with Christie explained that while the about turn might seem to be untidy business, any move that improves the organisation is a welcome one.
“As long as it makes sense and improves the organisation, then we’re all for it. It’s a known fact that both coaches were part of the first title-winning team. The people of St Ann are happy to have them back as well as the leadership and management of the Mount Pleasant football organisation,” said Christie.
Ferguson’s appointment at Portmore was very public with the coach saying “it wasn’t a difficult decision despite having offers from other clubs both locally and regionally”.
“When I analysed everything and look at where I’m at in my life, both as a person and as a coach and the vision of the club, I think it’s a very good fit and an easy decision in the end,” Ferguson had stated.
That meant the process to have Ferguson return to Mount Pleasant wasn’t going to be easy.
“We always try to do what’s best for the organisation. We’re happy to have them back despite it being difficult to put the pieces together. It’s finally together, they’re here and ready to work and that’s all that matters right now,” said Christie.
With less than two weeks before the start of the JPL season, Christie believes there’s enough time for the coaching staff to have another shot at the Premier League title.
“They’re professionals and understand the amount of work that it requires. The organisation has all the confidence in the team that they will get it together in time to have a good run in the Jamaica Premier League.”