BY AINSLEY WALTERS, Staff Reporter
Onandi Lowe in bustling action for Jamaica in a World Cup Qaualifier against El Salvador. - FILE
Left without a club after being shown the door by Arnett Gardens last Friday, former national striker Onandi Lowe yesterday approached Waterhouse where he has been welcomed with open arms by president Peter Hibbert.
The Waterhouse president last night confirmed how Lowe, who represented the club in the 1998-1999 Premier League season, turned up at Drewsland, indicating his desire to join the Calvert Fitzgerald-coached side.
"We are presently in discussions with a view to signing him," said Hibbert. The player showed his seriousness today. He visited us and we had a serious talk. As soon as I hang up, I'll be instructing management to get in touch with Arnett to see how we proceed.
QUALITY PLAYER
"He's a quality player and I believe he must be thinking of relaunching his career and, having looked around, chose Waterhouse to at least have discussions with us."
Hibbert said it should be a smooth transition for Lowe to leave Arnett Gardens, who holds his rights.
"We have to observe the protocol by first discussing it with Arnett and take it from there," he pointed out.
Hibbert should have no problem securing Lowe, whose big break in the English Premiership was foiled last year after being charged with drug offences following a move to Coventry City from Rushden and Diamonds.
Arnett Gardens manager Patrick Roberts last night said 31-year-old Lowe, who rejoined the Junglists in January after being cleared of his charges, was told on Friday his services were no longer needed.
"He had left for Canada before the start of this season," Roberts explained. "He came back Friday and we sat with him, explained the vision of the club and the route we're going this year.
"We're focusing mainly on youths. We have some core players - Kevin Wilson, Everton Bunsie, Gerald Neil, Cornel Chin-Sue, Jonathan Williams, Kwame Richardson and Patrick Graham - who are above 25 but in the 26-27 category.
"We've retained those players to blend with the youth. We explained that to him and he understood. If there's accommodation elsewhere, we have no problem," Roberts added.
That should be good news for Hibbert, who seems set on signing the towering striker to join Kevin Lamey up front and boost Waterhouse, who are second in the Premier League standings, three points behind leaders Harbour View.
LAMEY..FRANCHISE PLAYER
"Kevin Lamey is no doubt our franchise players but the game is a very unforgiving one and we have to plan around that.
"Lamey could get hurt, break his leg, things you don't want to mention now but everywhere in the world, if you look at Chelsea, millions of dollars on the bench replace millions in the first team. When the coach is making a change, he calls upon a million-dollar substitute."
Just how effective Lowe will be at Waterhouse, if signed, is left to be seen. After scoring in his first two appearances for Arnett Gardens in January, Lowe failed to inspire the Junglists to the semi-finals while struggling to find fitness.
That taught Arnett a lesson, which Waterhouse could learn the hard way.
"Last year the route Arnett went was to grab up all the big names coming our way - Daniel Shaw, Loxley Thomas, Onandi Lowe, Patrick Beech, Winston Griffiths - and we still ended the season at fifth," Roberts pointed out.
However, Hibbert is prepared to take his chances.
"His fitness, that is for the technical team," he said. "They have to determine his level of fitness."
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