Price says show must go on after big Fuller loss

Tivoli Gardens head coach Andrew Price says he is deeply saddened by the departure of prodigious attacker Nickalia Fuller to Jamaica Premier League rivals Mount Pleasant Academy, but insists the club must continue its developmental mission in west Kingston.

The 21-year-old Fuller has left his boyhood club after four seasons, during which he scored 16 goals and provided eight assists.

His impressive form also earned him a call-up to the Reggae Boyz, where he scored once in four international appearances.

Price noted that losing a home-grown player of Fuller’s quality is difficult for everyone associated with the club.

“You will be disappointed losing a player like that, especially if he is home-grown. But, at the same time, you have to allow players to make decisions for themselves, and he believes that it is in his best interest that he goes to Mount Pleasant, and we thank him for the services that he provided for Tivoli,” said Price.

He added that the club’s focus must remain on identifying and nurturing the next generation of talent from the community.

“But, at the end of the day, individuals have to make decisions that they think is productive for themselves. So what we have to do is continue unearthing other talents,” Price said.

“One thing for sure is that there is a lot of talent in west Kingston and, as much as we were able to discover young Fuller and he got the opportunity to shine, then there are other youngsters within the community who can do just the same. So it is about continuing the whole developmental process with the youngsters in the communities.”

Price took over the reins from veteran coach Jerome Waite at the end of last season and is now tasked with rebuilding Tivoli Gardens after the club finished 10th in the Jamaica Premier League.

Despite his disappointment, Price said player movement is a natural part of football and Tivoli must adapt to the realities of the modern game.

“It wouldn’t be the first and I am certain that it would not be the last, because players move from their community teams to other teams over the years, and Fuller’s situation is not different,” he said.

“We are disappointed that we have lost him but, when you look at some of the clubs out there and what they can offer compared to other clubs, sometimes it is just about a commercial decision for both the club and player. So life goes on and we just have to continue fighting and continue unearthing other talents.”

– Robert Bailey