Odds may be in favour of Adam’s Construction San Juan Jabloteh on Saturday when they tackle Police FC from 5pm in their opening 2011-2012 Digicel Pro League Championship fixture at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
However head coach Earl Carter isn’t counting early blessings.
“I’ve heard of them and I think every team in the professional league should have a level of quality, so we’re not underestimating them,” said the 54 year old former US based coach.
Carter continued, “I think over the years they have been disciplined and just need to get their house in order with a few things. Although they haven’t won any silverware in quite some time, I think they can surprise at any point in time.
“It’s twenty-two players on the pitch at the time. It’s about knowing when to make that transition from offence to defence and vice versa.
“So it boils down to mistakes. Who makes the least mistakes wins.”
Carter returned to Trinidad in late June and jumped into his role as head coach of the four-time Pro League Championship winners.
Carter was appointed the head coach role after the club parted ways with Englishman Terry Fenwick at the end of last season. Fenwick guided the to all four(2002, 2003, 2007 and 2008) Pro League Championships.
Since picking up the job, Carter re-called the services of former players Marvin Oliver, Jerel Forbes, Willis Plaza, Nigel Daniel and Rashad Wint.
Meantime goalkeeping stalwart Cleon John, defenders Joel Leslie Russell, Karlon Murray, Jamal Jack and Sheldon Bateau, midfielders Kennedy Hinkson, Elijah Manners, Jason Marcano and Under 21 players Andrew Smith and Dillon Kirton are remaining players from last season.
New Jabloteh faces this season include Randy Britto (Police FC) and Kerron Edward (WASA FC) in defence while England born midfielder Luke Gullick who featured in Fenwick’s squad two seasons ago, is also on Carter’s roster for the upcoming season.
When asked, what can be expected from his team this season, Carter responded, “Expect an exciting brand of football… a brand of football that will attract the fans to come watch our games.
“It is very challenging to have that sort of expectation in yourself following three date changes in the League,” he elaborated.
“We’re not fully ready (in terms of where we want to be). We cannot be fully ready at the beginning of the season because we don’t want to peak too early. If we peak now, it’s almost impossible to hold on to that throughout the season.”
Speaking on his experience thus far at the Pro League level with the San Juan based club, Carter responded, “I’m enjoying it because it’s very challenging.
“The uncertainties… the clouds, also make it very challenging for players to maintain discipline throughout. A lot of uncertainties even with the start of the League but I’ve been working on my players to be self motivated and go out and function (this season),” he ended.
2011-2012 Digicel Pro League Championship
Round One Match Day One
Friday 9 September 2011
Marvin Lee Stadium
North East Stars vs T&TEC FC—5pm
Caledonia AIA vs Defence Force—7pm
Saturday 10 September 2011
Ato Boldon Stadium
Police FC vs San Juan Jabloteh—5pm
W Connection vs St. Ann’s Rangers—7pm