Former Golden Jaguar stalwart and current Slingerz FC Coach Charles Pollard is questioning Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson’s omission from the Golden Jaguars national team, saying his vast knowledge and game-changing play would be an asset to the team.
“I am upset with the omission of Gregory Richardson. He has been one of our better players for the last generation. Despite what people might think about his attitude,
he gives 150 per cent in work rate and training,” Pollard said, in an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport.
Asked if Richardson’s perceived attitude may have contributed to his current omission, Pollard said, “Don’t blame a man for asking and questioning things. At the last World Cup Qualifiers, he was the best player and he is only 30. I think the present staff come with premeditated decisions on certain players.”
“He is one of the players who can turn a game around and he is probably the best player in Guyana. If we don’t have coaches who can deal with these players with high knowledge, then we got to get new coaches,” the coach said. “People come with their intention of not giving him a chance. You got to give him a chance because of what he can do for this country. If you are looking for development, he is in the prime of his career. I want answers as to why he is not in the team.”
Pollard also said it would be disastrous if Richardson is not selected for national honours as he has a vast knowledge of the game. “Everyone got their ways but he could play despite his [indiscipline]. If you never dealt with someone, you can’t just ridicule them. It’s the national team you are talking about and he has been doing it long for us. Let the best players play,” he said.
