Heading back where we belong! - Bernard wants H’View to consistently compete for titles again

Ludlow Bernard, the man who will lead Harbour View Football Club into the 2020-2021 Premier League season, said his aim is to make the club a force to be reckoned with again.

Since claiming their last title in 2013, the Stars of the East have struggled to compete for the championship, making the play-offs only twice during that time.

They have also been through five coaches over the last two seasons, with very little difference in results.

However, Bernard, who returned to the sidelines towards the end of last season after two years, believes he has the formula to make the club a consistent contender for the title again.

"Harbour View always aim high. So we are looking for a championship. My role is to put it all together and put a competitive product on the field.

"My approach is not an overnight quick fix, it's going to take time. I have set myself an agenda and I'm making sure all the pieces are in place," he said.

"Winning the league is indeed a priority but I first need to make Harbour View Football Club competitive again, albeit with youngsters," he added.

Harbour View registered 20 players under the age of 20 for this season, and part of Bernard's job is help these young talents make the transition to the senior team and establish a competitive side from this core for the next few years.

"I am very enthusiastic and confident about the youngsters and their ability in the upcoming competition.

"After a year or two in the league they should be in a better position to challenge. But we need to get back to a situation where we can be seen and identified as a leading club in the Caribbean, not just administratively but also on the football field," he stated.

Guide the youngsters

"We are not very unaccustomed to Harbour View being in this position, and I see where there needs to be that foundation that used to be there," continued.

Having experienced players to guide the youngsters on the field will be crucial, and Bernard will look to senior stalwarts Nicholas Beckett, Romario Campbell and McKauley Tulloch to lead that charge.

"(Experience) That may be one of the downsides to what we are doing and part of the risk we are taking.

"There has been some overhauling with the team but we have maintained players we think can provide the leadership and seniority required to guide these young players.

"It means the responsibility has been left up to Nicholas Beckett, Romario Campbell and McKauley Tulloch. We want all three of them to not only transform the team but infiltrate it with a certain degree of professionalism," he said.

He added that he also intends to assist with the development of coaches Sean Fraser and Donald Stewart.

Harbour View have won the local Premier League four times.