Adrian Frater, News Editor

Craig Oates, who has resigned as vice-president of the Hanover FA. - Photo by Adrian Frater

Western Bureau:

Craig Oates, the first vice-president of the Hanover Football Association, who had been hinting for some time that he plans to quit the association because of his dissatisfaction with the state of the parish's football, has carried out his threat.

A disgruntled Oates handed in his resignation last Tuesday.

No other choice

"I really had no choice but to step aside because we have not been having board meetings and there is really no forum for me to make any contribution," said Oates. "We have had only one board meeting in the past two years."

In outlining some of the situations he finds untenable, the forthright Oates, who is also vice-chairman of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Western Confederation, listed:

The absence of a development plan for the parish's football;

The generally poor state of the parish's football;

No board meetings to discuss the parish's football;

The failure to address the constant criticisms from disgruntled affiliates;

A major league competition that runs for a mere six to eight weeks;

A six-team division one competition that finishes almost as soon as it starts;

The constant relegation of Hanover teams from the Captain's Bakery Western Super League.

"I don't think things will change unless there is a change in some of the faces on the administration," stated Oates. "It is now April and all football competitions played in the adjoining parishes of Trelawny, Westmoreland and St James are almost close to the semi-final stage yet believe it or not, the Hanover Major League has not yet started."

Financial accountability a concern

Oates also raised concerns about financial accountability within the FA, noting that one of the signatories on the account has not been a board member for over six years. He said that with such a flawed situation, he believes there is much justification in the harsh criticisms that has been coming from affiliates.

When contacted for a comment, the tough-taking Sheridan Samuels, treasurer of the Lorraine Scringer-led FA, expressed both surprise and disappointment at Oates' resignation and public utterances, which he said are unbecoming of one who was entrusted with leadership.

"It is quite shocking to hear the things Mr Oates has been saying since he was not an outsider, he was a part of the administration," said Samuels. "We will be examining his resignation as well as some of his public utterances and in due course we will be making a detailed public response."

Standing firm

As a consequence of his resignation from the Hanover FA, Oates might also be required to give up his position as vice-chairman of the Western Confederation, as that position came about as a result of the affiliation he had with the Hanover FA.

"If they ask me to quit, I will. I will not fight it," said Oates. "I would rather walk away with my integrity than to continue to set myself up for future ridicule."