‘No bad blood’

Donovan Duckie says he resigned as head coach of Chapleton Maroons on Thursday, but club officials insist he was relieved of his duties because of absenteeism.

Duckie told the Jamaica Observer he submitted his resignation with immediate effect, and said there was “no bad blood” between himself and the club.

“I figured that I need a change of scenery, and I am open to coaching at either a school or a club,” Duckie said.

He added that he had not spoken to any potential employers before making his decision.

However, Chapelton Maroons CEO Craig Butler disputed Duckie’s account with a succinct response when asked.

“Duckie was relieved of his duties for absenteeism. We wish him only the best,” Butler told the Observer.

DUCKIE…I figured that I need a change of scenery (Photo: Paul A. Reid)

Duckie said he had e-mailed a resignation letter to the club on Thursday and was unsure whether it had been seen.

In the letter, he thanked the club for the opportunity to serve as head coach.

“This decision was not an easy one, but after careful consideration, I believe it is the right step for my personal and professional growth,” he wrote.

Chapleton finished eighth in the Jamaica Premier League standings this season and failed to qualify for the play-offs after winning only two of their final nine matches.

Duckie, a former Jamaica Under-20 head coach, has previously coached Mount Pleasant, Montego Bay United, Humble Lion, Waterhouse, and Vere United. He also coached Manchester High at the schoolboy level.