JACK IS BACK

Rodney “Chang” Jack has redeemed his football career in his adopted home, England.

The 33-year-old Jack is once again on the roster of First Division Club Crewe Alexandra.{{more}}

And he is making his mark on return.

Jack scored one of two goals that ousted 2006 finalist and Premier Division Club Wigan from the Carling Cup last Tuesday.

“It was a special to score,” he told reporters, after bagging his first goal for the season.

It has been an arduous journey for him to land a contract in the twilight of his career.

Jack’s woes began in October 2004, when he injured his medial ligament in his right knee, playing for St. Vincent and the Grenadines against Mexico in the World Cup qualifiers.

Then, a member of Oldham Athletic, Jack’s long period of recovery meant he was contributing little to his club. Jack then found himself without an employer.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation, whose lame effort of setting up an Appeal Fund to compensate for his loss of income realised little, overlooked his plea for financial help.

Jack’s trials at Port Vale and Wrexham and in Scotland were unsuccessful. He turned to Northern Ireland, but his stint there with Waterford was short-lived.

The nippy forward was also sought after by at least one club in Australia, but a favourable deal never materialised.

Jack spent his best and most productive years in the English League with Crewe, from 1998 to 2003.

While there, he played in 188 matches and notched up 42 goals.

One season with Rushden and Diamond preceded his move to Oldham. His returns were limited to 13 goals, as a combination of injury and loss of form restricted his appearances.

Jack started his professional career with Third Division Club Torquay United in 1995, scoring 30 goals before a record signing to Crewe.

His entry into the English set up followed trials with Lambada, a concoction of many top Caribbean players managed by Kevin Millard.

Jack burst onto the regional scene in 1990, while still a schoolboy. His three goals against Barbados in the Shell Caribbean Cup earned him the respect as one of the most lethal strikers in the region.

Before leaving for England, Jack played for Stingers Football Club in the local competition.