Former Reggae Boy denies accepting coaching job at Wolmer's

Former Wolmer's Boys' coach Ludlow Bernard.

Gardner

Shayne Fairman, Star Writer

Former national football captain Ricardo 'Bibi' Gardner has denied reports that he will be taking up the head coach job at his alma mater, Wolmer's Boys' School, following the resignation of former team coach Ludlow Bernard.

"I have had no approach from Wolmer's," Gardner told Star Sports.

"I have no immediate plans to coach, but things could change," Gardner, who was a member of the Wolmer's line-up when the team that last won the Manning Cup title in 1994, said.

Meanwhile, Bernard admitted to Star Sports yesterday that he had handed in his resignation at the Heroes Circle-based school for personal reasons.

"I won't be saying anything more about my future until I am employed wherever I am serving in the future," he said.

Bernard joined Wolmer's from Kingston College in 2011 for a four-year term, but only completed three. He coached the school to the Walker Cup knockout title and Manning Cup final in 2013, and the semi-finals of the Manning Cup this year.

However, the main prize has eluded the school, and speculation was rife that Bernard could be relieved of his job if he failed to deliver this year.

A well-placed Wolmer's source told the Star Sports that the school's administration evaluated Bernard's performance and a decision was taken.

"Wolmer's is a name-brand school, so a coach is expected to deliver results here. Like other name-brand schools, the administration, old boys' association and stake-holders expect favourable results from their team," said our source.

Bernard, however, said he left the institution without remorse, and said it was mutually decided.

Our source said that the school is already in search of Bernard's replacement, and a new coach could be named as early as next week.

"Our administration is of the view someone in the system can be looked at for the job, as they understand what the school stands for," he noted.

Meanwhile, Bernard has already been linked with a return to KC and Harbour View Football Club where he was a youth coach and remains a member.

"I do not want any speculation on my future. When the time comes, people will know where I am contracted to. I need a new challenge," the seasoned tactician pointed out.