By ANDRE BISYIT
The Chairman of Plateau United Football Club of Jos, Dr Alhassan Yakmut, has disclosed that he was appointed to salvage the club from relegation.
He explained that at the time of his appointment, the club was in 19th position in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).
He stated this during an exclusive interview with THE NIGERIA STANDARD Sports Correspondent in Jos.He noted that the decision followed an evaluation of the club’s first-round performance, which had placed it in the relegation zone.
He maintained that this prompted Governor Mutfwang to call for an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to find a way forward.He said he was subsequently chosen as chairman of the club.
He added that the governor, being disturbed by the state of the team, mandated the new leadership to do everything possible to rescue it from relegation.
He said the problem was identified as technical after due assessment and proper process.
He disclosed that three coaches were shortlisted, namely Kennedy Boboye, Fidelix Ilechukwu and Gbenga Ogunbote.He said Gbenga Ogunbote was eventually selected due to his track record of rescuing teams from relegation battles.
The former Director-General of the National Sports Commission further revealed that the technical adviser was given full authority to restructure the technical crew and playing squad after signing his contract.
He said the coach brought in two assistants and retained some of the existing staff.He noted that Ogunbote also serves as Chairman of the Coaches Association of NPFL clubs.
He said the coach immediately made changes, including the introduction of seven new players and a new training pattern.He added that this initially caused disunity among supporters, but the disagreement was later resolved.
He said the team’s performance improved significantly in the second round of the season.He stated that clubs confirmed the team had improved tremendously when the second round resumed.
He said the results of the new administration in the second half of the season have been impressive and sustained.He emphasised that no single individual can claim full credit for the success.
He said the achievement should be attributed to both Almighty God and the Governor of Plateau State.He stated that having escaped relegation, the club’s new target is to finish between sixth and fourth position.
He added that with three matches left, the team is also targeting a stronger finish in the remaining fixtures.Plateau United is currently in 8th position with 46 points and has five matches left.The club will trade tackles with Rivers United today.