After serving as an assistant head coach at St George’s College the last 20 years, Marcel Gayle has suddenly been thrust into the spotlight as a frontrunner to lead the school’s revival as a football powerhouse. He plans to do it differently if given the opportunity.

Gayle was assistant to Neville “Bertis” Bell during the golden era at the school, which saw five Manning Cup triumphs and 15 titles overall, including Walker Cups, Olivier Shields and Champions Cup.

Gayle, who is the head coach of Waterhouse FC, expressed disbelief over Bell’s departure.

“I wish him all the best. I don’t think he will be leaving. Probably I’m fooling myself,” said Gayle. “I know that Bertis is always here. He’s going to be always here with us. I’m still reeling from it and we’ll have to sit down and get used to it.”

With Bell’s sudden resignation, Gayle led the boys into battle in the Walker Cup, crashing 2-4 to Mona High. But that’s not an indication that the head coaching position is sewn up for him.

“I mean, I’ve been there for over two decades. So, I understand the system and I know the culture within St George’s.

“If the opportunity comes and they choose me, I will give it my 100 as always and, you know, put the best foot forward all the time, George’s first,” said Gayle.

But, going forward, things will be a bit different if he is given the opportunity, he said, adding that “For now, we have to focus on how we get ourselves quick and organised, so we can continue what we’re doing.”

St George’s College are the second most successful school in the history of the Manning Cup with 21 titles, only behind Jamaica College with 29 and ahead of Kingston College on 17 titles.

However, their fortunes haven’t been fruitful over the last decade, having won their last Manning Cup 13 years ago in 2012, with their last title being 10 years ago in the Champions Cup in 2015.

This year was one to forget for the ‘Light Blues’ of North Street as they lost six times in the Manning Cup and were eliminated in the round of 16, which prompted the shock resignation of veteran coach Bell.

They were knocked out of the Walker Cup on Wednesday to end a disappointing season.

Gayle, if given the full-time job at St George’s College, will have his hands full getting back to the glory days.

“It’s not just developing football, but developing young minds because football is not about just how they feel,” Gayle said. “They are students first. It’s not just to go there and win Manning Cup, but to be the better human being for Jamaica and for the future and be better leaders now for the country.”