Francis leaves Barbican by mutual consent

Photo: Junior Francis left Barbican FC by mutual consent.

The Red Stripe Premier League has seen its first managerial change of the season as Junior Francis has left Barbican FC by mutual consent.

Francis who was coaching Waterhouse FC up to the turn of the year before leaving after differences about player transfer, took over the reins of the newly promoted Barbican during the summer.

The team has been languishing in the bottom half of the table all season and propped up the league for an extended period of time. Two wins, one draw and one loss in the last four games have seen the premier league first-timers inch their way out of the relegation zone.

Francis spoke to Yardie Sports about his decision to leave just before Christmas.

“For the past two weeks there have been a series of meetings about the welfare of the players, but nothing has been done. The intensity of the training sessions has been increased and we have asked more of the players but we have not been doing enough for them.”

“Vitamins and proper rehydration need to be given to the players. They are working hard day after day and giving everything on match days so they need to be taken care of much better.”

Francis who wasn’t being paid by the club, but was volunteering in the position says he will be heading to the United States to pursue his ‘A’ Licence in coaching before deciding where he will go next.

While having no regrets about his time in charge, the much travelled coach is happy about where he has left the team.

“I wanted to get them out of the relegation zone before I left and I did that. The team is playing good football and if they continue on the same path they can continue to climb up the table and avoid a relegation scrap at the end of the season,” he assured.

Francis also hinted at player’s salary being a major issue. The cost for playing in the premier league is very high and many clubs struggle with wages each year.

Barbican travel to the Stadium East to take on fifth place Cavalier SC knowing that a win can take them up above Reno FC and into 9th spot.