Howell enjoying transition at 'Firehouse'

Marc Stamp, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica College schoolboy star, Ramone Howell, is settling nicely at Waterhouse FC in the senior team since his debut last December.

The 19-year-old, one of several young players who made the Premier League squad this season, has been improving in his central midfield position.

"I came into the team after a successful schoolboy season at Jamaica College (JC). We have a coach (Anthony Patrick) who believes in young players," Howell pointed out.

Waterhouse, popularly called 'Firehouse', finished the Red Stripe Premier League preliminary stage on most points and are now favoured to win the main title.

"Well, I am mentally prepared to win the national league title in my first season in the senior team. The senior players like Nicholy Finlayson and Hughan Gray always give me advice and that has helped my game," Howell told The Gleaner.

Older brother

Howell's older brother, Kenroy, is the main striker in the team and that is added motivation.

"My brother always talks to me about my game and that has also helped," he shared.

"I want to win the Premier League title and that would be a great achievement in my first season at the senior level. The vibe is great in the team and that has certainly made a difference. The attitude is right," he added.

Looking ahead, Howell said he would love to play professionally.

"Manchester United in England is my dream team. They create a lot of young players and give them a chance to shine," he said.

He is also aiming to get into the national team at the youth as well as senior levels.

Ramone's coach, Patrick, said the player has a bright future.

"I have been around Ramone for the past five years and coached him at Bridgeport and now Waterhouse from the youth programme. He has played in several positions. He is a good utility player," Patrick disclosed.

"He is an amazing player with the right attitude, mannerism and work ethic. In the game against Sporting Central, Ramone was handed the captain's armband and showed good potential. The players were happy for him," Patrick added.

Bridgeport years

Howell spent five years at Bridgeport High and represented the Portmore-based institution in the Under-16, where he played a role in the team winning that competition. Then, he moved onto the Manning Cup team for three years.

Last year, after passes in home economics, physical education, integrated science and English language at CXC, he moved on to sixth form at JC.

He played in the attacking midfield position during a successful season where JC won the urban Manning Cup title and the all-island Olivier Shield.

"I decided to leave Bridgeport because I wanted to win the Manning Cup, and no disrespect to Bridgeport, but I thought the squad was not good enough.

"JC had a great programme with a good coach (Miguel Coley) and we won two titles. That was a fulfilment of a dream," he shared.

Howell is now preparing for CAPE exams and has already received offers from colleges in the United States of America.

He is certainly among a growing crop of local football players for the future.