JFPPA’s Tulloch giving all for football stalwarts

The construction of a fence around the dwelling of former national player and Santos star, Miguel 'Bankey' Blair, will get under way shortly at Blair's Water Street residence in Rae Town, Kingston.

The initiative is made possible courtesy of a group of ex Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldiers based in the United States, said Michael Tulloch, vice-president of the Jamaica Football Past Players Association (JFPPA).

Tulloch, himself a former army man, national senior football team and JDF player, said the group, which goes by the name JDF World Connection, likes to get involved in social and community projects.

He said they have expressed admiration in the work the JFPPA has been doing for veteran players and for Blair, and asked how they could assist.

"There is a group by the name of JDF World Connection with JDF past soldiers. They have seen the work that I am doing and they are interested in those type of activities, so they asked 'what could they do'," Tulloch noted.

"I told them about the fencing and they came on Tuesday and measured the fence to see what they need in terms of material. So by next week I should hear something from them in terms of when they are going to start, but I expect it to be in a short while," he said.

Continuing, Tulloch said: "They will first have to speak with their board. But by next week they will get back to me. So I expect we should soon hear something on that."

Blair, who had fallen on hard times and had been living in sub-standard conditions for more than a decade, after fire damaged the original structure on his Water Street premises, had a newly-built house handed over to him in October last year, courtesy of Food For The Poor and Sports Development Foundation (SDF).

Tulloch revealed that other efforts are also being made to ensure that the house is up to standard.

He noted that they were slated to complete plumbing works on the structure yesterday.

"I went and bought the pipes and fittings so that he could get water in the house. The plumber went there yesterday and set up that, so he can have proper water running in the house," he stated.

Meanwhile, the former national striker player said thanks to the Sports Development Foundation, he will be going all over the island to present care packages to a number of former players, who have found themselves facing hard times, between today and Monday.

Tulloch noted that players at the western end such as Bob West, Boysie Nicholson and Robert Andrews will be visited.

While other former national players in and around the Corporate Area like Frank Brown, Lloyd 'Respic' Morgan, Dennis 'Stylo' Ebanks, Andrew Stephenson, Calvin 'Whoppy' Valentine who got a stroke recently in Old Harbour, and Theophilus Branch, will receive their packages between tomorrow and Monday.

"These players need support. I cannot sit down. I have to do what God mandated me to do. I will not stop. Whatever support I get as I go along I'll accept it," Tulloch said.

"People have been reaching out to me in a meaningful way, so I will not give up and I will not stop because I am doing this from my heart and these former players need it," he said.