Pro League boss: Respect us.
T&T Express Reports.
Says Super and Pro Leagues can co-exist.
"Let me make it abundantly clear the T&T Pro League remains deeply committed to the best interest of football in Trinidad and Tobago and will continue to cooperate with all the stakeholders be it Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF), Soca Warrior Coach Beenhakker,the Super League and TTFF Special advisor Jack Warner. But it must be on the basis of mutual respect and sincerity."
These were the sentiments of Pro League chairman Larry Romany when asked to comment on the view expressed in a recent interview by CL Financial Jabloteh Coach Terry Fenwick that the Pro League and Super League should not be running side by side and that there should be one League.
Last year, the Pro League discussed and agreed with the TTFF on a proposal for a promotion and demotion play-off between the Pro League and the Super League.
There was a caveat however, that promoted teams from the Super League must be able to meet the financial requirements of the Pro league which primarily is an obligation and a duty to ensure that players will be paid.
"One has to appreciate that the Pro league players are fully professional and the Super League players aside from those on the Warner family's JOE PUBLIC are not in that regard. There is absolutely no concern about Joe Public," Romany said.
Romany said that while he respects the right of anyone to have their own view, the T&T Pro League board has fully discussed and agreed that the Pro League and Super League can coexist and that the determination as to the best teams in the country ought not to be a subjective or board room decision.
"Let it be decided on the field of play," he said. "I cannot understand why anyone in the T&T Football fraternity is reluctant or fearful of a Pro League/Super League promotion demotion play-off. It happens in major football playing nations."
Romany stressed that The Pro league has an excellent and extremely cordial relationship with Anthony Harford and the Super League organisers.
And he highlighted the fact that to play in the Super League, teams must come through the various TTFF zones and compete in a playoff.
Romany said that this has created a competitive structure that can only benefit the development of Trinidad and Tobago football.
The Pro League chairman also took the opportunity to commend Fenwick on his public apology for his involvement in a brawl in the Toyota Classic final last month.
"He has taken full responsibility for his actions and that is to his credit. We are all human and will make mistakes. His apology sends the right message to the young footballers I appreciate that". said Romany.
"That whole issue has been a learning experience for the League as it has shown us that what happens when someone is banned has to be clearly defined. The letter and spirit of when one is banned must be codified. There must not be grey areas".
Aspire sport science conference.
By: Joel Villafana.
T&T Olympic Committee President Larry Romany recently returned from Qatar where he attended the first ASPIRE SPORT SCIENCE CONFERENCE.
November 17-19 Qatar took center stage in the sporting world with the launch of the world's most ambitious sports academy. The event was attended by an unprecedented array of the world's top sporting legends and dignitaries and included a host of highlights including the sport science conference, a lavish opening featuring Cirque Du Soleil, a football tournament featuring Europe's best youth teams and the unveiling of the largest sports dome in the world.
The sporting legends in attendance were Ed Moses, Hicham El Guerroj, Maradona, Mark Spitz, Nadia Comaneci, Pele, Rabah Madjer and Said Aouita. On day one -Aspire to Discover addressed talent identification and talent development. Day two-Aspire to Grow looked at Sport Academies and their role in elite sport. Day three-Aspire to Succeed focused on Attainment of Peak Performance.
The Youth tournament featured teams from some of the world's biggest football clubs took on the local ASPIRE team. Teams in attendance Arsenal FC, Ajax Amsterdam, Bayer Leverkusen, Celtic FC, FC Barcelona and Aspire.
Romany who is also the T&T Pro league Chairman returned from Qatar to meet a euphoric T&T celebrating this country's historic 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification.
"It is a tremendous feat .However it is important hat we do not lose perspective as there is plenty work to be done if football in particular is to build on this achievement. For one a development infrastructure has to be put in place. That is the only way to sustaining and build on the historic achievement".
"From the perspective of the Pro League. Youth Academies are investments not expenditure .In 2005 the league made credible gains both on the spectator interest side and with sponsors. This came about because we were very strategic in paying attention to the market surveys that were conducted and in so doing listened to the public, players, coaches and sponsors.
In 2006 we have to be purposeful and work with the clubs on the issue of the Academies and communities. The T&T Pro league's role and mission is undeniable it is the only avenue for talented local footballers to establish a career pathway in football and earn a living from their talents"
Romany noted that all the sporting legends highlighted the importance of a development approach based on fun and enjoyment.
"I came away with invaluable insights and was very impressed with the 100million US facility.It was cutting edge and provided me with a reference point".
Romany also took the opportunity to extend condolences to the family of Clive Bradley and Pan Trinbago on behalf of both TTOC and T&T Pro league." Mr Bradley was a unique and gifted talent and we are privileged as a nation that he choose the steelpan to express his genius"
Terry Fenwick, Jabloteh appeal ban.
By: Ian Prescott (Express).
Coach Terry Fenwick and CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh have appealed a ten-match ban handed down on the Englishman by the Disciplinary Committee of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF).
This was confirmed by Dexter Skeene, chief executive officer of the T&T Pro League, who said the appeal had since been passed on to the T&TFF disciplinary body, but had not yet been dealt with.
Fenwick was fined $24,000 and banned for ten matches for his part in sparking a brawl during the Toyota Classic final, which Jabloteh lost 1-0 to W Connection.
The former England defender deliberately hung out his right elbow, catching the face of W. Connection's Brazilian midfielder Gefferson Da Silva Goulart, who ran towards the opponents' bench celebrating his free-kick goal which won the game.
The Pro League also imposed sanctions on players from both teams who were involved in the fracas.
Afterwards the League issued a statement saying: "Mr Fenwick-San Juan Jabloteh. Found guilty of violence in according with FIFA disciplinary code article 48. As a result Mr Fenwick has been banned for a period of ten consecutive matches and a fine imposed of $24,000."
But, since then, several football officials have been arguing that Fenwick has been circumventing the ban and effectively still coaching Jabloteh during the recent FA Trophy competition, in which they beat Defence Force 2-1 in Wednesday's final at the Marvin Lee Stadium.
Although Michael Grayson was listed as the Jabloteh coach on the team sheet during the final, Fenwick, who sat in the bleachers, was heard barking instructions. He also appeared to be giving instructions to the Jabloteh bench via cell phone.
When Jabloteh were about to bring on Nicholas Addlery as substitute, Fenwick was seen signalling the team bench. He then got on his cell phone, after which the substitution was stopped and minutes later Josh Johnson was brought on as the Jabloteh sub instead of Addlery.
When contacted on Friday, Skeene appeared baffled on how to deal with the new development.
"I don't think that there is anything we can do to stop him," Skeene admitted. "I don't think they can stop him coming in the stadium if he buys a ticket. Maybe if they find him coaching, the referees or the people at the venue can ask him to leave."
Joe Public complete season with win.
T&T Newsday Reports.
Joe Public completed a triumphant 2005 Sportworld Super League campaign with a 2-0 victory over second-placed Crab Connection in the final round of action on Saturday. In front of their home supporters at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Tunapuna, the “Eastern Lions” Joe Public broke the deadlock in the 77th minute courtesy a Roen Nelson penalty, while Carlington Smith’s 85th minute goal guaranteed the hosts their 19th win of the season. Meanwhile, Couva Players United came from a goal down to defeat Stokely Vale 3-2 at Gilbert Park, Couva yesterday. Devon Leacock put Stokely Vale in front after six minutes of play before Quami Knights levelled the scores in the 27th.
Keith Williams put Couva 2-1 up in the 48th but Kayode Legall equalised in the 74th. Ten minutes later, Aaron Downing found the back of the net to seal with win for Couva. In yesterday’s other fixture, PLIPDECO Caroni whipped Maraval Youth Academy 3-1 at the Trinity College Ground, Moka, Maraval. Former national Under-17 captain Roderick Anthony got Caroni’s first strike in the 22nd while Jason Cudjoe doubled the lead eight minutes later. Dwayne Charles notched the third item for the visitors, in the 55th minute, while Lawrence Davis’ 72nd goal was scant consolation for Maraval, who finished the season 11th in the 12-team table.
