Mount Pleasant’s new players expected to hit the ground running

With their first match of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup just over a week away, Mount Pleasant Football Academy sporting director Paul Christie said the club’s newest acquisitions in the transfer market are expected to have an immediate impact on the squad.

Mount Pleasant have not shied away from acquiring new players ahead of the upcoming competition and have made a few major signings so far.

They have acquired the services of midfield maestro Alex Marshall from Portmore United, Brazilian midfielder Claudio Ferreira from Montego Bay United, as well as former Tivoli Gardens captain Odean Pennycooke to add to their defence line.

Christie said the players have more than proven their quality throughout their careers, and he is confident they can produce positive results for the club.

“There is no question about their quality,” he insisted. “They have been playing football all their lives, and they have been playing at a higher level than most. As long as they come here with that same attitude and approach, then they will be an asset to the Mount Pleasant Football Academy outfit.”

Christie said the players have shown the right attitude in training and have displayed a welcome level of professionalism so far.

He, however, cautioned fans to be patient with the players as they get familiar with their new teammates and their new environment.

“Their training and level of professionalism has been exemplary so far, and we hope that it will matriculate into the game. But you have to be aware that it will take a bit of time for them to gel because these are still new players.”

New environment

Marshall said he has been loving life with the St Ann-based club so far as the midfielder has already settled into the squad.

The Jamaican international explained that he had been familiar with several of the players before the move, which helped in getting accustomed to his new environment.

“I love the setup and being a part here. I knew most of the players, so it was easy to settle in. The coaching staff and everybody have been really welcoming, so I am happy for that, and I’m happy to be here.”

Marshall is hopeful that Mount Pleasant can advance to the knockout round in the club’s first ever appearance in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup.

They are drawn in Group A alongside Jamaican duo Cavalier FC and Arnett Gardens, Real Hope from Haiti, and Police FC of Trinidad and Tobago.

“We want to put on a show and, hopefully, top the zone so we can go to the next round. We’re taking it one game at a time, and the first opponents are Cavalier, so we’re working towards that.”