Champions of the Red Stripe Premier League as recently as the 2014-2015 season, Montego Bay United (MBU) have found themselves in the bottom half of the table for the greater part of the 2017-2018 season, which has been less than pleasing for their fans.

They were able to welcome back one of their most talented players, Owayne “Turtle man” Gordon, if only for a short period of time, as the striker uses the premier league to stay in shape. Gordon took 41 minutes to get on the scoresheet when he tucked away a penalty which helped to earn a point away at the UWI last Thursday.

“It is great to be back playing in a Montego Bay United shirt, and it is great to be back on the scoresheet as well. The result we got wasn’t exactly what we wanted, but to play away and get a point isn’t too bad,” he said after playing a full 90 minutes for his team.

The draw saw Mobay United maintain their eighth-place position in the league on 21 points, three away from the play-off positions. According to Gordon his club has the experience to work their way back into the top six and time is also in their favour.

“Sometimes you are up sometimes you are down; we are just at a bad patch right now and we are just pulling ourselves through it. There are a lot of games left, the table can turn at any time, it is very close so we don’t doubt ourselves about moving forward,” he said with assurance.

Gordon also acknowledged that he had a big role to play in the small window during which he will be available for the team from the west.

“I am just here for a short period of time and I am just making use of it, and hopefully I can move the team forward.

“My role will be very important for as long as I am here. We have important players returning to the team and it will motivate the other players. With me being back and on the scoresheet it will motivate the other players,” he suggested.

Gordon believes that the new year will see a turn around in the fortunes of MBU.

“We definitely know where we are heading. it’s a new year, it’s a new group, we have to work on what we have and don’t let the past affect the future,” he insisted.

The 26-year old was snapped up by USL team San Antonio FC immediately following Jamaica’s successful showing at the CONCACAF Gold Cup last year, where the Reggae Boyz finished as runners-up. and he has enjoyed his second opportunity to play in the USA.

“It was a great experience. I just finished the Gold Cup and went straight into the San Antonio line-up. It was a great experience and we went straight to the semi-finals, which was a big achievement for me. At the end of the day, losing at the semi-finals is something that you never want to do but it happens. One team has to go forward, but I really liked the experience in a different league. The year before I played in the NASL, now I play in the USL — it’s a taste of the two leagues.

“It’s two different sets of players and two different leagues,” he explained. “The two leagues are very, very different. The players in the NASL are more matured; it is two different mindset, two different group of people, so the approach is totally different. I finished with two goals and seven assists playing in my familiar role out on the wing. I am returning for preseason by the end of February.”

With so many Jamaicans looking to the US to play professionally, Gordon has not taken for granted the opportunity afforded to him.

“I am really, really thankful for every single moment that I play out there.”

— Dwayne Richards