Marvin Andrews seeks salvation.

By: Stewart Fisher.
06-Nov-2005 - When Marvin Andrews says he is gearing up for the two biggest games of his life, he isn’t talking about the double-header with Celtic.
Twice in the space of four days, the Rangers centre-half will risk his patched up left knee, not to mention deep-vein thrombosis, for the Trinidad and Tobago cause as they meet Bahrain over two legs for the privilege of unearthing one of the few remaining invites to the World Cup finals for the first time.
He will be cruising out to the Caribbean tomorrow to prepare for Saturday’s first leg in Port-of-Spain while his club team-mates preoccupy themselves with the small matter of Parkhead in midweek.
For most mortal footballers, the spoils of a place in Germany are little more than the ultimate vehicle for personal and professional pride, a chance to make them feel good about themselves and their nation before the eyes of the world.
For Andrews, it is something altogether more primordial. Namely, an epic duel with the Devil himself to reach into the souls of each and every one of the drugged-up teenage criminals creating havoc across Trinidad and Tobago. You try telling the big man he is being overly melodramatic.
Andrews was but a 12-year-old boy in 1989, the only other occasion on which the island community has come re-motely close to qualifying, sending the home crowd hysterical when they lost at home to the USA when only a draw was required to make it to Italy. He pinpoints that day, and the gut-wrenching setback to national morale as a year zero in the decline in social standards which now sees one murder a day in a country with a population of barely 1.2 million. This particular “Soca Warrior” is on a one-man crusade.
“Right now all I’m concentrating on is trying to help my country get to the 2006 World Cup finals,” Andrews said. “Words really cannot express what it would mean for Trinidad to qualify. The closest we have come was in 1989 when we needed one point to qualify and we lost 1-0 to the USA.
“After that everything went downhill – the football, everything. Now this is the closest we have come to actually taking the country to the World Cup . It’s going to be a historic day for Trinidad once we get to that Promised Land.
“To take the country to a World Cup would change a lot of things in the country,” he added. “The crime rate is really high – we are talking drugs, killing, murdering, kidnapping – the lot. That’s how bad it is getting. So we will try to help by taking the country to the World Cup.
“If we do, I don’t think it will change the crime rate completely but it can hopefully inspire a lot of younger boys who are actually committing the crimes at the moment,” Andrews’ sermon continued. “Hopefully we will inspire them to change their lives and change the lives of other people. I try to be a role model to the young kids because they are the future. But they are the people the Devil is targeting at this moment.”
The heavens were certainly not smiling quite so favourably on the Trinidadians 18 months ago, when they proved vulnerable even to Berti Vogts’ Scotland in a 4-1 victory at Easter Road. Few present that day would have predicted Andrews – and Scottish-based team-mates Russell Latapy, Collin Samuel, Jason Scotland and Kelvin Jack – would still be in with an earthly of gracing Germany this summer.
After finishing fourth in the Concacaf section, no wonder the locals are getting excitable. “It will be a complete sell-out,” Andrews said.
“Our last game was a sell-out against Mexico and its going to be even worse this time . People are going to be flooding the place looking for tickets. The stadium only holds 30,000, so people will be watching on every telly – the whole of Trinidad will be dressed in red come November 12. But I wouldn’t say I am feeling the pressure. I feel more excited than under pressure.”
The turnaround began with a conjuring trick by wily Concacaf supremo – and Trinidadian version of Lennart Johansson – Jack Warner, in convincing Dwight Yorke, now playing his club football in Australia, and Latapy, revelling in his Indian summer at Falkirk, to end their international exile.
“At this moment Dwight Yorke is captain,” Andrews said. “Having him back has given the country a massive lift. The fact he and Russell Latapy have come back has definitely increased the crowds.
“Russell is a legend in Trinidad and everybody wants to come out and see him play. I think they had personal reasons for retiring. I don’t know what happened between them and the Trinidad FA but they just came out one day and announced they were going to call it a day. But they have sorted everything out, and they are back playing which I am so happy about.”
As well as plunging the country into 15 years of torpor, that last- day setback in 1989 also planted a seed in the 12-year-old Andrews’ brain, as he sat in the small town of San Juan pressed in front of the family TV with his red T-shirt on. He finally cast aside dreams of being a cricketer like Michael Holding, but held on to his aspiration of becoming a professional footballer.
“I always believed we could go to the World Cup,” Andrews said. “That has been my dream from the day in 1989 when I sat and watched the telly and saw my country lose 1-0. I vowed then, that one day I want to be there. I have held on to that dream, and that dream could become a reality in a couple of weeks’ time. I believe in God and it has taken me, and the country, to where we are now.”
For the record, Andrews is not counting himself out of the month’s second Old Firm game, on the 19th, despite a seven-hour-flight back from Bahrain which even he says “on a normal human basis” is “pretty much impossible”.
Where God places him, Trinidad and veteran Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker come June next year is equally uncertain.

Marvin Andrews never doubted Rangers.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
25-May-2005 - Marvin Andrews says he never doubted Glasgow Ranger’s chances of claiming the 2005 Scottish Premier League title ahead of arch rivals Celtic.
Andrews, who defied doctors by playing a month with a cruciate ligament injury, is known for his strong religious beliefs.
He has been highlighted in the Scottish Press for offering prayers for Geraldine O’Neill, who is the wife of Celtic boss Martin O’Neill.
“My main concern for Martin O’Neill is about his family and his wife. Myself and my minister in the church are going to pray God touches his wife and helps her recover from whatever problem she has.
“You can’t compare any championship in football to family,” said Andrews. About the title, he added:
“It wasn’t looking like that, with us two points behind, but I just kept believing and trusting God and God has brought it through in the end.
“We have been written off many times, but the character of the team, the manager and the supporters meant we didn’t give in and we kept fighting to the end.”
Andrews arrived home on Tuesday with Dundee duo Brent Sancho and Kelvin Jack to join the T&T team in preparations for the June 4 World Cup qualifier at home to Panama.

Marvin Andrews voted Rangers Players' Player of the Year.

By: Stephen Kerr.
04-May-2005 - When Marvin Andrews joined Rangers last summer the giant Trinidadian knew he faced a mammoth battle with Jean-Alain Boumsong, Craig Moore, Zurab Khizanishvili and Bob Malcolm for a regular slot at the heart of Alex McLeish's defence.
However, in the ten months that have elapsed since Big Marv first walked into Murray Park - sporting that infectious trademark grin - he has swept all competition aside to cement a place in the Light Blues backline plus and the hearts of the Ibrox legions.
Eyebrows were raised when Andrews was recruited from Livingston - the general perception was he was signed as a mere squad player - but the 29-year-old colossus has produced a series of consistent performances this season and his breathtaking form was rewarded last Sunday evening when he bagged the Rangers Players' Player of the Year honour at the Hilton Hotel.
Fernando Ricksen, Nacho Novo, Stefan Klos and young strike star Ross McCormack were also recognised at the glitzy ceremony.
Marvin, though, was given the biggest cheer of the night, receiving a well-earned standing ovation from team-mates and supporters when he collected his prize."
This is a great honour for me," Marv told Rangers World.
"It is very special because my team-mates voted for me and I would like to thank them all for helping me achieve so much this season.
"It is a tremendous honour to play for Rangers but this is something really special. The guys here are so lovely and we have a great bond so to get their vote means so much.
"To get the Player of the Year trophy is a tremendous honour because there are so many great players here.
"Dado, Nacho and Fernando have all been top guns for us this season so this award is amazing. "God has blessed me again.
"I know a lot of people didn't think I could succeed when I first joined this club but I confident and I always stayed positive. I told myself I could play at this level and I think I have shown I can do a good job for Rangers.
"When I left Livingston I knew I wouldn't walk straight into the team. I had to earn the right to play in the Rangers first-team.
"There are a lot of top defenders at this club but I have been given the opportunity and the rest is history."
With pleasure there is always pain - as ace comic duo Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer noted in a recent television campaign for Muller Light Yoghurt - and Marvin has endured his fair share of heartache this season.
He was cruelly robbed of a place in March's CIS Cup Final thrashing of Motherwell - which would have earned him a second successive winners' medal - due to the knee injury he picked up in the 2-0 win over Dundee a week earlier.
Andrews, who scored a vital header at Dens Park that day, landed awkwardly after challenging Dee striker Steve Lovell late in the game and was taken off as a precaution.
Scans revealed the giant defender had sustained ligament damage and he was told surgery would be required to correct the problem.
However, the devout Christian informed the club he would prefer not to go under the knife and has leaned heavily on his faith to help him work through the problem.
His strong religious beliefs have certainly helped guide him through what has been a difficult period because he was back in Alex McLeish's starting eleven for Celtic, just 42 days after hobbling off at Dens.
"I respect the medical people at Murray Park but I don't want to have the operation," He said.
"I know it is hard for people to understand but God has given me strength and I am not concerned.
"I have my own beliefs, God is in control of my life and I believe my knee is going to be perfectly fine.
"I don't feel any pain and there have been no problems. I appreciate the doctors and specialist want to help. I respect that but I put my faith in a higher power.
"However, I am so thankful and grateful to all the people who have supported me during this time."
Andrews turned in another solid performance in last Sunday's 3-1 win at Aberdeen, managing the full game on a treacherous pitch, and he will continue to play a key role in the remaining SPL matches.
With just three games to go, Rangers are back in the title hunt - with a little help from Hibs who beat Celtic 3-1 at home last Saturday - and Marv is confident the Light Blues can still finish the campaign with the top prize.
He concluded: "The championship is a big possibility and I believe in my heart we can do it.
"The manager and all the players here know it can still happen. We are all confident and we will work hard in the last three games.
"It would be amazing to finish my first season at Rangers with the championship."

Marvin Andrews could be back against Celtic.

By: Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Press Officer.
20-Apr-2005 - National Senior team coach Leo Beenhakker may get an earlier than expected chance to see defender Marvin Andrews in action after Glasgow Rangers announced on Wednesday that he could be in for a remarkable comeback on Sunday against Celtic.
Andrews has been nursing a damaged cruciate ligament  in his left knee which needs surgery but he has insisted that he could return to fitness naturally which gave Rangers boss Alex McLeish recent headaches. But having removed a brace this week and back in light training, McLeish said once Andrews could prove his fitness then he would be in the line up.
"It's a long shot. Marvin started some light training this week but I would still say it's a long shot that he would play this weekend. He still has to show that he is suffering no pain or reaction from that. At the same time there is a fitness issue as well because he has been out for three weeks. So we have to consider these elements. But if Marvin looks the part this week then it's possible we will consider him," McLeish told reporters in Scotland.
”Andrews has been a rock for Rangers this season and there is little doubt that his return would be very timely,” he added.
Andrews missed the last two matches against Costa Rica and Guatemala but wants to play in the upcoming match against Panama slated for June 4 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. He explained to TTFF Media that he was unable to comment on the current situation regarding his injury.
Beenhakker has started his visits to some of T&T’s UK-based players and their respective club managements and will no doubt be hoping to catch Andrews in action.
“It is my intention to meet with as many of the players in the Leagues overseas as well as with their managers and even the team medics because we need to know how things are at the moment,” Beenhakker.
Another one of T&T’s Scottish-based defenders Brent Sancho said that the support for Andrews has been remarkable.
“I think a lot of people were disappointed when he picked up the injury like the fans and his teammates. But people also want to see him get well and maybe they have been hoping that he would go ahead and do the surgery but he’s made a decision and hopefully things will work out well. I think the club wants him back before too long and we definitely want him fit again for the national team because the games coming up are extremely vital and we need everyone possible to be on board,” Sancho told TTFF Media on Wednesday.
Meantime, Jimmy Nicholl, the man who signed Andrews to his first deal at Raith Rovers, believes that it could be risky if he plays on the weekend.
“If he looks and feels good in training, gets through all the tests and all match-related stuff, then I am sure he will be trying to convince Alex to play him,” Nicholl said on Wednesday. “I am sure Alex will be thinking that he could do with him and what would happen if the worst comes to the worst. It is a huge belief and if those things include ignoring medical people then good luck to him. You are really putting your faith to the test there but that`s just typical of Marvin.
”I brought him to Raith and his determination shone through and now he is determined to do well at Rangers. We all know what his beliefs are but to have an injury of such an extent is a difficult one for Alex,” Nicholl stated.

Marvin Andrews hasn't given up hope.

By: Darrell King.
09-Apr-2005 - Marvin Andrews still believes he can save his season and avoid the need for cruciate ligament surgery.
A month has passed since the big Trinidadian sustained the knee injury at Dundee and he continues to defy doctors' orders by refusing an operation.
The defender, a devout Christian and faith healer, is still putting his trust in a greater power helping him to recover.
He has been receiving intensive treatment at Murray Park and has not been training with the rest of the squad.
He is believed to be doing a programme of special exercices to strengthen the quad muscles in his legs, which in turn can relieve strain being put on his knee.
It has also been suggested the 29-year-old is wearing a special knee brace as he attempts to feature in the title run-in.
But the big stopper was today again warned by boss Alex McLeish that he must prove his fitness to have any chance of playing again this season.
McLeish revealed: "There is no change. He is on the treatment table getting the stiffness out of his leg that he felt last week.
"I have told him, quite plainly, that if he shows me out on the training field that he is 100% then I will consider him. But he hasn't shown me that yet. That is why you have not seen him on the field as yet."
Rangers hoped this warning and his exclusion from the team might help Andrews reflect on his decision, and help him change his mind.
But McLeish confirmed: "He is still of the mind that he won't have an operation.
"But as I have said, it's any person's prerogative to change their mind on that. If he does change his mind we'll just have to wait and see."
Andrews new international manager, Leo Beenhakker, is also due to meet McLeish and the player over his controversial injury situation.
The Dutchman has just been named as Trinidad and Tobago boss and doesn't take up his position until May, but will come to the UK to meet players and coaches as he bids to cement relations.
The situation with his skipper Andrews will be top of the agenda, and Beenhakker said: "I will spend this month meeting the club manager and the players. Obviously everything will be discussed."

Rangers confirm Marvin Andrews signing.

By Lindsay Herron.
15-Apr-2004 - Rangers have confirmed that Livingston centre-back Marvin Andrews has signed a pre-agreement with the Club to join in the summer. The 28-year-old powerhouse defender is available on a free transfer from the CIS Cup winners and that has attracted manager Alex McLeish.
Livingston struck a deal with Andrews that he would be free to go at the end of the season after he agreed to take a wage cut in lieu of the club being placed into administration over financial difficulties.
Andrews, of course, lined up against Rangers in Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Almondvale and enjoyed a real tussle with striker Stevie Thompson, who ended up with a sore head after the two players clashed in an aerial duel. Andrews will be the second powerful defender to join the club after French star Jean-Alain Boumsong signed a pre-contract last December.
"Rangers made moves for Marvin a week ago and asked us to respect their confidentiality and we have done that," said Livi boss Davie Hay.
"All we can do is wish Marvin all the best at Rangers and we will continue to play him in the meantime.
"We know he will give everything between now and the end of the season, as he always does.
"It is a great move for him and he deserves it because he has done very well for us.
"But moving to the Old Firm is a different level and that will be the test.
"Rangers feel he can do a job for them and they will benefit from his honesty and his ability in the air.
"He is dominant in the air as any player in Scotland and he has improved every season since he joined us from Raith Rovers."
BBC Sport News reported that McLeish said: "There has been criticism over the last couple of years and beyond my time at Rangers that we have been lacking a physical presence.
"We know we are not physical enough and we have tried to put that right."
Andrews turned down a move to Dundee United earlier in the season after saying that he had to consult his God. Now, with Celtic poised to wrest the Scottish title from Rangers' grasp, he has agreed to join the blue side of the Glasgow divide once his contract with Livingston ends in the summer.
The Trinidad and Tobago international becomes the second defender Rangers have secured for nothing, Auxerre's Jean-Alain Boumsong also joining in time for next season.
"We have seen Andrews for a couple of years now," said McLeish. "We had been looking at other players as well, but the time was right.
"It's quite simply something that we need.
"I've seen countless balls into the box that we haven't dealt with as well as we should have and we have lost goals at set-pieces to other teams as well, not just Celtic.
"It's up to Marvin whether he can fix that, but I do think he will be a useful player."
Rangers striker Steven Thompson said: "He will be a good acquisition.
"He is a player who I admire, who is very difficult to play against, and I think he will be an asset to Rangers. "Celtic definitely have a little edge over us and Marvin is a physical player, so that will help us in that respect."

Marvin Andrews: It’s not always about $$.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
05-Mar-2004 - Having to face a pay cut from his Livingston club, Scottish-based defender Marvin Andrews confessed that the change in wages will not affect his commitment.
There was speculation that Andrews might look to move but the big defender said that if he had to leave the club, it would not be because of his cut in salary.
“The club has experienced some tough times recently but I remain committed and I will continue to give my best,” Andrews said recently.
“I have trust in God that he will take us out of this rough patch and what happened with the club going into administration has made us an even tighter group of people. It’s not always about making the big money. Sometimes you have to look beyond that.
“The same goes with playing for your country. Right now we are preparing for a World Cup and while the players will need to be compensated, once we have the country at heart then everything will fall into place,” added Andrews who has been linked with a move to giant club Glasgow Rangers. Livingston are in 7th spot on the Scottish Premier League table and will meet Aberdeen in a 5th round FA Cup match this Saturday.

T&T skipper Marvin Andrews eyes move to top Scottish club Rangers.

T&T Newsday Reports.
28-Dec-2003 - Trinidad and Tobago rugged defender Marvin Andrews is being shopped to top Scottish Football Association club Rangers to aid their defensive problems.
And should the move come through, Andrews will become the second Trinidadian to play for “Gers” following in the footeps of another ex-TT skipper Russell Latapy. His Livingston coach Allan Preston believes Andrews can shore up the inconsistency at the back of the Ibrox side which is hampering them this season, because of injuries to Craig Moore and Zura Khizanishvili. But Preston said he would be reluctant to see the Trinidad and Tobago international skipper leave Almondvale, but feels Alex McLeish could do worse than go for Andrews when the transfer window opens.
He said: “Marvin is the best at what he does in Scotland and I include Bobo Balde in that. “Don’t ask him to hit 60-yard passes onto the toes of David Fernandez but if you want the ball won in the air or on the ground then he’ll do it for you. “He’s a fantastic player and he’s captain of his country. He’s got faults but his attitude is spot on. “He’s very fair and there’s not a malicious bone in his body and other managers always mention him after we play them. “I’m not trying to tell other clubs how to pick their team but if you see Rangers are without Moore and Khizanishvili then maybe they need a stopper like Marvin Andrews. “It wouldn’t surprise me if other clubs come in for him when the transfer window opens. He’s just turned 28 and he’s got the best years of his playing career just ahead of him. “And he’s honest enough to admit that he doesn’t see himself at Livingston forever and he wants to play at the top.”
Andrews knocked back a chance to leave Almondvale for Dundee United in the summer but Preston claims the big defender will move when it suits him and the club. He said: “He could have been financially better off going to Dundee United but decided it wasn’t for him. “A lot of modern players get slagged off for taking the money and running but if ever a man deserves a move to a bigger club then it’s Marvin. “Obviously we don’t want to lose him but from a business point of view if a bid came in for him then we might need to because he’s our most valuable asset. “The chairman would know better than me if the club does need the money and Marvin does need to be sold but money’s tight for everybody at the moment.”

Marvin Andrews spurns Dundee United.

21-Aug-2003 - Livingston defender Marvin Andrews has rejected an offer to join Dundee United on religious grounds.
The Trinidad & Tobago international was in negotiations at Tannadice on Thursday but turned down the chance to link up with fellow countrymen Collin Samuel and Jason Scotland.
Andrews has always claimed his decision would be guided "by God".
A United spokesman said: "Unfortunately, negotiations between Dundee United and Livingston defender Marvin Andrews have broken down.
"There had been on-going excellent negotiations between United chairman Eddie Thompson and Livingston chair Dominic Keane to allow Marvin to speak to manager Ian McCall.
"First class negotiations took place where Marvin met our other Trinidadian internationals and a superb offer was made to the player.
Marvin has decided that a move to Dundee United would not further his career at this point in time.
Allan Preston, Livi assistant coach
"To all intents and purposes, that offer met everything that Marvin was looking for.
"However, at the end of the day, his other beliefs would not allow him to come to Tannadice at this stage.
"The club fully respects his beliefs but we are still obviously disappointed.
"But the manager has always had several other options for new defensive players and he will now be moving on these."
The powerful 27-year-old centre half has been a big hit at Livingston since joining the club from Raith Rovers in September 2000.
Livingston assistant coach Allan Preston told the club's website: "Both Livingston Football Club and Marvin Andrews have been flattered by the interest shown by Dundee United Football Club, but Marvin has decided that a move to Dundee United would not further his career at this point in time."

Skipper "Marv" likes T&T's momentum.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
27-Mar-2003 - Trinidad and Tobago captain Marvin Andrews believes the National team can become a stronger unit with time based on their showing so far after coming together in less than a week.
"It was a good start for us being able to come out and get the victory. We have a young team and we can only get stronger. We hope to do even better against Guadeloupe. I think that we are on the way to becoming a better unit based on how we performed today after only being together for about two days. We still have some sharpening up to do to get at the level we want to be at but I think we are heading in that direction," Andrews told TTFF Media while relaxing at the Royal Palm Suite Hotel on Wednesday night after the 2-0 victory over Antigua and Barbuda.
Andrews was replaced by Kurt Williams in the second half because of a pulled thigh muscle but is expected to be fit for Friday's encounter against Guadeloupe.
Meanwhile, Birmingham City striker Stern John, despite scoring in the second half, hopes that both himself and the team can better the performance in tomorrow's game.
"It wasn't the best performance (for me). I was a more collective with the team and at the end of the day we needed the three points and we got that. It's good to finish a whole game. I haven't done so in maybe four weeks. I'm running a hundred percent but I just haven't finished a whole game in a while. I was at the right place at the right time and I have confidence that I can finish everytime I step on the field," said John who now has 40 goals in 55 appearances for T&T.

Marvin Andrews - a heart full of good, a head full of goals.

By Kwame Williams.
12-June-2002 - It has been four years since Marvin "Dog" Andrews, vice-captain of Trinidad and Tobago's football team, left home to pursue a professional football career in Scotland.
The big defender, who was first selected for the national senior team when he was just an industrial league player for Carib FC, said he never really thought of using football as his income-earner.
As the oldest of 10 siblings - six sisters and three brothers - Marvin would see a lot of responsibility placed on his young shoulders with him being the "Man of the House".
When he got a job at Carib Brewery, he admits his only intention was to receive permanent employee status. Football was just something he would do in the meantime.
His love for the sport began when he was about 11-years-old, around which time he joined San Juan Jabloteh. He also represented his school, San Juan Senior Comprehensive, in the annual Colleges League competition. He turned out to be one of the best and most consistent defenders in the League.
These traits earned him a call-up for the national Under-18 team. He has never been absent from the national scene since, as he was picked for the national senior team soon after.
He recalls Tim Nafziger, a former general manager at Carib, seeing something special in him and trying to influence him to go abroad. While playing for the national team he was recieving several international trial offers.
Eager to follow in the footsteps of his then T&T teammates, Dwight Yorke (Manchester United) and Russell Latapy (Rangers FC), Marvin would leave for a trial at Scottish Premier Division club, Motherwell. He was unsuccessful, however, but another Scottish club, Raith Rovers, was interested in the T&T native. The Division One team eventually signed him and he enjoyed three seasons with them.
In his early days in the Scotland, Marvin had his problems with the cold weather. His coach, Colin Murray, public relations manager at Carib, said: "Marvin would call me and say the cold weather was getting to him. He even said he was thinking of leaving but I told him to "stick it out".
At the end of his third season with Rovers, the newly-promoted Livingstone expressed interest in acquiring the Trinidadian sweeper and they did.
With Andrews at the heart of their defence, Livingstone enjoyed a dream first season in the top-flight, in which they finished third behind Celtic and Rangers. He will now share the field with some of the world's best when his club plays in the UEFA Cup next season.
"I really enjoy playing for Livingstone. The people there appreciate me and speak of me highly," said the 26-year-old, Andrews.
"The club has even been approached by other other teams interested in buying me but whether I move or not is up to God. He is the ruler of my life."

Marvin Andrews disappointed but ready to go again.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
6-June-2002 - Marvin Andrews has made it no secret that he is disappointed with the departure of Rene Simoes but is now looking forward to a start of new things.
"We need to start somewhere. The faster we can get this sorted out and get a good foundation for 2006, the better it is. My dream and my goal is to play in a World Cup. I have been looking at this World Cup here and saying that I can play in it. My time is coming, I'm believing and I'm praying to God that it will happen," said Andrews. "Other countries have been doing it. South Korea has done it, Costa Rica went and show the kind of teams we have in this region. We can make it," Andrews said after arriving in Trinidad on Wednesday.
"It's really hard to see that they could not stay with us because I really enjoyed the time that Rene Simoes and his staff spend here with us. In the short space of time, we picked up four points, so that's just to show you the impact he made here. We beat Honduras in Honduras and we got a point against the United States here and now we see what they did earlier today. It really is disappointing and I really am sad that he is leaving. All the best to him and I wish him all the best. Whoever the bring in now, I will go and give my all as I did with Rene Simoes and his technical staff," added the Livingston defender.
Trinidad and Tobago's Marvin Andrews arrived home at midday today and will spend close to three weeks home before returning to join his Livingston teammates for a hectic preseason campaign which includes a tour to Holland and matches against Stern John's Birmingham City and Norwich City.
A happy looking Andrews said he was looking forward to his time here and termed reports in the Scottish Press about him turning his back on TnT football as "rubbish".
Before my career is over I will play in a World Cup for Trinidad and Tobago because I've dream and I've prayed about it everyday and I know God will answer my prayers. Don't matter who is the coach or who is the manager, I know I am going to play in a World Cup and I give thanks to God," said Andrews.
The former Carib FC player added that he hopes all concerned can come together for the benefit of TnT's football.
"I hope the people of Trinidad and Tobago, the media, the TTFF and everybody pulls together. If we don't pull together then there is now way we can make it. We need unity. The bible says unity is strength. We need everybody pulling the same way. We need to sacrifice. We cannot do something and just expect it to happen right away. When we were small children, we had to crawl before we walked. We have to put in the time and really take Trinidad and Tobago to the 2006 World Cup. I believe we can really do it. There is no reason why we can't do it. We know the type of players that this country has. Dwight Yorke has shown the world, Russell Latapy has done it, Shaka Hislop has done it, Tony Rougier has done it. Stern John is doing it and myself. All we need is unity," said Andrews.
I'm going to see what it goes. Whatever the media put over, they put it as though I don't want to play for Trinidad and Tobago again. That's how they put it across to make me look bad but my heart is with Trinidad and Tobago. Whenever they call me and need me to play, I am going to come and play. It's as simple as that. The national team has given me the opportunity to play in Europe because I needed the caps. So what will I gain anyways turning my back on the national team?"
"Every opportunity I have, I am going to try and work the best way with the club and the TTFF. This season is going to be a bigger one with the club but I'm always willing to play for the national team," added Andrews. Marvin Andrews will join other overseas-based players now in TnT including Lyndon Andrews, Stern John, Jerren Nixon and Anthony Rougier.

Marvin Andrews eyes UEFA Cup.

By Shaun Fuentes.
17-Apr-2002 - Trinidad and Tobago defender Marvin "Dog" Andrews has no doubts in his mind that he will be playing in the UEFA Cup next season and is determined to help his club Livingston stay among the top three teams in the Scottish Premier League by the end of this season.
Andrews played an integral role in Livingston's 2-1 victory over Rangers on the weekend which was their second win in 10 matches after starting the season with a bang.
His club is currently fourth on the table with 52 points, same as third placed Aberdeen.

Marvin Andrews yesterday revealed that his international career is on hold.

Edinburgh Evening News.
31-Jan-2002 - T&T defender Marvin Andrews yesterday revealed that his international career is on hold for at least the next two years, leaving him free to focus purely on playing for Livingston.
Trinidad & Tobago’s vice captain has crossed the Atlantic on several occasions since joining the Lions from Raith Rovers last season, a series of World Cup qualifiers and Gold Cup games ensuring his absence from a number of vital club matches.
His latest journey saw him travel to America for the Gold Cup, but the Soca Warriors’ shock early exit to Martinique means he is back in the squad for tonight’s Premier League clash with Celtic.
Having been without the man mountain stopper for the last two games, the Almondvale men will be glad of his return given the physical stature of Martin O’Neill’s champions.
Andrews has emerged as one of the stars of the Scottish season, earning the player of the month award for his performances in August and signing a new deal which ties him to the club until 2005.
He appreciates the fact the club prize him so highly and he is also grateful for their co-operation in letting him make those transatlantic trips to his homeland.
Now, with T & T facing no competitive games until qualifying starts for the 2006 World Cup he has vowed to repay his paymasters by devoting his undivided attention to the West Lothian side’s cause.
He said: "I won’t be going back home to play for Trinidad & Tobago for a very long time.
Now that we’re out of the Gold Cup we don’t have any more competitive games for at least two years.
"I think qualifying for the next World Cup starts in 2004 so that will be the next time I go back to play - I might go for the odd holiday in the meantime, but that’s all.
"That means I can concentrate 100 per cent on Livingston and I can begin to repay them for the understanding they have shown me since I signed.
"The club have been brilliant - they haven’t tried to keep me back from playing international football and that’s been important to me because I’m very proud to play for my country.
"I’m thankful to them and hopefully I can now do something in return for them.
"It’s disappointing that we went out of the Gold Cup the way we did. We did the hard part in getting a draw against Costa Rica in our first game, but we weren’t so good against Martinique. They are a strong physical side, who put everyone behind the ball. It’s hard to play against a side like that but we can’t have any excuses.
"Still, the defeat means I’m back in time to play against Celtic, which is the sort of game everyone wants to play in. I had hoped to be back in time for the Aberdeen game, but I didn’t fly directly from Miami. The squad went to Trinidad before dispersing, so I didn’t get back until Friday night and then it was too late."
The last time the Lions faced Celtic was on Boxing Day and the match was lost in the cruellest fashion, Henrik Larsson scoring a late, late winner to make it 3-2 at Parkhead.
The SPL new boys had twice come from behind in the game and, after the sending-off of Hoops defender Joos Valgaeren, looked good value to take at least a point from the game.
It wasn’t to be, but that performance, allied to the fighting display in the 0-0 draw between the sides at Almondvale gives Andrews hope that they can take something tonight.
He added: "We were very disappointed to lose that goal on Boxing Day, but that’s football.
"Celtic have had that sort of luck for the past year or so and that comes with them being such a good side.
"They’ve been getting last-minute goals under Martin O'Neill and that shows the strength of character they have.
"But we know we can compete with them.
"We were unlucky that day and played really well against them at Almondvale.
We just have to go out and enjoy the occasion.
This is the sort of game you want to take part in, particularly with the quality of players Celtic have.
"They are a big, strong side and I like testing myself against those sorts of opponents.
"They are dangerous at set-pieces and we have to plan for that.
"We were all disappointed with the result at Aberdeen last week, but this is the perfect way to come back.
"Because I wasn’t back in time to travel with the squad, I went to the Raith
Rovers game instead.
"They asked me to do the half-time draw on the park and it was nice to do that, even if my mind was with the boys at Pittodrie.
"I knew we were 2-0 down, but I really believed they would pull it back in the second half but it wasn’t to be."

Marvin Andrews: God told me to stay with Livi.

10-Dec-2001- Religious Livi defender Marvin Andrews revealed that the decision to stay on at Almondvale came straight from God. Andrews spoke for the first time since agreeing to a new deal, which keeps him at Livi until 2005, with his faith being a main talking point.
THERE'S NO doubting the big news from within the club this week, after yesterday's announcement that star defender Marvin Andrews had agreed to commit himself to Livingston until the summer of 2005.
After comment from Dominic Keane and Jim Leishman yesterday, Andrews himself took centre stage at Almondvale this afternoon and gave his reaction to the new deal, and outlined his hopes and aspirations for the future.
While the vast majority of professional footballers tend to be driven by money, at least in part, Andrews would appear to be a very different beast.
Financial considerations come a poor second to spiritual happiness and a sense of purpose, and he revealed that his spiritual relationship with God was key to him coming to planning his footballing future.
"It wasn't a difficult decision to make, more a matter of time. I prayed to God, seeked his advice, and a few days ago He gave my the answer - to stay. His purpose for me is still to be here at Livingston."
What is abundantly clear from speaking to Marvin is that his religion and faith is all-important to him, and it is this fact which has kept him from seeking fame and fortune away from Almondvale, where a number of clubs either side of the border were reportedly poised to offer him a contract.
Happily, money doesn't seem to motivate him, but instead Marvin places great importance on his involvement with his gospel church in Kirkcaldy, and in particular his spiritual mentor "Pastor Joe".
"Pastor Joe watches me play and I take a lot of comfort from that. He has been at most of the games I have played in recently along with other members of my church.
"He is a great help to me spiritually. He is in America preaching at the moment and is going to Nigeria soon, but still keeps in regular contact."
While he is happy to live for the moment in Kirkcaldy and work close at hand in Livingston, Marvin still harbours hopes of playing at a even higher level, and admitted that he dreams of going onto play for a bigger club in the future. However, he sees no reason why, in the mean time he can't continue to progress and achieve with Livingston.
"I pray for the success of the club, for injured players to recover quickly and for wisdom to help the technical staff, and I hope that my prayers can be answered in the future.
"In the next few years I hope to be able to play in Europe with Livingston, and achieve the highest place possible in the Premier League. People say that the SPL is impossible for a small club to win, but what I say is that everything is possible for those who believe."

Marvin Andrews signs new deal.

 6-Dec-2001 - Jim Leishman has revealed that giant defender Marvin Andrews has signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract at Livingston.
The Livi boss was delighted to finally conclude the deal for the Trinidad & Tobago international today after a week of talks involving Andrews, the club's management team and chairman Dominic Keane.
Andrews has been an outstanding success since taking the step up to the SPL with his Livingston team-mates, and Leishman was delighted to see the former Raith Rovers man finally end speculation that he was set to move elsewhere.
A string of big-name clubs, including both halves of the Old Firm, have been linked with a move for Andrews - but he made it clear to the club that financial considerations were not top of his agenda, instead deciding to stay on at the ambitious West Lothian team where the fans and club have taken him to their hearts.
"I am pleased to say that Marvin has agreed the new deal and that it is signed," said Leishman.
"It is good to know that he wants to stay and that he has agreed a deal which will keep him at Livingston for another three and a half years."

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