Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Jermaine Taylor and Hugh Howell's quest to leave their clubs and join St Georges and Meadhaven United for the upcoming Digicel National Premier League season has failed.

Taylor is contracted to Harbour View Football Club, while Howell is contracted to Waterhouse Football Club.

The duo, who have been at loggerheads with their clubs for varying reasons, were informed of the decision after a meeting between the Jamaica Football Federation and officials of the clubs, where the matter was discussed with a view of reaching an amicable solution.

'Seen reality'

"He is a Waterhouse player. He will play for Waterrhouse this season," said Waterhouse manager, Keith Salesman, in response to Howell, who it is reported wanted to return to Meadhaven, his former youth club. "He is cool now as he has seen the reality. He is a contracted player so there is no way out of it. He is bound to the club until at least 2010, when his contract expires. He is expected to turn up for training tomorrow."

A rugged midfielder, who is capable of playing both in attack and in defence, Howell, 23, has been in and out of the national set-up since the return of René Simoes.

He was part of the squad which was taken to Brazil earlier this year for a pre-World Cup qualifying training camp and was invited to be a part of the squad for the opening fixtures against The Bahamas.

Efforts to contact Harbour View officials to get an official comment on national defender, Taylor, proved futile.

It is, however, understood that the club has taken a similar position as Waterhouse.

As such, Taylor - who is now getting ready to leave the island with the national team for its second round World Cup qualifier against Mexico - will have to see out the rest of his contract, which it is understood will expire early next year.