Dear Editor,
I felt compelled to express my disapproval and discontent at the exclusion of Jermaine "Tuffy" Anderson from the Reggae Boyz squad that has been assembled for a training camp in The Bahamas ahead of the three crucial "make or break" World Cup qualifiers in June. His hard work and remarkable achievements throughout the just-concluded Red Stripe National Premier League season should have merited the "no-nonsense goalscorer" at least a place on the bench in the 26-man squad.
I am now left in a state of shock and bewilderment, as either the authorities are suffering from myopia or have completely turned a blind eye, yet again, to a player who has been knocking, and in some cases beating on the door for quite some time. Is there any merit in the adage, "who the cap fit, let them wear it"? I am beginning to think twice.
For a schoolboy, other local-based and foreign-based players from lower division clubs — with all due respect to these players — to be selected with no mention made of Tuffy, has to be demoralising, to say the least; and for me, I find it unacceptable given what he has accomplished. I empathise with him and hope that good sense will prevail.
I understand that the Jamaica Football Federation has an open-door policy as it relates to players, but insofar as Tuffy is concerned, it appears as if this door has been locked and the key thrown away. There is no doubt that he has provided the league with excitement and flair with his flamboyant style of play and his innate ability to score goals, much like Walter Boyd and Onandi Lowe in previous years. Now tell me, if the league's top marksman for the last two consecutive seasons and awardee of the 2012/2013: (a) Player of the Season, (b) Tony Burrowes Award, (c) Top goalscorer for Round 3 and (d) Top goalscorer for the season cannot claim a spot in the squad, then what else must he do?
The 34-year-old has long expressed his willingness to represent Jamaica again and is waiting with bated breath for such an opportunity. I don't envisage he is the answer to our goalscoring woes, but he certainly can do no worse than those who are currently in the team. In fact, he has demonstrated the determination, enthusiasm and commitment in becoming successful. I do believe he can add the value and punch up front that has been lacking in all the games thus far.
On the other hand, I respect the right of the coaching staff to assemble those whom they perceive to be the best available players at this particular point in time. However, it is my belief that Mr Anderson should be given a chance or an extended look-in for him to make a meaningful contribution to the national football programme.
Andre R. Smith
ceoandre@aol.com
'Tuffy' Anderson deserves a chance
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I felt compelled to express my disapproval and discontent at the exclusion of Jermaine "Tuffy" Anderson from the Reggae Boyz squad that has been assembled for a training camp in The Bahamas ahead of the three crucial "make or break" World Cup qualifiers in June. His hard work and remarkable achievements throughout the just-concluded Red Stripe National Premier League season should have merited the "no-nonsense goalscorer" at least a place on the bench in the 26-man squad.
I am now left in a state of shock and bewilderment, as either the authorities are suffering from myopia or have completely turned a blind eye, yet again, to a player who has been knocking, and in some cases beating on the door for quite some time. Is there any merit in the adage, "who the cap fit, let them wear it"? I am beginning to think twice.
For a schoolboy, other local-based and foreign-based players from lower division clubs — with all due respect to these players — to be selected with no mention made of Tuffy, has to be demoralising, to say the least; and for me, I find it unacceptable given what he has accomplished. I empathise with him and hope that good sense will prevail.
I understand that the Jamaica Football Federation has an open-door policy as it relates to players, but insofar as Tuffy is concerned, it appears as if this door has been locked and the key thrown away. There is no doubt that he has provided the league with excitement and flair with his flamboyant style of play and his innate ability to score goals, much like Walter Boyd and Onandi Lowe in previous years. Now tell me, if the league's top marksman for the last two consecutive seasons and awardee of the 2012/2013: (a) Player of the Season, (b) Tony Burrowes Award, (c) Top goalscorer for Round 3 and (d) Top goalscorer for the season cannot claim a spot in the squad, then what else must he do?
The 34-year-old has long expressed his willingness to represent Jamaica again and is waiting with bated breath for such an opportunity. I don't envisage he is the answer to our goalscoring woes, but he certainly can do no worse than those who are currently in the team. In fact, he has demonstrated the determination, enthusiasm and commitment in becoming successful. I do believe he can add the value and punch up front that has been lacking in all the games thus far.
On the other hand, I respect the right of the coaching staff to assemble those whom they perceive to be the best available players at this particular point in time. However, it is my belief that Mr Anderson should be given a chance or an extended look-in for him to make a meaningful contribution to the national football programme.
Andre R. Smith
ceoandre@aol.com
'Tuffy' Anderson deserves a chance
-->