Many-time Captain, Montrose ‘Grinch’ Phinn, has been absent from games since the beginning of the 2014-15 Red Stripe Premier League season. Dubbed as ‘the field marshall’ due to his leadership abilities, his presence on the pitch was noticeably missed by spectators and officials alike, querying his whereabouts multiple times since the season’s start. 

Recurring injuries had the defender aching, as he yearned to be able to grace the field again. “I picked up a knee injury three days before the league started which put me out for four months. After returning to training, I later picked up a calf strain that set me back for two more months, and to be honest, in some instances I felt like giving up, but when you’re passionate about something and have that love for the game it’s a hard thing to do.”

Being unfit to play for the first two rounds, there was high expectation as he set out to make an appearance early in the third, being on the team sheet on two occasions. On both occasions however, disappointment hit as his injuries flared up and he withdrew shortly before game time.

He made his first season appearance in yesterday’s 2 – 1 win against Reno FC in Westmoreland, playing for the full 90 minutes. Nothing short of happy, he expressed his joy, relief and gratitude: “I have to thank God because with him all things are possible, along with my parents Mr. & Mrs. Phinn. They have been with me throughout, encouraging me and keeping me focused. My friend Anthony ‘Zaro’ Powell (bredda for life), Richard ‘Gunz’ Witter, my teammates and HVFC, and girlfriend Donna-Gay Powell told me not to give up, and everything will be alright. I’d like to use the opportunity to also thank Dr. Karen Julius (club Physiotherapist) and the physio team for treating me as I recovered. I just want to say thanks to all, thanks a lot.”

Now with four games left to go in the regular season, and Harbour View fighting to land and secure a semi-finalist spot, Phinn has his agenda set out. “I’m extremely happy to be back on the field. It has been such a rough season for me but I can’t dwell on something that has gone, I’m back, that’s the main thing. My main focus is to help my team in the best way I can; To reach the semi-finals and beyond, that’s my aim, that’s my desire.”