Norwegian in charge of T&T women.

[E-man]

Norwegian in charge of T&T women.
By: Mark Pouchet (Trinidad Express).

Warner holds cordial meeting with Hunt

Norwegian Even Pellerud, coach of the 1995 Norway Women's World Cup-winning team, is the new director of Trinidad and Tobago's women's football programme, as well as coach of the T&T women's national Under-17 team.

And FIFA officials will visit this country during the peak of the 2009 Carnival season (February 22-March 3) for their first official site visit ahead of Trinidad and Tobago's hosting of the 2010 FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup.

The announcements were made at a media conference in the Calypso Room, Crowne Plaza, Wrightson Road yesterday.

Pellerud, who also led Canada's Under-20 women's team to World Cup silver in 2002, sports an impressive resume, including being national women's team coach of Norway (1989-1996) and Canada (2000-2008). He was also director of Canada's national team programme from 2000 to the present time.

During his tenure he led the Norway team to lift the World Cup in 1995, second-place in the 1991 World Cup and bronze at the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996, while he oversaw Canada to a fourth place finish in the 2003 edition of the World Cup.

Pellerud, the 1995 Norway Coach of the Year, said his main goal would be to make sure the host country makes it out of the preliminary stages of the U17 Women's World Cup next year.

"My aim is to take this team out of the first round and into the quarter-final stages of the competition. That is the main objective and I hope that would be the goal of the staff and players," said the 55-year-Pellerud, who added he was very excited to take on this "new adventure, new challenge".

The Norwegian, who was compared favourably to Leo Beenhaker-who took T&T to the 2006 World Cup-by his assistant director Jamal Shabbaz and whose application was vetted by Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) technical adviser Keith Look Loy, added that the female team would need to gel and increase their skill and tactical knowledge over the next year, as well as play a host of matches locally and overseas to raise their level and attain the goal of a quarter-final appearance.

Pellerud, who only considered taking the job after taking a break following the 2008 Beijing Olympics, said the hiring of a full-time female coach "was a major step in the right direction".

TTFF special adviser and FIFA vice-president Jack Warner said his organisation "hired the number one and best female coach in the world" and that his four-year tenure was part of the local federation's strategic plan for football nationwide.

"It's part of the whole thrust of development of football of the TTFF," stated the CFU and CONCACAF president, who also revealed that the cost of running all TTFF programmes, excluding the South Africa 2010 World Cup campaign, was approximately $16 million.

Warner also disclosed that some US$400,000 is being spent on the senior team's upcoming two-week camp in Argentina and the under-20 men's team's one-week camp to Brazil.

Warner also revealed that he and Minister of Sport Gary Hunt held a cordial meeting yesterday morning when they agreed to put their political agendas aside and discuss the way forward for the sport.

"I think the Minister finally gave me the respect I deserved and I reciprocated," he said.

Where the site visit is concerned, an eight-member delegation headed by FIFA's Head of Women's Competition, Tatjana Haenni, touch down in Trinidad on February 22.

T&T Women's U17 Technical Squad--Even Pellerud (head coach), Richard Hood (assistant coach), Jefferson George (goalkeeper coach), Jinelle James (manager), Ricarda Nelson (assistant manager), Nicole Kistow (physiotherapist), Chris Bailey (fitness trainer), Claire George (equipment manager).

T&T Women's U17 short list--Brittany Farah, Gabrielle Jardine, Samantha Kissoon (Providence); Kerchel Torres, Keri Meyers (Holy Faith Convent); Doniscia Marlow, Akilah Sparks, Sherneice Jadoo, Patrice Vincent, Linfa Jones, Kayla Taylor (Debe High School); Khadisha Debesette, Khadidra Debesette (Vessigny); Marlique Asson, Victoria Swift (Miracle Ministries); Sharlette Alexander (Carapichaima); Tonietta Phillip (ASJA); Brittany Prescott (San Juan Girls RC); Rehana Omardeen (International School); Teneisha Cobham (Point Fortin Jr Sec); Akilah Thomas, Akanki Thomas (Fyzabad Anglican); Jonelle Warwick (Bishop's East); Jo Marie Lewis (Mucurapo Sr); Patrice Arden-Campbell, Camille Borneo (El Dorado Secondary); Gabrielle Onischick (St Joseph's Convent); Anika Walker (Maple Leaf).

   
new director of T&T Women's football: Norwegian Even Pellerud

[Kingk]

impressive

[andre samuel]

This has to be one of the biggest moves in the History of Trinidad and Tobago football. 

A world cup winning coach at the helm of our women's national team?

I hope he would be able to bring a great level of professionalism to the women's game

ah love it!!

[palos]

Interesting. 

While Pellerud unquestionably has an impressive resume and he's had great RESULTS with Canada, has anyone here ever seen any Canadian Women's team under his charge play?  Is a brand of ball that would make a English Conference Division side proud.  HEAVY emphasis on physicality, the long ball, and PLENTY running.  Very direct, little or no subtlety, midfield practically non existent as the ball flies over their heads in the direction of the hard running forwards.  So ah guess it make sense fuh we to have a corbeaux brand at all levels of we football...dat way we consistent.

As I say...interesting appointment.

[Sando]

Interesting. 

While Pellerud unquestionably has an impressive resume and he's had great RESULTS with Canada, has anyone here ever seen any Canadian Women's team under his charge play?  Is a brand of ball that would make a English Conference Division side proud.  HEAVY emphasis on physicality, the long ball, and PLENTY running.  Very direct, little or no subtlety, midfield practically non existent as the ball flies over their heads in the direction of the hard running forwards.  So ah guess it make sense fuh we to have a corbeaux brand at all levels of we football...dat way we consistent.

As I say...interesting appointment.

Well, I hope you are wrong and only Canada he had playing so.

But if you are right Palos, then I am worried.

Yes, we need more physicality and do more running especially off the ball. But we also need organization and composure with good passing which is very important.

No LONG BALLS !!!!!!!

Time will tell..... he have a good track record.

Wonder how Noray played under him ?

[Trini _2026]

Interesting. 

While Pellerud unquestionably has an impressive resume and he's had great RESULTS with Canada, has anyone here ever seen any Canadian Women's team under his charge play?  Is a brand of ball that would make a English Conference Division side proud.  HEAVY emphasis on physicality, the long ball, and PLENTY running.  Very direct, little or no subtlety, midfield practically non existent as the ball flies over their heads in the direction of the hard running forwards.  So ah guess it make sense fuh we to have a corbeaux brand at all levels of we football...dat way we consistent.

As I say...interesting appointment.

Canada played  to their strength's  so he did a good job

[g]

Interesting. 

While Pellerud unquestionably has an impressive resume and he's had great RESULTS with Canada, has anyone here ever seen any Canadian Women's team under his charge play?  Is a brand of ball that would make a English Conference Division side proud.  HEAVY emphasis on physicality, the long ball, and PLENTY running.  Very direct, little or no subtlety, midfield practically non existent as the ball flies over their heads in the direction of the hard running forwards.  So ah guess it make sense fuh we to have a corbeaux brand at all levels of we football...dat way we consistent.

As I say...interesting appointment.

Funny thing eh Palos

I have seen our women's team and the thing is, all a collective unit we are not very technical, short passing game don't work. We may have some skillfull players in the attacking third but the ability to maintain possession with short passing as well as defensive positioning have let us down against more established teams. What we do have is good foot speed and size in some cases.

This is why the Americans and Canadians have been able to handle us very easily in the past. All they have to do is put pressure and we fold. Maybe the short passing game for the women is not the answer to tactically take on some of our nothern counterparts.

If this coach has been able to successfully exploit the long ball brand then I don't see why not. He have to get them to defend properly too.

[Big Magician]

right...so now i could admit...this is the coach that i mentioned as the new TnT coach... so he is with the women instead of the men...so there we go
maybe he just sitting tight...

[palos]

right...so now i could admit...this is the coach that i mentioned as the new TnT coach... so he is with the women instead of the men...so there we go
maybe he just sitting tight...

Yeah I heard dat too and ah was like WTF goin on here!  And den ah get de clarification dat it was de women's team and ah breathe again...  

And it eh no sittin tight business...Jack corrupt but he not DOTISH!

[Coop's]

  hooray for Jack and the TTFF.

[weary1969]

D million dollar ? will he last 4 yrs? So Palos and BM is Mats in we tail?

[AB.Trini]

Instant credibility for the w omen's program to have some one of his credentials. He did very well in developing the young players on the Canadian squad.  His experience  and  his ability to have his teams  at the top of the world  five should bode well for us.

[acb]

just in time for Carnival.

He will get a baptism on Carnival Tuesday that only a Trini woman could give him.

[Observer]

Interesting. 

While Pellerud unquestionably has an impressive resume and he's had great RESULTS with Canada, has anyone here ever seen any Canadian Women's team under his charge play?  Is a brand of ball that would make a English Conference Division side proud.  HEAVY emphasis on physicality, the long ball, and PLENTY running.  Very direct, little or no subtlety, midfield practically non existent as the ball flies over their heads in the direction of the hard running forwards.  So ah guess it make sense fuh we to have a corbeaux brand at all levels of we football...dat way we consistent.

As I say...interesting appointment.

Canada played  to their strength's  so he did a good job

I never understood this statement. All team play to their strenghts.

[asylumseeker]

Interesting. 

While Pellerud unquestionably has an impressive resume and he's had great RESULTS with Canada, has anyone here ever seen any Canadian Women's team under his charge play?  Is a brand of ball that would make a English Conference Division side proud.  HEAVY emphasis on physicality, the long ball, and PLENTY running.  Very direct, little or no subtlety, midfield practically non existent as the ball flies over their heads in the direction of the hard running forwards.  So ah guess it make sense fuh we to have a corbeaux brand at all levels of we football...dat way we consistent.

As I say...interesting appointment.

Funny thing eh Palos

I have seen our women's team and the thing is, all a collective unit we are not very technical, short passing game don't work. We may have some skillfull players in the attacking third but the ability to maintain possession with short passing as well as defensive positioning have let us down against more established teams. What we do have is good foot speed and size in some cases.

This is why the Americans and Canadians have been able to handle us very easily in the past. All they have to do is put pressure and we fold. Maybe the short passing game for the women is not the answer to tactically take on some of our nothern counterparts.

If this coach has been able to successfully exploit the long ball brand then I don't see why not. He have to get them to defend properly too.

Whatever it takes to pierce the ceiling. Good posts.

[elan]

Interesting. 

While Pellerud unquestionably has an impressive resume and he's had great RESULTS with Canada, has anyone here ever seen any Canadian Women's team under his charge play?  Is a brand of ball that would make a English Conference Division side proud.  HEAVY emphasis on physicality, the long ball, and PLENTY running.  Very direct, little or no subtlety, midfield practically non existent as the ball flies over their heads in the direction of the hard running forwards.  So ah guess it make sense fuh we to have a corbeaux brand at all levels of we football...dat way we consistent.

As I say...interesting appointment.

Funny thing eh Palos

I have seen our women's team and the thing is, all a collective unit we are not very technical, short passing game don't work. We may have some skillfull players in the attacking third but the ability to maintain possession with short passing as well as defensive positioning have let us down against more established teams. What we do have is good foot speed and size in some cases.

This is why the Americans and Canadians have been able to handle us very easily in the past. All they have to do is put pressure and we fold. Maybe the short passing game for the women is not the answer to tactically take on some of our nothern counterparts.

If this coach has been able to successfully exploit the long ball brand then I don't see why not. He have to get them to defend properly too.

Spot on. But, the more it change the more it stay the same. I waiting to see the team being selected.

[Boa Vontage]

I feel sorry for the young women of Trinidad, this man is not a coach, and should not be in charge of U17 girls let alone your full national program.

Watch for your teams to get worse not better, long ball hoof it soccer is dead in the womens game, that Jack Warner hired him is shocking, that you will let him appoint a womens senior coach is horrible.

Pity Trinidad.

Pity your female athletes.

[weary1969]

Intresting observations let's see if you are correct. We will watch the proceedings.

[elan]

I feel sorry for the young women of Trinidad, this man is not a coach, and should not be in charge of U17 girls let alone your full national program.

Watch for your teams to get worse not better, long ball hoof it soccer is dead in the womens game, that Jack Warner hired him is shocking, that you will let him appoint a womens senior coach is horrible.

Pity Trinidad.

Pity your female athletes.

I don't know how true this will hold cause the coach will have to adjust. Our players are not designed to hit the long ball and or play physical. He will have to find different system of play to suit our players as any coach who worth his salt will know and do.

[Big Magician]

Thanks Boa....we will look... also...the man have a world cup winners medal...so far so good... but you may be right...coaching is a marriage

[asylumseeker]

So wham? No honeymoon period?




Maybe ah should rephrase dat ...

[SabreWolves]

I feel sorry for the young women of Trinidad, this man is not a coach, and should not be in charge of U17 girls let alone your full national program.

Watch for your teams to get worse not better, long ball hoof it soccer is dead in the womens game, that Jack Warner hired him is shocking, that you will let him appoint a womens senior coach is horrible.

Pity Trinidad.

Pity your female athletes.

Whats your knowledge of this man that make you form this opinion?

[Coop's]

I feel sorry for the young women of Trinidad, this man is not a coach, and should not be in charge of U17 girls let alone your full national program.

Watch for your teams to get worse not better, long ball hoof it soccer is dead in the womens game, that Jack Warner hired him is shocking, that you will let him appoint a womens senior coach is horrible.

Pity Trinidad.

Pity your female athletes.

        If this man is not a Coach well who is?we have had a number of women Coaches over the years and have never had anything like this said about them,i can't see what's so shocking about his ability/experience and qualifications for being hired to coach our national team,i don't think anyone expect a miracle from him but if what we have or is doing not getting the required results we have to try something,like we are doing with all the other programs,some people can't handle or deal with change but are the number one critics of what the Federation does,no one is saying this is the answer but it's a step.

[Baygo Boy]

Anybody know what is Norway's preferred formation (All National Teams)? You guessed it - 4-5-1.

Pellerud claim to fame is his ability to motivate, not his tactical abilities, but if all he can do is get our girls fit, and motivate them at the same time, then I welcome him for the next 2 years.

[Rebel]

A friend of Marlon Charles checking in from US.....will the national team have any matches in US this winter/spring?  Where can I find their schedule?  Thanks.