Latest update March 21st, 2025 7:03 AM
Latest News
Veteran ball weaver, Carl Granado, aka Compton Julian, is dead
The football fraternity is still reeling from the recent death of their colleague, former player and coach, Mervin ‘Pug’ Wilson, when it was hit by more devastating news that another veteran player, Carl Granado, aka Compton
In happier times! Compton Julian (left), Canada based Guyanese singer Aubrey Mann and the late Sheila Grenado of Woodside Choir fame.
Julian, has passed away. He was 85 years old.
Kaieteur Sport was informed that up to the time of his death, Julian resided at the Salvation Army and worked as a Security Guard at Ricks and Sari Ltd. Lawrence ‘Sparrow’ Griffith, a former player now administrator, said that the dead footballer was among his heroes during his (Griffith) early days in the sport.
Griffith said that Julian commenced his illustrious career at the Parade ground and also practiced his skill at the Post Office ground and the King’s ground which was situated at the site of the Le Meridian Pegasus Hotel.
“It was during his playing days and as a result of his ability and the skills he displayed that he was encouraged by friends to join a football club but he rejected the idea out of a fear of failing at a higher level,” Griffith recounted.
Griffith further recounted Julian’s rise to fame, “Whilst he was engaged in practice sessions one day at the King’s ground, two of the sport’s bigwigs, ‘Tippy Toe’ Fontanelle and John Emberton, Captain of the YMCA team, invited him to play first division football for their club. He readily agreed and at twenty-two years, he went for a tryout with that club. His inauguration into the YMCA was somewhat disappointing as he failed to score in his first outing but he compensated satisfactorily in his second game when he breached the opposition’s goal with a memorable ‘stinger.’ He then went on to distinguish himself in the sport, plying his trade in all positions but mostly as a left winger.
Julian’s exploits earned him a place on the national team at age 24, representing Guyana against a Navy Ship team shortly before his inaugural international game in Suriname. He went on to represent Guyana against Boa Vista, Suriname and competed in Trinidad, in 1959, in a tournament organized to select a West Indies representative team in England on a 3 months stint. He was subsequently selected along with George Green, Hubert ‘Senior Braff’ Braithwaite and Monty Hope. It was during this period that Compton was offered an opportunity to play professionally in the English League but he passed up on the offer as his main desire was to return and play for Guyana.
Meanwhile, after experiencing difficulties at his inaugural club, he acceded to the advice of the club’s goalkeeper, Winston De Heart, and formed another club, Thomas United Football Club, then situated in Thomas Lands.
According to Griffith, “Compton was not a selfish player, he could have scored many more goals in his career but after dribbling all the defenders he would adroitly pass the ball to one of his teammates who would send in the ball thus capturing the glory,” reminisces Griffith.
He also remembers that after hanging up his boots, Compton used to frequent the ground to witness matches and the last such match was an international affair between a Venezuelan Team against its local counterpart. Griffith said that as Compton attempted to pass the gate, he was shoved aside by the custodian who did not recognize him. Griffith said that Compton felt humiliated and left the venue never to grace another football match.
Shortly before he passed on, Compton shared the dream that one day Government officials or those of the Guyana Football Federation would pay homage to stalwarts who had contributed towards the development of the sport by offering some form of monetary contribution to assist in their well being.
He had also suggested an annual get together, around Christmas time, for former stalwarts of the various disciplines where they could all reminisce on the good all days. Maybe, just maybe, the wishes of this stalwart may land on fertile ground.
Kaieteur Sport expresses deepest sympathy to his friends, family and all affected by his death. May his soul Rest in Peace.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
“One Guyana” is no less a national slogan than “Green Guyana”
Kaieteur News- The notion that “One Guyana” is a partisan slogan is pure poppycock. It is a desperate fiction... more
If Guyana’s President Ali is the “Zelensky of the Caribbean”, who is the Putin?
Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS, Ronald Sanders By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- In the latest... more
Weekend Cartoon
