‘I GAVE IT MY ALL’
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Former PFJL Chairman Cristopher Williams.
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Montego Bay United’s Deonjay Brown (left) and Racing United’s Nickyle Ellis battle for the ball during their Jamaica Premier League game at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay on Sunday. Montego Bay won 4-1.
Former Chairman of the Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL), Christopher Williams, who was appointed to a similar role by the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA), insists he did not run away from football.
Williams, in a recent interview, said he remains a big supporter and admirer of the league, but that he did his time in the PFJL, gave his all, and it was time to move on.
“I think it is unfair to say that I ran leave Jamaica Premier League (JPL). That chapter is closed. You all saw how much I gave to it and how passionate I was, but one thing I know, I gave it my all,” he said.
Williams resignation was met with a little ‘I told you so’ from Harbour View Chairman Carvel Stewart, who believes the PFJL should never be chaired by an independent party.
According to Stewart, not having a stake in one of the clubs means it is easy to walk away from the business of the league.
Williams, however, contends that although the demands of his role consumed his time and overtok his other responsibilities, he never relented while he held the position.
“My family will tell you, it just took me over completely. It still is the only league I watch. I watch every game, every round, and I follow all the blogs.
“It is my league. I have fallen in love with it and I am very proud and happy how passionate I was about it.”
There are those who disagree with Stewart, and in a Gleaner story yesterday, Chapelton Maroons Chairman Craig Butler and Mount Pleasant Sporting Director Paul Christie said Williams’ tenure as chairman should be lauded.
According to Butler, the PFJL should beg Williams to return.
Williams, though, won’t be returning.
“However, I definitely don’t want anybody saying I ran leave the Jamaica Premier League. I did my best. I gave it five hard years and delivered a significant amount of cash, and I have moved on,” said Williams.
Despite Stewart’s misgivings, Williams believes there is no animosity between himself and any stakeholders in the league.
“There are no hard feelings on either side, I think. The foundation is well laid. The business plan is excellent and there are young business persons out there who can step up and take the chair,” he said.
livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com