Newly appointed Montego Bay United head coach, Tim Hankinson (right), makes a point to squad members Jerome Haughton (centre) and Donovan Carey, during a training session at their Westpow Park facility on Monday. - Paul Clarke

Paul Clarke, STAR Writer

Western Bureau:

After ending the 2014-15 Red Stripe Premier League football season on a disappointing note, Montego Bay United have raised the stakes on their rivals, by bringing in respected American coach Tim Hankinson.

Hankinson, who was brought in recently, has taken over the reins from Dr Dean Weatherley, who managed the team on a part-time basis, after the club parted ways with Carlos Garcia late last season.

Weatherly, who led them to their first Premier League title since the Seba United rebranding two seasons ago and also to the title game last season, remains a key figure at the club and now assumes the role of technical director.

Hankinson told STAR Sports at the team's training facility at Westpow Park yesterday that he was expecting a tough first season in charge, but was looking forward to the challenge.

"We want to build off last season's campaign. I gather we did well to reach the final and that is where we want to get back to this season," he said.

"This club has some talented players; the squad is settled and as you see we are now in training for the long job ahead of us. But at the end of the season, the hope is that we will be crowned champions," Hankinson said.

His pedigree as a top coach cannot be understated, having done a superb job managing Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids from 2001-2004, leading them to the play-offs in three of his four seasons in charge.

The 60-year-old New York native is regarded in some circles as a journey man football coach, having managed several other clubs outside of Colorado Rapids, the furthest being Indian I-League side Salgaocar FC.

While details of his contract remain a guarded secret, Hankinson is hoping to produce by helping the club to a strong first season in the CONCACAF Champions League, as well as to condition the players for the rigorous Premier League season.

"I know what the team did last season, but now we look with anticipation to this coming season, knowing that in order to win, we must outplay all the other teams out there. That is what we are building towards and hopefully the title will be ours," Hankinson said.