Having taken over the head coaching job at struggling Spanish Town Police FC, Dwight Smith has the arduous task of keeping them afloat in the Jamaica Premier League, a challenge he says he is prepared to take on.

Smith, the current coach of Old Harbour United, has been elevated as Head Coach of Spanish Town Police following Old Harbour United’s acquisition of the Spanish Town Police club. He will replace Brian Spencer and will look to turn around the fortunes of the club, which is rooted at the bottom of the 14-team JPL on eight points from 14 games, including 10 defeats, and just two wins.

“We are in a sticky situation, we need to get points on the board,” he told the Jamaica Observer yesterday.

According to Smith, he has watched Spanish Town Police and they do have quality players, with reinforcement expected from players from sister club Old Harbour United, which won the St Catherine title last season.

“The quality difference is not much in the Premier League. It’s about how to get the best out of the players. How best to rally the troops,” he pointed out.

“I have been watching some games, the gap is not that wide. If you win three games, you are up the table,” he pointed out.

Spanish Town Police are four points adrift of the immediate teams above them and have their work cut out to avoid relegation. But Smith remains confident that he can have a positive impact on his new club.

Having gained valuable experience at Vere United (Jamalco) assistant coach and head coach of the women’s team, Smith, came to prominence as the assistant to Vassell Reynolds when Kingston College won the Manning Cup and the all-island Olivier Shield titles in 2024.

Smith is the holder of Concacaf B and C licences and is currently on the verge of obtaining his UEFA C Licence, with just Phase 3 remaining to be completed.

Smith, who will turn 40 on Saturday, was also the head coach of Clarendon Under-15 and the head coach at Kemps Hill High School from 2012 to 2023.

Spanish Town Police will look to start their march up the table when they face Dunbeholden FC on Sunday as the Jamaica Premier League continues with the first set of games for the new year.

Spanish Town Police FC’s goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel (left) blocks a shot from Montego Bay United’s Jourdain Fletcher (second left) as Richard Brown (second right) and Tajae Harris run apace during the Jamaica Premier League football match at Montego Bay Sports Complex in St James on September 28, 2025. Montego Bay won 4-0. (Photo: Paul Reid)