Clubs want Western Confed scrapped

Paul Clarke, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Discussions are ongoing between the four respective parish presidents and the Western Confed with regard to the possible scrapping of the Super League due to financial challenges being faced by clubs, according to confed boss Linnel McLean.

"We have some challenges, yes, as some presidents agree that the Western Confed Super League is a financial burden on their participating clubs," said McLean.

"I, too, agree that it is burdensome for the clubs, especially as it relates to transportation to and from games," McLean added.

But while this is the position taken by the chairman, he said that it in no way signifies the position of the Confed, which is yet to determine whether to stick with the present format or scrap the Super League altogether.

McLean is not alone in the support for change. The long-standing Westmoreland Football Association president, Everton Tomlinson, is of the same persuasion.

Tomlinson agrees that aspects of the Super League lend itself to exorbitant fees and this he said includes transportation costs.

"The issue of transportation for matches to another parish in the Super League is a big turn-off. Clubs struggle with finding the funds for this, so I agree that this is a problem for the teams," Tomlinson said.

Westmoreland will have two teams participating in the Western Confed Super League when the new season starts and one club in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) - Savannah Sports Club.

Reno FC, which was relegated from the RSPL at the end of the season, and parish champions Petersfield will carry the banner for Westmoreland in the Super League next season. So for Tomlinson, it is important that the Confed come up with a fix.

"There are many factors to consider, but transportation is the big one. One thing is certain, Westmoreland is ready to play football whether or not they scrap the Super League," he said.

"We have made sure over these years that our structure can support or teams, so if, for example, they scrap it tomorrow, our teams can come back to the parish league and still be a force," Tomlinson reasoned.

Should the Super League be scrapped, it would mean that all 12 clubs would now play in their respective top-tier parish competition, with a system for promotion to the RSPL instituted.

This, according to McLean, is the challenge the parish presidents have in finding a consensus.

Four parishes make up the Western Confed - Hanover, Trelawny, Westmoreland and St James.