by LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

Fabian Davis ... has moved to Portmore United. - file

Tivoli Gardens Football Club manager Brian Rose said the club will be pushing to be ready for the scheduled September 23 start of the 2007-2008 National Premier League (NPL) season after being ravaged by Hurricane Dean three weeks ago.

Renovations have been slow to begin since Hurricane Dean destroyed buildings, billboards and stands on August 19.

"Nothing has been really done as yet," said Rose yesterday at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex, the club's home, as the NPL and Under-21 teams had a practice session.

"The contractor came and did an estimate and hopefully by tomorrow (Tuesday) or Wednesday things will be on the road and hopefully we can meet the deadline for the 23rd."

Last remaining problem

Rose said the players have endured the hurricane and the election period, which disrupted daily routines, and that the only problem now facing the club is feeding the players.

"Nutritionally, it has affected us because we cannot provide any nutrition for the players as our kitchen is damaged. But other from that the training has been going on quite good."

Rose said the players are showing good early season form, after getting to the semi-final of the President's Cup where they lost on penalties to Waterhouse.

"The players are focused and we saw that on the weekend in the President's Cup that the programme, so far, is at the level it's supposed to be," Rose pointed out.

"I was a bit worried that the hurricane and the election would have affected us but the guys are really focussed and hopefully it will continue throughout the year."

Tivoli, who have Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey back as head coach, were quiet during the transfer period. After losing midfielder Fabian Davis to Portmore United, they have drawn for Roberto Fletcher from Waterhouse, Jermaine Grey of Police and Kemarley McDonald of Boys' Town. Rose also said interest has been shown in Tivoli's Kemar Mills and Davian Laing.

Tivoli stalwarts Steve Green, Roland Dean and Orane Simpson were seen at training yesterday, but notably missing were Lenworth Hyde Jr. and Christopher Nicholas along with goalie Edsel Scott and Horace Howell, who are said to be in New York participating in a summer league.