Arnett get ready for Caribbean Club Shield title defence

CARIBBEAN CLUB Shield champions Arnett Gardens will begin preparation for the defence of their title this weekend, following the draw for this year’s tournament yesterday.

Arnett have been placed in Group D with Club Franciscan (Martinique), Scholars International (Cayman), Dublanc FC (Dominica), AC Sport of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago), and Docs United (Anguilla).

The tournament is scheduled for July 26-August 3 in Trinidad and Tobago, and despite an extra early start to preseason this term, coach Xavier Gilbert said they are highly motivated, as the top two teams in the shield will advance to the Caribbean Cup.

“The format has changed from last year. It’s going to be totally different in terms of how we prepare. So our preseason is scheduled to start this weekend, because we need a minimum of six weeks heading into the tournament.

“Hopefully we can get the ball rolling. It will be an earlier preseason than most of the (local) teams. But we understand the situation that we are in and we just have to make the best use of it going forward,” he said.

Gilbert pointed out that the Caribbean Shield has grown in prominence for regional clubs, who are all motivated to play in the Caribbean Cup, which is the gateway to the lucrative Concacaf Champions Cup.

“Everybody wants to play in Concacaf. They know the benefits of playing in the Caribbean Club Championship, both for exposure and financial-wise.

“So everybody is preparing to get there. All the teams are getting better and investing in getting to the Concacaf Club Championship.

“It’s also the only silverware we can get for this season. So that in itself is a motivation, as well as playing in the Concacaf Championship,” Gilbert said.

Arnett defeated Grenades of Antigua 1-0 in last year’s final for their first hold on the second-tier regional title.