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‘Tappa’, Mount Pleasant finalising deal
August 30, 2024
Although Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore answered the call to return for a second spell as head coach of Mount Pleasant Academy after only months after his contract was not renewed by the St Ann club, he revealed that he hasn't fully signed off with the club as yet.
However, STAR Sports has been reliably informed that the former national midfielder is closer to signing a new deal.
Whitmore, who is also still under contract with Cornwall College, said he will remain with the St James-based all-boys school.
"We are still in talks," he said of his Mount Pleasant situation. "We haven't signed off on anything. But sitting here (press conference) is an indication that things will work out," he stated.
"But we still have some things to work out because I am still with Cornwall College. So we still have some more talking to do. But I am the coach of Cornwall College and that hasn't changed."
In his two seasons at Mount Pleasant, Whitmore relied heavily on the expertise of his trusted assistant, Daveon Ferguson, who is currently the head coach of Portmore United.
It has been reported that Whitmore wants Ferguson by his side again for his second stint. But it is reported that Portmore are demanding a $26 million release for the Jamaica College coach.
Whitmore, who did not have his contract renewed by the club after back-to-back finals and one title, replaced Harold Thomas, who was sacked after one match.
He said it was an easy decision to go back.
"It (coaching) is a passion. And I have found some great friends at Mount Pleasant, the fans, management. So I don't think it has been difficult that a few months have passed and we are back here," Whitmore said.
"In football there are no surprises. It wasn't difficult. I am not going to be the first coach to go back to a club. Jose Mourinho has done it, Zinedine Zidane. So it's not hard. And I won't be the last. It wasn't a difficult decision."
He added also that the quick turnover of coaches at the club is not a major concern for him, as he is just there to get on with the job.
"I wouldn't say it is a concern. I wasn't fired from Mount Pleasant (last time). But at times negotiations and all these things break down. But a few months and I am back here. So I just have to press on," he stated.
Meanwhile, Mount Pleasant's sporting director Paul Christie disclosed that talks are still ongoing with Whitmore, but that they are in a good place.
"We are just tying up some personal terms to make sure that the coach is in a good place and can concentrate on a substantive role and function, which is preparing the team," said Christie.
"So we have signed off in principal, but we are just tying up some personal terms to ensure he is comfortable," he said.
Christie also pointed out that no decision has been made on Whitmore's ties with Cornwall College, and also dispelled rumours that Ferguson had rejoined the club from Portmore.
"That is a hundred per cent not true. I can say in an official capacity that I haven't had any communication with Mr Ferguson. The last time I heard he was at Portmore," Christie stated.
"I do not know if he still at Portmore. I have not been in contact with him or Portmore. One thing I can categorically say is that he is not an employee of Mount Pleasant."
