Marcel Gayle named Arnett Gardens head coach after Williams exit

Marcel Gayle has taken over as head coach of Jamaica Premier League side Arnett Gardens, returning to the top flight after leaving Waterhouse earlier this year. He ran his first session with the five-time champions on Monday morning following his appointment.

Gayle succeeds Philip Williams, who spent one season at the club before resigning last Wednesday. Williams said personal reasons prompted the move. Under him, Arnett Gardens finished seventh on 58 points and fell just short of a playoff place.

Those close to the matter link the exit to Williams’ long-standing teaching role at St. Andrew Technical High School, where he has worked for 21 years. He has also coached Tivoli Gardens and Portmore United in recent years. This is the second Jamaica Premier League post he has left within two years for the same commitment: in 2024 he quit Dunbeholden after only two matches of that season, again citing school duties.

Gayle’s move to Arnett Gardens comes soon after his January departure from Waterhouse. Argentine Javier Einstein then took over at the Juici-Land club and has since left as well, becoming head coach at Montego Bay United.

Among the 12 clubs that contested last season and are returning for the new campaign, Mount Pleasant FA, Cavalier, Portmore United, Molynes United and Treasure Beach are the only sides yet to change head coaches. Newly promoted Humble Lion and Chu Chu FC will also begin the season under new managers.