St. John’s Antigua- Empire Football Club President Claude Laviscount has confirmed that former national player and coach, Veron Edwards Sr, will lead the team’s coaching staff during the 2012/13 season.

Edwards Sr, who replaces his son and another former Empire and national player, Veron Edwards Jr at the helm, is however no stranger to the country’s most successful club after having coached the Gray’s Farm team to numerous Premier Division titles in the 90’s.

A full management team, according to Laviscount, will be released at a later date.

“Veron Sr has been appointed coach and the team is actually already in training and has been in training for the past week or so under the direction of Veron “Squadie” Edwards Sr,” she said.

“Very shortly, perhaps just after the 50th anniversary, we will be announcing a full management team, including head coach, manager and assistant coach.”

Empire were relegated to First Division at the end of the 2011/12 season after finishing ninth in the 10-team competition with 15 points from 18 matches.

Empire won only three of their matches, drew six and lost nine to finish just ahead of Pigotts’ Bullets who ended the competition at the bottom of the standings with 12 points.

According to Laviscount however, training sessions have been progressing favourably with key players indicating their intention to remain with the club.

“During the jubilee competition that is going on now, most of the players from last year have been playing. We have had other players who, because of commitments, personal or professional, have been in the park but have not played. But all players have indicated that they will be with the club,” the president said.

The Antigua & Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) programme is slated to commence in August with the First and Second Division competitions, while the Premier Division is slated to commence in September. (By Neto Baptiste)