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Last weekend, Santos Football Club got a much-needed facelift, after the east Kingston-based club completed 90 per cent of phase one of its clubhouse renovation, and fittingly named the building in honour of lifelong servant and current president, Carlton ‘Spanna’ Dennis.
Dennis has served the club for many years in various capacities, from player to president, and has been the rock behind the club since he took over in the mid 1980s, and almost single-handedly held it together.
Last Saturday, the surprise announcement brought the veteran football administrator and coach to tears, as he was pleased to be receiving the recognition in his lifetime.
“They dropped that one on me. It was Mrs (Lorna) Bell’s plan, and I respect that because people have decided to honour me before I pass away.
“I respect that and it touched me. So I want to say thanks to the people who planned this and did all of this,” commented Dennis.
Santos vice president Trevin Nairne, also said the recognition is well deserved, as Dennis, more than anyone else, kept the club alive during its most trying times.
“Santos have so many persons who have given their lives to the club. But there is none to compare to Carlton Dennis. Not only has he been a coach but he had been the only man holding up the club for years and he deserves this.
“What he has done for the youths and Santos is invaluable. So many have benefited from his tutelage. So I believe it is a honour that is well deserved and I am happy we could do it in his lifetime,” he said.
Meanwhile, the club officially reopened the clubhouse last Saturday, with phase one of the renovation project all but completed.
The building, which was in a dilapidated state, had infrastructure work done to reinforce some of the weakening structures, the building was also painted and a new roof added.
The two changing rooms were also refurbished with new toilet fixtures and showers.
“We believe the structural integrity of the building was compromised. So we fixed that. If anybody has been at Santos, they know if rains falls, how it goes. So finally we have a proper roof.
“We painted the building and also improved the bathrooms for the teams. So that was done in phase one,” Nairne explained.
Phase two of the project will focus on completing the renovation of the changing rooms, having bathrooms installed for spectators and a kitchen to support their nutrition programme.
However, it is estimated that phase two will cost over $3.5 million, and although they hope to complete it by next summer, Nairne said it all depends on how quickly they can raise the funds.
“We are also looking to improve the field itself. That will take place at the same time as phase two, but we do not want to call that a part of phase two. That is a separate project.”
He noted also that there will be a phase three, where they will look to establish infrastructure that will help to bring money into the club
“We want to start earning from billboards, advertising and those things. That is what phase three is all about. We don’t know the cost for that (phase three) as yet. But we are hoping some corporate and government entities come on board and we are looking at some creative ways as well,” he said.
Santos have one of the most illustrious histories in local football. They have won five national titles and have been the home of some of the nation’s best players, including the iconic Allan ‘Skill’ Cole, back in the 1970s.
Jamaica Football Federation president Michael Ricketts, who was in attendance, is hoping the club can rediscover its glory days.
“Congratulations are indeed in order. This (renovation) is a step in the right direction. This is part of the rebranding of Santos, and those glory days could be on the horizon once again,” he stated.
English (US) ·