SVGFF President willing to serve even if beaten

Incumbent St. Clair Leacock is very confident that he will be returned to top post of President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation, but is willing to serve in another capacity, if he is beaten.{{more}}

Leacock expressed this confidence and accommodation to SEARCHLIGHT last Wednesday, ahead of this Saturday’s Annual General Meeting of the SVGFF, which takes place at Football House.

Seeking his third successive term, his second straight four year tenure, and his fourth overall at the helm of the administration of football here, Leacock based his optimism on his “track record”.

According to him, “We are in a more fortunate position than we were four years ago”.

“Unlike other presidents, I have been able to hold this Executive for four years”, Leacock said.

Looking ahead, Leacock plans with his new Executive, to continue on the path of development of the sport, as outlined by the four year development plan.

“We are going to work steadfastly with the FIFA approved plan and implement the baseline records”, he projected.

Also, an integral part of Leacock’s four year agenda is the qualification of the senior national team to the 2010 World Cup Finals, set for South Africa.

The football chief believes that this country stands a good chance of qualifying, based on the talent of the current Under-23 team, the old players who still have much in them and an expectant cadre of English based players.

Leacock plans to parallel the development of the sport, with the enhancement of the infrastructure.

“I want to see the Administrative Complex completed as our Goal One Project, then go on to Goal Two, which will be the Technical Center, where we plan to put in an Astro turf and light the Campden Park Playing Field, and Goal Three, the development of the Richmond Vale Academy into a Center of Excellence”.

A renewed focus on youth development, whilst maintaining the thrust towards women’s football; a revisit on the relationship with the Ministries of Education and Sports, and more assistance to the leagues, are part of Leacock’s perspective.

He is also adamant that St. Vincent and the Grenadines, for the time being, will proceed with its policy of employing a foreign Coach/Technical Director.

Leacock said that he is already leaning towards a Brazilian, while his point man on technical matters, Ian Sardine, has preference for English personnel.

Leacock, an Opposition Senator in this country’s Parliament, wants to also“improve the football culture”.

Contending that it is virtually impossible to administer football on the annual provisions of US$250 000 by the world governing body FIFA, Leacock wants central government to make an annual subvention to football’s cause as well as corporate assistance.

“Whether we cut and contrive has to be determined by the general bodies”, Leacock said.

And he plans to provide greater financial accountability of his executive spending of its resources.

Leacock is contending that he brings to the administration a managerial approach to behavioural matters, which are in the interest of the SVGFF.

“I am better trained in this field than Delves, so why should we turn to him?’ he questioned.

Leacock, in an apparent show of respect for his challenger, lawyer Joseph Delves, disclosed to SEARCHLIGHT he would offer him a substantive post, once he is re-elected.

Leacock will do the same to Ashley Caine, who was the first to throw down the gauntlet at him.

And, Leacock will do likewise, if the decisions do not go in his favour.

At Saturday’s meeting, the elections are the focal point.

Apart from the post of President, there will be elections for the three Vice-Presidents.

Contesting the First Vice-President’s post are Ian Sardine, Caine, Paul Boucher and Clyde Robinson.

Earl Bennett, Leopold Dopwell, Trevor Huggins, Augustine Trimmingham, Asberth Williams and Boucher are the nominees for Second Vice President.

Robinson, Williams, Caine, Venold Coombs, Arnold Dalrymple and Maxim James are nominees for third vice president.

To date, a staggering 74 affiliates have been declared eligible to vote at Saturday’s Meeting.