KINGSTON, Jamaica — Patrick Roberts has resigned as president of the Arnett Gardens Football Club, effective May 9, 2018.

Roberts’ resignation, which was tendered today, comes after months of salary disputes with the football players, who drew up a petition calling for his replacement.

It has been reported that since Omar Davies left as Member of Parliament for South St Andrew and chairman of Arnett Gardens FC, the new MP Mark Golding was unwilling to work with Roberts but, in the MP’s effort to seize power, it was proven in the club’s constitution that the position of chairman did not exist.

Golding had to subsequently back off. However, with Roberts’ resignation he would assume total control of the club with his own management team in place.

Roberts’ resignation also comes amid a loss to Waterhouse on Monday night in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL), where the team crashed 1-2 at for a 1-3 aggregate semi-final loss at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

In his letter to the Kingston & St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA), the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and the Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA) — a copy of which was obtained by OBSERVER ONLINE — Roberts said his presidency since the year 2000 was directly parallel to the rise of this “great football club”.

He outlined that having won four National Premier League titles, five Jackie Bell titles, Western Union Title 2003 (Intl) and countless youth titles and trophies under his stewardship; that’s the most successful period in its long history.

Roberts said he was blessed to have had the opportunity to work alongside some bright sporting minds both internally and externally.

He further added that his “tireless efforts” have not gone unnoticed as “on a daily basis since I made known my intention to resign, I have received many emails, countless texts and social media messages and kudos for my part in improving the standards of the club, as well as bringing hope to many youths who have sought to bring meaning to their lives through sports”.