Spanish Town’s new gaffer looks to transfer window

Newly appointed head coach of Jamaica Premier League (JPL) strugglers Spanish Town Police FC, Dwight Smith, says he will be looking to the transfer market as he seeks to turn around the team’s poor showing in this season’s competition.

Spanish Town Police sit at the bottom of the 14-team JPL standings with just eight points from 14 games. They have recorded two wins, two draws and 10 defeats, with their only victories coming against Waterhouse and Treasure Beach.

Smith, 40, who holds a Concacaf B licence, said the immediate priority is to start accumulating points in order to secure the club’s Premier League status.

“The first order of business is to get points on the board because we are at the bottom of the table and we know that time is of the essence, and we want to stay up in the Premier League. So we have to ensure that we put points on the board in order to achieve that,” Smith said.

Smith noted that while the transfer window is open, the assessments will be ongoing to determine where reinforcements are needed.

“We are looking at all areas in the transfer window, but we are still assessing the team’s weaknesses and where the voids are that we will look to fill. We definitely want to be in a comfortable position and to remain in the Premier League, and I am committed to making that happen, and I know that the players are also very committed too,” he said

Smith also pointed out that the task ahead will require patience and careful planning and all hands on deck as they seek to avoid relegation from the JPL.

“There is a lot of work that has to be done, but coaching itself is a lot of work. As a coach, you just have to be strategic, do your best and take it one game at a time,” he said.

Smith is the assistant coach at Kingston College, a role he has held for the past two years under head coach Vassell Reynolds at the North Street-based institution. Reynolds also serves as the head coach of Jamaica Premier League side Harbour View FC.

He also expressed his delight at being given the opportunity to lead Spanish Town Police FC.

“I am elated about this appointment because I have been coaching for the past 15 years and I have worked in the Premier League before on a very short stint. So for myself, this is a very good move,” Smith reasoned.

He highlighted that this is a very tough job but he is ready to tackle the situation head-on.

“Every situation is a challenge and I have asked for challenges, so I am going to take it one step at a time. We know the games that are upcoming and the players are aware of that,” said Smith.

“The squad is very competent, but the transfer window is now open and so we are going to look at that. I have met with the players and I realise that they are a good unit,” he said. Spanish Town Police are set to face hosts Dunbeholden in the JPL today. Match time is 3 p.m.