AS THE Race intensifies with regard to the elections of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), several presidential hopefuls have been garnering support from across Guyana, with business and individuals publicly throwing their support behind their favourite candidate and stating reason.

Former national captain Charles ‘Lilly’ Pollard, who can best be described as an elder statesman in the sport locally, is no different, as he joined the long list of supporters to back Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major for the top position of the GFF.
Below is a full excerpt of Pollard’s endorsement of Major.

Guyana Football 2013 and beyond (Part II)
OVER the years, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has been known for its Autocratic Management Style. Particular reference is made to the decision-making process. In most cases, decisions have been made by personnel who disregard the realities of the sport and to a large extent the players.
As a player, I can categorically state in my seventeen years of playing football with the National Team, I have experienced challenges.
However, when Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major came on board in 2003 as the organising secretary for the national team he came with a lot of inevitable changes.
He (Major) paid attention to the players’ welfare; took the time no one took before to listen to the cries of the players and more importantly, he used this information to make drastic changes to assist players in that regard.
Finding the right management style is critical for any organisation’s success and Mr Major has proved himself, time and time again that he can find the balance to make decisions that will benefit both the organisation and the players.
As I reflect a bit to 1998, Randolph Jerome, Collie Hercules, Jermaine Scott and I were given the opportunity to enter into the realm of professional football.
Mr Major was instrumental in making sure the opportunity for us to become professional players was formalised, and for that along with the abovementioned, I, Charles “Lilly” Pollard support Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major for President.
His love of football has been demonstrated again and again through his intense level of interest in the National Team’s Programme.  He has diligently continued to work towards establishing the team as a competitive body not just in the region but further afield.
Therefore, based on his notable work ethic, drive and most of all his passion and love for the sport, I am confident that the Presidency of the Guyana Football Federation is an ideal role for him and can only be seen as a natural progression.  Guyana Football Federation at this time cannot ask for a better leader who will work religiously for the betterment of the sport in our country.
Best Wishes for the good of the game!
Charles ‘Lilly/ Pollard