Bartlett in a Gleaner 1964 file photo
Jamaica lost one of its most celebrated footballers from the era of the '50s and '60s with the passing of the legendary forward Sydney Bartlett in New York last Saturday after a long illness. He was 70.
Syd, or Syddie Bartlett as he was popularly called, represented YMCA as captain in the Division I football league for many years and also represented Jamaica with distinction on numerous occasions. For his sterling contribution to the sport, the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association, in the '80s, named a competition in his honour - the Syd Bartlett League - which is still very active today.
Star centre forward
In a memorable match involving Bartlett and many of he abovementioned players in May 1962 at Sabina Park, Jamaica fought back from two goals down to lead Haiti 3-2, eventually losing 4-3 in the closing stages.
The Gleaner report of that match noted Bartlett's contribution to level the sores at 2-2.
"Sydney Bartlett, in a movement which left no doubt as to his artistry, spreadeagled the entire Haiti defence and let through right winger Bunny Clarke, who hesitated for an agonising moment before crashing a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Blain."
Bartlett was a member of Jamaica first World Cup squad which went down 2-3 to Mexico in a crucial qualifying match at the National Stadium in 1965.
Reacting to his death, JFF president, Captain Horace Burrell, speaking from Dubai yesterday, said:
"I want to express sincere condolences to the family and friends of a great Jamaican footballer. The memory of Syd Bartlett will remain with us. His name will live on through the competition named after him."
Lindy Delapenha, the first Jamaican footballer to make the breakthrough in England during the '50s, remembered Bartlett as a vey good forward who contributed to the country's football.
"We have never played on the same team, but I have seen him play a number of times for YMCA and Jamaica.
"He was very good with the ball at his feet and was one of our better players during his heyday. He will long be remembered in the annals of Jamaica's football and I extend condolences to his family," said Delapenha.