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Offline pull stones

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Re: Dennis Lawrence might be T&T coach soon.
« Reply #150 on: January 20, 2017, 08:03:07 PM »
from what I heard DL pulled out because they offered him a short term contract....rumors are that was changed....
what was changed? could you be more specific.

Offline asylumseeker

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Re: Dennis Lawrence might be T&T coach soon.
« Reply #151 on: January 20, 2017, 09:56:05 PM »
Probably better for the TTFA to say "we will let you know when we know". This is third announced delay. Dot the i's and cross the t's first, then announce. Does no one learn?

I wouldn't necessarily blame TTFA here.  I think it's a case of reporters wanting a "scoop", getting some "inside info" and rushing to be the first to break the news.

I remember reading somewhere where Skeene in particular kept saying words to the effect "we're working on it and will have an announcement soon".

What I will agree with is that they said an annoucement will be made on wednesday (2 days ago).  In hindsight, they shouldn't have given a definitive date.  But even then, how were they to know that decisions arrived upon would be overridden?

Sometimes the scoop supercedes all else.  But that's also what often passes for reporting in Trini

I'm referring to the TTFA media releases, not other sources. The organization is not adhering to its deadlines based on internal dynamics that originate with the brass, not the foot soldiers.

I notice where the scooping is occurring, as a by-product of slow leaks under cover of anonymity and fear (on one side), and as an attempt at building a counter-narrative to the TTFA getting negative press (on the other side) ... but, I also notice the mockery each media release is having on confidence and credibility in the football association.

In politics, an opposition would be presenting a motion of no confidence on Monday, not waiting to endorse  the mediocrity of a salvaged outcome.

This saga has two more chapters. Watch de ride.

Offline Jumbie

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Re: Dennis Lawrence might be T&T coach soon.
« Reply #152 on: January 20, 2017, 11:35:24 PM »
Mr Lawrence... please keep far from those daytime vampires!

Offline Flex

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Re: Dennis Lawrence might be T&T coach soon.
« Reply #153 on: January 21, 2017, 02:40:06 AM »
Lawrence refuses terms of T&T job.
T&T Newsday Reports.


The wait for the new national men’s football coach will be over on Monday when the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) finally announces who will succeed Belgium’s Tom Saintfiet following his short reign at the helm of local football.

It appears though that former T&T defender Dennis Lawrence is no longer an option as he has removed himself from contention a day after it appeared he was chosen as the candidate for the job. Fresh clauses inserted in the contract offered to him were deemed unacceptable to the former Everton first-team development coach.

A TTFA press release yesterday said, “The TTFA has noted the large public interest in the selection of our new national senior men’s coach and we wish to assure our supporters and stakeholders, the TTFA technical committee is working assiduously to complete the current process, to ensure the most appropriate selection, in the best interest of the national senior men’s team programme and our ongoing 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.”

According to football website wired868.com the clause in Lawrence’s contract was altered which led to Lawrence having a change of heart. Mike Berry, Lawrence’s agent told the local website, “On Wednesday night, we agreed in principle (over the phone) the basic terms (of the job) which is salary, length of contract, bonuses and so on. It was all systems go.”

As far as Lawrence’s team was concerned, it was already a done deal and they only asked the board to give them some time so Lawrence could resign from his two-year contract as Belgium national senior team scout where he is working with ex-Everton manager Roberto Martinez.

But his resignation had to be retracted after new clauses in the contract emerged.

“There were clauses that I never came across before in my 20-odd years as an agent,” said Berry. The two clauses that stood out, according to Berry, were that Lawrence could be terminated if T&T: (a) did not have a 40 percent success rate on a presumed annual basis; or (b) suffered a six-point drop in the FIFA rankings.

“So if, God forbid, we (T&T) lose against Panama and Mexico (in World Cup qualifiers in March) and we drop six points in the FIFA rankings as a result,” said Berry, “then his contract can be terminated at four months notice! Now bear in mind, Dennis has a two-year contract in Belgium.

Those clauses were unacceptable.” Berry added, “And not only were they in the termination section but they were under the heading of gross misconduct. So if he was sacked for one of those clauses, he would not only be sacked for non-performance but for gross conduct. That could destroy his career. How could he sign that?!”

Interestingly, another main contender for the T&T coaching job, Stuart Charles Fevrier, coach of W Connection, wished Lawrence the best in his new job yesterday afternoon while speaking to CNMG prior to his team’s Pro League game.

It is not clear whether the TTFA and Lawrence’s team have thrashed out their differences regarding the terms of the contract being offered.

The other candidates that were in the running for the T&T job are Englishman Terry Fenwick, Colombian Francisco Maturana and former T&T midfielder Russell Latapy.

Fevrier was reportedly recommended initially by the TTFA technical committee.

RELATED NEWS

Lawrence: I am out! TTFA board in uproar as DJW accused of bungling deal for new T&T coach.
By Lasana Liburd (wired868).


The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) is believed to be in crisis mode after World Cup 2006 hero and ex-Everton FC assistant coach Dennis Lawrence pulled out of a deal to be Men’s National Senior Team head coach, just 48 hours after both parties agreed in a principle.

The breaking point, according to Lawrence’s agent Mike Berry, was termination clauses inserted into the deal on Thursday as well as the TTFA’s failure to allay the prospective coach’s concerns.

“We have a very disappointed chap who spoke to [Belgium National Senior Team head coach Roberto] Martinez this morning,” Berry told Wired868. “[Martinez] was happy to welcome him back into the [Belgium] fold and he is getting back on with his career. He is very disappointed not to get the chance to do [the Trinidad and Tobago job] his way.”

Wired868 tried unsuccessfully to get comment from TTFA president David John-Williams and technical committee chairman Dexter Skeene.

However, a TTFA board member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, was furious to learn that the deal collapsed and revealed that an emergency board meeting was called for this evening. However the meeting was subsequently cancelled.

The TTFA issued a press release this evening, which promised to name its new coach on Monday. There was no word as to whether it would be Lawrence. It was a far cry from the optimistic mood on Wednesday night, as the two parties on either side of the Atlantic Ocean celebrated a deal to make Lawrence the two island republic’s top football coach.

“On Wednesday night, we agreed in principle [over the phone] the basic terms [of the job],” said Berry, “which is salary, length of contract, bonuses and so on. It was all systems go.”

The deal on offer that Wednesday night was what the TTFA felt should be given to the next Soca Warriors coach. But it is worth pointing out that, up to that point, that person looked like being W Connection coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier, who was recommended for the position by the technical committee.

John-Williams, of course, is W Connection’s co-owner and he recused himself from Wednesday’s deliberations because of his close, personal relationship with Fevrier.

Once, John-Williams returned to the room and learnt that Lawrence—and not Fevrier—was the board’s choice, he allegedly suggested a caveat. The contract, said the TTFA president, should have a termination clause. And, after their discussions Lawrence, the board agreed that there should be performance appraisals added to the deal.

As far as Lawrence’s team was concerned, it was already a done deal and they only asked the board to give them until 8am [TT time] so he could resign from his two-year contract as Belgium National Senior Team scout.

“I said let us get Roberto’s blessing because it was only right to let him know he was losing a member of staff,” said Berry. “We spoke to Roberto [Martinez] at noon English time. He was absolutely delighted and happy to endorse Lawrence. He said he would help as much as possible—except if [the two nations] met in Russia [at the 2018 World Cup]!”

Lawrence and Berry sat back and waited to hear from the TTFA. But, two hours later, there had been no contact from the local football body and a call to Skeene went straight to voicemail.

Wired868 understands that, at the time, Skeene was trying to engineer clauses that would satisfy John-Williams but not put off Lawrence.

Berry, who was unaware of the late developments, emailed Skeene and John-Williams and revealed that Roberto Martinez wanted to issue a press release congratulating Lawrence on his new post and explaining to the public why he rated the former Defence Force and Swansea defender so highly.

Lawrence played under Martinez at Swansea and then was a member of his coaching staff at Wigan Athletic, Everton and Belgium.

John-Williams, according to Berry, replied to the email within minutes to say: No press release please.

At 10am, Skeene phoned Lawrence to say there would be amendments to the initial deal but he could not say what those were.

Wired868 understands that Skeene phoned one ex-Trinidad and Tobago international for advice on performance markers for the contract. John-Williams allegedly wanted Lawrence to deliver either nine or 10 points from the CONCACAF Hex or be sacked. But Skeene allegedly felt that was unreasonable.

The advisor suggested instead that perhaps the FIFA rankings could be used as a gauge—but it must work both ways. A drop by a certain number of places could prompt a review while there would be a reward if Trinidad and Tobago climbed the rankings.

Three hours after their brief conversation, Skeene told Lawrence that the contract was on the way.

“There were clauses that I never came across before in my 20-odd years as an agent,” said Berry.

The two clauses that stood out, according to Berry, were that Lawrence could be terminated if Trinidad and Tobago: (a) did not have a 40 percent success rate on a presumed annual basis; or (b) suffered a six point drop in the FIFA rankings.

“So if, God forbid, we lose against Panama and Mexico [in March] and we drop six points in the FIFA rankings as a result,” said Berry, “then his contract can be terminated at four months’ notice! Now bear in mind, Dennis has a two-year contract in Belgium. Those clauses were unacceptable.

“And not only were they in the termination section but they were under the heading of gross misconduct. So if he was sacked for one of those clauses, he would not only be sacked for non-performance but for gross conduct. That could destroy his career. How could he sign that?!”

John-Williams emailed Berry on Thursday evening and ask Lawrence to call him, which the 42-year-old coach did.

The TTFA president did not congratulate Lawrence or say that he was looking forward to working with him. Instead, he simply wanted to know his choice for assistant coaches.

Wired868 understands that Lawrence gave John-Williams a six-man shortlist, which included two English coaches, one Dutch coach and locals: Stern John, Angus Eve and Hutson “Barber” Charles. Lawrence intended to interview the six coaches within the next week.

John, an assistant coach at Pro League champions Central FC, and Eve, the Club Sando head coach, were described as bright, upcoming coaches. While Charles, who worked with Lawrence at Defence Force, offered an immediate knowledge of the current player pool since he worked as Hart’s assistant for the past three years and served as head coach for a year and a half before then.

Lawrence also wanted his own goalkeeping coach, sports scientist and match analysis manager. But the Warriors coach-in-waiting had a question for John-Williams too.

What did the TTFA mean by a 40 percent success rate? Did that include draws, since a solitary point could be the difference between qualification and failure?

John-Williams, according to Berry, told Lawrence he did not know and would get back on to him. But they did not hear from the TTFA president again.

Berry spoke to Skeene on Thursday night too. He pointed to the clauses and suggested that, at the least, Lawrence should have the security of a 12-month pay off—even if the TTFA decided to sack him in the first week.

The football body, said Berry, ought to show some faith in a coach that was leaving a job to come and work for Trinidad and Tobago. Skeene, Barry alleged, said that was a reasonable request and promised to get back to them.

Neither John-Williams nor Skeene contacted them again on Thursday night. So, Berry sent an email to both TTFA officials and went to bed.

This morning, there was no emailed response from the TTFA and Lawrence’s enthusiasm had now become a deep unease. The defender rang up a few friends and associates for advice—including 2006 World Cup coach Leo Beenhakker—and then made his decision.

“It smelt fishy and he was very uncomfortable about the lack of response and the lack of courtesy,” said Berry. “And he said: ‘I am out.’ Perhaps if the clauses were in the performance appraisal section and not the termination section or if there was more security for him in the contract…

“He was also concerned about the lack of reference from the TTFA to the long term development of Trinidad and Tobago football, which he felt was equally important to the current World Cup campaign.

“He will do his damnedest to get us to the Russia World Cup but he told them from the start that he didn’t just want to be a quick fix.”

And so, Berry alerted the TTFA of his client’s change of heart, via an email to John-Williams, which read:

“In the absence of a response and on reflection, Dennis has decided to reject your offer of the position of national coach. Unfortunately, the philosophy of your technical committee, board and yourself do not match Dennis’ philosophy for Trinidad and Tobago football at this time.

“Dennis has asked me to convey his best wishes for the future success of Trinidad and Tobago football.”

Lawrence’s decision stunned board members who had not been kept abreast of developments since the Wednesday night meeting. As far as they were concerned, the board had already decided upon their coach and the only thing left for John-Williams and Skeene to do was get his signature on a piece of paper.

One source wondered aloud if the TTFA president had sabotaged the process. There is no concrete evidence to support that suggestion at this point in time.

“How can a clause lead to all these problems?” asked the source. “That is a matter of simple negotiation. Something has gone wrong somewhere.”

The TTFA board convened an emergency meeting this evening, presumably to discuss the deal. According to the constitution, only the board can hire or fire coaches. However, the meeting was scrapped—presumably because the late notice meant there was unlikely to be quorum.

At Wednesday night’s meeting, although the majority of the technical committee voted for Fevrier, the board members decided that Lawrence was the man they wanted.

Wired868 understands that there were five votes for Lawrence and two for former England World Cup defender and Central FC and San Juan Jabloteh coach Terry Fenwick. John-Williams’ two vice-presidents, Joanne Salazar and Ewing Davis, were the only members who voted for Fevrier, since the TTFA president had recused himself.

“The board decided that Dexter [Skeene] and the president should take the lead in signing the deal [with Lawrence],” said the anonymous board member. “The enthusiasm for Dennis is great and he shouldn’t let [the clauses] stymie him.

“There was no number two [for if we didn’t get Lawrence]. We agreed it would be him.”

After the initial interview, Berry revealed that Skeene phoned and apologised for the lack of response by the TTFA. But he was unable to relay whether there was a change of position by the football body on the controversial clauses.

This evening’s board meeting appeared to be the last chance for Lawrence. But there is still hope that John-Williams reopened discussions with the former Malick schoolboy, who was on Wigan’s coaching staff when they Manchester City in the 2013 FA Cup final.

“Roberto [Martinez] said don’t close the door totally [on Trinidad and Tobago],” said Berry. “He was in a similar position once when he left the Swansea job. It seems unlikely now but he said to leave the door open…

“It is not that we are against performance evaluations but you have to give him a reasonable time to do his job. Do a review after 12 months but not from day one!

“They have missed out on a top class guy, never mind a good coach. If Roberto Martinez rates him so highly, surely Trinidad and Tobago should as well.”

Twelve years ago, Lawrence’s headed goal against Bahrain in Manama won Trinidad and Tobago a historic berth at the Germany 2006 World Cup. But, months earlier, the lanky defender showcased his skills on the ground as he tore forward on the overlap to score a decisive item in a 2-0 win over Panama at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.

The Panama triumph was the Warriors’ first competitive outing under Leo Beenhakker and it revitalised the nation’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

Should Lawrence agree terms with the TTFA, his first opponent—on 24 March 2017—will be Panama at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Wired868 asked John-Williams for an update on the vacant position on Men’s National Senior Team head coach and whether he was trying to sign Lawrence or discourage him from signing. The football president declined comment but promised that the TTFA would issue a press release later.

“All I can say is maybe your source on the board can answer that text,” said John-Williams. “I have nothing against you if you choose a particular road… All I am saying is don’t lie on me.”

The other coaches on the TTFA’s shortlist were: Francisco Maturana, Fenwick and Fevrier.

The current TTFA board of directors comprises: David John-Williams (president), Joanne Salazar, Ewing Davis and Allan Warner (vice-presidents), Samuel Saunders (Central FA), Sherwyn Dyer (Eastern Counties Football Union), Karanjabari Williams (Northern FA), Richard Quan Chan (Southern FA), Anthony Moore (Tobago FA), Joseph Taylor (Trinidad and Tobago Football Referees Association), Sharon O’Brien (Women’s League Football), Wayne Cunningham (Eastern FA) and Dexter Skeene (TT Pro League).

The TTFA technical committee consists of: Dexter Skeene (chairman), Dr Alvin Henderson (vice-chairman), Bertille St Clair (former World Youth Cup coach), Errol Lovell (former national goalkeeper), Jinelle James (ex-national player and current administrator) and Muhammad Isa (technical director).

“The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) wishes to advise that the announcement of the newly appointed Head Coach of the Men’s Senior National Team will take place on Monday 23 January 2017.

“The TTFA has noted the large public interest in the selection of our new National Senior Mens coach and we wish to assure the our supporters and stakeholders, the TTFA Technical Committee is working assiduously to complete the current process, to ensure the most appropriate selection, in the best interest of the National Senior Men’s Team Programme and our ongoing the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.”


« Last Edit: January 23, 2017, 03:05:49 PM by Flex »
The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline vb

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Re: Dennis Lawrence might be T&T coach soon.
« Reply #154 on: January 21, 2017, 02:54:28 AM »
Lawrence has a great job where he is.

You damn right, doh jeopardize yourself for these jokers.

VB
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Offline sjahrain

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Re: Dennis Lawrence might be T&T coach soon.
« Reply #155 on: January 21, 2017, 04:17:47 AM »
And again when I do the right in the beginning.I never have to justify the end
Hart they did you wrong and it's quite evident now..Talk about bachanal
If the priest could play then who is DJW

The macauel effect is in being decided by Company Yes
It's my way or it's not going down
If his choice get the job will those clauses remain or will he offer a rational why they are not
Terrorist in the city...Cry blood

Offline Thomo

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Re: Dennis Lawrence might be T&T coach soon.
« Reply #156 on: January 21, 2017, 04:25:52 AM »
Ah really wonder if he boy SCF get in he'll have those clauses? Glad the Skeene and Co finally let themselves be be heard rather than let that idiot run roughshod. He shat on his tail now that Lawrence and Berry show him up for the fool he is. When I check the team that a national hero like Lawrence had behind him yuh know he was coming for business ie to qualify for 2018 and develop for the future and beyond. But de fat oaf cyah see dat, all he know is he is boss and he want SCF. Smfh

Offline Controversial

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Re: Dennis Lawrence might be T&T coach soon.
« Reply #157 on: January 21, 2017, 04:46:29 AM »
Lawrence has pull out of the race for T&T coach.

Skeene is upset with DJW but has a double tongue.

Stuart Charles is our next coach, T&T is doomed.

DJW is worst than Jack Warner.



If this is confirmed....then it also confirms....as if there was ANY doubt...that the TTFA is a sham.

I love my country.  I appreciate the players who turn out for national duty

But to support THIS T&T team would be condoning assness of the highest order.

Family you know figure out this is a sham lol come nah Palos yuh way better than that..

This man goal was to sabotage the team with many underhanded factors coming into play.. match fixing, outside interference, bribery and paying off voting members of the ttfa

Everything that is happening now is to ensure we don't qualify for the World Cup...

Offline trini_stallion

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Re: Dennis Lawrence might be T&T coach soon.
« Reply #158 on: January 21, 2017, 06:51:40 AM »
He purposely sabotage this process so scf cld get the bligh. Is there any way we cld start a petition for DJW to resign?? I'm being serious
Soca in mih vein, Soca in meh blood
Soca in yuh vein, Soca in blood,
Soca in we vein, Soca in we blood,
It's a heart of love, can't deny soca, cuz its good fuh de soul...
Trinidad and Tobago jump up now!

Offline injunchile

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Re: Dennis Lawrence might be T&T coach soon.
« Reply #159 on: January 21, 2017, 07:02:43 AM »
Watch it Sjahrain  with your comparisons. If the priest could play then who is DJW.
 Terribly out of Context . It is like comparing Apples and Oranges. DJW is in a league all by himself . He reminds me of Trump. Same personality type.

Offline sjahrain

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Re: Dennis Lawrence might be T&T coach soon.
« Reply #160 on: January 21, 2017, 07:08:38 AM »
Context safe because he actually doing it...Right before our very eyes
It's no longer a hypothetical

Offline madness

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Re: Dennis Lawrence might be T&T coach soon.
« Reply #161 on: January 21, 2017, 08:54:33 AM »
this is crazy to see and witness real problems with the TTFA and Trinidad football.  :banginghead:

Offline asylumseeker

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Re: Dennis Lawrence might be T&T coach soon.
« Reply #162 on: January 21, 2017, 09:49:35 AM »
Apparently the TTFA is not reliant on general counsel. Sure, I get Skeene asking a former pro questions related to contract clauses, but is that the final stop on the road?
« Last Edit: January 21, 2017, 09:52:43 AM by asylumseeker »

Offline trini_stallion

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Dennis Lawrence thread
« Reply #163 on: January 21, 2017, 11:30:18 AM »
Our new head coach guys. The TTFA was able to tell DJW to hull he ass and they appointed him with revised terms! Another slap in DJW tun tun!
Soca in mih vein, Soca in meh blood
Soca in yuh vein, Soca in blood,
Soca in we vein, Soca in we blood,
It's a heart of love, can't deny soca, cuz its good fuh de soul...
Trinidad and Tobago jump up now!

Offline trini_stallion

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Re: Dennis Lawrence thread
« Reply #164 on: January 21, 2017, 11:31:52 AM »
TTFA agrees “Tallest” terms: Lawrence makes U-turn, “humbled” to be new T&T coach.
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868).


Former Trinidad and Tobago World Cup 2006 defender Dennis Lawrence has done a U-turn and will be unveiled as the new Soca Warriors coach, after he agreed terms with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) on Saturday morning.

“I feel very honoured and humbled by this opportunity and the confidence placed in me by the Association,” said Lawrence, in a press release. “I have given my all for Trinidad and Tobago as a player and now relish this moment to contribute as head coach of the National Team.”

It is uncertain at this point whether he eventually agreed a two or three year deal.

Lawrence, who was employed as a scout for the Belgium National Senior Team at present, pulled out of talks on Friday morning after the football body amended their initial deal with controversial termination clauses and then seemed unable to explain them.

The TTFA wanted the right to sack the six foot seven Lawrence for gross misconduct if the Warriors slipped six places in the FIFA ranking or had less than a 40 percent success rate. But, in a subsequent phone call, Lawrence’s agent, Mike Berry, claimed TTFA president David John-Williams did not know if draws counted as success and promised to get back on to him.

John-Williams’ failure to do so in a timely fashion added to a growing unease about the sudden direction of the negotiations and Lawrence announced that the deal was off.

The scuppering of the talks led to a furious response from some TTFA board members who blamed John-Williams for bungling the talks.

John-Williams, who is the co-owner of W Connection football club, was allegedly keen to have his own employee, Stuart Charles-Fevrier, take over the National Senior Team.

It is uncertain what role, if any, was played by the board and the angry public response to John-Williams’ perceived meddling. But the TTFA president is believed to have subsequently applied fresh zeal to the pursuit of the 42-year-old coach.

And, by Saturday morning, the deal was concluded.

Remarkably, the TTFA tried to take credit for the supposed speed of the appointment, which came two months after the replacement of former head coach Stephen Hart and almost two weeks after the departure of his shambolic replacement, Tom Saintfiet.

“The TTFA has worked diligently to complete the selection process ahead of our intended next Monday deadline, and this press release is now being made in order to quell further speculation and keep our stakeholders informed.

“Dennis will arrive in the country next week where he will hold a press conference and meet with members of the local football fraternity to determine the rest of his support staff.”


Lawrence has never worked as a head coach although he served as assistant to Roberto Martinez at Wigan Athletic—where they edged Manchester City to the FA Cup title in 2013—and Everton FC.

Intriguingly, like his predecessor Tom Saintfiet, Lawrence was not the first choice of the TTFA’s technical committee. Or the second.

Fevrier was the coach who the technical committee felt was the best man for the job of leading the Warriors. Ex-Central FC and San Juan Jabloteh coach Terry Fenwick, a former England international defender, was next on the list.

However, in a meeting on Wednesday night, the TTFA board of directors decided to overrule its technical committee’s recommendations in favour of the lanky defender whose goal took Trinidad and Tobago to the 2006 World Cup.

Lawrence played or trained alongside several current Warriors including Kenwyne Jones, Marvin Phillip, Carlos Edwards, Khaleem Hyland, Jan-Michael Williams, Cornell Glen, Hughtun Hector and Radanfah Abu Bakr.

He has included former club and international teammates Stern John, Angus Eve and Hutson “Barber” Charles as potential assistants for his technical staff, along with two unnamed England coaches and one from the Netherlands.

Charles, a Strike Squad standout who played with Lawrence at the Defence Force, was a member of Hart’s coaching staff, which steered Trinidad and Tobago into the Concacaf Hex.

Eve, Trinidad and Tobago’s record appearance maker, is Club Sando head coach and a former National Under-23 Team head coach while John, the country’s all-time leading scorer, is assistant coach at defending Pro League and Caribbean champions, Central FC.

TTFA press statement (signed by president David John-Williams and new head coach Dennis Lawrence):

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) is pleased to announce that Mr Dennis Lawrence has accepted the position of head coach of the Men’s Senior National Team.

The TTFA has worked diligently to complete the selection process ahead of our intended next Monday deadline, and this press release is now being made in order to quell further speculation and keep our stakeholders informed…

Dennis will arrive in the country next week where he will hold a press conference and meet with members of the local football fraternity to determine the rest of his support staff.

In accepting the appointment, Dennis Lawrence stated: “I feel very honoured and humbled by this opportunity and the confidence placed in me by the Association. I have given my all for Trinidad and Tobago as a player and now relish this moment to contribute as head coach of the National Team.

“Of course I am coming into a difficult situation and we have to take each game very seriously and put our best foot forward. The experience I gained working under different coaches during my 89 international caps for T&T and my exposure in coaching has all helped to shape me. I intend to give my very best towards this national effort.”

« Last Edit: January 24, 2017, 05:32:26 AM by Flex »
Soca in mih vein, Soca in meh blood
Soca in yuh vein, Soca in blood,
Soca in we vein, Soca in we blood,
It's a heart of love, can't deny soca, cuz its good fuh de soul...
Trinidad and Tobago jump up now!

Offline Thomo

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Re: Dennis Lawrence might be T&T coach soon.
« Reply #165 on: January 21, 2017, 11:31:58 AM »
The fool DJW finally relented and Dennis is now the new coach. I guess after the idiot got exposed by Mike Berry and Lawrence he had to give in and not let his idiot pal Fevrier take charge. He didn't expect so much opposition from the public, the board of directors, technical committee, Lasana nd Wired868, Berry and Lawrence.

Offline Thomo

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Re: Dennis Lawrence thread
« Reply #166 on: January 21, 2017, 11:55:03 AM »
"Dennis did not make a U-turn. DJW did. Dennis had initially accepted a contract offered by the TTFA Exec Committee but rejected the alterations made by TTFA president DJW.
However, he kept the door open and DJW, who is travelling to FIFA HQ in Zurich this evening, removed the controversial exit clauses he had added to ensure he had a signed document on mutually agreed terms to take to his FIFA bosses.
Monies for the contract (including asst coaches etc re Dennis’ proposal) will be accessed from FIFA Development Fund.
While in Zurich, DJW will also receive his official instruments of appointment to the FIFA Players’ Status Committee, on which he will serve as a member for a four-year term.
Dennis had retained the local law firm of Pamela Elder & Associates to vet his end of the contract"

LMFAO @ DJW. Damn IDIOT!! Public outrage caused this!!

Offline che

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Re: Dennis Lawrence might be T&T coach soon.
« Reply #167 on: January 21, 2017, 11:58:10 AM »
This is a real pappy show going on now. But congrats DL. Let's see if we could salvage this campaign.
 

Offline Anbrat

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Re: Dennis Lawrence thread
« Reply #168 on: January 21, 2017, 12:15:57 PM »
"Public outrage caused this!!"


 ??? ???

Hardly!

Offline Controversial

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Re: Dennis Lawrence thread
« Reply #169 on: January 21, 2017, 12:39:34 PM »
FIFA paying for all of our coaches? No one has even stated what the govt has allocated to our football for 2017...

Furthermore, I am very skeptical of FIFA paying for all our national coaches, given FIFAs past admin woes and corruption..

Our coaches are indeed subject to outside interference.. I believe those funds should be solely for youth development and grassroots programs, the Feds should be paying for our own coaches either through govt allocations or sponsorship..

Like I said, the dictator is being controlled

Offline Controversial

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Re: Dennis Lawrence might be T&T coach soon.
« Reply #170 on: January 21, 2017, 12:50:40 PM »
Apparently the TTFA is not reliant on general counsel. Sure, I get Skeene asking a former pro questions related to contract clauses, but is that the final stop on the road?

I'm stunned that skeene called a former player and not their in house attorney or an attorney contracted for the new appointment..

What the hell kinda nonsense is that? LoL the dictator taking all the money and sharing it with them and have no money for an attorney ...rubbish

Furthermore, the ttfa should be paying for that coach not FIFA, that leads me to believe that our coaches and president is subject to outside interference.. FIFA already has a record of corruption, the fed should be paying for its own coach, the development fund should be allocated for grassroots programs and youth development ...

Very skeptical about the man having to fly to Zurich to get the contract approved and get money for our coach..

Which is why I asked, how much money has the govt allocated to our football for 2017?

Offline Tobago28

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Re: Dennis Lawrence might be T&T coach soon.
« Reply #171 on: January 21, 2017, 12:57:01 PM »
We have a Coach that is acceptable to most of the public.  We need to turn this momentum into a MOVEMENT.

Time to put pressure on the TTFA to hire a competent Technical Director.  Isa must GO!

Offline Controversial

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Re: Dennis Lawrence might be T&T coach soon.
« Reply #172 on: January 21, 2017, 01:22:11 PM »
We have a Coach that is acceptable to most of the public.  We need to turn this momentum into a MOVEMENT.

Time to put pressure on the TTFA to hire a competent Technical Director.  Isa must GO!

Who paying for the new director? FIFA again?

Offline Flex

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Re: Dennis Lawrence Thread
« Reply #173 on: January 21, 2017, 02:01:37 PM »
Some Reactions on Dennis’ appointment.
TTFA Media.


Some past teammates and recognised personalities in the game have issued their well wishes and congratulations to Dennis Lawrence on his appointment as head coach of the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s Senior Team. Lawrence was today officially announced as the new head coach by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association.

Former national forward Stern John told TTFA Media “It’s a fantastic opportunity for Dennis. He has been coaching at a high level  for some time  and is good to see the Association has seen it fit to give him this opportunity now. I know he will give it one hundred percent and it is important that he also receives the fullest support of the FA which I am sure they will do, the players and everyone involved in the game locally as well as the country on a whole. It’s the only way we can move forward as a nation in football.

“Dennis is one  of the younger coaches on the scene now. He will bring  new ideas and philosophies and I am looking forward to see him in charge of our national team,” John added.

Carlos Edwards has been Lawrence’s teammate since their playing days at Defence Force, then at Wrexham and the National Team. He had the following to say.

“I think it’s a really good decision. His passion and commitment to the game is second to none. From the time he started accumulating his coaching badges, he dedicated everything to himself and his development in order to fulfil his ambitions,’ Edwards said.

“I think this opportunity now is the best thing for Dennis and the country on a whole. He will always be the man who played a critical role in taking us to the 2006 World Cup with his efforts throughout the campaign and the goal against Bahrain and now with his experience and being in the Premiership has made him into a better coach, rubbing shoulders with the best coaches and players in the world.

“Dennis is a very smart guy when it comes to the game and it’s different to just playing the game but also knowing the game and studying it. He  has the sixth sense about the game and  his leadership will be valuable. Obviously he will have his own methods of coaching and dealing with the players.

“From  his days at Defence Force where we played together, you could see something special in him and his desire to coach at the highest level and he has maintained that passion past his playing days,” Edwards added.

Former T&T 2006 World Cup teammate Densill Theobald also wished the big man the best in his new endeavour.

“I am really happy for him. We always spoke about his desires to coach and moreso coach a national team and he always told me when the time is right.

“I always asked him that question after his playing days and then while he was working with Roberto Martinez.

Trinidad and Tobago football is in a difficult stage after getting to a decent level over the past couple years with the performances at the Gold Cup and reaching the Hex, and what we need is someone good to continue the process and I think he will be able to contribute towards this. What will be important is him getting the support from the  FA, the players, his staff and the fans, in realising the dream of qualification for Russia 2018 which I believe is still alive. I am happy for our brother and wishing him all the best,” Theobald added.

More on the New Man in Charge of T&T Senior Men’s Team

Dennis Lawrence was today officially announced as the new Head Coach of the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s Senior Team.

On his appointment, Lawrence said today “I feel very honoured and humbled by this opportunity and the confidence placed in me by the Association. I have given my all for Trinidad and Tobago as a player and now relish this opportunity to contributes Head Coach of the National Team.”

Here are some interesting facts about the new man in charge of Men’s Senior Team.

-Between 1992-2000, he played locally in his homeland of Trinidad and Tobago with Barataria Ball Players, Caledonia AIA (now Morvant Caledonia United) and Defence Force.

-Lawrence won his first Professional League title as a player with Defence Force in 1999

– He had his first overseas trial with Newcastle United in 2000 under then manager Bobby Robson and then Bolton Wanderers. He would later sign for Wrexham in 2001, joining countryman Carlos Edwards and Hector Sam with Englishman Mike Berry as his representative and this relationship has been maintained up to this day.

-After Lawrence scored the winning goal that qualified T&T for the 2006 World Cup Finals, in a 1-o win over Bahrain in Manama on November 16th, 2005, Lawrence spent close to two hours away from his teammates as he was randomly selected for a drugs test after the match. All this time, Dwight Yorke and the rest of the squad were partying and celebrating their qualification in the dressing room. “It did took a bit of the shine off it,” he said at the time.

-Lawrence made 198 appearances for Welsh club Wrexham between 2001-2006

-He then made 84 appearances for Swansea City (2006-2009), 28 for Crewe Alexandra and 7 for San Juan Jabloteh in 2009-2010.

-He tasted English Football League One title success with Swansea City in 2007/2008.

-Born August 1st, 1974, he made 89 international appearances for Trinidad and Tobago.

-He was named Caribbean Cup Most Valuable Player after helping T&T to the regional title in 2001 under former head coach Ian Porterfield.

-Lawrence joined Wigan Athletic as a coach after impressing Spanish coach Roberto Martinez in October 2010. Lawrence then went on to become a first team development coach at Everton under Martinez and then a scout for the Belgium National Team of which Martinez is now the head coach.

-Lawrence holds a UEFA Pro License Coaching badge.

The UEFA Pro Licence is a coaching licence from UEFA, the official governing body of European football. The licence is the highest coaching certification available and follows the completion of the UEFA ‘B’ and ‘A’ licences.

A UEFA Pro Licence is required by anyone who wishes to manage a football club in the top level of a European nation’s league system on a permanent basis, i.e. more than 12 weeks (the amount of time an unqualified caretaker manager is allowed to take control). This applies to both the head coach or team manager, and such a licence is also required to manage in the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Controversial

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Re: Dennis Lawrence Thread
« Reply #174 on: January 21, 2017, 02:49:23 PM »
Drug test after the goal huh, they were trying anyway to get Trinidad and Tobago to not qualify lol what a set of crooks
« Last Edit: January 22, 2017, 12:33:33 PM by Controversial »

Offline Controversial

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Re: Dennis Lawrence Thread
« Reply #175 on: January 21, 2017, 04:06:53 PM »
Don't get too comfortable folks

The dictator will still try to undermine, sabotage and disrupt Dennis and his mission, especially with FIFA now paying our coaches smh
« Last Edit: January 21, 2017, 08:53:43 PM by Controversial »

Offline trini_stallion

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Re: Dennis Lawrence Thread
« Reply #176 on: January 21, 2017, 04:36:45 PM »
I hope Dennis gets 2 friendlies before these matches
Soca in mih vein, Soca in meh blood
Soca in yuh vein, Soca in blood,
Soca in we vein, Soca in we blood,
It's a heart of love, can't deny soca, cuz its good fuh de soul...
Trinidad and Tobago jump up now!

Offline asylumseeker

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Re: Dennis Lawrence Thread
« Reply #177 on: January 21, 2017, 05:39:45 PM »
I hope Dennis gets 2 friendlies before these matches

That presents an interesting situation because the Pro League is almost done and there are no FIFA dates prior to our WC qualifier.

Offline Big Magician

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Re: Dennis Lawrence Thread
« Reply #178 on: January 21, 2017, 05:53:07 PM »
" 6 "

welcome home Legend...wishing you all the best...
Little Magician is King.......ask Jorge Campos


Offline sjahrain

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Re: Dennis Lawrence Thread
« Reply #179 on: January 21, 2017, 07:15:17 PM »
Respect soldier.
You have the support of the people




 

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