TUCKER, St James — Carlos Garcia has been removed from his position as coach of Red Stripe Premier League champions Montego Bay United in the midst of a heated battle for the semi-finals, the Jamaica Observer has been reliably informed.

With two games to go and an important game against fourth-placed Humble Lion coming up on Sunday afternoon in Montego Bay, the club has parted ways with the Spaniard who has led them to third position on 52 points, needing only a point from their remaining two games to secure a berth in the top four.

When contacted Orville Powell, president of the club, told the Observer that Garcia “part ways, not fired”, but he would not elaborate.

Garcia, when contacted, said: “The club will make an official statement,” but added he would respond to questions afterwards.

The Spaniard, the former head coach of DAV Santa Ana in the Barcelona leagues, was the fifth head coach to take over Montego Bay United in four years.

The team went through three coaches last year as Donovan Duckie, who will return to WesPow Park for the first time on Sunday with Humble Lion, started the season before suddenly resigning in the second round, citing personal reasons.

Pastor Hugh Solomon took over for seven games before Dr Dean Weatherly guided the team through the last four games of the regular season then the semi-finals and final where they beat Waterhouse 5-2 to lift the title.

Brazilian Neider dos Santos had also coached the team in their first season the 2011-2012 campaign in the competition, before abruptly walking away from the job five games into the second season, after they had failed to win a game.

Dr Weatherly had taken over from dos Santos and guided the team to a mid-table position and safety before returning to coach the Cornwall College daCosta Cup team.