Anthony Patrick says Racing United exit was expected after contract decision

Anthony Patrick says he is disappointed, but not caught off guard, after Racing United decided against extending his contract when it ends on June 30. The outgoing head coach, who has led the club since 2017, declined to say much about possible player departures or the state of his relationship with the club's leadership.

Patrick's spell with Racing United has included a steady climb through Jamaican football. Under his watch, the club won the St. Catherine Division Two title, placed second in Division One, secured the St. Catherine Major League crown, won the JFF Tier Two playoffs and earned promotion to the Jamaica Premier League after two seasons in the second tier. Racing United then finished eighth in its first Premier League campaign and reached the playoffs in its second season.

While the club's announcement surprised some observers, Patrick said he had been preparing himself for that outcome. He said speculation had been circulating for some time, but he chose to concentrate on completing the job before dealing with whatever came next.

Patrick said the working relationship began to weaken around November, with disputes threatening to affect the campaign. He said he remained focused on keeping the young players functioning and competing, while thanking the players and staff who supported him through the season.

TVJ Sports reported that Patrick's difficulties at Racing United were linked to differences with new investors, though the coach did not confirm that directly. He said some matters were better kept private for the benefit of the club, the players who will remain and the Manning Cup staff.

Patrick's future in schoolboy football is also uncertain. He said he could not say where he stands with St. Catherine High School, which has a similar management team to Racing United, adding that his arrangement there over the past three to four years had been verbal rather than contractual. Patrick led St. Catherine High to two ISSA Walker Cup titles and the school's first Manning Cup final in 2024.