Andrew Price quietly optimistic as Tivoli Gardens rebuild for new Jamaica Premier League season

Andrew Price is optimistic about Tivoli Gardens’ chances in the new Jamaica Premier League season, but the veteran coach is keeping his prediction deliberately modest.

Tivoli finished 10th last season, outside the playoff places, with 44 points from 11 wins, 17 defeats and 11 draws. The five-time champions have not won the league since 2011. Price said the club is trying to rebuild momentum one match at a time rather than make ambitious promises before the campaign begins.

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We have retained several players from last season. Those will be amalgamated with players that we have brought in to assist with the depth of the squad going forward.

The club has kept a core of last season’s players and added Leaughn Williams, Dasha Satchwell, Damari Deacon, Shakur Adair and Rushane Thompson. Nickalia Fuller, Nathaniel Francis and Janoi Williams have left. Price believes the combination will give Tivoli more depth across the season.

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I am quietly optimistic going into the season. We will take each game one at a time and build momentum as the season progresses.

Pre-season training has gone well, he said, with players responding to the demands and embracing the philosophy being developed at the club. Tivoli have also had to accelerate their preparations because the JPL season starts earlier than in previous years. Several rivals are already in competitive action through Caribbean club competitions, adding urgency to the team’s work.

Price also pointed to support from the club president, management and the wider Tivoli Gardens community. Community supporters have increasingly attended training sessions, offering encouragement as the squad prepares to begin the campaign.

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The players have responded well to pre-season training and embraced the philosophy we are developing at the club. Once we keep them healthy and injury-free, we will be competitive this season.