Fenwick sacks Jabloteh four.

By: Nigel Simon.
08-Jun-2005 - Less than one month after taking over the reigns at T&T Professional Football League club CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh, English-born coach Terry Fenwick has sacked four players.
The players are ex-nationals Nigel “Croc” Pierre, Ansil Elcock, Vernon “Zartie” Bailey and Michael Celestine.
Contacted yesterday, Fenwick confirmed the sacking.
“Yes, unfortunately we have parted ways with a few guys who have served the club well in the past.
“At this point in their careers, I don’t feel they are good enough for my team,” added Fenwick.
Fenwick was happy to announce the promotion of youth team players ex-Queen’s Royal College midfielder Jason Devenish, Terryl Elwyn of San Juan Senior Secondary and national Under-20 defender Carlon Murray to the senior team along with the acquisition of and Devaughn Dummette of Guyana.
“I just felt that the time was right to bring in fresh blood and hopefully they would help to take us in the right direction.
“Devenish, Elwyn and Murray have been with the youth teams for a while now and will be given the chance to prove themselves.”
Pierre and current Jabloteh defender Keyeno Thomas were snapped up by ex-Jabloteh coach Ricky Hill at the start of the 2003 season and helped the team to the league title.
However, since the start of the season, Pierre has not been able to re-discover his goalscoring touch as was often left out of the starting team by Michael Grayson, who was the team’s stand-in coach.
Bailey started his career at Jabloteh before moving to Joe Public and then back to Jabloteh before being fired while Celestine came through the youth ranks of Jabloteh.

Nigel Pierre ruled out Digicel final.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
22-Feb-2005 - Forward Nigel Pierre may not be able to play in Trinidad and Tobago’s closing Digicel Caribbean Cup clash with hosts Barbados on Thursday after being advised by a local eye specialist to rest.
Pierre was forced to miss Tuesday’s match after suffering from extreme swelling of the right eye following a blow from a Jamaican player in Sunday’s encounter Pierre spent all of Monday resting and after being checked by Trinidadian Barbados-based Doctor Mario John, went for X-rays which showed no fractures. But a visit to the specialist on Tuesday showed that there was inflammation on the infected area and any further contact could worsen his state.
With defender Marlon Rojas already ruled out with a hamstring injury, Tobago United defender Dwayne Jack has been called up to join the team in Barbados and will arrive on Wednesday. Jack has been in training with the squad for the past few weeks.
Head coach Bertille St Clair is likely to have a friendly played ahead of the Guatemala World Cup qualifier next month and is hoping to have a fully fit squad by then.
As the “Warriors” prepared for Tuesday’s match for Cuba, St Clair didn’t waste time in telling the players that they had no choice but to buck up.
“We have spent long hours trying to work on the areas which has been disappointing in our performance and yet one day we seem to be up and then next day we can’t keep it at that level. It’s a concern but as a team, everyone must hold their responsibility and be able to account for what occurs on the pitch,” St Clair told TTFF Media.
“We went into the game against Jamaica on the back of a promising performance against the States and while we were missing a few guys, one would have hoped to see us keep our game up, but we came up against Jamaica and we fell back again. They are by no means a better team than us but it seemed that they had a point to prove and they wanted to do that more than us so it showed in the end result. But that is something we must get away from because on the road to Germany, the battle has no favourites and you must make things go in your favour. It’s all about who can endure it the most on the road to the World Cup and I am still certain that we can do this but we must pick our ourselves up from here and stay there when we attain a level that is sufficient,” he added.

Nigel Pierre, Keyeno Thomas go to Jabloteh.

TnT Guardian Reports.
17-Aug-2003 - With the loss of Kerry Baptiste and Kerry Noray, champion CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh is seeking to sign Joe Public players Nigel Pierre and Keyeno Thomas.
Both Pierre and Thomas are training with the San Juan side at present, and contracts are expected to be signed within the next couple of days.
The national senior striker and defenceman have not played for Joe Public for the past month.
Joe Public’s technical director Sam Phillip explained yesterday he is not in a position to release news on the two players.
“It is for Jabloteh to do that, and when they do, I will speak after,” he stated.
Phillip added that the Ron la Forest-coached Joe Public is in the process of building a young and vibrant squad, and losing Pierre and Thomas would not affect his side.
“We are building a young team and it won’t affect us,” he said. “(Arnold) Dwarika left us and we survived, so we could do without Pierre and Thomas, too.”
Baptiste, Noray and Under-23 defender Serginho Sandy all left Trinidad two weeks ago, to pursue scholarships at Lindsey Wilson College, Kentucky, USA.
While Baptiste and Noray were regular starters in the Jabloteh line-up, Sandy played for Caledonia AIA in the Professional Football League. All three were members of the national Under-23 squad. —GT.

Luton looks at Nigel Pierre.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
05-Jun-2003 - Joe Public striker Nigel Pierre is now being eyed by English Second Division club Luton Town. This has come about following developments where former Trinidad-based coach Terry Fenwick may get the new manager post at Luton. Fenwick was last interviewed for the Luton vacancy following the sacking of Joe Kinnear and Mick Harford and is now awaiting further word.
The powerfully-built striker has been on several trials in the past and with his recent goal in T&T’s 2-0 win over the Kenyan Olympic team, it is expected that clubs will continue to look at the striker who turned 24 on Monday.
Pierre is however prepared to rejoin Joe Public following the current African tour and get some games in before looking at going on any more trials.
“I am not thinking of going back right now. I think I have some more individual work to do and then I’ll give it another shot outside,” Pierre said on Monday.
Northampton Town have also expressed interest in the ex-St Anthony’s College player.

Nigel Pierre set to join Dundee United.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
21-Feb-2003 - TTFF Media understands that Joe Public striker Nigel Pierre is set to join Latapy at Dundee United.
The national forward accompanied Latapy during a closed door match against Kilmarnock on Thursday and United manager Ian McCall was reportedly delighted with his performance.
Pro Sports Caribbean official Peter Miller said Pierre is likely to secure a work permit as the complications in Scotland are not as strict as England.
"Nigel played in a trial match yesterday and the club were delighted with him, despite not being fully fit - we are negotiating a contract for him on Wednesday subject to work permit. Given the difference in Scottish work permit regulations we are very confident that Nigel will be a Dundee United player ready for next season," Miller told TTFF Media. Miller also disclosed that Pro Sports Caribbean have also secured contracts with the other Scottish club, Dundee, for local defenders Brent Sancho and Cyd Gray and final paperwork will be finalized by next Wednesday.

Work permit problems hunts Nigel Pierre,,, now on to Dundee.

By: Shaun Fuentes & Northampton Town News.
6-Feb-2003 - Northampton Town have unfortunately been unsuccessful in trying to obtain a work permit for Trinidad and Tobago striker Nigel Pierre. The club sent a delegation down to London on Wednesday to meet the Department of Employment to try and secure Pierre's permit. Regrettably the request has been turned down. The striker does not qualify for a permit as he has only played in 71% of his country's internationals in the last 2 years - the required limit is 75%. The Cobblers were still hoping to persuade the employment panel to grant a permit to Pierre. This though wasn't to be. Nigel Pierre is classed as an international transfer - therefore if he was to join the Cobblers the deal had to be completed by January 31 (this Friday) before the transfer window closes. Terry Fenwick was surly disirpointed with this news as Nigel Pierre is a great striker and he would have done great with Northampton Town. Pierre will continue to train with Northampton and is expected to move to Dundee which will seek to get him through as the authorities are less sterner in granting work permits than in England.
"Nigel will be off to Scotland because it's a big possibility he may get the work permit if a club wants him there. There's a lot of interest in Trinidad and Tobago players there especially with the huge performances coming from Collin Samuel. Here in England they are rejecting a lot of players looking for work permits which is happening also because of the cutting down in the amount of players. We're obviously disappointed but we are not giving up on Nigel," said Fenwick. Meanwhile, the ex-England international maintained his intentions of getting T&T's Hector Sam and Carlos Edwards over to Northampton from Wrexham within the next few months.

Nigel Pierre off to Northampton Town.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
14-Jan-2003 - Joe Public striker Nigel Pierre should be in England later this month training with Northampton Town, the club that Terry Fenwick took over as manager of last week.
The English Second Division team hired Fenwick who led CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh to the 2002 Professional League title. The former England international is said to be looking at all the possible options as he seeks to expose T&T talent in the English Leagues.
Meanwhile, through Pro Sports Caribbean, organizers of the current tour involving Scottish side Dundee, local players Brent Sancho, Kelvin Jack and Ian Gray will be allowed the chance to train with the team while here and possible trials or deals could be in the making. In-form striker Gary Glasgow among others are also in line for opportunities to play overseas. Both Fenwick and Peter Miller are representatives of Pro Sports. "With Terry out there now, obviously the chances to export players from Trinidad improves. He knows all the talent there is here and even if they can't be signed by Northampton , we will also be looking at options to send the guys elsewhere in the UK," said Miller.

Nigel Pierre returns to Joe Public.

Team official: Jabloteh wanted him for free.
By Keith Clement.
25-Oct-2002 - National striker Nigel Pierre rejoined Joe Public yesterday, the club which fired him last July 3 for a breach of contract.
Making the announcement was team administrator Sam Phillip at the club’s training ground in Macoya.
He said: “This decision is in the best interest of the player and not that of the club. It’s time clubs start focusing on the interest of their players. Our first welfare here at Joe Public is that of the players. ”
Sam said the decision came after weeks of lengthy meetings and the failure to reach an agreement with CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh, who was interested in securing Pierre’s services, but for free.
Pierre has been reinstated with immediate effect under his old two-year contact which will see him stay at the club until December 31, 2003, with Joe Public having the first option of re-signing the player at the end of that contact.
On Wednesday, Pierre signed a declaration of commitment to Joe Public Club and he is set to be on the team’s roster for Sunday’s match.
Phillip said: “Joe Public’s request from Jabloteh during negotiations was $60,000, which represents a developmental fee of $30,000 and a further $30,000 transfer fee for any club that Nigel would be transferred to or if he goes on loan. At no time did Joe Public asked or even suggested a fee of $300,000.”
“Joe Public has all the documents to show. I must point out that nothing is for free. Nigel is one of the better players at present. We have developed him so far and he has over 34 national caps to date.”
Phillip said the matter went to the T&T Pro League Appeals Committee and Joe Public was offered $25,000 and 12 per cent interest for any other club that Pierre would go on loan to or transfer.
“Jabloteh was given 14 days to reply. However, it withdrew its documents after a week, hoping that the six weeks or 42-day waiting period would have elapsed, making Nigel a player out of contract,” he added.
According to the Pro League rules Joe Public was still the legal owners of the player’s signature since under Rule J he was paid up to July 31 and when Jabloteh applied for his services he was still tied to Joe Public. Pierre would have been a free player after August 13.
The matter then went to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) Appeals Committee, which comprised chairman Raymond Tim Kee, Trevor Murray and Anthony Moore, and after some five meetings the matter ended when Pierre signed to rejoin Joe Public on Wednesday.
Tim Kee said: “The matter ended when Pierre signed to rejoin Joe Public. Jabloteh did not want to pay and Joe Public decided to reinstate the player who signed an agreement to that effect.”
When contacted Terry Fenwick, the technical director and headcoach of Jabloteh, expressed shock at the news that Pierre was returning to Joe Public.
He said: “Who told you that. I don’t know that and I’m still awaiting word from the TTFF Appeals Committee.”
Pierre, 23, and national midfielder, Arnold Dwarika, were fired from Joe Public by club owner Austin Jack Warner for playing in an unsanctioned competition which was an alleged breach of their contract. They were the two highest paid players at the club.
Dwarika has since signed a three-month contract to play out the rest of the 2002 season with VIBE CT 105 W Connection, the league’s defending champions.

Nigel Pierre still awaiting T&TFF ruling.

By Lasana Liburd.
22-Oct-2002 - Sacked Joe Public striker Nigel Pierre hopes to be told today that he can return to competitive football after more than four months in exile.
Pierre was fired by Public in early July for playing in a minor league competition but subsequently had a proposed move to CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh blocked by his former employers, who are demanding compensation.
Yesterday, Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) vice-president and Appeals Committee chairman, Raymond Tim Kee, admitted that—up to press time—they had not yet ruled on the matter.
Tim Kee explained that the three-man committee—which includes Trevor Murray and Anthony Moore—had met on the weekend and yesterday morning to discuss the Pierre issue, but could only agree on having a third meeting with a lawyer present.
The Appeals Committee should have had the services of a lawyer last night to deal with what Tim Kee considered a delicate matter.
“There are a lot of variables that have to be considered,” said Tim Kee, who refused to give specific details. “It is not as straightforward as one might think.”
The 23-year-old Pierre, who has been training with Jabloteh since August, is anxious to restart his career, which seemed to have been blossoming over the past two years.
Already, the former St Anthony’s College striker has amassed 34 international caps with the respectable return of 15 goals.
Pierre is eager to join the likes of national teammate and Birmingham City forward, Stern John, on the more glamourous European circuit and he maintained that Public were not entitled to anything.
“Not after firing a player,” he said. “If they want to get rid of a player they could have put me on a transfer list like any other club. Then they could have asked for money.
“But they have no rights now.”
And the Pro League executive committee agreed in September when they declared Pierre a free agent.
However, Public countered by appealing to the T&TFF.
And Public co-chairman Harold Taylor told the Express yesterday that the “Eastern Lions” were prepared to go all the way to FIFA if dissatisfied with the T&TFF’s ruling.
Public owner and FIFA vice-president, Jack Warner, claimed to be ignorant of the matter and explained that Taylor was representing his club’s interests.
And Taylor is set for a long battle if the need arises.
“We are very confident that FIFA will rule in our favour,” said the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) general secretary. “They will not get him for nothing.”
Taylor claimed that Public were well within the laws of FIFA in demanding compensation for a player whom they had fired.
The co-chairman did not say what he considered to be adequate compensation, but explained that it would include the cost of training and sending the striker on various overseas trials.
“Nigel Pierre...is a very marketable player,” said Taylor. “We have him for three years where we developed him and made him an international figure. He wasn’t playing for Trinidad and Tobago before he came to Joe Public...
“I don’t see how anyone can get him for nothing. Someone in Jabloteh must be mad.”
According to the FIFA statutes regarding Training Compensation for Young Players, article 20 states that “no training compensation shall be payable when a player over the age of 23 changes clubs”.
Pierre turned 23 on June 2, 2002.
But Taylor claimed that such laws had been revised in a FIFA executive committee meeting on July 5, 2001.
“There are a new set of things and interpretation,” he said. “In the final analysis, they (FIFA) have all kinds of things in their regulations now... If you have a contract with a player and the player breaks the contract, there are certain penalties on that player the same way there would be if a club breaks its contact.
“If a player can do that and just walk away and join another club you bring real trouble for football.”
The FIFA statutes also stated that contracts concluded before September 1, 2001 would not be governed by the amended rules.
Just to be safe, Tim Kee will have a lawyer present when the Appeals Committee make their verdict.
But it may not be the last judgement regarding Pierre.

Jabloteh cry foul over Nigel Pierre.

By Ian Precott.
2-Oct-2002 - CL FINANCIAL San Juan Jabloteh are accusing the board of the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League of hindering the transfer of national striker Nigel Pierre from Joe Public to the current league leaders.
With six matches left in the 2002 season, Jabloteh coach Terry Fenwick has accused the T&T Pro League of hampering their chances of winning the league title and also of hindering Pierre’s opportunity to earn an honest living.
According to Fenwick, Pierre became a free agent two weeks ago, thus negating any attempts by his former club Joe Public to seek a transfer fee. But despite all their efforts, Fenwick said Jabloteh have not been given clearance to use the player.
And Fenwick has accused David John-Willians, interim chairman of the T&T Pro League, of dodging the issue.
“He is dodging the issue. He is the interim chairman of the Pro League...he has to be involved in the determination of the matter. We just want a fair chance,” Fenwick told the Express yesterday.
In response, John-Williams indicated that the matter was being handled by the T&T Pro League, but declined further comment. Fenwick has accused the Pro League of shunning its duty and of shying away from a confrontation with the Joe Public team, which is owned by FIFA vice-president Jack Austin Warner.
“They (Joe Public) said they did not want to have anything to do with Nigel Pierre and Arnold Dwarika. But, up to now, we can’t get his (Nigel Pierre) registration from Joe Public.”
Fenwick further said that since a six-week period had passed since Pierre was fired, the player was now a free agent according to the rules of FIFA, the governing body for world football. “He is a free agent. They (Joe Public) can’t terminate his contract and months later try to get a remuneration for Pierre. We just want the PFL to play by the rules.”
Fenwick said they had been directed to the Pro League office in their attempt to have the matter resolved, but that avenue had been fruitless thus far.
“At every turn we are being put off by red tape,” he lamented.
Fenwick rates Pierre as being an integral part of Jabloteh’s attempts to win the title. Jabloteh have a slender four-point lead over the John-Williams-owned Vibe CT 105 W. Connection, with six matches to play.
Fenwick argued that the Pierre issue is similar to a situation in which Colombian goalkeeper Alejandro Figuerora left Jabloteh without a transfer fee 18 months ago to go to W Connection.
“It is fair for W Connection and Figuerora, so why not Nigel Pierre and Jabloteh,” he asked.

Nigel Pierre caught in transfer tug-of-war.

By Lasana Liburd.
25-Sept-2002 - Trinidad and Tobago national footballer Nigel Pierre looks set for further frustration in his efforts to return to the playing field.
Pierre, who was courted by then English Division Two team Bristol Rovers two years ago, was fired by Joe Public in late June as penalty for his involvement in a minor league match.
However, nearly two months after his last Public pay cheque, he is having a difficult time earning his livelihood elsewhere.
And the talented young forward is anxious to return to Pro League action with current leaders, CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh.
“I just want to get everything over with and start back to play my football,” said Pierre yesterday. “I think (Jabloteh) is a team that can help me lift my football.”
On Friday, Public—a club owned by FIFA vice-president and former Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) special advisor Jack Warner—lodged an appeal into a ruling by the Pro League player status committee, which declared Pierre a free agent.
The ruling by the Pro League committee allowed the striker to make his debut with CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh in their 4-1 league win over Caledonia AIA on September 15 on a provisional transfer.
The provisional transfer expired on Monday and Pierre is required to bring the relevant documents to the Pro League executive committee to be properly registered as a Jabloteh player.
That has also been delayed as Public are yet to sign a transfer certificate that will allow Pierre to move on.
Public manager Sam Phillip refused to discuss the matter with the Express last Monday or confirm rumours that the club was demanding $250,000 as “compensation” for the striker.
Former Public star Arnold Dwarika, who was released for the same misdemeanour as Pierre, has already joined defending league champions, Vibe CT 105 W Connection.
Connection president David J Williams paid an undisclosed fee for Dwarika, who will again become Public property at the end of the season.
But Jabloteh coach Terry Fenwick, a former England international, insisted he was standing firmly behind his interpretation of the FIFA statutes and his club would not be paying any fee at all.
“We’re interested in Nigel on a free,” said the former Crystal Palace coach. “We’re sticking to FIFA rules and regulations and he is a free agent.”
That will now be up to the T&TFF appeals committee to decide after Public appealed the Pro League’s verdict.
Fenwick hopes that a decision can be made by the end of the week, but that is not certain as newly re-elected T&TFF president, Oliver Camps, is yet to formally construct his new appeals committee.
It is unclear whether former committee head and T&TFF first vice-president, Raymond Tim Kee, will be allowed to decide on the matter.
If Jabloteh maintain their view and interest in the striker, it is likely to lead to the second controversial transfer of young Pierre’s career.
Four years ago, Pierre was still contracted to Queen’s Park CC in the Semi Professional Football League (SPFL) when he asked for a transfer to Public.
Queen’s Park manager Alan Cabral demanded $.5 million, but the player status committee allowed the former St Anthony’s College player to represent the “Eastern Lions” on a provisional transfer and the “Parkites” were eventually left empty-handed.

Nigel Pierre off to Dubai.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
23-Aug-2002 - National striker Nigel Pierre left on Thursday evening for Egypt via London where he is expected to join Dubai Premier Division club Al Ansar on their preseason tour.
Pierre, recently signed up with Pro Sports Caribbean and is expected to tie up a two-year deal said to include a lucrative package for the former Joe Public marksman.
"I've been looking forward to a move overseas ever so long now and I'm just awaiting the chance to grab this opportunity and make the best of it," Pierre told TTFF Media on Thursday. "The conditions there will be a bit new to me but I'm ready to face what is going to come at me," he added.
Englishman Terry Fenwick was instrumental in arranging the move and is also hopeful of getting CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh goalkeeper Kelvin Jack on a trial with English Premiership club Aston Villa.

Nigel Pierre admits he was wrong.

Written By: Shaun Fuentes.
25-July-2002 - Trinidad and Tobago striker Nigel Pierre has admitted that he was wrong for breaching contract rules which led to his one year contract being terminated by Joe Public recently.
The big 23-year-old striker is now anticipating another move outside of this country and according to his agent Mike Berry, Pierre could land a deal in England or the middle east in the near future.
Berry added that English clubs Queen's Park Rangers and Bristol Rovers, which had both expressed interest in the former Public striker, have not showed intentions of having him back of lately, but there are still other options in England.
As for Pierre, he felt maybe the Public punishment for playing in the Juggler's Soccermania a few weeks ago was a harsh one but one which has made him a better individual.
"Well I admitted that from the beginning that it was a mistake that I made and I learnt from it. I think that the decision was maybe a bit harsh, it could have been a fine instead but this is the case now. II have become stronger since everything took place. So I just have to look forward to the future and make sure that I don't make the same mistake a second time," Pierre said on Tuesday.
"I'm not worrying about the past now but more about what is my next move. I have to concentrate bon how much stronger I can be now," added the former St Anthony's College marksman who was in the middle of a new one year contract with the "Eastern Lions" with which he spent five years.
Arnold Dwarika was also expelled from Joe Public but Pierre said he is yet to hear on the whereabouts of his national teammate.

Nigel Pierre heads to Jabloteh.

By KEITH CLEMENT.
8-July-2002 - NATIONAL footballer Nigel 'Croc' Pierre is on his way to CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh.
Three days after he was fired by Joe Public, Pierre is being pursued by Jabloteh.
During the off-season Pierre, 22, who represented T&T during the 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign, had played in a practice match for Jabloteh.
However, Pierre, a national player since 1996, is not sure about his future, but will make a decision in a few days.
If Pierre signs with Jabloteh, he would be re-united with his former Joe Public captain and national colleague midfielder Angus Eve, who severed ties with the Eastern Lions last year.
Englishman Terry Fenwick, Jabloteh's technical director and head coach who has always been interested in Pierre said that once the player was available, the club will add him to its roster. Pierre is on a free transfer from Joe Public.

Arnold Dwarika, Nigel Pierre fired.

By Keith Clement.
6-July-2002 - National footballers Arnold Dwarika and Nigel Pierre were yesterday fired by Joe Public Football club.
The two players had their contracts terminated by its owner, businessman Austin Jack Warner.
Warner said, "I had enough. They have things too easy and the discipline was not there. They're the best paid players in the country, but perhaps life is too easy at Joe Public." Warner, who is also a FIFA vice president said, "I'm going to re-structure the club so that each individual will own-up to his responsibilities."
Asked what will become of the two players, Warner replied, "They are free to play for whosoever they want on free transfers, while the other players would be relegated to the second team."
Warner said, "Joe Public players earned between T&T$7,500 and $4,000, a month and they work for just 90 minutes a week."
Dwarika, a midfielder and the club's ex-captain, was the 1999 and 2000 "Footballer of the Year". He got a house and car for his exploits on the field and was the best paid player at the club.
Warner's decision to sack the duo resulted from their participation in the Jogglers' Soccermania which took place at St Mary's College last month.
Another national standout with the club, defender Stokey Mason together with Adrian Narine, Joseph "Gouti" Peters, Kendall Velox, Pierre and Dwarika were sanctioned for breaking the club's rules by playing in the event.
Except for Dwarika, 29, and Pierre 22, the others have been relegated to play for the "Eastern Lions" in the Eastern Football Association.
The Club will also slash their salaries by half as part of the re-structuring process.
The six players did not suit up for Wednesday's Pro League encounter with Arima Fire which going into the match with only five of its regular players, Joe Public managed to scramble a 1-0 victory with an Andre Toussaint header in the 83rd minute.
Apart from Toussaint, the other regulars in the starting line-up were goalkeeper Donovan Thomas, skipper Dale Sanders, George Dublin and Gayson Gregory.
Eight of the club's Under-19 players were drafted into the side in the absence of the "Naughty Six". They were Davin Jordan, Hollis Brown, Sterling O'Brien, Julius James, Kevon Cornell, Terrance McAllister, Keiron Benito and Lincoln Brown.
Pierre said they all knew of the circumstances if they played in any competition not relating to the Pro League since it was scribed in their contracts but they took one chance too many.
Warner said the Joe Public budget is $3.8million annually and already this year he has spent $1.3 million on the club. Joe Public has been having one of its leanest seasons in top flight football since 1997 after joining the Semi-Pro League.
Team Administrator, Sam Phillip said yesterday that the decision by the management of the club to discipline the six players stemmed from their playing for another side without permission.
"We have a rule at the club where the players cannot play in any other league or game without our permission," said Phillip.
"If this rule is flouted, the guilty player or players face either suspension, a fine or relegated to a lower division," he added.
Phillip explained that Dwarika, Pierre, Mason, Narine, Peters and Velox will be closely monitored over the next month.
Dwarika who played a vital role in Trinidad and Tobago's final World Cup qualifying matches, has struggled to make it into the Eastern Lions starting lineup in the inaugural 2002 T&T Pro League football season, while Pierre was expected to return for trials in England later this month.
Jemmott has run afoul of club rules in the past, while Narine recently returned from an unsuccessful stint in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States It is understood Warner is not taking the situation lightly, especially with the current below-par performances of the Eastern Lions in the pro league. technical director Zoran Vranes said he too was dissatisfied with the unimpressive performances of some of his players.
"It is clear that some of these players are not giving their best. Some of them are not serious.
"We have to blood the younger players and give them a chance, and I hope Mr Warner supports my move to look more at the youngsters," Vranes said.

Nigel Pierre returns from England.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
27-Mar-2002 - Trinidad and Tobago striker Nigel Pierre has left Gillingham FC after being offered a trial there on the weekend. Reports out of England state that the Joe Public striker arrived there on Friday but then left and manager Andy Hessenthaler seemed unaware of a reason. But Pierre is likely to earn a recall for the preseason period.
Speaking to TTFF Media on Tuesday from his home in St James, Trinidad, Pierre described the experience "as a valuable and learning one."
He added that he first went to England with intentions of signing for Bristol Rovers, but the chairman of that club preferred to sort out the deal in time for next season, and then the opportunity to try out at West Ham arrived.
"The coach at Bristol, Gary Thompson knew me well from my last trip there and he has told me that they more than likely will want to sign me for next season. So I will be awaiting a recall in time for preseason. I went to England with intentions of signing for Bristol but the club chairman wanted to have the deal later on.
"At West Ham it was a good experience and very tough too. We did a lot of weight training also. The manager said he liked what he saw in us but it seemed he felt it would be too much of risk to sign us and felt maybe we should sign with a First Division club before looking at the Premiership," said Pierre.
The Joe Public marksman added that he was disappointed with not finalizing a deal this time around. "Yeah it was disappointing and by the time the chance to go to Gillingham came, I felt maybe I should return home first. But right now, I just want to play football, whether it be in the First Division or Second Division," said Pierre.
T&T teammate Stern John told TTFF Media today that Pierre has to remain in good spirits.
"He has the talent and the ability but it's just unfortunate that things are not working out as yet. I went through the same thing as wells as some of the other guys. So he has to keep his head up and keep trying hard," said John. Rahim is understood to have returned to Bulgarian club Levski Sofia.
Hessenthaler, comaparing Pierre with England striker Emile Heskey said he was impressed with the striker after seeing him score two goals for West Ham United against Queen's Park Rangers and got the okay from "Hammers" manager Glenn Roeder to have him on trial. He also expressed interest in signing Pierre on loan.
"I have had a chat with Glenn Roeder about him, and want to have a look for ourselves," said Hessenthaler. "He is a strong boy, with a good touch, and he could be with us for a week or maybe longer."

Nigel Pierre invited for Gillingham trial.

By: fleX.
22-Mar-2002 - Andy Hessenthaler has invited Trinidad and Tobago international striker Nigel Pierre to train with the club for a one-week trial.
The 23-year-old recently had a trial game for West Ham in their reserve game at Coventry which the Priestfield boss watched.
The Gills have been trailing him for several months, but he cannot play in a public game, as he needs a work permit.
Hessenthaler said: "I have had a chat with Glenn Roeder about him, and want to have a look for ourselves. He is a strong boy, with a good touch, and he could be with us for a week or maybe longer."
“We’ll have a look at him in training. I’ve seen him play and he showed good signs. We’ll have a look and see what happens.”
Pierre played for Trinidad in the recent CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament in Miami, and had a brief spell in English football with Bristol Rovers, while he currently plays for Trinidad club Joe Public.

Nigel Pierre hammers a double, Rahim gets full action.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
22-Mar-2002 - Trinidad and Tobago's national duo Nigel Pierre and Brent Rahim improved their chances of contracts when they produced impressive performances to guide West Ham United Reserves to a 5-0 whipping of Queen's Park Rangers in a closed door encounter on Thursday.
Pierre made a big impression on manager Glenn Roeder by notching a double as the "Hammers" dominated with goalkeeper and national captain Shaka Hislop in goal and Rahim in action for the 90 minutes.
Richard Garcia also scored a double while Shaun Byrne netted the other.
Hislop told TTFF Media after the match that the display by Rahim and Pierre was good enough to suggest that they were worthy of consideration.
"Nigel scored two goals and Brent did well in midfield for us. They have done well in first team training sessions and it's good for them to be able to brush shoulders with the likes of Paolo Di Canio. For me it's just good to have these guys here as fellow Trinidadians at the club. I've been able to build a really good relationship with both of them over the last couple of years playing for the country and of course I wish all the best for them," said Hislop.
"It seems that over the next four days we should have a better idea as to whether the manager will be making any offers to them," added Hislop.
Meanwhile, Stern John also relayed to TTFF Media that Rahim and Pierre had been attracting a lot of interest since their arrival in England.
"Everybody's been talking about them here. It's been big news in the national newspapers that the coach there is looking for more 'Trini' flavour and this does well for all of us," said John. "They have gotten the chance and have made the best of it so far. Now it's up to the selectors and I for one will keep my fingers crossed," he added.

West Ham boss: Roeder wants a look at Nigel Pierre.

By Ken Dyer
19-MAr-2002 - West Ham are to arrange a special match behind closed doors this week in order to have a closer look at Trinidad & Tobago midfield player Brent Rahim.
Manager Glenn Roeder has been impressed with Rahim, who has been on trial at West Ham and said: 'He's shown us enough to make us want to have a look at him in a match situation.'
Rahim, an international team-mate of West Ham goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, has been playing for Levski Sofia in Bulgaria.
In Related News, Khris Raistrick reports that Trinidad and Tobago duo, Nigel Pierre and Brent Rahim hope to prove on Thursday that they are worthy of further interest from Glenn Roeder.
Brent, a 23 year old midfielder, and Nigel, a 22 year old striker, are both mystified by reports of a friendly against their own country that day - but if local opposition can't be found for the Hammers, a training ground match behind closed doors will take place to test the two out. Brent is currently at Levski Sofia in Bulgaria, and says:
"It is not the best league in the world but I wanted to go to Europe to continue my footballing education and get experience I couldn't get in the Caribbean.
"But now I want to see if I can make it here, and my trial is until the end of the week. "It was a big sacrifice to go to Bulgaria, but, although I had offers from America, I wanted to get a feel for Europe.
"It is difficult not speaking the language, and the food is different, but it has toughened me up, and now I have one game to prove myself in."
Brent hopes to shortly reach the figure of 75% of games for his country that should make getting a work permit a formality, but has had to miss out on Champions' League action with Levski because he signed after the deadline.
He describes himself as "liking a tackle" and adds:
"I can play anywhere in midfield and I have had played in different positions all my career; I have not established my most natural position yet but I like going forward as well as getting back."
Meanwhile Nigel, who played for the reserves last week at Coventry, hopes to make a move from his Joe Public in his native country, and says: "I have been to West Ham before, last season, but got a heel injury.
"I played at Bristol Rovers for two months last year, then my work permit was revoked - but I have enough caps now.
"If nothing works out here, I may have to drop down and perhaps go back to Bristol, but we'll wait and see.
"Shaka Hislop has encouraged us and told us what a good club it is, and that if we keep working hard hopefully we will get there."
He admits last week was not an ideal match to show his skills, saying:
"It was okay but as a team we didn't play too well and it was difficult to impress." Both players do not think their likely transfer fees would prove a stumbling block if Glenn does want to take his interest in the pair further, and Nigel says: "I don't know what Joe Public want - but I don't think it would be too much."
And Brent adds:
"I don't think it would be a lot - certainly affordable for a club like West Ham."

Gillingham keep eye on Nigel Pierre.

By: fleX.
15-Mar-2002 - Meanwhile, Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler has confirmed he was at Coventry on Wednesday night to watch Trinidad and Tobago international Nigel Pierre play for West Ham's reserves at Highfield Road.
Pierre is a player that Hessenthaler has targeted in recent months and he is keeping a close eye on his progress. Pierre also missed a great chance to level for The Hammers but saw his shot saved when one on one with Coventry's Danish goalkeeper Morten Hyldgaard, the Hammers endup lossing 2-0 to Coventry City, his fellow countryman Brent Rahim, currently with Levski Sofia, did not receive international clearance in time to be featured in this match.
"Nigel tried hard," says Roger, "but without a lot of success - I would not say he played badly."

Nigel Pierre on trial at West Ham.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
13-Mar-2002 - Talented Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Brent Rahim is now on a ten day trial at English Premiership club West HamUnited. And there along with him is Joe Public striker Nigel Pierre who arrived at Upton Park for a similar trial at the club.
The former St Anthony's College wizard has been invited by manager Glenn Roeder who is now in search of a loanee midfielder and has indicated his intentions of possibly signing Rahim at the end of the season. . No doubt, national captain Shaka Hislop would have had good words to say about Rahim even as he prepares for a move out of Upton Park by the end of this season.
The 23-year-old Rahim, who is still on contract with Bulgarian powerhouse Levski Sofia, is expected to play for the West Ham reserves against Coventry City (13-MAr-2002) alongside returning player Michael Carrick. So too is Pierre, who has also been invited to for a trial at Norwegian club Moss FK for later this month.
West Ham have in recent weeks lost the services of Michael Carrick, Steve Lomas and Don Hutchison, as well injuries to John Moncur keeping him out, and it has led to Roeder playing Trevor Sinclair in the middle with Joe Cole, or pairing Cole with the even younger and inexperienced Richard Garcia.
Although the Hammers are hoping to have Carrick and Lomas back in contention for a first team place as soon as the next match, the visit of Manchester United to Upton Park, Roeder does not want to hang about, and has spent the last fortnight or so scouring the Continent for adequate replacements, as the Premiership season enters it's final phase.

Nigel Pierre aims to polish up.

By Shaun Fuentes.
06-Feb-2002 - Joe Public striker, Nigel Pierre is hoping to do some fine tuning before considering some offers from clubs in England.
Prior to the Gold Cup, Pierre received offers from Bristol Rovers and Gillingham, but admitted that his performance was below par.
"I was disappointed. I should have been better. My fitness wasn't good. That's the main thing.
"Sometimes I train by myself but it was a tough season.
"Now I have to work on my weaknesses," said Pierre.
English First Division club Gillingham are expected to come to Trinidad for a preseason camp in May.

Nigel Pierre turns back on UK trials.

Newsday Report.
12-Jan-2002 - Joe Public striker Nigel "Pistol" Pierre turned his back on trials with three English football clubs to be in the Trinidad and Tobago CONCACAF Gold Cup SQUAD.
Pierre was set for trials with English Premiership club West Ham United, the club of national skipper Shaka Hislop. He was also invited for tryouts with Nationwide Division One club Gillingham and Second Division club Bristol Rovers. But yesterday, Pierre made it clear he had the interest of his country at heart.
And he said, "at great sacrifice, I have opted to represent Trinidad and Tobago in Gold Cup 2002." According to a news release from his club Joe Public, "such loyalty and commitment should not go unnoticed and unrecognised. "we commend him highly for his outstanding and unique decision and share this commendation with the wider football and national community."

Nigel Pierre off for trials.

By Shaun Fuentes.
11-Jan-2002 - Trinidad and Tobago could lose the services of talented striker Nigel Pierre for the upcoming 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
The Joe Public marksman could end up on a weekend flight to London for trials as he seeks to launch an oversees career.
Peter Miller disclosed that he has received offers for Pierre and while it will be unfortunate for him to miss the Gold Cup, he could end up with quite a handsome offer at one of the clubs that has requested his presence at their training ground this weekend.
Crystal Palace, Gillingham and Bristol Rovers are on the list after the former St Anthony's College star. Rovers, who were recently in financial problems and had already taken Pierre before work permit problems, are reportedly likely to sell one of their players for a big price and are hoping to climb their way up.
Meanwhile, former TnT Under 20 striker Cornell Glenn, left Portugal and arrived at London on Wednesday for a trial at Wallsall, which is reportedly keen on signing him.
Miller added that there are also several English clubs interested in the services of stylish midfielder Arnold Dwarika and he is likely to head off for trials following the Gold Cup.
There was also word on Wednesday that Russell Latapy's name has been called in a possible swap deal between Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur. Word is that the "Litte Magician" is likely to go with or without Rangers teammate Tore Andre Flo to Spurs in return for midfielder Tim Sherwood.

 

Nigel Pierre and Brent Sancho to head out after 2002 Gold Cup.

 

25-Dec-2001 - National duo Nigel Pierre and Brent Sancho have both indicated that they will be heading out to Europe for trials following the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Pierre who signed with Bristol Rovers last year but had to return home after his work permit was revoked is likely to visit English Second Division club Queen's Park Rangers which is now managed by Ian Holloway, the same boss who was keen to have him stay at Rovers.
"Right now I'm just concentrating on the representing the country at the Gold Cup. I think this is a good opportunity for us to go out and there and give a good showing. But right after the Gold Cup I'm looking to head out for trials in Europe," said the former St Anthony's College player, who added that he was pleased with progress of Joe Public and didn't mind staying there if an overseas contract didn't come through.
Sancho meanwhile has been targeted by clubs in Germany, Belgium and Switzerland. Among those include FC Zurich, former club of national striker Jerren Nixon, "The focus now is obviously the Gold Cup. I think we have a good chance to do well at the tournament and then at the end of that I will leave for Europe for trials with the clubs that have been expressing interest," Sancho said on the weekend.
He has one year left on contract with American A-League club Portland Timbers.

 

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