Name: Collin Samuel.
Club: St Johnstone FC (Scotland, 05-May-2008 to present).
DOB: 27th-Aug-1981.
Position: Striker.
Born: North Manzanilla (Trinidad).
Previous Clubs: Toronto FC (Canada, 26-Jun-2007 to 12-Apr-2008), Dundee United (Scotland, 11-Jul-2003 - May-2007), Falkirk FC (Scotland, 5-Aug-2002 - 11-Jul-2003), San Juan Jabloteh (Trinidad 2001 - 2002), Doc's Khelwalaas (Trinidad - 1998- 2000).
Schools: Mayaro Composite (Trinidad), Manzanilla Government Primary School (Trinidad).
NOTE: Samuel made his senior team debut vs a Tobago X1 and scored a hattrick in that game on Dec-08-2001. He then scored another hattrick against Grenada in a friendly build up game towards the 2002 Gold Cup this will be his first international match for T&T on the 11th, Jan-2002. Former T&T coach, Brazilian Rene Simoes also commented on the performance of Colin Samuel following his hattrick debut performance against Grenada. "I am very satisfied with this young talent. I think is a new generation we are seeing and this is very good," he ended. Collin Samuel was a member of the 18-man Trinidad and Tobago squad that participated in the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Samuel was also a member of the 2001 T&T U-20 team. On July 11th, 2003, Samuel signed for Dundee United in a deal worth £100,000.

Samuel's Finnish-ing lessons.

By: Lasana Liburd
27-Aug-2005 - Trinidad and Tobago national winger Collin Samuel was unsure whether to laugh or cry yesterday after he played superbly on Thursday evening but still had to watch helplessly as his employers, Dundee United, were eliminated from the UEFA Cup by virtue of a 2-2 home draw against visiting Finnish club, MyPa 47.
MyPa advanced to the next round of European competition on the away goals rule, which doubles the value of goals scored away from home, after the Finns held United goalless in the first leg at the Scandinavian country.
Samuel, who had not scored for United in over a year, was caught between personal satisfaction and the club's collective disappointment as he spoke to the Trinidad Express on Friday afternoon.
"It was definitely my best game for the season," said Samuel, who played on the right side of the United midfield. "I did everything the manager asked, which was to be positive and to create chances. I felt we had an outstanding first half when we passed them off the park and I still can't believe we (failed to advance)."
The draw cost Samuel and his teammates a hefty $67,643 win bonus (£6,000) while United supporters were deprived of the thrill of more European nights-a first for the club since ex-T&T international Jerren Nixon inspired United to a UEFA Cup berth in the 1992/93 season.
United, who briefly employed Trinidad and Tobago football icon Russell Latapy in 2003, has been a happy host for T&T talent with mutual benefits.
National striker Jason Scotland, who sat in United players' lounge on Thursday night alongside compatriot and Dundee goalkeeper Kelvin Jack, scored the goal that took United to Europe last season before he was controversially denied a work permit to remain with the Tayside club. While Scotland was an instant hit for "The Tangerines", Samuel struggled to match the hype that preceded his arrival following a freescoring season in the Scottish First Division with former club, Falkirk, and was told to find a new club by ex-United manager, Ian McCall, in January.
This season, McCall's successor, Gordon Chisholm, returned the converted striker to his preferred wide position and he reaped early dividends for his faith on Thursday as Samuel made a fiery start in the cold conditions. Samuel, a former Mayaro Composite and CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh utility player, just missed the far post with a strike on the break in the 14th minute as his pace constantly troubled MyPa left back, Tuomo Kononen.
A minute later, Kononen conceded a free kick that led to United's opener as Mark Kerr drove home from the edge of the area after the Finnish defence failed to clear Mark Wilson's set piece.
Samuel doubled their advantage in the 29th minute with a composed finish after charging inside the penalty area to side foot a Barry Robson cross past opposing goalkeeper Janne Korhonen.
However, MyPa grabbed a lifeline in the 74th minute when Adriano pulled one back from the penalty spot and the Brazilian broke the United offside trap to draw the visitors level in the 81st minute. Samuel had already been withdrawn from the match by that stage-he was substituted to a rousing ovation, seconds after Adriano's first item.
Chisholm had no answer for the late "Finnish."  Samuel hopes to build on his own performance, though.
"I am trying to meet a target of 10 goals or more this season," he said. "I had a real hard time for the last two seasons so I just want to make it much better for myself than it was last year."
He confessed that next week's crucial World Cup qualifier against Guatemala was at the forefront of his mind.
"We have to run ours balls off," said Samuel. "(Leo) Beenhakker has been telling us that we are not far off from the other teams but we just have to put in a little more effort. I just want to put my best foot forward and hopefully we will get a result."

Collin Samuel out to clain spot on T&T team.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
08-Jul-2005 - Scottish-based striker Collin Samuel could force his way into Leo Beenhakker’s start team for Trinidad and Tobago’s second 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup encounter against Panama at the Orange Bowl Stadium from 7pm on Saturday.
The Dundee United striker came off the bench in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Honduras to play in an outside left position and almost stole the winner when his shot late in the game crashed off the top of the crossbar and he also a close penalty call go against him.
That seemed to be enough to convince Beenhakker that the striker from North Manzanilla was worthy of a start as the “Warriors” go after a win to strengthen their chances of reaching the quarter-finals.
Samuel was raring to go in what is his second Gold Cup appearance, having been in the team for 2002 tournament under Rene Simoes.
“I’ll be delighted to have a chance of starting this game and especially if I can get on the scoresheet and help the team to a win. I really thought the shot in the last game was going in. I went for it at first and then said maybe I should move in a bit closer. The shot took a deflection off the defender so maybe that’s why it went that high. But tomorrow I could get the chance to play in what I see as my favourite position on the left so hopefully I can do some damage,” the former Falkirk striker said.

Samuel hopes to catch eyes of new manager.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
30-Jun-2005 - Speedy striker Collin Samuel is hoping to make a good impression on new Dundee United manager Gordon Criholm as he attempts to cement a regular striking position with the club for the upcoming Premier League season.
Samuel believes that his recent selection in the T&T Gold Cup squad could pave the way for him catching his deadly form which saw him rise to prominence at Falkirk, a couple of seasons ago.
Samuel featured on the scoring charts there, to earn a trial at Everton, but since his move to Dundee, he has failed to really continue his prolific form, following his move from CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh.
“I think that getting into the team for the Gold Cup has come at a good time for me. I haven’t been around the guys for a while and hopefully now this coach can see what I can do and I will be given the chance to prove myself,” Samuel said after his first training session under Leo Beenhakker in Fort Lauderdale on Monday.
Coventry City meanwhile, club of local striker Stern John, is interested in John’s national team-mate goalie Clayton Ince. The former Defence Force goalkeeper has been back in England holding talks over his new contract with Crewe Alexandra but has also attracted the interest of other clubs.
John, currently in Ft Lauderdale with the national team, said he was informed by people at Coventry that Ince’s name had been called as a prospect signing.
Also on the lookout for a new club is Brent Rahim who has attracted the interest of LA Galaxy but also has a Greek club interested in his services.

Maligned star could lift Beenhakker's men.

By: Lasana Liburd.
28-May-2005 - Calling Samuel.
New Trinidad and Tobago coach Leo Beenhakker already observed most of his country's active international players and might have read dossiers on the others as he prepares for a crucial World Cup qualifier at home to Panama on June 4.
With seven days left before his first competitive fixture, Beenhakker may be reasonably confident of knowing the best players for the job. If so, then the former Real Madrid and Dutch national coach, in my humble opinion, is wrong.
Not until he looks at Dundee United attacker Collin Samuel.
Samuel, who turns 24 in August, was ignored by ex-coach Bertille St Clair and discarded early in the tenure of his predecessors Stuart Charles-Fevrier and Hannibal Najjar. Even United have struggled to facilitate the speedy, industrious and versatile player.
Crucially, though, St Clair, Charles-Fevrier and United manager Gordon Chisholm used 3-5-2 systems that did not utilise orthodox wingers. But, when a coach-like Beenhakker-uses four across the midfield supported by full backs, Samuel should not be dismissed outright.
Competent with either foot, Samuel rose to prominence as a dynamic left sided midfielder for CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh. He was 18 years old when then national coach Rene Simoes gave him his first cap away to Grenada.
Simoes also played with wing backs rather than wingers and facilitated Samuel by using him up front.
The ex-Mayaro Composite utility player responded with a hat-trick on his debut. He did not know then that he had fashioned a rod for his own back.
Samuel played in both matches at the United States-based 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament and was subsequently capped three times by interim coach Clayton Morris and Najjar, while Charles-Fevrier used him in one full international. He did not score once.
His last appearance was in a 1-1 draw away to Kenya, two years ago, and Samuel is still bewildered about his rapid fall from grace.
"I feel a bit disappointed (about being left out)," Samuel told the Trinidad Express. "Most of the coaches know who I am and I don't know how they select their players. I made my debut at 18 years and scored a hat-trick. I don't know if anyone ever did that.
"In my heart, I really feel left out."
Samuel scored 16 times in his debut season in Scotland with First Division club Falkirk, but could not reproduce his scoring form in the top flight with a United team that does not use wingers.
On the rare occasion that United swapped to a 4-5-1 system, which they are prone to do on tricky away fixtures, Samuel is guaranteed a starting shirt and responded with impressive performances in a 1-0 win away to Glasgow Rangers and a 1-0 loss at Celtic this season.
United manager Gordon Chisholm hinted in midweek that Samuel would play from the start today in the Scottish FA Cup final against Celtic at Hampden Park.
On the eve of the Cup final, though, Chisholm opted for a more adventurous 3-5-2 system. Samuel's teammate and compatriot, Jason Scotland, starts up front but he misses out again and will be among the substitutes.
It is these subtle shifts in philosophy that have made such a huge difference in Samuel's career.
He praised his Trinidad teammate and hopes that United get the best out of Scotland's talent today.
"Scottie scored in the semi-final so everybody is looking for a big game from him," said Samuel. "He will be a marked man. I think he is on top of his game now I think if we put the ball down on the pitch and play it into his feet, we have a chance of beating (Celtic).
"What helps them is their tall guys at the back but, if we play to our strength, we have a chance."
Samuel almost left United for newly-promoted League One club, Scunthorpe, in January but was denied a work permit. He is aware that he needs to find a more suitable club although he is excited about United playing in Europe next season-they are guaranteed a place in the UEFA Cup as Celtic already qualified for the UEFA Champions League via their league placement.
"I think it is a little different for me now (since new United manager Chisholm took charge)," he said. "I think I need a change but, at the end of the day, I am contracted for another year so I will just wait until the end of next season. But I really look forward to playing in Europe next season for the experience and to prove myself."
He also looks forward to linking up with Beenhakker and is anxious to stake his claim for a place on the left flank.
"I am excited to go back," said Samuel. "I don't know if he will have the same squad of players already in training or if he will be including me and Scotland. I think I am good enough to play.
"In a 4-4-2, I would like to play either left or right. I think I am capable of playing on the left side because that is where I played at Jabloteh... My game is based on running at defenders with pace and making things happen and I hope I get the chance to show what I can do."
Real Salt Lake midfielder Leslie "Tiger" Fitzpatrick apart, the Trinidad and Tobago team cries out for left sided players. Samuel deserves a good look.

T&T duo emulate Nixon in Scottish Cup.

By: Lasana Liburd.
28-May-2005 - Game of our lives.
Trinidad and Tobago teammates Jason Scotland and Collin Samuel will play in the biggest game of their careers today when Dundee United face fellow Scottish Premier League combatants, Celtic, from 10 a.m. (T&T time) in the Scottish FA Cup final at Scotland's national stadium in Hampden Park.
The game, which is the closing act of the 2004/05 SPL season, will be broadcast live throughout Britain as well as various parts of Europe and the rest of the world.
And Scotland, who came off the bench to score United's decisive goal at the same venue to overcome Hibernian 2-1 in the semi-final round, is dreaming about the atmosphere and the occasion.
"It is the biggest game of my career," Scotland told the Trinidad Express. "Just knowing that it will be on Sky (television network) and the whole world will be watching. I would love to play from the start and let people see what I can do because everyone here says that I play my best as a substitute."
United manager Gordon Chisholm confirmed that Scotland would play from the start in their final session yesterday as he chose to use their usual 3-5-2 system. It means that Samuel, who is a guaranteed starter in their more conservative 4-5-1 line-up, will be on the bench.
Although Samuel is considered a squad player at United, Chisholm would not hesitate to use him in the biggest game of their season.
The versatile 23-year-old winger struggled to make an impact since his move from Division One team, Falkirk, in mid-2003. He scored 16 times at Falkirk but just twice last season for United and is yet to open his account in this SPL term.
In the right set-up, though, Samuel shone on both visits to the Old Firm-Glasgow Rangers and Celtic-this season when United used him as an orthodox winger in a 4-5-1 line-up.
They lost 1-0 at Celtic Park but stunned Rangers 1-0.
United are massive underdogs today but both players hope to benefit from Celtic's off-the-field distractions. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill resigns after today's match to spend more time with his ailing wife and will be replaced by Gordon Strachan, while the club is still distraught after losing the League title to Rangers in the final two minutes of the season.
"I don't feel they are overwhelming favourites because of what is happening right now with the manager leaving the job and so on," said Scotland. "Their minds might be off the football a little bit On the other hand, they would want to win a cup because they haven't won anything this season so it will be a hard game.
"But you saw what happened with AC Milan and Liverpool (in the European Champions League final). Everyone thought Milan would be easy winners."
If United pull off the win, Samuel and Scotland will emulate compatriot Jerren Nixon, who won the Scottish FA Cup with United in 1994.
Nixon, who was in his debut season at United, played the final seven minutes of the match as United edged Rangers 1-0.
No other Trinidad and Tobago player has played in a Scottish FA Cup final-former national captain, Russell Latapy, was at Rangers when they won in 2002 but never made it onto the field.
A Dundee United victory would also mean that Trinidad and Tobago players were involved in every Scottish trophy capture this season for the first time.
Marvin Andrews won the League title with Rangers and also inspired them to CIS Cup success, although he missed the final through injury.
It is a tall task for United, though. No team outside the Old Firm has won the cup since Hearts in 1998, while the fall in television revenue has widened the financial gap between Scotland's two giant clubs and the chasing pack.
Samuel believes that if United play the ball into Scotland's feet, then United have a chance to penetrate Celtic's hulking central defensive pairing of Bobo Balde and Stanislav Varga-both of whom dwarf even the six-foot-two Andrews.
"I don't have any chance in the air (against Balde) although I will still challenge him," said the 26-year-old Scotland, who has five goals this season. "But I think I can take him on the ground because he is big and can't turn and run as well. It will be a good challenge for me against him and Varga."
Of course, United must still stop Celtic's giant attackers, John Hartson and Chris Sutton, as well as speedy, maverick striker Craig Bellamy, who scored a superb hat-trick the last time the sides met. The visiting Celtic defeated United 3-2 on that occasion. Scotland and Samuel hope for a starring role in a United reversal at Hampden Park.

Collin Samuel denied work permit.

By Lasana Liburd - Trinidad Express.
29-Jan-2005 - Trinidad and Tobago striker Collin Samuel rued his international exile yesterday as he was denied the chance to join England League Two club, Scunthorpe.
The 23-year-old Samuel was denied a work permit after his case appeared before a tribunal in Sheffield yesterday afternoon.
Samuel had already agreed personal terms with the "Irons" after his current Scotland Premier League employer, Dundee United, advised him to find a new club.
However, his failure to play a significant number of games for club and country scuttled his prospective move as the Department of Employment ruled against him.
Their decision effectively means that Samuel is not considered to be high profile enough to deny a British player an opportunity at Scunthorpe.
Samuel returned to United, where he still has 18 months left on his contract.
"I feel very, very disappointed," he said. "I will have to wait now until probably the summer before I can find another club."
He believes that his inability to break into the Trinidad and Tobago national squad hurt his chances of a move south of the Scottish border.
"I think the fact that I was not playing with the national team definitely had a part to play in it too," said Samuel. "I have not been involved with the team lately."
Samuel made a sparkling senior debut under Brazilian coach Rene Simoes on January 11, 2002 when he scored a hat-trick in T&T's 3-2 win away to Grenada.
However, he managed only nine caps since then under interim coach Clayton Morris, Hannibal Najjar and Stuart Charles-Fevrier, while he has been overlooked by present coach Bertille St Clair.
Samuel's last senior cap came on May 28, 2003 in a 1-1 draw away to Kenya under Charles-Fevrier.
His club form since his international exile has been less than inspired.
After scoring 16 goals in his debut season with Scotland First Division club, Falkirk, Samuel scored two goals in his first SPL season with United and failed to open his account this season.
The former Mayaro Composite and CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh star admitted that he failed to settle at United and blamed his inability to get a successive run of matches and the direct style of play favoured by manager Ian McCall.
But he will hope for a change of fortune as he rejoins compatriot Jason Scotland, who has also been relegated to the bench this season, at United. Both players represent half of the Trinidad and Tobago contingent at Tayside as national defender Brent Sancho and goalkeeper Kelvin Jack play their trade with rivals, Dundee.

Collin Samuel's international rescue act.

By: Lasana Liburd - T&T Express Reporter.

Scunthorpe line up T&T player.
28-Jan-2005 - Former CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh attacker Collin Samuel will know if he can join England League Two club, Scunthorpe, this afternoon after the club's representatives take his case to an employment tribunal in Sheffield.
Samuel has spent two and a half seasons in Britain since joining Scotland First Division team, Falkirk, in August 2002 but his star dimmed rapidly after he was signed by Scottish Premiership outfit, Dundee United, the following summer.
The 23-year-old utility player aims to get his career back on track at Scunthorpe, once granted a work permit, which, he hopes, will help him regain a place with the Trinidad and Tobago national team.
Scunthorpe, at present, are in second place in their division and favoured to win promotion to League One. The "Irons" benefited from a lucrative FA Cup third round tie away to Chelsea earlier this month, when they scored first but eventually went under 3-1.
"I just want to be playing regular football again so I could get a call up for the national team," said Samuel. "If everything goes well, I am aiming for 15 goals before the end of the season or at least ten. And, once I start scoring goals, I hope to get called up."
Samuel was heartened by a phone call last week from Trinidad and Tobago technical advisor and ex-Aston Villa and England boss, Graham Taylor, who promised to visit him at Scunthorpe.
Good news has been few and far between for the former Mayaro Composite standout over the past two years.
Samuel's international career got off to a poor start when he starred in a youth team-alongside Scott Sealy, Michael Celestine and the late Marvin Lee-that was hammered at home in the 2001 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship.
However, less than six months later, the strong, speedy player was a surprise pick by Rene Simoes for the 2002 Gold Cup and he marked his international debut with a hat-trick in a friendly against Grenada.
Samuel won nine more international caps with three different coaches but never added to his goal tally and present coach Bertille St Clair has so far ignored him.
His meagre returns at Dundee United did him little favours.
Samuel managed two goals last season and was yet to score in the 2004/05 season by the halfway mark when manager Ian McCall advised him to look for another club.
He conceded his goal scoring ratio was poor and he failed to settle at United, who took to using him on the right flank.
"I was always in and out of the team," he said. "That kept breaking my confidence. It took a lot of digging inside for me, especially when I was left out of the team and I worked so hard to break in. And then, after a few games, I was out again and I wouldn't even know why."
Samuel favours the left wing position, which he played for Jabloteh, although he has been asked to play up front again by Scunthorpe.
He has already agreed personal terms for an 18-month deal and is anxious to get started.
"This is another stepping stone and another chance to prove myself," Samuel told the Trinidad Express.
He scored in a friendly earlier this week that the Irons lost 3-2 to Doncaster Rovers and already declared a preference for the English game.
"It is totally different here," he said. "The game is slower and they try to keep the ball more and focus more on build-up play. I feel I will fit in better in terms of the game structure.
"In Scotland, your job is different as a forward because you always have to be chasing the ball." Work permit notwithstanding, Samuel looks forward to chasing his country's "red, white and black" national strip.

Colin Samuel deals edges closer.

25-Jan-2005 - Scunthorpe are just a work permit away from signing Dundee United striker Colin Samuel. The League Two high-flyers have agreed personal terms with the Trinidad and Tobago international, who has been given a free transfer by the Scottish Premier League side - although they will be entitled to a percentage of any sell-on figure.
The 23-year-old is training with the Iron while the paperwork is processed and could make his debut against Boston on Saturday if all the loose ends are tied up in time. "We are hoping that the paperwork all goes through, if it does then he will be available to play some part against Boston," boss Brian Laws told the Scunthorpe Telegraph.
"Everything else is in place and has been sorted out so nothing can stop it apart from the work permit. Let's just hope common sense prevails with the Department of Employment." Scunthorpe are in second place on the Coca-Cola Football League Two Table and look sure to get promoted to First Division League come next season.

Dundee United sign Colin Samuel...Jabloteh slam transfer fee.

By Lasana Liburd.
12-Jul-2003 - Trinidad and Tobago international striker Colin Samuel was unveiled as a Dundee United player yesterday after Falkirk accepted an £100,000 ($1 million TTD) fee from the Scottish Premier League club.
Samuel is expected to complete personal terms with the club over the weekend as he prepares to join compatriot and Livingston central defender Marvin “Dog” Andrews in the Scottish top flight.
Expect CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh to have something to say about it, though.
Jabloteh chairman Jerry Hospedales expressed surprise yesterday after being told that the transfer was a done deal between the two Scottish teams.
Hospedales had insisted on Thursday evening that the club still had a stake in their former player, who they sent to Falkirk last August on a two-year deal.
Jabloteh got no money for the deal but there was an agreement that, if the player moved during the two-year period, Falkirk would split the transfer fee with the Bourg Mulatrasse-based team.
If Samuel remained with Falkirk until the end of the two-year deal, he would then be returned to Jabloteh.
However, Hospedales was adamant that Samuel was worth more than £100,000 and claimed to have initially rejected the figure outright.
“They put something on the table early this week or last week,” Hospedales told the Express, “and we said it was unacceptable. Didn’t (Samuel) score about 18 or 19 goals and contributed substantially to...Falkirk (last season)?
“I hope to hear from them over the weekend to see how we can make sure that Collin Samuel’s interests are at all times protected.”
Not surprisingly, Dundee United were delighted to sign a player who was summoned to trials by English Premier League team, Everton, and even attracted interest from the likes of English FA Cup winners, Arsenal, last season.
United manager Ian McCall, who signed Samuel at Falkirk but controversially joined United in mid-season, described the striker as “an outstanding prospect”.
Samuel is the seventh Falkirk player to join United this summer and United chairman Eddie Thompson said that the move has significantly strengthened relations between the two clubs, which had become strained after McCall’s move.
“Discussions between Campbell Christie, the Falkirk chairman, and myself have been extremely amicable,” Thompson told Sporting Life, “and we are both happy with the eventual outcome of these negotiations.
“Ian McCall added that he hoped to agree personal terms with Colin Samuel in the next few days and was delighted to have the opportunity to strengthen his playing squad with such a talented player.
“He also said that he was happy that his former club (Falkirk) and his current club (DUFC) have now agreed to put to one side any past differences and we can now move on from here.”
However, a Jabloteh source said that the club was distrustful of the alliance between the two teams and would consider approaching FIFA for transparency in the issue.
The Jabloteh official insisted that the local Pro League team had refused the figure offered by Falkirk and wondered whether the two Scottish clubs had conspired to deny them a reasonable fee.
He pointed out that Jabloteh were paid £130,000 for the transfer to Wrexham in 2001 of Carlos Edwards and Hector Sam, who were both untested players.
The Jabloteh official also suggested that it cost Wrexham more than that figure for the pair and referred to an unnamed third party from another Pro League club who may have also benefitted.
Still, using the fee for Edwards and Sam as a yardstick, the official was adamant that Samuel was worth much more and could not be sold without their input.
He also speculated that the Scottish teams could have raised the prices of their other transfers to compensate for the low figure in Samuel’s move.
“If Dundee does that, my own view is that Dundee are putting themselves in a very precarious position,” said the Jabloteh official. “We will use the recourse that is available to us. If we see something that is in the newspaper, we will have to let them know what our position is.
“We are naturally going to have sit down and get proper advice and determine how we have to move forward, but we are very clear in our minds about what we feel our rights are.”
Hospedales was more diplomatic, although he did not rule out pursuing the matter at a higher court.
“I will have to hear from Falkirk and take it from there,” said Hospedales. “Falkirk is a well-established club and so are Jabloteh, so we will work it out. “Right now, I will have to talk to Falkirk first.”

Colin Samuel goes to Dundee United.

Dundee United Website News.
11-Jul-2003 - Dundee United gave their supporters a triple boost today with the announcement that they have signed Owen Coyle and Collin Samuel from Falkirk and Derek McInnes from West Bromwich Albion.
Owen Coyle will be joining the Tannadice Club as player/coach, after a transfer deal was completed with Falkirk. Coyle, who has signed a three-year deal, will focus mainly on the Under-21s as a coach. The 36-year old will also be available to play for the club in the first-team squad.
The second boost for the Club is the signing of 21-year old Trinidadian internationalist Collin Samuel, who signed for the Club today for three years in a deal worth £100,000.
Derek McInnes completes the hat-trick of signings as the new Club Captain in a 3-year deal, having signed from West Bromwich Albion. Thirty-two year old McInnes is well known to Scottish football from his time with Rangers and Morton.
Ian McCall, Manager of Dundee United, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that all three players have signed. This is a great day for Dundee United and we are very excited by these signings. Collin Samuel is an outstanding prospect for the Club and obviously we are delighted that McInnes will be joining the Club as Captain. The signing of Owen Coyle is especially significant given his time with Dundee United in 1995/96 when his injury time winner against Partick Thistle secured United’s promotion to the Premier League.”
“I have seen Collin Samuel at his very best and, when he produced that, he destroyed international defenders and showed he has the ability to go anywhere in the game,” said Ian.
That form was highlighted back in January when the young star followed up a trial at Everton by masterminding Falkirk’s 4-1 Scottish Cup hammering of Hearts.
Ian, though, admitted he’d also witnessed the downside of his prodigy.
“I’ve seen him have bad games and, when he has, they have been pretty bad, but that’s because he is a young player and that’s what you get with young players.
“He has two great feet, is strong, and can run like the wind. In fact, he’s got everything you would want in a striker and what he has to add now is consistency, which he can do at Dundee United.”
As well as agreeing a fee for Samuel, the two clubs have now also agreed packages for another recent signing, midfielder Mark Kerr, and new player/coach Owen Coyle, who is also expected to sign soon.

Collin Samuel saddened by promotion block.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
11-Jun-2003 - Collin Samuel recently copped the young “Player of the year” and overseas player of the year award at First Division club Falkirk, having netted 16 goals in his first season to help Falkirk capture the Scottish First Division, has now set himself a target of 20 goals and is anticipating the chance to work alongside former T&T skipper Russell Latapy who signed a one-year deal as player/coach with the club last week.
“I am looking forward to playing with Russell. It will be the first time I will be getting the chance to play alongside him so it’s something that I’m really looking forward to, ”Samuel said on the weekend.
T&T coach Fevrier told the TTFF Media: We want the best possible team to represent the country so any player with quality will be considered and right now Collin Samuel is eligable to represent the U-23 Olympic team once he's interested he'll be on the team.
Meanwhile the striker says he is feeling the disappointment of the Scottish Association’s decision to not allow his club promotion to the Premier League because of a complication regarding their playing venue.
As a result, Samuel, who has one year left on contract, says he may be tempted to consider the option of joining another club in an attempt to play at a higher level.
“There have been rumours that some of the players will be leaving. I’ll be going back to Falkirk but I’m also looking at other opportunities that may come around especially with the transfer window being opened,” Samuel said on the weekend in Gaborone, Botswana, Africa, as he prepares with his T&T team-mates to face Botswana national team.

First medal for Colin Samuels.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
14-May-2003 - Scottish-based striker Collin Samuels continues to be tracked by clubs in the English Premiership.
According to reports in the Scottish Press, Samuel has been linked with English champions Arsenal and Manchester United.
The 21-year-old striker finished the season with some 19 goals, firing Falkirk to the First Division title and a chance to campaign in the Premier League next season, once the Scottish authorities grant the approval to allow them into the top flight.
But the former CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh and Pro Sports Caribbean contracted player said he was not carried away by all the attention giving to him during the season. Instead, he was grateful for his first medal in Scotland.
“It’s tremendous for Falkirk and for myself. To come here and win a medal in my first season is brilliant. I was always confident - I knew we would do it.
“Everybody has put in a lot of hard work throughout the season and we are all very happy. The atmosphere out there was unbelievable because there is nothing like that in Trinidad. It is hard to explain. It has been a great day,” he said.

Colin Samuel brushes shoulders with England wonderboy.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
13-feb-2003 - Striker Collin Samuel took to the field alongside 18-year-old Everton striker Wayne Rooney during his four- day trial with the Premiership club last week.
Samuel, top scorer for Scottish First Division leaders Falkirk with 14 goals, accompanied 19-year-old teammate Lee Miller on the trial. Rooney. Turned up at one of the sessions and helped the duo out with some crosses and took shots at goal with them. The 17-year-old Rooney is tipped to become the youngest ever player to represent England at the senior international level when they face Australia today.
Samuel returned to Scotland and netted one item and set up another two in Fakirk's 4-3 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle win on the weekend. His agent Raymond Sparkes is confident that the team bidding the highest will capture Samuel, who is being rated between five hundred thousand to one million pounds according to the Everton website.
"But anyone else who wants to see him is going to have to go to Falkirk and have a look. Now Collin's developed his reputation, David Moyes (Everton manager) might be forced to act quicker than he might have done."
In related news, Falkirk's Collin Samuel scoops 2 awards for January 2003, he has won the Tennent's Scottish Cup Round 3 Player of the Round and Bell's First Division Player of the month.

Collin Samuel interest hots up.

TEAMtalk News.
26-Jan-2002 - Everton have been warned not to dally over trialist striker Colin Samuel this week as his club Falkirk have already received a firm bid.
Highly-rated Samuel arrives at Bellefield for a trial on Monday on the back of a superb one-man demolition job of premiership 3rd place team Hearts in the Scottish Cup, his second hattrick in as many games for Falkirk.
The 21-year-old Trinidad & Tobago international hit a hat-trick for the Bairns as the Scottish First Division club destroyed their Premier League opponents 4-0 on Saturday.
Blues boss David Moyes will now be even more impressed with the player's finishing ability ahead of the few days he spends on Merseyside this week.
But Falkirk boss Ian McCall has advised Moyes to act quickly if he likes what he sees, saying: "I've spoken to Davie Moyes about the arrangements but there has also been another firm bid for Collin although I can't say who from."
Accompanying Samuel to Bellefield will be his Falkirk team-mate, 19-year-old striker Lee Miller.
Moyes said: "We're going to take a look at them both. Ian McCall is an old friend of mine and we speak regularly.
"The two players have been attracting a bit of attention and we'll bring them down for a few days training."
After Samuel's superb weekend display at Brockville, McCall said: "I've played for 20 years, including time at the top in England, and never played with or against anyone as quick as Sammy.
"No-one will catch him. Even when he was running with the ball and Hearts were giving chase, they couldn't get near him.
"Of course he has what it takes to make it to the top. He has pace and power in abundance, qualities you need more than anything, and how he's added his finishing touch as well.
"These kind of attributes are worth an awful lot of money and Davie Moyes will be well impressed when he sees him and Miller, who was also magnificent."
There is talk of a two-way agreement between the clubs which could well see Everton fringe first-team youngsters benefiting by a spell north of the border.
Trinidad & Tobago star Collin Samuel admits he was stunned to hear he has attracted the interest of Everton.
The Trinidadian - who can play either as a striker or midfielder - arrived in Scotland just six months ago when he signed for the First Division side.
But the form he has shown in that time has helped take Falkirk back to the top of the First Division table.
Now he is hopeful of winning a move to the Premiership after being invited down to Goodison Park, with team-mate Lee Miller, to train with David Moyes' side.
He said: "I was really surprised to hear that Everton were interested and that can only be good for your confidence.
"We're just going down there to do as best as we can and see what it is like to play in a higher league. We're going down after the game against Hearts and it's a great opportunity for me."

Clubs circling Falkirk starlet.

Planetfootball.com.
24-Oct-2002 - A Host of English sides are reportedly keeping tabs on Falkirk's rising young talent Collin Samuel.
The Caribbean-born star from Trinidad and Tobago has been a revelation for the Scottish First Division side this season, after joining from CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh.
Scouts from Liverpool and a number of other sides including Celtics and Newcastle United were in the stands to view the team's 3-0 win over Ayr United last weekend.
They could not fail to have been impressed by the hit-man, who can also play midfield, after the youngster was named man of the match in the tie.
Although reports of a £500,000 bid seem wide of the mark for the youngster, firm offers for the starlet might not be far away should Samuel maintain his excellent form.

I’ll get there....Collin Samuel adjusts to Scottish football.

Written By: Ian Prescott.
22-Aug-2002 - Collin Samuel has never had a harder time in his life on a football field. Two weeks ago, the former CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh striker fulfilled a dream of landing an oversees contract when he signed a two-year deal with First Division Falkirk of Scotland.
Not bad for one who will only turns 21 on August 27 and who came from the relative obscurity of North Manzanilla.
Samuel's rise to professional football fame has been swift. He started his playing days at Manzanilla Government Primary where they lost 1-0 to Tobago's Signal Hill in the National Primary School final.
At Mayaro Composite, Samuel was the school star, leading them to promotion to the Championship Division.
Every year that he was there Mayaro progressed. The first year, they only survived Championship Division status by winning a play-off. The subsequent years, they came fourth and then third. When he left, they crashed.
Samuel joined Doc's Khelwalaas in '98 and played a couple of seasons before joining Jabloteh in 2001. Along the way, he gathered six national caps for the Trinidad and Tobago senior national team and made a few appearances among the national Under-23s as well.
But having landed on Scottish soil recently, Samuel has discovered it will take more than his natural skills to make it in the professional ranks. He has had to adjust to a different environment, culture and way of life. Samuel must have thought that he was prepared properly for professional soccer after his days at Jabloteh in the Trinidad and Tobago Professional Football League. He was not.
His big break in Scotland came two Saturdays ago against St Mirren. Given the No.14 jersey, he had his first taste of the big time in coming on as a 50th minute substitute. The experience turned out to be a rude awakening for the Trini country boy.
"The football here is very different from in Trinidad and Tobago," he confessed. "Football here has a lot of pace. I try and play with them but it's hard for me right now. I am trying to make with the pace."
As if almost in shock, Samuel repeats himself:
"It's no problem not being a starter. But coming off the bench is not easy. The pace is so fast. If I had to run at these players over a 100 metres, none of them could catch me. But in small spaces they are much quicker than I am. Right now, I have to build up my sharpness."
After his first start, Samuel was not used for the mid-week match, but his manager saw enough class to bring him on as a 69th minute substitute in Falkirk's 2-1 over Caledonia Thistle last Saturday.
While he may have some problems on the field, Samuel has been made quite at home at his new club.
"Everyone has been very friendly with me. Once I have a problem I just have to ask and I get the help I need."
Falkirk is restructuring after struggling last season when they were one from bottom in the division. As a result, they have brought in several players to boost their performances. It has worked to the point where they have won their first three matches and are on top of the Scottish First Division.
Samuel, the only black player at the club, is still getting to know some of his team-mates, but has so far bonded with Andy Rogers, Stephen Craig and Lee Miller. It is these three he goes to if he has a problem. But he confesses that communication is not always easy. One-on-one he understands what his team-mates are saying, although he has to use an attentive ear.
"But if they are in a group I have a little problem. When I speak to them I have to do so slowly for them to understand. And even so, sometimes I have to break it down into syllables for them to understand me."
Having been on trial at the club with Jabloteh team-mate Devon Mitchell last year, Samuel is already quite familiar with Falkirk's many malls and wide streets. And although he dreads the day when the snow will start to fall, he is unphased by the typically unpredictable Scottish weather. "Today is hot. But some days there is heavy rain and it can be very gloomy. At the moment it's fairly okay, but it is beginning to get very cold as well."
Surprisingly he has found that training in Falkirk less strenuous than at Jabloteh. The Bains typically train once a day for an hour and a half, concentrating more on ball work and ball possession. Much of the work is designed primarily to sharpen the skills, rather that the strong accent on fitness that many local teams emphasise.
Overall, Samuel says that to date Scottish football has been a learning experience for him, but he is eager to make full use of what he considers a great opportunity to better himself.
"It's just for me to get up to the level of football they play here. Right now I can't keep up with the pace...but I'll get there," he assures."

Falkirk Boss: Trinidad are an emerging country.

BBC Sports website.
10-Aug-2002 - Falkirk manager Ian McCall has completed the signing of Trinidad & Tobago international striker Colin Samuel.
The 20-year-old was unveiled at Brockville on Thursday and has agreed a two-year contract with the First Division club.
The Bairns have been chasing Samuel's signature for two years but have been plagued with problems in trying to fix up a work permit for the striker.
But that was finally cleared up during the close season and he will be free to make his debut for the club once international clearance is received.
Falkirk coach Tony Docherty travelled to Trinidad to watch Samuel play for his local team, San Juan Jablotheh, and after watching further videos of the player in action attempted unsuccessfully to secure a work permit last year.
Bairns boss McCall told BBC Sport Online: "Trinidad are an emerging country and are actually above Scotland in the world rankings.
"He is recognised as a top striker there."
Samuel has scored two hat-tricks in six full internationals for his country, who are captained by Livingston defender Marvin Andrews.
Trinidad & Tobago boasted Rangers midfielder Russell Latapy and ex-Manchester United striker (now with Blackburn Rovers) Dwight Yorke until their recent retirement from international football.
McCall continued: "Apart from the kudos of having an internationalist at the club, he does different things in the way that many foreign players can.
"He's quick and off the cuff, but as we saw in training today he also has a good work ethic.
"The fans and all the staff at Falkirk are very excited at the prospect of seeing him play," he added.
And they may get to see their new striker in action sooner than they think as McCall revealed that Samuel is poised to make his debut this Saturday at home to St Mirren.
McCall added: "He's match fit having just returned from a four team tournament in China and I'm considering putting him straight into the starting line-up Today.

Colin Samuel for two-year deal with Falkirk.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
8-Aug-2002 - Trinidad and Tobago international Collin Samuel is likely to sign a two-year deal with Scottish First Division club Falkirk.
The 20-year-old left these shores on Tuesday night for Scotland where he was scheduled to team up with Falkirk boss Ian McCall and players today (Wednesday).
On departing the Piarco International Airport, Samuel was highly anticipating his new move and the chance to finally play for the club which has been after him since last year. Problems in obtaining a work permit came to an end last week and now the time has arrived for him to play ball.
"I'm very anxious for my first game and I'm hoping to that I can score in my first game, that's my aim right now," said a smiling Samuel.
Knowing now that he will be entering the United Kingdom and playing on a similar stage to the likes of Stern John, Shaka Hislop, Hector Sam, Anthony Rougier, Carlos Edwards and Dwight Yorke among others, the former Mayaro Composite star is not feeling the pressures, at least not yet.
"It's a learning experience for me and I can't say really much about that now. I think I'll be better off this time around and I'll just have to adapt to the weather conditions," said the North Manzanilla born, who began his schooldays at Manzanilla Government Primary School before moving onto to Mayaro Composite where he was first spotted as a leading marksman in the Secondary Schools Football League. He joined Doc's Khelwalaas before moving to CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh and then signed a contract with Pro Sports Caribbean.
Samuel also thanked "everyone who pushed him to where I am now. Guys like Julian Jack and Terry Fenwick and other folks who really know me".
"Now I'll be looking forward to coming back home and representing my country as an overseas player".
Fenwick was equally delighted, especially with Puma coming on board to sponsor Samuel and other players contracted to Pro Sports Caribbean for a period of three years.
"We are really delighted that Puma has decided to sponsor the Pro Sports players and in particular Collin," said Fenwick. "This is a huge adventure for Collin and it is something that we are very proud of.
"When he gets there and organizes his brand new apartment and his new car," Fenwick added with a few laughs, "we expect him to sign on Thursday once everything is finalized."
"We are delighted that he has gotten the work permit and he is the only player with only six internationals to get his permit which has smashed the past criteria to get a permit in the United Kingdom. Hopefully Collin will now be the first of many players from here," added the former England international.
Jamaican-botn John Isaacs, Puma's representative in the Caribbean was on hand to present Samuel with his Puma kit before taking off for the UK.
"When Pro Sports came to us we thought that these guys would be able to deliver and move the players on to the big stage. We are delighted about this," said Fenwick.
Among the players contracted with Puma are Jamaicans Walter Boyd and Theodore Whitmore, as well as TnT's Angus Eve and Kelvin Jack. "We have developed a relationship with the Reggae Boys and now we are hoping to the same with the Soca boys," said Issacs.

Colin Samuel off to Scotland today.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
06-Aug-2002 - New signing Colin Samuel heads out for Scottish First Division Club Falkirk this evening boosted by the news that his management team at Pro Sports Caribbean have negotiated a new supply new with Puma that will see the Trinidad & Tobago International sponsored both in the UK as well as back home.
A spokesman for Pro Sports Caribbean said "Obviously we are delighted - Puma have been on board for nearly a year now and continue to supply all of our stable of players here in Trinidad & Tobago. In recognition of Colin's success Puma were quick to ensure that he will be looked after in the UK and some warm clothes will no doubt be appreciated!!!!" 
"Everyone has worked extremely hard to get Colin his work permit, in particular BP Trinidad, despite many people indicating that we were wasting our time - this demonstrates a significant development for Pro Sports Caribbean and once again great credit must be given to BP Trinidad for their magnificent contribution"
"All credit must be given to CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh Technical Director, Terry Fenwick, who has developed Collin brilliantly. Colin was playing at Docs Khelwalaas when he caught Terry's eye and immediately was brought into the San Juan outfit by the former England International. By any standards his development has been astonishing seeing him score a hat-trick on his debut for the Trinidad & Tobago Senior National Team against Grenada before going on to partner Birmingham City hit-man Stern John up front in the Gold Cup in January. It is our belief that Collin has the ability to emulate his fellow countryman's achievements and play in the English Premier League. First he must continue his development at Falkirk after his undisclosed transfer fee move to the Scottish First Division side."
The groundbreaking transfer has generated great attention in the UK already and whilst both clubs remain silent on the actual transfer fee involved an undisclosed source close to the San Juan outfit stated that "Substantial rewards will be enjoyed as a result of this transfer".
Samuel leaves Piarco International Airport at 6:30pm on Tuesday evening for Scotland.

Colin Samuel gets his permit, jets off to Scotland this weekend.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
31-Jul-2002 - Trinidad and Tobago forward Colin Samuel is expected to fly out to Scotland on the weekend to finalize negotiations on a contract with First Division club Falkirk after being granted his work permit last week.
The 20-year-old striker, after a year of waiting since the club first applied for his permit, has gotten the go ahead from the British Department of Employment following the last appeal on July 25. He and local striker Devon Mitchell were on trial at the club last year and both received offers but were unable to take up the deals because of the lack of work permits. Heavy emphasis was then placed on trying to secure Samuel’s permit because of his international appearances for T&T, while Mitchell had only represented the T&T Under 20 team. Samuel made his senior debut in January, scoring a hattrick in a 3-2 win over Grenada and then made appearances at the Gold Cup against Costa Rica and Martinique. He also appeared this month against Barbados, St Kitts/Nevis and Taiwan.
Influential individuals behind the permit success, were CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh coach Terry Fenwick and Simon Lindsey of BP.
Fenwick said it was the first time that a player outside of the United Kingdom was able to secure a permit with only six international matches with which only two were from a FIFA approved tournament (2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup).
“We’ve gotten the work permit and the criteria for this as we know is one hell of a hard deal. Colin has only gotten six caps with four of those being friendly matches. We’ve not bent the rules nut we’ve set a whole new criteria. Never has there been a situation before where a permit has been granted for someone as it has been for Colin and we are really pleased about this,” Fenwick said on Wednesday.
“We’ve worked really hard with BP of Trinidad and Scotland. Between the two of us, we have been able to pull off an incredible situation for the player”.
The former England international added “Eighteen months ago I got him from Doc’s Khelwalaas and we spent time developing him as a player and as a person. He was a good player but he’s obviously gone from a nobody to a regular international. We spent a lot of time developing him, myself and the technical staff, people like Anthony Streete, Karron Walcott and Ken Francis, and he’s been rounded off into a very exciting prospect for the future. I am sure over a period of time, Jabloteh and Trinidad and Tobago will see significant returns”.
A release from Falkirk club stated “The Club, represented by Tony Docherty, Crawford Baptie and Ian McCall made their presentation to Work Permits UK on Thursday 25th July after the initial application for a work permit was turned down. A panel of six representatives made up from the SFL, SFA, The Players Union and Three Independents members (each a former international footballer) decided that Samuel should be granted a permit.
Falkirk General Manager Baptie said "Everyone at the Club is absolutely delighted that Collin has been given a work permit. We are now working frantically at tying the deal up and putting arrangements in place to get Collin over to Brockville as soon as possible - but its fair to say that after a lot of hard work, by a lot of people at the Club and beyond, we can now look forward to seeing a special young talent gracing the pitch at Brockville in the not too distant future."
Samuel will line up with Jabloteh in their FCB Cup fixture against Defence Force on Wednesday evening.

Newcastle express interest in Colin Samuel.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
05-May-2002 - English Premiership club Newcastle United have expressed interest in Trinidad and Tobago striker Colin Samuel.
According to a report on the Planetfootball website, manager Bobby Robson is keen to have a closer look at the CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh player who represented the "Soca Warriors" at the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Peter Miller, one of United's representatives in the CONCACAF region was quoted as saying ""I know Gordon Milne, (Newcastle's director of football )is interested in a number of our young players but that interest is waning because of the work permit situation.
"I can understand United's frustration but it would be a crying shame if a player like Samuel slipped through their fingers and went on to make his name elsewhere. I know Bobby needs players for now but he is also far-sighted enough to look to the future and one day Colin will go all the way."
Miller also added that TNT is a breathing ground for talented players.
"This is the one undiscovered goldmine in the world as far as exceptionally cheap young players is concerned," admitted Peter Miller, United's official representative in Port of Spain. Newcastle were the first club to realise it but in the last two years many other European sides have targeted Trinidad and Tobago. The problem we have is that our best young players cannot get the international caps quickly enough to qualify for work permits in Britain. It's a slow process but in the case of Samuel I would say it's well worth the wait. He will score goals wherever he goes and a move to Europe is inevitable."
The 20-year-old Samuel netted a hattrick in his international senior debut for TnT in a 3-2 win over Grenada last January.

Falkirk boss, Alex Totten still keen on Samuel.

By: fleX.
15-Feb-2002 - Scottish first division club boos Alex Totten has admitted he could go back in for Trinidad & Tobago striker Collin Samuel after he scored a hat-trick on his international debut.
The 20-year-old was at Brockville in Scotland on trial earlier in the season, but he headed home with fellow countryman Devon Mitchell when they were denied work permits.
The pair were refused permits by the authorities because they weren't yet involved in the international set-up.
Having made such a big impression in his first match though, Samuel's performance has alerted Totten to the possibility that the move could be back on.
He said: "It is very encouraging that he has broken into the international side, but not surprising.
"He made a really big impression here, and we were interested in keeping him.
"We will just have to wait and see what happens though."
Samuel's goals came as Trinidad & Tobago ran out 3-2 winners over Grenada last January.

Colin Samuel gives TnT victory in Grenada.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
13-Jan-2002 - Debutant striker Colin Samuel netted a hattrick of goals to secure a workmanlike 3-2 victory for Trinidad and Tobago over Grenada at the National Stadium, St George's on Friday evening.
Playing his first international under coach Rene Simoes, the Mayaro-born player partnered Nigel Pierre in attack and brought the "Soca Warriors" back into the game on two occasions after the homeside had gone ahead.
Dennis Rennie, who has also netted when the two teams met last January, opened the scoring in the 31st minute, hitting past goalkeeper Kelvin Jack. But three minutes later Samuel,of CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh, was on the mark to leave the scores level at halftime.
Former TnT-based player, Anthony Modeste then give the Grenadians a 2-1 advantage. But Samuel then strengthened his Gold Cup claims when he struck the equalizer in the 66th minute.
Samuel eventually struck the winner for TnT in the 71st minute.
With Stern John, Marvin Andrews, Clayton Ince and Avery John all missing from this match.
Simoes made seven changes to his side as he looked at the different players as the countdown to the Gold Cup continued.

Permit  problems hold back Colin Samuel and Devon Mitchell.

Shaun Fuentes.
2001 - Trinidad and Tobago talented duo Colin Samuel and Devon Mitchell have sadly missed out on a chance to sign contracts with Scottish First Division club Falkirk. The club lost their appeals to secure work permits for the players after the Scottish government had initially turn down the requests.
CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh coach Terry Fenwick, who arranged the trials was optimistic that the appeal would have gone in the locals favour but was left disappointed as too was Falkirk manager Alex Totten.
"It is a great shame, particularly for the two lads. They had been over here for five weeks training with us and had enjoyed the experience. They are good footballers and they are also good lads off the field," Totten told reporters in Scotland.
Both Samuel and Mitchell have represented this country at the Under 20 leve, but never at senior level and played for Jabloteh and Arima Fire respectively in the L-Sporto/TTFF FA Cup on Wednesday. Samuel, an ex Mayaro Composite captain, scored a hattrick, while Mitchell, formerly of Arima Senior Comprehensive, notched a beavertrick to lead all scorers after the opening round.
Fenwick was hopeful that both players would get the opportunity to further their careers overseas.
Totten added ""We were giving these two lads the opportunity to get out of their homeland and to progress their football careers here. I don't know the reason for the appeal being turned down.
"We were told the decision in a telephone call this morning (Friday) and the reasons will be included in a written document which we will receive on Monday. If these two lads had been allowed to come here they would not be taking the place of any Scottish players we wanted to add to our squad."

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