DeMerit’s career is a well documented one, as his rise from an unheralded University graduate to a starting centre back for Watford included scoring the goal which would win the club promotion to the English Premier League.
This journey would be documented in the independent film “Rise and Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story.” DeMerit would be acquired as the Whitecaps first MLS player signing for the new franchise. As well as his talent as a defender, DeMerit would be named Whitecaps captain and his off field value as a marketing tool would be an important factor in his tenure in Vancouver.
On the pitch, DeMerit was expected to provide experience at the back, and a leadership on the field. He was well known for his last ditch tackles and his strong, physical style. Like any defender, he has been caught out and at fault for his fair share of goals, but he also been at the delivering end of some wonderful game saving tackles. If you haven’t seen it, ex-Whitecap videographer Paul Albi produced a wonderful
Unfortunately for Jay, his body couldn’t keep up with his heart and desire, and he suffered numerous injuries over his four years in Vancouver. While he can’t be blamed for these injuries, it led to inconsistent performances at less than peak physical condition, or worse, reliance on inferior and less experienced defenders
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The frequent absence of DeMerit on the pitch meant not only a second string starter, but also meant multiple centre back pairings working on chemistry rather than just worrying about keeping the ball out of the net. DeMerit was given little help at times, especially in the 2011 season as he was routinely paired with Michael Boxall or Greg Janicki, as well as a passenger to a painful game of “right back roulette” where there inferior ability of Jonathan Leathers, Bilal Duckett, and a green Jeb Brovsky all got spells on the right side of the backline.
While the backline would find some form with the additions of the Argentine Martin Bonjour and the steady Andy O’Brien, DeMerit’s injury woes continued, and when he has been available of late, his performances have been inconsistent.
While Jay DeMerit has been a capable defender, his biggest fault has not been poor positioning or questionable decision making (which he has been guilty of at times), but rather than the gulf that is left when he has been forced out of the line-up. The knock on effect of a new pairing with a less experienced or less talented defender is what really had an effect on the results. It is a disappointing realization that makes his decision to retire an easy and sensible decision for the club to go in a different direction.
Off the pitch, DeMerit has been an active and engaging member of the Whitecaps marketing machine. His appearances on television, radio, and various marketing mediums were an effective play for the Whitecaps, as he’s likely the one Whitecap player who is even known by non-sports fans. He is well spoken and entertaining and fit the bill perfectly for the face of the MLS Whitecaps.
Jay DeMerit will likely be remembered more fondly for his days prior to the Whitecaps. His rise to fame with Watford is a truly inspiring story, and his goal to gain promotion to the Premier League against Leeds United will forever be a piece of history. His career in England, including 39 appearances in the Premier League and dozens more in the Championship is nothing to sneeze at, and he started all four games for the US Men’s National Team in the 2010 World Cup. Jay has certainly had an excellent career, and it is smart to transition to a different role rather than continue to struggle to keep up to the rigours of the MLS.
DeMerit’s retirement is a welcome outcome for all involved. It allows the club to move forward, either continuing to develop the Mitchell and Leveron partnership, or by allowing the financial flexibility to acquire a new player. The club no longer needs DeMerit to fly the flag for soccer in Vancouver, as the Whitecaps are common water cooler talk on Monday mornings, and they have sold out all but one game this season and don’t look like slowing down. And for Jay, he can now focus solely on the part he has been most successful at – the off field business and marketing side of himself and the further growth of the Whitecaps brand.
For all he has provided to the Whitecaps, DeMerit should be considered a successful signing, as his on field performance was only a part of his contribution to the club and the city.