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Arnett Gardens look to Gilbert for better
August 17, 2023
Xavier Gilbert, the experienced national women's football coach, will get his first taste of senior men's domestic football after being contracted by Arnett Gardens to replace Paul 'Tegat' Davis and assistant coach Eric Rademakers.
After two impressive seasons under Davis and Rademakers, the pair were expected to return for this campaign. However, they failed to reach an agreement with Arnett Gardens' management.
Third-place finishers in the recently concluded Jamaica Premier League (JPL), Arnett Gardens went in search of a new coach and were pleased with the offerings of Gilbert, despite his limited experience at the elite level.
"We are going with Mr Xavier Gilbert as the head coach, and his assistant is going to be Jermaine Miller," Arnett Gardens' general manager Peter Thelwell said.
"Gilbert has a wide range of experience nationally and internationally. He works with boys and girls at all levels. He also has some Premier League experience, as he was assistant coach of Waterhouse at some stage. He also has a (Concacaf) B license, which is a requirement.
"After talking with him, we are comfortable that he will lead us in the direction the club wants to continue. So he will bring a wealth of experience to us and help us to maintain our philosophy of total football."So it is just up from here. Mr Gilbert is going to take us to the next level. He has the knowledge and experience, and he is coming back fresh from the Reggae Girlz' historic participation at the World Cup, so I can only expect better," Thelwell stated.
Arnett Gardens, despite their third-place finish, parted ways with midfielder Romeo Guthrie, Damari Deacon and Marlon Allen, who were essential players in their style of play.
However, Thelwell pointed out that they decided in their post-season meeting the players they would keep and those they would let go, and those players were earmarked for departure.
He insists Arnett Gardens still have their core players and will be adding exciting new talent to take them to the next level.
Thelwell is confident in Gilbert's ability and said Arnett Gardens' management would provide him with the support needed as the Reggae Girlz' assistant coach gets scrutinised; by Arnett Gardens' hard-to-please fans.
"Arnett are always under pressure to perform. The coach will be under that pressure, but most of the backroom staff and the management are here to give full support on and off the field.
"He has a good team to work with, and the support is here for him just like the previous coaches," Thelwell said.
He added that Arnett Gardens are looking to go all the way in the JPL (JPL) in the upcoming season while also making their mark in international competitions.
"The aim is always to win and be competitive. We want to be in the top two and go to the (JPL) final. We want to play regional football. This year, we may get a chance to, and we want to remain playing at that level," Thelwell said.
Gilbert starts officially on Monday.
