Anthony Patrick saddened as Racing United ends coaching tenure

Anthony Patrick says he has been left deeply upset after Racing United’s management decided not to extend his contract with the Jamaica Premier League club.

Patrick had been part of the organisation from 2017 and helped move the Gregory Park-based team out of the St Catherine Division Two and into the JPL. He said the club formally advised him by letter on Saturday that he would no longer be required.

“It is not a nice feeling because, trust me, it is a hurtful one,” Patrick said. “I gave up so much to take that team from Division Two to the Premier League, which is the highest league, so this is not a nice feeling.”

According to Patrick, the message came directly from Racing United president Nigel Walker around 7 p.m. on Saturday. He said Walker told him other stakeholders had met with him on Wednesday and agreed that the club would now take a different route, make changes, and appoint an overseas coach along with that coach’s staff.

Patrick, a veteran coach who currently leads St Catherine High School, took Racing United into the JPL play-offs this season for the first time in the club’s history.

He said he intends to remain involved in football because coaching remains the work that drives him.

“But life goes on and you just have to continue to do what you do best. And I will continue to do that because this is no stumbling block in my way,” Patrick said.

He pointed to his work with Bridgeport programmes, St Catherine High School over the years, and Racing United as examples of the contribution he has made to the game.

“This brings joy to me … coaching youngsters and getting teams to the highest level and getting the youngsters to play some good football. That is my passion,” he said.

Walker, meanwhile, thanked Patrick for his role in Racing United’s growth.

“Anthony has played a remarkable role in the development and success of Racing United Football Club,” Walker said in a media release. “His dedication, commitment, and leadership have helped build the foundation upon which this club now stands. The achievements accomplished during his tenure are historic and will forever be part of Racing United's story. On behalf of the Board, management, players, staff, supporters, and the wider Racing United family, I would like to thank Anthony for his years of service and wish him every success in the future.”

Walker also said Patrick’s impact was not limited to match results, noting that he helped create a culture of discipline, professionalism, and ambition that supported the club’s climb through Jamaica’s football structure.