Injuries put Boys' Town captain on sidelines indefinitely

Marc Stamp, Gleaner Writer

Boys' Town Football Club's inspirational captain, Michael 'Bangy' Campbell, will be out of action indefinitely because of shoulder and neck injuries he sustained during the KSAFA/Jamaica Yellow Pages Jackie Bell knockout final against Harbour View a week ago.

Campbell, a key player at Premier League title contenders Boys' Town, collided with Harbour View's defender Kemar Lawrence and was replaced in the 12th minute of the game that Boys' Town lost on penalties.

"I am getting along fine. I fell on my shoulder and neck and after X-ray it was revealed that the muscle and tissue were damaged. I am due to visit the doctor for further assessment on Friday," Campbell told The Gleaner yesterday.

Campbell's injury compounded the chances of Boys' Town winning the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) this season, as they had lost a number of senior players to other local clubs in the January transfer window. However, Campbell, a long-standing captain at the Collie Smith Drive-based club, is confident that the remaining players will fight on despite what has happened.

GOOD SQUAD

"We still have a good squad. We have lost some senior players, although some of them were not regular starters. But others have stepped in and are fighting on. The players in the squad are well committed," Campbell reasoned.

The midfielder is not yet sure when he will return to his beloved Boys' Town team, but said "we will continue to fight on to the finish in May".

Boys' Town's head coach, Andrew Price, also said that despite losing several senior players and others out due to injuries, his players have vowed to continue fighting.

"We have depth in the squad. Campbell is our leader and we will certainly miss him, but I am encouraged by the fight shown by other players," Price noted.

The dimunitive Campbell was the league's MVP and also won the Personality of the Year award last season.

Boys' Town defeated Sporting Central Academy 4-2 on Sunday and moved up to third position on 40 points, 12 adrift leaders Harbour View, with 13 rounds of games remaining.