As we embark on a new era in Trinidad and Tobago senior men’s football, the rebuilding process has finally commenced following our failed attempt at qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.
Russell Latapy has been reappointed head coach and it’s our genuine hope as fans that all T&T footballers will be given a fair chance of being selected to represent the Red, White and Black on the road to Brazil in 2014. In spite of our hopes however, one T&T national in particular seems to have been deprived of such opportunities. His name is Darryl Roberts.
After five creditable performances in matches under then head coach Francisco Maturana, which yielded 2 goals and an assist, Darryl was unexpectedly cast into the football wilderness. When Russell Latapy succeeded Maturana during the downward spiraling World Cup campaign, efforts were made by Darryl to contact the new head coach to update him on his availability, but those efforts were to no avail.
While his career statistics do not reflect a prolific goal scoring record, over the past three seasons Darryl has been the leading goal scorer for his teams in the Eredivisie and the Turkish Super Lig. He has 3 goals in 18 games for T&T, but those who have seen him don the Red, White and Black know that in addition to his international experience, much credit is due to him for his tenacity, exceptional skill and work off the ball.
Based on my interactions with Darryl I have come to realize that apart from being one of our top footballers in Europe, he is a very humble and friendly individual with the utmost love for God, family and country. He is also a true professional who is always willing to reach out to the fans.
SocaWarriors.net/ Warrior Nation had yet another opportunity to catch up with Darryl in this Q&A. Special thanks to the following forumites for the questions and comments submitted: Flex Mohammed, Just Cool, Nuff, Spideybuff, Patriot, Omardinho, Tenorsaw, Bourbon, The Magicians, Midknight, Injunchile, Cocorite, Fari, Kounty, theworm2345, Rastafari, Sando, Daft Trini and AirMan.
1.What is life like in Turkey with regards to the lifestyle, language, culture and climate? How do you balance life as a professional footballer, husband and father?
DR: In comparison to both Trinidad and Holland, the Turkish lifestyle is very different and was difficult to adapt to in the first few months. Turkey is a Muslim country with many cultural traditions, but is still quite westernized, for example their form of dress. They are not as strict or conservative as some other Muslim countries. Some cities like Istanbul are more European-like, however, Denizli is a smaller, newly developing city with not much social activity. The people here are quite friendly and enjoy hosting foreigners, although very few know English, which is now being popularised.
The food, although considered one of the world's best cuisines is not to my liking and I enjoy my Trinidadian food at home.
The Turkish language (which is not Arabic) is very different from English and not easy to grasp, there is a translator at the club and I learn as I go along- mostly from speaking with people but also from the television, newspapers and so on.
The climate involves the four seasons with a very cold winter, with few occasions of snowfall, and an extremely hot summer, usually without any rain at all. I was already accustomed to this sort of climate.
Being a professional footballer, a husband and a father is very demanding. Despite what happens on the field my family still requires certain things of me and I usually try to keep a positive attitude when I get home, especially towards my son, now four months old, who always wants me to hold him as I walk through the door. And even if I am tired from training I still have to find the energy to help out my wife at home.
2. What is the daily preparation like at Denizlispor? Does your club have a nutritional program?
DR: First of all, my club does not have a nutritional program but sometimes the players are obligated to eat either breakfast, lunch or dinner at the club house according to the schedule. On an average week day, the players must arrive at least 1 hour before training and rest 2 hours after training at the club house. The training schedule time varies according to the time of the upcoming match. Also, we usually go into camp 1 or 2 days before a game.
3. Many have questioned your exclusion from the national team during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, especially given the dearth of young talent in T&T. Was there a disagreement between you and management, or the Federation?
DR: There were no disagreements between the parties mentioned.
4. Why do you believe you were continuously overlooked by Maturana and Latapy; despite the fact that you are one of the few T&T footballers who has been consistently performing on a higher level overseas in the past three years?
DR: This was the decision of the coaches, I do not know the reason behind it, but I have to accept it.
5. Has Russell Latapy or any member of his management team been in contact with you since his re-appoint as head coach?
DR: There has been no contact.
6. What do you think is your best position for club and country, attacking midfielder or striker?
DR: If the team (whether club or country) plays with two strikers, I prefer to be the second striker. But, if the team plays with only one striker, I prefer to be the attacking midfielder.
7. How do you rate yourself among T&T’s current attacking options?
DR: I do not compare myself to other players, but I strive towards MY personal best.
8. Briefly tell us about your football days as a youth, school, local clubs/academy, coaches that you worked with both local and abroad.
DR: I started off playing with Alvin Corneal coaching school at the age of 10 years. From about age 12, I started playing for the El Dorado Secondary School team. While attending El Dorado, I also played for Upstarts and Trincity Nationals in the Eddie Hart Minor League. From Eldorado, I then transferred to Fatima College at the age of 15, and represented them from U16 to Intercol level, while also playing for Malta Carib Alcons. After high school I attended Liberty University and played Division 1 College Soccer and played for Carolina Dynamo over the summer in the PDL League. Some of the coaches I worked under are Alvin Corneal, Anton Corneal, Joel Warrick, Joe Brown, Clement Roberts and Jeff Alder.
9. What thus far has been your biggest heartbreak as a player?
DR: My biggest heartbreak as a player was the non renewal of my contract with Sparta Rotterdam of the Eredivisie. I would have liked to play at least two more years with the club.
10. What do you think has been your most significant achievement thus far?
DR: I think my most significant achievement thus far was the signing of my first professional contract with a team in one of the top European leagues.
11. What keeps you motivated?
DR: My motivational factors are God and my family. Without God, nothing is possible. He gives me the strength to persevere. Also, both my immediate and extended family give me as much support and encouragement during the good and bad times.
12. How does the Turkish league compare as to the Eredivisie?
DR: The Turkish league is much more physical compared to the Eredivisie which is more technical. The Turkish league includes more running and pressing of the opposing teams. In the Eredivisie, the teams are more organized and also there is much more space and time on the ball.
13.With just a few games left before the Turkish Super Lig season ends, Denizlispor faces relegation. If Denizlispor is relegated do you see yourself staying at the club? If not, which other clubs/leagues will you consider moving to?
DR: At this point in time, my main concern is trying to help Denizlispor avoid relegation by picking up as much points as possible in the last six games.
14.Many of your fans at SocaWarriors.net would love to see you join Kenwyne Jones and Jason Scotland in the English Premier League (EPL) one day. Will you consider a move there? Do you think you could hang with the best in the EPL? What is your dream destination in football?
DR: If I am given the opportunity to enter in the Premier League, of course I will grasp it. I believe I have the talent to make it in the EPL and it is one of my dream destinations. However, there are certain requirements which make it more difficult to enter this league.
15.How were you spotted by Sparta Rotterdam. Why did you leave? Why didn't you seek to stay in Holland where the League is considered to be on a higher level than Turkey’s Super Lig.
DR: I was spotted by Sparta Rotterdam, while playing for the national team, through a Dutch agent who was in Trinidad at the time of the Digicel Caribbean Cup. From that time, my American and Dutch agents contacted Sparta and they agreed to a contract. It was not my decision to leave Sparta and I was not picked up by any of the other Dutch clubs.
16.How have you evolved as a player from your time at Sparta to now?
DR: I have matured as a player both mentally and physically. A player has to be mentally strong in this European club lifestyle. There are some bad days and also good ones during the season and I need to always keep my focus and discipline. The Turkish League is more physically demanding so my speed and strength have increased. My overall skill has also increased especially since I have to adapt to playing in different positions.
17.Who is the best player you have ever played with/against for Club and Country and why?
DR:Wesley Sneijder is the best player I have played against. He played for Ajax during my first season with Sparta in the Eredivisie, and now plays with Inter Milan. He is technically gifted with both feet and his fitness level is phenomenal.
18.Which international player would you most liken yourself to, in terms of your style of play?
DR: I would most liken myself to Dirk Kuyt of Liverpool. He is not the most technically gifted player but he puts in a great effort and he gets his reward.
19.Will you be available to represent T&T in the Digicel Cup in November 2010?
DR:No I will not be available to represent T&T in the Digicel Cup in November because this league runs through November and December.
20.Finally, what advice do you have for the young ones who aspire to become professional footballers abroad?
DR:For the young ones, you need to put God first, because only he can help you to make it in this tough world. You also need a lot of discipline, many youths tend to only focus on the money and fancy lifestyle, but football is a lot of hard work and sacrifice, you cannot allow your situation or other people to bring you down. You also need to maintain professionalism at all times.
On behalf of SocaWarriors.net /the Warrior Nation I would like to thank Darryl Roberts for participating in the Q&A and wish him continued success in all his endeavors. Hopefully we will see him don the Red, White and Black soon.