Palmer returns to mentor, guide young team

It's been more than 11 years since Lovel Palmer last wore a Harbour View Football club shirt. Now going on 37 (born August 30, 1984), the veteran utility player is back for one last hooray, as he is set to return to local football after playing overseas for almost a decade.

Palmer remembers vividly the last time he turned out for Harbour View against Tivoli Gardens way back in May 2010. That same year, the team went on to win the then National Premier League.

Fast forward to over a decade, and the former Major League Soccer and United Soccer League (USL) standout is ready to lead a band of youths at his parent club into a new era in the inaugural Jamaica Premier League.

"It's a great feeling to be back in football in Jamaica because there is a generation of youths with the club that need the guidance. For me, it is a motivation and an inspiration to play this mentorship role and impart the knowledge that I have gained playing overseas for all these years," said Palmer.

The right-back and midfielder who has been capped 30 times for the Reggae Boyz, was once a regular in MLS with clubs such as Houston Dynamo, Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake and Chicago Fire between 2010 and 2015.

In his later years, the St Elizabeth native would parade his skills in the USL with teams such as Indy Eleven, Miami FC and Demoines Menace.

While most players would be looking to hang up their boots at the ripe old age of 36, Palmer says the fire that brought him into football at Essex Valley and Harbour Views Youth system still burns, and he will continue to play whichever role he can in the sport he has come to love dearly.

"Football brings me joy, and we need joy in our lives especially in times like these where COVID-19 has sucked the life out of everything, going back to football really brings a different energy," added Palmer.

The former St. Elizabeth Technical player credits Harbour View coach Ludlow Bernard for getting him back involved with the sport and he is looking forward to playing any role required of him in the new season and also emulating Bernard when he finally decides to call it a day.

"When I am done playing I have a wealth of knowledge I want to impart to the young players because I definitely want to change lives, same as how coach Bernard has changed my life as a footballer."