Calvin Lewis became the first coaching casualty of the 2013-2014 Red Stripe Premier League season when he tendered his resignation at Arnett Gardens on Tuesday October 22nd, although the news was not brought to light until a week later on Tuesday October 29th. The decision to keep the news quiet was to facilitate a deal being reached by the club and his replacement Jerome Waite.
Calvin Lewis became the first coaching casualty of the 2013-2014 Red Stripe Premier League season when he tendered his resignation at Arnett Gardens on Tuesday October 22nd, although the news was not brought to light until a week later on Tuesday October 29th. The decision to keep the news quiet was to facilitate a deal being reached by the club and his replacement Jerome Waite.
Lewis who served just under a year in his second spell at the club had replaced Paul ‘Tegat’ Davis who had resigned in December of 2012. In his first brief spell at the club Lewis served as assistant to Fabian Davis from November to February in the ’08-’09 season.
The self styled ‘tactician’ brought St. Mary club Highgate United, from obscurity to prominence by winning the Parish Major League and Super League en route to Premier League qualification. He then won the Red Stripe Premier League with Portmore United before returning for a second spell at Highgate immediately after lifting the Premier League crown.
The second spell at Highgate was a disaster and he was soon back at Arnett, a place where the fans expect to win silverware every season.
When Lewis took over last season, Arnett Gardens were in third position and ended the season in 4th, tied on points with dethroned champions Portmore United.
Lewis who spoke exclusively to Yardie Sports said the decision to leave was by mutual consent – “The club and I made the decision to part company as things were just not working out. I don’t think last season was a failure, when I took over we were in third position and we ended up in fourth position tied on points with Portmore, so it wasn’t all that bad.”
Arnett’s record so far this season after five games reads: 1win – 2 draws – 2 losses which sees them in ninth position in the league.
“To be honest I think the decision to leave was in my best interest, I had planned to leave at the end of last season but somehow managed to convince myself to return and try to make the most of the situation. As you can see, I should have followed my mind.
The former Premier League winning coach is comfortable with his decision but still has his eye on a return to coaching in the league.
“I don’t have any regrets about leaving and for now I will just sit and analyze my situation. I wish Arnett all the best but for me it’s about taking some time off now and getting in some rest and relaxation.
“I would not rule out a return to the premier league if the right offer came along because I still have a lot to offer and I want to coach in the league again,” he concluded.
Jerome Waite, who also coaches Charlie Smith in the ISSA/LIME Manning Cup competition, held his first training session with the team on Tuesday and will have his first game in his second spell in charge at on Sunday when Arnett host Montego Bay United.
Photo: Calvin Lewis
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