DESPITE Owen Hill’s shock resignation as Professional Jamaica Football Limited (PFJL) CEO, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts and Harbour View FC General Manager Clyde Jureidini believe there’s no room for stagnation as the standard of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) must keep improving.

On Tuesday Hill, who was appointed in September 2022, tendered his resignation from his role effective the end of September, joining outgoing Chairman Chris Williams who announced his departure in June.

Hill oversaw multiple multimillion-dollar sponsorships of the league, including the deal with title sponsor Wray & Nephew as well as clubs meeting the modern standards set by Concacaf.

Hill couldn’t be reached for comment by the
Jamaica Observer but in a copy of his resignation letter seen by the
Observer he said the decision, “while difficult, comes after months of professional reflection”.

A former JPL player with UWI FC, Hill noted achievements during his tenure, and said he’s open to being a consultant for the PFJL “should it be deemed beneficial”.

Ricketts told the
Observer that he was stunned by Hill’s resignation just days into the new JPL season but was pleased with his professionalism throughout.

“I think he would have done an excellent job as CEO of PFJL. In fact, I had a meeting with him on Saturday and there was absolutely no indication of him being unhappy or wanting to walk away,” he said.

“In fact, he was very strident and really showed the level of maturity, the level of interest, the level of loyalty, the level of commitment that certainly would translate into good and positive results, so I am disappointed. In fact, I just never expected this.”

Jureidini says Hill played a significant role in the growth of the league, especially at the club level.

“A sad loss and a big loss, and it hit me hard because I work very closely with Owen,” he told the
Observer. “[He] has elevated himself and professionally, has assisted the clubs and the PFJL to make the quantum leap of getting the commercialisation, business aspect, and the presentation of a professional environment on behalf of himself, the PFJL, the clubs and the many sponsors and partners.

“It’s a step that I, for one, am grateful for. And speaking on behalf of Harbour View Football Club, [I’m] very grateful to his contribution, and we respect him and hope he continues to be a part of it,” Jureidini added.

Just a little over a year since signing a 10-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the JFF, PFJL are now on the lookout for a new chairman and CEO.

While admitting it’s not ideal, Ricketts is confident the situation will be sorted in short order.

“Chris [Williams] did say that he was walking away for personal reasons and that his business would have demanded more of his time, so that is understood. But Owen is, like I said, I just was caught off guard because I had a discussion with him on Saturday and there was absolutely no indication that he was unhappy about anything,” he said.

“But, the show has to go on and we have targeted and shortlisted some persons who we think from that group could positively impact this sport,” said the JFF boss.

Jureidini says PFJL and the clubs must continue in their efforts to ensure that Hill’s and Williams’ contributions don’t go to waste.

“I’m even more heartened to know that these two of great stature came there and assisted. Before, there was us as the club members doing things that we weren’t accustomed to doing, probably not proficient at, tried our best to do. Now, we’re getting specialists and independent persons coming in, and they have laid the way for others to come and to add to what they have done, and to broaden the scope, and to continue to grow us,” he said.

“While we lose them in some respects, they have encouraged and planted the seed and shared the knowledge for all of us to continue to grow and to make space for others to come in, because it’s the whole football environment — it’s not one or two persons,” said the Harbour View general manager.

JUREIDINI… they have encouraged and planted the seed and shared the knowledge for all of us to continue to grow

RICKETTS… we have targeted and shortlisted some persons who we think from that group could positively impact this sport

Owen Hill