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“[…] Given my experiences during my tenure, I respectfully share a couple parting comments which I trust will be received in the context of someone honestly wanting the best for football in Barbados.
“[…] Unified, you are best prepared for success, while divided you create a fertile environment for not achieving your fullest potential…”
The following is a release from former Barbados Men’s National Senior Team head coach and Trinidad and Tobago icon Russell Latapy:
In March 2019, I was entrusted with the responsibility to lead the technical components of the Senior Men’s National Team of the Barbados Football Association (BFA). A responsibility I undertook with the highest degree of professionalism, enthusiasm and confidence.
Today, I stand resolute in my belief that my conscientious and proficient leadership facilitated the building of trust and mutual respect while positively impacting those that I led.
However, having been at the helm of this program for the past three and a half years, and with sincerest thanks to you, the people of Barbados, the BFA and President of the BFA Mr Randolph Harris, the technical staff of the Senior Men’s National Team and players of the Senior Men’s National Team, I must advise that I will no longer function in the role of head coach for the Senior Men’s National Team.
It is in this vein that I communicate directly with you. Admittedly, this was a very difficult decision, as serving as the Senior Men’s National Team head coach brought me feelings of boundless pride and joy.
(Courtesy Concacaf)
With humility, I therefore recognise that I have arrived at a crossroad where, as difficult as it is, requires me, after recent consultations with the President of the BFA and the continuous evaluation of my own professional plans and personal demands, to immediately step away as your Senior Men’s National Team head coach.
Given my experiences during my tenure, I respectfully share a couple parting comments which I trust will be received in the context of someone honestly wanting the best for football in Barbados.
Firstly, a principle that I know you recognise and embrace. Actions that lead towards the accomplishment of a defined goal does not produce a result overnight. Rather, the achievement of a result is the direct consequence of diligent planning, the reliable allocation of adequate resources (i.e. tenacious investment), the holistic development of your human and infrastructural capital, periodic monitoring and evaluation to track progress or appropriately modify plans, dedication, belief in self and the process, faith and support.
(via BFA)
These being some, not all, of the necessary tools I can proffer based on space constraints. I therefore implore you to view the needs of your football program through the optical prism of implementing these result attaining elements.
Secondly, another principle to which you will be no stranger. Unified, you are best prepared for success, while divided you create a fertile environment for not achieving your fullest potential.
This statement not to suggest that you must, or will, always agree on a proposed plan of action. Rather, to plead for you to be unapologetically objective, and, as energetically as you rightfully oppose plans you disagree with, devote equal energy towards supporting plans that you do agree with.
Ultimately, such objectivity of thought and action has the potential to support the creation of an environment that enables the development of a truly competitive football program.
This said, and with thanks for allowing me this space and embracing me during my time in Barbados, I again express my sincerest thanks to you, the people of Barbados, the BFA and President of the BFA Mr Randolph Harris, the technical staff of the Senior Men’s National Team and players of the Senior Men’s National Team.
I could not resist the new opportunities and challenges of the A league, as one of my objectives is to build on the trust that has been afforded me while sharing my leadership and communication skills, vision, values sets, competitive nature, football acumen, and knowledge of the game to ensure that this journey will be successful for all at Macarthur FC.
Please continue to aspire for greatness and fulfilment wrapped in peace, love and longevity.
Much success into the future!
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