HARBOUR View FC’s relegation means one of Jamaica’s most recognisable clubs will be absent from next season’s Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL). However, Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Owen Hill believes it reflects the progress being made by rural area clubs.

The “Stars of the East”, who are joint second-most successful club in JPL history with five titles, ended their three-decade stay in the top flight after finishing at 13th position in the relegation zone with 38 points.

The club of former national stars including Ricardo “Bibi” Gardner, Jermaine Hue and the late Luton Shelton will now have to play in the country’s tier two competition, despite having won the title just four years ago. Harbour View also finished fourth in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup three years ago.