Tivoli Gardens FC feeling financial pressure

Tivoli Gardens striker, Jermaine 'Teddy' Johnson, says the financial crunch due to the outbreak of the coronavirus has made things real difficult, especially for some young players, at the club.

However, he believes the club is doing a great job in trying to get through the period.

"We miss the league and we are losing funds as well, so it's a big thing for especially the young players who have kids and don't have any job apart from football, so it's causing a lot of stress for them," he said.

"But the club is doing its best. They have arranged that we can still get breakfast and lunch and we still get half our pay sometimes.

"Tivoli club has always looked after their players. We are a family and we (players) know things are going to benefit us in the end, so hopefully the league starts back and we can get our season back on track."

Remains motivated

Meanwhile, the former Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield Wednesday star admitted that it is tough trying to maintain fitness over the period, but he remains motivated nonetheless.

"I am not one used to working on my own, but I have to try and help myself, especially at my age. I have to try and stay fit and do the right things.

"We know most of the (Tivoli) players are doing the work as we see the videos, but it's difficult for us. I do my running and play a little ball in the days with friends, and that helps me and they motivate me.

"But football is my thing. I don't really have fun otherwise and I don't do much otherwise.

"It's a rough period. We are not sure when it (league) will start so we have to keep motivated in different ways," said the 39-year-old.