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Burrell

Adrian Frater, News Editor

WESTERN BUREAU:

THE MUCH-anticipated changing of the guard within the ranks of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), which will herald the return of Captain Horace Burrell to the federation's presidency, is set to take place today at a Special Voting Congress at Beaches Negril, starting at 9.30 a.m.

"I am expecting a very good congress because I see no reason for any animosity," said president of the Hanover FA, Lorraine Scringer, whose association is hosting the congress.

"We are expecting approximately 110 delegates, but I am not sure about the number of observers," Scringer said.

In some respects, the congress is somewhat anti-climatic as Burrell is sure to become president by virtue of being the only candidate nominated for the presidency. In fact, except for the position of first vice-president, all the other elected positions have been filled in a similar manner.

Loyalist to prevail

St. Elizabeth FA boss Dale Spencer and his Trelawny FA counterpart Linnel McLean are vying for the first vice-president post and based on sources close to the federation's affiliates, the articulate Spencer, described as a Burrell loyalist, is favoured to prevail over McLean, who served as a vice-president in the outgoing administration. The positions already filled by virtue of uncontested nominations are as follows: president - Burrell, second vice-president - Bruce Gaynor, third vice-president - Raymond Anderson, treasurer - Gary Sinclair and executive officer - Scringer.

It is anticipated that on completion of his report to the congress

today, Burchell Gibson, the federation's general secretary, will tender his resignation, paving the way for the return of Horace Reid, whom he replaced as general secretary when the Boxhill team came to office back in 2003.

"The return of Mr. Reid (Horace) is automatic, but it will not be immediate," said a source close to the incoming administration.

"My understanding of the federation's constitution is that there is a seven-day waiting period before a new general secretary can assume office."

While matter such as the report from the outgoing president and general secretary should generate some interest as they seek to defend their stewardship, the major highlight should be the acceptance speech of Burrell, who is expected to outline the thinking and direction of the new administration.

Outlined vision

In recent weeks, Burrell has used various forums to outline his vision for the new administration, but has not addressed the issues in any detail. With the leadership back in his hands today, he is expected to detail his plans in a comprehensive way.

"It will not be business as usual when the new administration takes office, there are going to be fundamental changes," Burrell told The Sunday Gleaner in a recent interview. "It will take a lot of guts to make some of these decisions but it is something that has to be done."

Speculation is rife that among the major changes likely to be made by the new administration is the possible replacement of national technical director Velibor 'Bora' Milutinovic. While many are expecting a smooth transition for the new administration, they are likely to face at least one controversial situation immediately - the money furore between the outgoing administration and the newly-formed Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA), which prevented play in Wednes-day's round of CPPL games.

Outgoing general secretary Gibson was quoted in the media this week as saying that the failure of the PLCA, a body chaired by former Prime Minister Edward Seaga, to pay over administrative fees for the league to the JFF was the cause of the non-playing of the games.

However, the PLCA countered, stating that the JFF had not acted in good faith.

Status of PLCA

Incidentally, one of the agenda issues at today's congress will be a decision on the future status of PLCA, which is currently an interim body.

The PLCA, whose executive is made up of representatives of the 12 Premier League clubs, took over the running of NPL at the start of this season. The PLCA has since secured a record $150 million three-year sponsorship deal for the league from Cash Plus Limited, which replaced Wray & Nephew as the competition's sponsor.