A DIE-HARD  SUPPORTERS’  PERSPECTIVE
Norwyn A Gayle. a.k.a Delegate. 

Normally when one rambles through history and historical events, one’s initial remark is usually “I remember when” but in my case getting older I find that my elephantine memory is diminishing, so I would prefer to put it “I remember them”.

I remember Paul “Pablo” Robinson the quintessential forward, he does everything that a forward should do excellently, then there is Michael “Fat Eye” Thompson the dribbling maestro in mid-field. His control was so close it appeared as if the football was tied to his bootlace. Donovan “DV” Hayles revolutionized goal keeping; his agility was such that none could question his ability as a small statured goalie in an era when large goalies were in vogue. He kept out of the team possibly another national goalkeeper in Michael “Jubby” Jones. Then there is the slippery Archie Richards whose snake-like movement over and with the ball mesmerized his opponents into doing awkward comical dances. Then there is the hard running Clyde Juriedini who’s pace and ability to reach at the end of a goal scoring opportunity was unequalled, but bushing some chances gave him the nickname “Good Try”. None the less he scored a lot of goals. The wily Trevor “Little Skill” McKenzie with his deft touches earned him this alias which he claim by salading the great Alan “Skill” Cole remarking simultaneously “Big Skill meet Little Skill”. This quote may not be as accurate as it should be but it relates the sentiments. There is Conrad “Balance” Mullings, a feared center haft who drank alcohol, smoked cigarettes, gambled, bleached, and womanized. All these things should detracted from him being a fit and healthy footballer but when it comes to “Balance” none could prove this to be true , he was an exception. There is Owen “Ital” Stewart who plays with the heart of a lion and nimbleness of an antelope. When you thing of a macho player “Ital” is the ideal baller.

Don’t think that those mentioned can fill our bucket of excellence and discipline, there is the intimidating “Bower”, the obedient “Blacka Mikes”, the super talented Harry Tenant, the speedy Jack Percy, the hard driving and consistent Peter “Jair” Cargill, the acrobatic Russell Bell, the effervescent Trevor “Jumpy” Harris, the gentlemanly Howard “Juicy” Cain, the bustling Mark “Rugu Rugu” Salmon and the gentle giant Mark “Big Bird” Salmon who exhibited the power of a bull, touch of a butterfly and the moves of a ballet dancer. There is the bubbling “Duck”, the cool Burt “Butto” Robinson, the tenacious Ewan “Shanny” Hayles, the biting Barrington “Cobra” Gaynor, the never say die Linval McKenzie, Noel Brissett, the “Crude” Christopher Spaulding, classy Junior Groves, Dougie Bell, Keith Cunningham, George “Bruiser” Young, and the two footed Carl Grant.

If you the reader could have seen those players in there heyday, emotions you would have felt is exhilaration, a glowing feeling of happiness and a sense of zenith-like pride.

These are some of the players that have helped to build the foundation on which the Harbour View Football Club has been able to maintain high standards and ideals deservedly acknowledging the title “The Stars of the East”.

However, my nostalgic commentary in no way detracts from our contemporary players for when they take the field on a good day they remind me of the excellent players of the past. The great Ricardo “Bibi” Gardner, powerhouse Onandi Lowe, Richard Coke, Lloyd Barker and Owen “Busta” Kirkland, Neil “Waggy” Stewart all who kick started the resurgence of the “nineties”. There is the midfield maestro Jermaine“Jerry” Hue, the mercurial Daniel Shaw, the acrobatic Nicholas “Helmet” McCreath, the agile Leon Gordon, the intimidating Damion “Stew Peas” Stewart, the indomitable Donald “Foulie” Stewart, the speedy Robert “Little Bebe” Scarlett and the brilliant forward Fabian “Codjie” Taylor.

I could go on and on and on as our well has never run dry giving credence to our historic history.

P.S – If your name was not mentioned in the above emotionally filled article it is due to the lack of space and my waning memory. However when I see you I remember you and your great deeds which always leaves me with a glowing high that sometimes shows as goose bumps.

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