By Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer 
Burrell
IN JUST under a year and a half since Crenston Boxhill has taken over the position of Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president, former JFF boss Captain Horace Burrell said he has seen very little for him to change his opinion of the new man.
In fact Burrell said his view of Boxhill should be even clearer now to the general populace now that he has had a chance in the seat of power.
Burrell was speaking with The Gleaner over the weekend on his views of the current administration and about whispers that he has put wheels in motion for a possible comeback.
"My views of Mr. Boxhill have not changed. I think that as a person he is a nice fellow, but as I said then (during the 2003 campaign for office), and I will continue to say and I am qualified to say this because all the members of the current administration have worked with me over the years in various capacities, and I more than anybody else should know their capabilities he just does not have what it takes," Burrell said of Boxhill's stewardship thus far.
He added that his opinions were not based on any bitterness.
NEVER SHOWN DISRESPECT
"In all my years Mr. Boxhill has never shown any resentment or disrespect towards me and I admire him for that. I believe too that it is only now that people are seeing what I had said all along."
On a number of occasions since demitting office, Burrell has spoken about his continued love for and commitment to the nation's football, but that love seems destined to be a long-distanced one as he has no plans for any close association with the current administration.
"I continue to assist in football development by sponsoring a number of parishes and that is my way of helping. Everyone will recall my assistance in securing the services of Jason Euell to represent the country in the recent World Cup qualifiers when Mr. Boxhill requested assistance, and I will continue if I am asked in whatever capacity I can," he said.
When presented with the argument that there is a perception inside and outside of football circles that the parishes that he is currently sponsoring (St. Ann, St. Mary and Manchester) are the ones which supported him in the last election and that he is currently on an early campaign, he jumped at it.
NO POLITICAL INTENTIONS
"I am happy that you have asked that question as I have heard of such talks and any day I hear any of this coming from any member of the JFF hierarchy it will be the time to pull my sponsorship. I am not prepared to get embroiled in any cass cass of any sort and at a time when I am trying to assist the parishes in their football development!" he blasted.
"I have no political intentions. Right now I support the Western Confederation, which comprises the parishes Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James and Trelawny. That should show that these comments are without foundation," he added in a calmer tone before stating, "I have moved on."
Burrell added that talks of his interest in the JFF presidency are misplaced. His focus now is the 'higher office' within FIFA to which he has been called.
At the same time he said that he would never close the chapter of service to country as "no citizen should ever do that. I am willing to assist in the development of my country as I believe that service to country is one of the greatest honours one could receive in a lifetime."
RUMOUR
The argument that he was focusing on FIFA duties went against the general belief and rumours that he was behind a move for a vote of no confidence to be raised at a JFF general meeting in Portland last month. Burrell dismissed talk that he had been behind the move which failed to come off as rumours.
"I know nothing about that. I have no interest in the affairs of the current administration. It is but another rumour."
He also took the opportunity to address another matter, that of a fine imposed on the JFF for what the Barbados Football Federation said was the JFF's failure to provide them with a copy of the national anthem at the finals of the Digicel Caribbean Cup, played for by regional teams. This is disputed by the JFF.
"... And if you want to ask about the most recent fine, I will tell you that I am a professional and my integrity will always precede me, everything that I do and that is how I will always operate," he stated firmly.
"I will not compromise my integrity by favouring anyone. I believe in operating at all times on a level playing field with integrity and honesty.
"I acted fairly based on the evidence put in front of me. I am satisfied that the right decision was made and I can go to my bed and sleep soundly," he added.
