'We're thrilled' - Yoni Epstein on hiring of Xavier Gilbert as Montego Bay United coach

Montego Bay United chairman, Yoni Epstein, said the decision to hire Arnett Gardens head coach over the last two Jamaica Premier League (JPL) seasons, Xavier Gilbert, came down to the need for long-term stability.

According to Epstein, whose Montego Bay United made the announcement via a press release on Sunday night, Gilbert, who begins as coach of the western Jamaica football club July 1, the wiley tactician, who has yards of experience, also does not have competing obligations.

“The management and Board wanted someone full time who would want a long-term project and wouldn’t be encumbered by schoolboy football leading us into the start of next season,” said Epstein.

In fact, the retardation of preparation headed into the 2025-2026 JPL season, was one of the reasons the club chose not to renew the contract of Paul ‘Tegat’ Davis, who enjoyed a modicum of success during the last half of the 2024-25 season.

“Tegat’s contract was only until the end of the season,” said Epstein when quizzed about not returning to the man who brought them to the semi-finals of the JPL after they parted ways with Argentine coach Rodolfo Zapata before speaking of the need to have complete focus on the next pre-season.

According to the release, Gilbert is a “proven and seasoned leader”, pointing to his time at Arnett Gardens as proof of the pudding.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Xavier Gilbert to Montego Bay United,” said Epstein.

“His progression at both club and international levels shows consistent growth, tactical flexibility, and leadership under pressure. We believe he will elevate our squad and realise our goals as a club,” he said.

Gilbert has already set goals for the club, saying in the press release: “My aim is to build a playing philosophy rooted in togetherness, righteousness, and family — so we challenge for silverware and uplift out community through one team, one city, one united slogan.”

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