Adrian Frater, News editor

Paul 'Tegat' Davis ... no longer at Village United. - file

Western Bureau

After rescuing Village United from relegation last year when he came on board midway the season and guided them through an eight-game unbeaten streak, coach Paul 'Tegat' Davis had high expectations for the team going into the 2008-09 season.

However, when Village United start their campaign against Harbour View this weekend, the astute Davis, who was harbouring thoughts about taking them to their first championship this year, will not be the man giving instructions as he has parted company with the club.

Asked for a raise

"I asked the club for a raise and instead of meeting my request, they decided to seek the services of another coach," said Davis, who is Jamaica's all-time leading goal-scorer with 33 goals.

While Davis respects Village United's right to decide on a coach of their choice, he is livid that rumours are circulating that he had forced the club's hand by demanding a car as well as a monthly salary of over $80,000.

"Last year, I was paid $70,000 per month and got no other allowance despite using my personal car to travel from my home in Montego Bay to Falmouth every day," said Davis. "This year, I offered them the option of either providing me with transportation or giving me a $15,000 raise."

"I have never demanded a car from Village United because I already own a car," said Davis. "Petrol prices and car parts are constantly increasing, so I consider a $15,000 a month raise as quite reasonable."

Davis, who had guided the club to the National Premier League (NPL) in a previous stint and is a big fan of supporters of the club, said he still loves the club, but does not see himself working with it in the future.

Upset with treatment

"I took this club from parish league to the NPL and have always given them 100 per cent commitment in my two stints as coach," said Davis. "I am, therefore, quite upset with the way the club's management has treated me and I can't see myself working with them again."

When the club was contacted for a comment, a team official described the situation as, 'an internal issue' and noted that such matters were not up for public discussion.

Meanwhile, Davis is taking issue with some coaches, arguing that when they allow themselves to be treated like non-entities, they are making it difficult for serious coaches to demand a reasonable salary without being considered greedy.

"Some coaches will settle for pittance and so when other coaches make reasonable demands, they are considered greedy," said Davis. "When the clubs are planning their budget they make provision to pay decent salaries to star players and they must do the same for coaches."

With no NPL team to coach, at least for now, Davis has set his sights on resurrecting the William Knibb High School Under-16 football programme and according to him; he is quite enthused about sharing his vast knowledge and experience with the youngsters.