‘I BELIEVE IN WHAT THEY CAN DO’ - Price optimistic about Tivoli’s ability to be competitive

Newly appointed Tivoli Gardens head coach Andrew Price says he is under no illusion about the magnitude of the task ahead, but remains confident that with the support of the club's leadership, players and loyal fan base, the west Kingston outfit can return to being one of the top teams in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL).

Price was recently named head coach of Tivoli Gardens, replacing veteran Jerome Waite, who parted ways with the club earlier this month. Waite guided the team to a 10th-place finish in the recently concluded JPL season, leaving them outside the play-off positions.

Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Price noted that the current squad possesses the quality needed to compete at a much higher level.

"I believe that it is going to be tough, but I believe that they have the requisite players that can get the job done because it is a good unit. It is just to get them playing at their optimum and to get the best out of them," said Price. 

"I believe that there are quality players there, without a doubt. There are several players that I have coached against over the years and I believe in what they can do. It is just for me to get the best out of them and I am here to assist them in getting that out."

Price added that rebuilding the club will require a collective effort involving not only the players and coaching staff, but also the club's administration and supporters.

"It is something that I have to work on in partnership with the leadership of the club and, as you know, as an inner-city club they have a large support base and we have a lot of people to please," he said.

"So it is going to be a hard task, but with everybody and all hands on deck, I believe that we can be a very competitive team in the league," Price underscored. 

He admitted that accepting the role was made easier by his history with the club

"To be quite honest, when I was approached by the leadership of Tivoli Gardens Football Club, I didn't have to think long and hard about it because, as you know, I had a level of closeness to the former prime minister and former president of the Tivoli Gardens Football Club, the Honourable Edward Seaga," Price said. 

"I believe that this is an opportunity to do something in his memory and in his honour if I am able to assist the football programme down there."

Price explained that while improving results on the field remains a priority, he also wants to help create opportunities for players to further their careers, both locally and internationally.

"I am going there to try and enhance what is already there, because they have always been a very competitive and good unit," he said.

"I am there to assist with player development, where we can get players into the national programme and help players secure contracts as they continue their development. In the event that there are youngsters among them who want to attend school, we can help them to attend school overseas," said Price. 

"It is about opening doors and creating opportunities, while at the same time playing good, exciting football and being very competitive in the Jamaica Premier League."