The recent arrest of Parkmore Pirate coach Paul Jeffries (pictured) sent shockwaves through the division two club, but Pirates manager Mike Smyth has vowed to battle on and make 2007 a success.By Glen Atwell
“I’M still waiting to wake up and realise it was all a bad dream.”
That was Parkmore Pirates football manager Mike Smyth’s assessment of yet another controversy at Wachter Reserve.
After newly appointed senior coach Paul Jeffries was last week charged with armed robbery and firearm offences and remanded in custody, Smyth had the difficult task of informing the Pirate playing group of the news.
“In my 40 years of being involved with football, I’ve never had to do anything like it,” he said.
“It was difficult. We were all still in shock.”
Smyth said the loss of Jeffries was a major setback as Parkmore prepared to enter the Southern Football League’s Division Two competition this season, but, as always, the Pirates would keep sailing.
“We have to come to terms with this and move on,” Smyth said.
“There is no doubt our reputation and name have been tarnished, but we will push on and hope for another successful season.”
Parkmore has appointed assistant coach Neil Collett as senior coach in the wake of Jeffries’ arrest.
Smyth said both the coach and the playing group were adamant about playing on in Division Two.
“We deserve a crack at the second division and that’s where we will play,” he said.
With about 20 regular players in pre-season training, Smyth appealed for those who have jumped ship to get back on board.
“Anyone who has worn the Parkmore jumper should come down and have a chat,” he said.
“We’re down, but we’re not out.”
