National footballer appeal fund short of cash

An Appeal Fund launched by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) last year to aid injured national footballer Rodney “Chang” Jack has netted a mere $400.

This is according to Acting General Secretary of the local football body, Earl Bennett. {{more}}

Bennettt, the executive’s nerve centre for communications with the overseas-based players, said he did not even know of Jack’s whereabouts.

A befuddled Bennett was unaware that he had moved to another club.

The much publicised fund hyped by then Public Relations Officer Donald Thomas was established in June at the RBTT Bank and the Bank of Nova Scotia.

Thomas promised to have other fund raising activities. Jack, undoubtedly one of the finest footballers this country, had received an injury to the medial ligament in his left knee during this country’s memorable World Cup Qualifier against continental powerhouse Mexico here October 10, 2004.

The SVGFF took on the task of compensating Jack, who on return to his club in England was sidelined and on the verge of being on the bread line. He however was able to maintain his stay with his employers but was relegated to second team status, until the eventual parting.

Apart from the appeal fund, the SVGFF was engaged in the sale of replica “Vincy Heat” jerseys to complement Jack’s cause.

Since its launch, Jack has made a move to Third Division Club Waterford from Oldham Athletic.

This latest move comes at the twilight of his career. Jack, 33, began playing professionally there in 1997 with Third Division Torquay United.

Entry in the English League came after a stint with a semi-professional set up orchestrated by Kevin Millard, a UK born football coach who had football engagements in Barbados. Millard’s club Lambada, made up of Caribbean nationals, toured England engaging in try outs and playing friendlies.

His move to Crewe Alexandra saw him enjoying his best years. There, the nippy right winger caught the eyes of Premier Division managers. Bosses at Queen’s Park Rangers, New Castle United and Nottingham Forest all showed interest in him; however he never made the elevation to the top flight.

Two seasons with Rusden and Diamond preceded his tenure at Oldham, which was halted last season.