Monday, 20 February 2012

INTERNATIONAL GULLS #2

In the second of our series looking at Torquay United players who have played international football, we now turn our attentions to Rodney Jack

Rodney Jack (St Vincent and the Grenadines) 1995-1998

Rodney Jack first caught the attention of the Plainmoor faithful when he was playing for Lambada FC, the same club that the Gulls had previously signed Gregory Goodridge from, during a pre-season tour match.

The then Gulls manager Don O'Riordan offered him a deal and he signed for the Gulls in October 1995.

His skill and pace proved to be one of the bright spots in the disappointing 1995-96 season, which saw Torquay only maintain their League status by virtue of Stevenage's ground not being up to Football League requirements.

In the 1996-97 season, his form stepped up a gear as he finished the season as the Gulls' top scorer and his talents drew the attentions of several Premiership clubs as he had trials with both Newcastle United and Sunderland.

However, the 1997-98 season, his final campaign at Plainmoor, saw him come into his own as once again led the Gulls' scoring charts as Torquay reached the Division Three Play-Off Final, where they lost to Colchester United.

His farewell to the Plainmoor faithful came in the Play-Off semi-final second leg against Scarborough, which the Gulls won 4-1 with Rodney finding the back of the net twice.

He was also nominated in the PFA Division Three team of the season for the 1997-98 season before his £650,000 move to Crewe Alexandra.

Whilst at Crewe, Rodney helped the Railwaymen secure an instant return to Division One in the 2002-03 campaign, following their relegation in 2001-02.

He left Gresty Road in 2003 and then had spells with Rushden & Diamonds, Oldham Athletic and Irish side Waterford United before briefly returning to Crewe for a short spell in the 2006-07 season.

Since then, he has appeared for Southport and Nantwich Town.

Rodney also won 45 caps for St Vincent during his career, 15 of them whilst at Plainmoor, and appeared for them in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 1996.