Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum

Sports => Football => Topic started by: Flex on July 12, 2011, 07:39:40 PM

Title: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Flex on July 12, 2011, 07:39:40 PM
SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
By: Inshan Mohammed.


Everald Cummings, a "Trin for real".

Everald Cummings, known by every Trinidad and Tobago football fan as "Gally" took the time-off to do an exclusive interview and his first for the Soca Warriors Online (SWO).

And in case you are an outsider looking in, allow me to enlighten you about the former New York Cosmos superstar who happens to be one of, if not the most successful, local senior head coaches in Trinidad and Tobago's history.

That's right. The man accomplished what no other local coach has at senior level when he led the Strike Squad within a point from qualifying for the 1990 FIFA Men's World Cup in Italy.

He had a great track record as a coach, especially during the 1989 WC qualifiers in route to Italy. It started with a 1-1 tie against power house United States in California, another 1-1 tie against Costa Rica in Port of Spain, then slipped to a 1-0 loss to Costa Rica in San José.

He rebounded to beat El Salvador (2-0) in Port of Spain, headed to Tegucigalpa, Honduras and escaped with a point as both teams were deadlocked, then left for Guatemala City soon after and stole all 3 points from the host with a 1-0 win. He then returned to T&T to show the win was no fluke as the Strike Squad won again this time the scoreline were 2-1 at the Queens Park Oval.

But then came the heartache - a game in Trinidad and Tobago's footballing history that no one who experienced the final game against the United States on November 19th 1989 (Red-day) would ever forget. Indeed, the entire country, and not just the 35,000 that were present at the National Stadium still remembers...

Gally's men needed a solitary point if they were to qualify for the 1990 World Cup. However it did not happen; the Americans came to Port of Spain and broke the hearts of many when they pipped T&T 1-0 from a Paul Caligiuri 31st minute goal to send them to the FIFA World Cup finals in Italy, their first since 1950.

The game brought tears not only to the players and staff but to everyone in Trinidad and Tobago or who supported Trinidad and Tobago regardless of nationality. Today the game is remembered by a phrase ''The shot heard 'round the world."

Mind you, this was a big accomplishment for any local coach, CONCACAF at the time were allowed only 2 teams to qualify for the FIFA tournament in which 24 teams (now 32) participated. Costa Rica and United States would go on to represent the CONCACAF region.

But before his coaching career Gally had tremendous success on the field; he became the first player from his country to win a contract to play in Mexico when he was snapped up by Veracruz, his exploits for the New York Cosmos making it all possible.

At international level he was regarded as one of the best midfielders to have played for his country and was part of the infamous 1973 World Cup bound team that was cheated out of a spot in West Germany.

T&T got the better of host Haiti 5-2 but had 4 goals disallowed by the El Salvadorian referee, who, incidentally, was banned for life after the fact. However, the results stood and T&T were officially eliminated from the 1974 World Cup. They did however had a game in hand against Mexico which they didn't need to win except to play for pride and to help their Caribbean neighbours seal a spot in the World Cup finals as Haiti had no games left and needed T&T to beat Mexico, their faith was in T&T's hand. After the Haitian defeat, T&T players could only look on in disbelief as Haiti had now inched closer to the final and, only spot that was allotted to CONCACAF for a place in the 1974 FIFA World Cup finals in West Germany. T&T did not disappoint and despite being cheated against Haiti, they held no grudge and eventually came through for them by eliminating Mexico (4-0) in the final match of the qualifying series that guaranteed the Haitians a spot in West Germany. Today, many who have seen the player in action, call him a legend. He was described as quick, fast and had rockets on both feet. Ask Mexico - need I say more....

Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together and give a round of applause to the man who once brought passion and love to the game in T&T. Below are 24 questions Mr. Everald "Gally" Cumming took the time to answer for the SWO.

1. How was the experience playing in Mexico while you were there with Veracruz and New York Cosmos during your time in the US. As I understand there was a lot of racism in the U.S. in your time. Give us a brief on your experiences, good and bad.
EC: - In 1967, while representing Trinidad and Tobago in a CONCACAF tournament in Jamaica, I received a professional contract to play for the Atlanta Chiefs in the North American Soccer League.
At the tender age of eighteen [18] I was one the first Trinbagonians to received a Professional contract to play football for the Atlanta Chiefs Soccer Club in Georgia, USA. This was the inauguration year of the North American Soccer League.

In Atlanta, at that tender age I received a reality check because nothing could have prepared me more for life than this first hand experience of the Indignity of Segregation, Racism, Bigotry and all the other ills that degraded black people in the South, in the “sixties”.

Apart from all those social indignities I had to live with in Georgia, I also had to face the internal racial problems in my own team, on a daily basis, in the showers, dressing rooms, on the field at practice and games.

The squad predominantly consisted of white players from England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, South Africa, Wales, Canada and Sweden. You see England had won the World Cup in 1966, and the Americans emulated the English Model to form their own soccer League.
 
There were also lots of positives like having met and listened to people like Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr. and a host of other black activists including our own Stokely Carmichael [Kwame Ture] which really shaped and molded my identity as a Black man and made me very conscious of who I am.

The Atlanta Braves Baseball Team and us shared dressing rooms next to each other so I met players like Hank Aaron, Joe Torre, Phillipe Alou, Rico Carty and a host of others. I will always remember the year, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King jr. was assassinated in April, and Atlanta Chiefs Soccer Team won the North American Soccer League in October of that same year. It was a miracle that we lived in separate worlds but still achieved one common goal, a championship.

I was invited to attend Dr. Martin Luther King’s jnr. funeral on behalf of the Atlanta Braves Organisation. Entertainment and Sports personalities traveled on the same buses, and I met lots of black stars like the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Bill Cosby, Diahan Carrol and many others on the bus.

These early experiences helped me to formulate my own identity as a person and a player in the midst of that indignity, especially when I saw my style of football being supreme to the other nationalities on my team.
This bolstered my confidence and assisted me tremendously in understanding the emancipation of spirit and soul.

On many occasions during training I would hear my teammates say, “ Everald combines speed and technique so well, he dribbles like a Brazilian, makes the long passes like the English, he finishes clinically like a German, but I never got credit for being Trinbagonian. My playing like a Trinbagonian contributed to me being voted the most valuable player in the World Cup qualification in Haiti, 1973.

My experiences in New York Cosmos were good but some of the same social problems manifested itself in different ways. Our home field was Hofstra University where we also trained on an old astro/turf field. It was very tough on players muscles tendons and joints.

The team was really a cosmopolitan team with players from Yugoslavia, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Hungary, Brazil, England, Ireland, Wales, Italy, Ghana, Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago.
I played upfront with Randy Horton from Bermuda and we combined nicely with me being the organizer and he the finisher.

Gordon Bradley was the coach and Clive Toye, the manager, both of them I knew back in the “sixties” when I played for Atlanta Chiefs. Clive Toye was manager of the Baltimore Bays and Bradley played for the New York Generals with the likes of Trinbagonians, Warren Archibald, Jan Steadman and Leroy DeLeon.

I played two seasons there and moved on to Veracruz, Mexico being solicited by teams in Mexico after my outstanding performance in Haiti. We won the NASL championships in 1972, giving me my second NASL Championship ring and the New York Cosmos their first NASL championship.

I honestly believe, though, that my two and a half years in Veracruz was one of the highlights in my entire professional career. In Mexico, our playing styles were similar and I fitted in very nicely with their ball touch and rhythm.

After my first season and being an established player with the Club, I was given a free role on the team to be as creative as I possible could and this was understood by all the other players on the team.

As I reflect, I remember after arriving in Veracruz, I was introduced to the fans during the half time period of one of our games. They stood up and gave me what I thought was a special welcome because I heard the roar and screams. I really thought that the fans were giving me a standing ovation but when I really found out what they were saying, in Spanish, they were really cussing me out for scoring two great goals against them putting them out of World Cup finals in West Germany, 1974.

However I did get a real Standing ovation one night playing against the champion team of Japan in an exhibition game with thirty thousand fans watching. The coach decided to rest some of the main players since we had a league game in two days but the fans saw it differently while we were losing one to zero.

They started calling for me and it appeared to be my night, I did everything correct. The playing surface was a bit slippery and I body beat and change directions leaving those Japanese players standing and some on the ground that night. I set up the equalizer then scored the winner with five minutes left in the game. I must say that none of the fans left the stadium after that game until I came back out to center field to accept a standing ovation.

2. Who were some of the best players you've played with and against. And how did you get the name Gally.
EC: - I will have to say: Pele, Leroy DeLeon, Warren Archibald and Steve David. The name “Gally” came from Galliento. A gentleman by name of Leo Gilbert better known as “Uncle Leo” to the entire community at the corner of Melville Lane and Dundonald Street in Port of Spain who took a special interest gave me that name at age one.

He said that I was black and tough like a black boxer who came to Trinidad in the old days name was Galliento.
This name was basically a community name until the news papers got hold of it, I think when I was at Fatima College. Nobody calls me Everald, anymore.

3. While at Fatima College, who were your teams biggest rivals and who were some of the standouts in your time at SSFL level.
EC: - Our biggest rivals at Fatima College was St. Benedicts College.
Some of the standouts in the then Colleges League were: Allan Cupid, Warren Archibald, Leroy DeLeon, Kenny Joseph, Dick Furlonge, Bede Wells, boy, that whole team was the best. QRC: Ellis and Vernon Sadaphal, Jimmy Springer, Garnet Harris, Brian Knight, Fatima: Roger Duprey, Earl Fough, Terry Watson, Wayne Jackson, Frankie Mahabir, Glen Sealey. St. Mary’s College: Jerry Gellineau, Wayne Smart and a host of others.

4. Football has changed, from your time to now. How important is the SSFL in today's football. In other words, can it contribute to our national team in a positive way and can it help develop players.
EC: - First we need to have the SSFL players play a longer season, but since that will be clashing with the academics then we need to have SSFL zonal football. North Zone, South Zone, Central Zone and East Zone etc.

Select the best coaches in the country to manage these zones which will compete against each other before and after the SSFL season. We can also create a sort of ODP like in the USA where about thirty players are regularly trained and screened for national selection. Start a Tertiary Football League to bridge the gap between SSFL and senior football.

This tertiary league will accommodate players leaving and not being able to meet the required standard of senior football. For example; players can transfer to this league with their regular teammates as an old boys club. For example; St. Benedicts old Boys, Fatima old boys, St. Anthony’s old boys, Naparima, Presentation, QRC, Signal Hill, St. Mary’s, Murcurapo, St. Augustine, Arima, El dorado, Carapichaima and others. This will also bring back the crowds who have already been a fan base connected to their schools.

5. Though, I have never seen you play, I have heard many great things about you, one being, you had a "bullet", the others were, you were fast and diminutive. Who would you say is responsible for you being one of T&T finest, also, when and against whom did you make your T&T debut and can you tell us a little about footballers attitude in your time compare to them now.
EC: - My older brothers Philbert and Ellis were responsible for my development
Philbert the eldest was my hero as a child because he was respected on and off the playing field. He was a very good footballer who played for Malvern Sports Club in the days of Carlton Franco, Kelvin Berassa, Clive Niles, Ken Hodge, Eddie Hart, Ken Henry and others.

He had a very powerful and accurate shooting ability which he taught me. My other brother Ellis, had flat feet and because of this his shot on goal had a natural swerve which I saw playing with him every day. So I had some good teachers who looked after my development plus I also worked very hard twice or sometimes three times a day on my craft.

At senior football I had the guidance of a very good person in Tony Gouveia at Paragon Sports Club. I also  played in most of the minor leagues in Port of Spain. Mervina League, Pin Smith League, Francis Rivas league, Brown League,Woodbrook Youth Center League, Carenage League, Diego Martin League, Paul Castillo League in San Juan, and Eddie Hart League.

I made my debut against Jamaica in Jamaica at age 16. The difference in my time as a player and now is attitude. As Jesse Jackson once said, and I quote” Its not the aptitude that builds the altitude but the attitude.”

6. Now, please don’t laugh, but Trinis is known for old talk. Your guys were obviously cheated during the a World Cup qualifier against host Haiti where 4 of T&T goals were disallowed, Haiti went on to win the game 2-1 and qualify for the WC in West Germany. Some of my Haitian friends say the goals where off side, some say Winston Phillips threw the ball into the net with his long throws and I even heard that the government of Haiti gave each members of the T&T team a gold watch and $500 dollars to not protest to FIFA despite the El Salvadorian referee being banned for life. Can you give us your side of the story on the great Haitian episode.
EC: - I also had a good laugh because some people never have the facts but talk anyway. Yes, we all were given watches and money from the Haitian Government and also gifts from the business communities downtown Haiti and other citizens.

We could have taken anything we wanted from the stores because the Haitian people were overjoyed with our sterling performance and the fact that they were going to the World Cup finals in West Germany.

It was my view that they were being extra kind to us because they knew in their hearts that we were the ones that should have gone to the World Cup Finals.in west Germany, 1974. Would you believe, that we didn’t receive one cent from our own people when we returned home.

Winston Phillip’s long throws were very instrumental for tactical reasons because the Haitian goalkeeper had problems defending it. If you have an tactical advantage why shouldn’t you use it?

It was a set piece that was creating all sorts of problems for the Haitians and worked in our favor. Our goals against Haiti weren’t offside. Our next game in Haiti was Mexico and Winston Phillips did not play because of injury and we won 4-0 without his long throws. In that same tournament Mexico beat Haiti 1-0.

7. Lets talk Strike Squad now. How did you get the job to become coach of the national team of Trinidad and Tobago and where did you coach before that.
EC: - I got the national coach job because the players asked for me. I was a Government coach employed by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs at the time. The Director of the Sports at the ministry went to meet the national team on their arrival at the airport from the Pan American games where they lost very heavily and some players were fed up and was contemplating retirement.

The Director of Sports told me that the players wanted me to coach them and being a former national player and looking at the state of the game in T&T, I accepted the position as national coach, in 1987.

I was then seconded from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs to the TTFA as technical assistance from Government, where I held the post as Specialist Coach for Football.

My salary was paid  by the Ministry, I was never paid a salary by the TTFA. This arrangement with the TTFF was at a time when national football was in its grave. The only people who attended national team games were players girlfriends, wives and family members.

I worked myself to the bone with no kind of support systems in place, financial or otherwise and to the public TTFA was bad news, they were owing everyone, even the snow cone and corn soup men.
 
Well, its history now that born out of my hard work, knowledge of the game, team management, discipline and love for Trinidad and Tobago created the Strike Squad who is still together up to this day. And also created an avenue for players like Dwight Yorke, Russel Latapy, Leonson Lewis and others to play at the highest level in world football.
 
In 1982, I was employed with ASL Sports Club. Then Mr. Arthur Suite asked me to assist Falcons FC of Belmont, as coach. 1983, I coached Barataria Ball Players and was Assistant National Coach to Jan Zwatrius, of Holland, who was the then National Coach.

While on the National Technical Staff, I attended a few coaching courses with Heinz Moroski. In 1984, I joined the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs as specialist football coach. My job was to coach primary and secondary schools throughout Trinidad.

Before that in 1976, while on vacation from my club in Mexico, I coached my community team, Glory Guys to First place in the POSFL.

In 1977, I started the first professional team of Trinidad and Tobago, Pro Pioneers with Euadne Gordon a former national hockey player. In that same year, my family moved to Canada where I did my coaching licence, levels one and two with the Canadian Certificate Program, at Seneca College for the Canadian Football Association.

8. Now, I was only 15 during the 89' qualifiers, so please excuse me if you feel my question is off a bit as I can only remember flashes of news during that time. Why was David Nakhid overlook as I understand you guys didn't get along. ?
EC: - David Nakhid was recommended to me by a former team mate of mine from the New York Cosmos, Johnny Kerr who was a college coach in the US. I brought him in 1988 and tried to fit him in but he did not gel with the rest of the squad and left on his own. In spite of his disrespectful attitude he was still given a chance to be part of the 1989 squad but proved to be unworthy and was unable to fit into plans.

9. How did you become so successful during your time as T&T head coach, what did you do different, what was your physiology and why to this day no other local coach could be equally successful or better.
EC: - The First thing I did was to change the uniform. If you look dull you will play dull. I sat down with our sponsors, ROSSI, 3 Star Production, and came up with a special shirt for a special team. This shirt must display the national colors in an abstract setting. That jersey is now synonymous with the Strike Squad of 1989.

Next thing I did was change our way of play to a structure that encapsulated our culture rhythm and formation. I looked at a video of the team’s performance and they were lacking a scientific base of training, the bio-mechanics and the players individuality were non-existent. No one understood their role and responsibility.

We were playing an offside trap with no one pressuring the opposing player with the ball. Leonson Lewis and Adrian Fonrose were the two strikers in a 4-4-2 system. Dexter Francis and Hutson Charles hardly played and Latapy played a withdrawn center midfielder with no attacking responsibilities.

I implemented a new system of play with more compactness which brought the players closer to the ball and each other. I was able to reenergize football in Trinidad and Tobago and also made the TTFF more stable financially in 1989. People started coming back to the games because the football was exciting and entertaining.

The players respected me because I led by example and made them feel special and proud of being Trinbagonians. This new system encouraged compactness which immediately enhanced ball possession, encouraged more creativity, assigned  roles and responsibility and reestablished our Trinbagonian way of play.

The old system of play used was a flat European 4- 4-2 system with the offside trap which never catered for the players creativity and individual capabilities. The reason other coaches are not successful is because they do not have a philosophy and believe that everything that comes from abroad is better. Self hate, I guess.

10. I still can't believe I am doing an interview with the coach I admired as a teenager, I remembered coming out in my red shirt to support your team on November 19th (the Red-Day) when you guys drove from South to North, you and your team passed in-front of my home heading to the national stadium to face USA. Speaking of which, they were rested and awaiting the journey of your Strike Squad. My question to you is; If you could go back in time to November 19th, 1989 and do it all over again, what would you had done differently and did you feel you field the best possible players.
EC: - I would have the team stay in nearby Barbados and fly into Trinidad the day before the game. The carnival mentality of Trinbagonians, the harassment by politicians and businessmen were very annoying throughout the campaign.

11. Lets focus on the game today. What do you feel has caused such a decline in our football at both local club and at international levels. Even the crowds are suffering. And how important is the Pro League. As I recall, during your time as head coach there was no professional league in T&T.
EC: - When the zonal structures which incorporated the communities, through the zones throughout the country, for example: POSFL, NAFL, CFL, AFL, SFL, SAFL, TFL etc. were replaced with a national football league which was not community based and brought control of football under the TTFA.

Before that the council members selected by the zones represented the clubs at the TTFA level, so there were always transparency and accountability. The TT Professional league can only survive if the restructuring of the zones is reestablished and there is a proper youth development structure in the communities.

12. Can you see T&T qualifying for another World Cup. And what in your opinion could be done for this to be a reality in the future.
EC: - Yes, T&T can qualify for another World Cup finals but our ultimate goal should always be having good national teams representation at all levels which means having the proper foundation whereby creating continuity.

13. Just over a year since you wrote to the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) alleging over 20 years of discrimination and victimization by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) and its special adviser Jack Warner. To-date you have not gotten a response from the EOC. Then recently you made a public appeal to Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, did you get any response yet and what is the current status of your case.
EC: - About two days ago I got an unfavorable response from the EOC stating much of the discrimination I was claiming happened before the ACT was established in 2000. I was given another 14 days to provide any further information. I am still contemplating how I should proceed.

14. According to reports, it was mentioned that Jack Warner was responsible for you being denied coaching jobs both in St Vincent and Grenada. If this is true, can you tell us a bit more.
EC: -  In 1994 World Cup Preliminaries, Trinidad and Tobago took an early exit and St. Vincent and the Grenadines was still in contention for a final CONCACAF spot and asked that I be their Technical Director.
 
I had spent one month in St. Vincent coaching their coaches in the early “nineties” through a program by“ Reds” Pereirra who was Sports Director of the OECS. The national coach and I got along very well and he sought my services through the President of Concacaf which never materialized.

In the year 2001, when our Under 17s national team’s preparation was going nowhere under Chief Onibinde of Nigeria. I received a call from an official, from the Ministry of Sports, on behalf of the then Minister of Sports and Youth affairs, Mr. Manohar Ramsaran, to coach the Under 17s national team. I was based in New York at the time and had to rearrange my schedule to prepare for this assignment willing as always to serve my country.

I was told that Jack Warner had to give the final confirmation, as special adviser. However, Mr. Warner never made the confirmation saying that he had “a problem with me” My good friend and former national player, the late Russel Teshiera, who was then manager of the Under 17s national team called me in New York to congratulate and welcome me to the team thinking it was a foregone conclusion.

15. Do you feel Russell Latapy and Dwight Yorke are the two best players T&T have ever produced or in your opinion, there were better ones but never got the break ?
EC: -  No, there are others, also. Different eras brought different opportunities and different challenges. They got the big breaks and had people like myself to guide them through rough times. Myself and others like me had no one.

16. How did you discovered top talents in your time as head coach. In other words, what sort of scouting system you used in both Trinidad and, Tobago.
EC: -  When I got the national team we were already in competition, I had my first game in one week, so I had to organize games locally. I played against most communities and if a player there was better than what I had well he was replaced. I was scouting and participating in competition at the same time. It was like building a house and living in it.

17. You currently run the football programme at the University of Trinidad and Tobago and have been there a few years well ? What is the latest and how is your team doing in its league. And in your opinion, who do you feel is one or some of the best local coaches we have today.
EC: - The scholarship programme began three years ago at UTT. We began playing as a reserve team of Tobago United in the Pro league. Then we played in Central zone football league and won but rules were changed to take the title. The matter is still in the court. This year we play as the FC SouthEnd in the reserve league. So far we have been unsuccessful in being part of a league system to provide players for national teams but still secured spots for three players. One at senior national team and two in the Under 20. We hope to realize the original intention of keeping most of talented players who seek scholarships abroad at home.

18. What is your thoughts on the T&T team in Germany at the 2006 World Cup and which T&T players impress you the most.
EC: - The T&T team in Germany 2006 played more defensive football not in keeping with our natural style. We are a creative people but, I guess we played what the coach asked. After Germany not one of our players received any new contract to play anywhere because they never got a chance to showcase themselves. The players who impressed me the most were Dwight Yorke, Carlos Edwards, Shaka Hislop, Aurtis Whitley and Russell Latapy.

19. If you had to pick an "all-time" 20 man T&T team who would they be.
EC: - There were too many great players from three eras of football in which I played to name an all time best.

20. On our current T&T team, who do you like the best and why.
EC: - What current team? We are still in the process of developing one.

21. You were Technical Director at both Starworld Strikers and North East Stars, during your time there what sort of success you had and how was the experience working at the clubs and at that level. Furthermore, I know Starworld Strikers no longer exist but why did you cut ties with North East Stars.
EC: -  My experiences at both Starworld Strikers and North East Stars were very challenging because there were always problems to be solved. At Starworld Strikers where I spent more time, we only needed one more season to be a top contender in the Pro League but the team fell into financial and other management problems and eventually had to withdraw from the league.

In my short stint of two and half months with North East Stars I took them to two finals: the First Citizens Cup and the FA Trophy Finals. They had some serious player management problems and I was brought in to reestablish discipline and reenergize the players attitude towards training and official games.

The team was built around Guyanese, Jamaicans and Vincentian players, so whenever these players left North East Stars for world cup commitments with their respective countries, they practically had no team.
I cut ties with North East Stars because of my coaching job at UTT.

22. During your time as T&T head coach you had an A-Team and a B-Team which I personally think was a master plan, however, did this really helped and how did you go about keeping both team active and ready.
EC: - While preparing for our first world Cup match against the USA in Torrance, California, I was told by the TTFA that we had to participate in the newly inaugurated, Shell Caribbean Cup tournament. My squad already had thirty players in training so I selected ten more and divided them into A and B teams and coached them all. I then realized that I had to focus on the important game at the time which was the world Cup Qualifier against the USA, in Torrence, California.

I needed some other coaches to handle the team while I was away, I then selected Kenwyn Cooper and Jan Stedman because I thought they were the best coaches for the job.

Kenwyn Cooper did a fantastic job with the B team which had some of the younger players. This A & B system was used to keep players sharp. If a player didn’t perform well with the A team , he was sent to the B team and B player would take his place. This kept players on their toes with the correct attitude at all times.

23. Why is Tobago football (most of the times) over looked. How, in your opinion do you feel we can bridge the gap.
EC: -  I really don’t know why Tobago players are overlooked because it did not happen when I was at the helm. The first thing I did when I took over as coach was to make Bertille St. Clair the Under 17 youth team coach and selected Dwight Yorke, at seventeen [17] with Ricky Nelson, and Colvin Hutchinson.

24. Have you ever visited the Soca Warriors Online (SWO) if so, what are your thoughts.
EC: - Yes, I have and I am quite impressed with the content and the fan base. The readership is given a wide perspective on topics of interest.

VIDEO: - Everald Gally Cummings vs Mexico - 1973 WCQ. (http://vimeo.com/22977268)

Soca Warriors Online and the Warrior Nation would like to extend our gratitude to Everald Cummings for taking the time to do this interview and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Copyrights of the Soca Warriors Online - Any press using the following article written by Inshan Mohammed are welcome to do so providing they reveal the source and writer. Furthermore, no portion of this article may be copied without proper credit as well.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Coop's on July 12, 2011, 08:44:45 PM
 :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: Flex,you are really a boss at these interviews,thanks again for a job well done,so you all hear it from the man himself,it's all about T&T Football and the passion for the game,that's what drove us.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Cocorite on July 12, 2011, 09:19:33 PM
Absolutely great. Thank you Gally. Thanks Flex for conducting the interview.

It is important for one to understand himself to express himself well with pride in his work.

Not the least when representing his country. Gally was and is the type of mind we need in T&T football.
Great stuff.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Socapro on July 12, 2011, 10:17:37 PM
Absolutely brilliant interview Flex!  :applause: :applause: :applause:

And many thanks to Gally for accepting the inteview, you are one of our footbal heroes and we are greatful for your contribution to our football history both on and off the field!!  :salute:

Anyone who after reading this interview is still unsure of the damage that Jack and the current TTFF have done to our football over the years has either got to be blind, on the take or plain stupid!!

With the right folks in charge of our football we can and will rise again from the football wilderness!!

But before we can do that, Camps & the current TTFF regime must go!!
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Sam on July 13, 2011, 05:51:26 AM
This is some SWEET stuff Flex.....

No writer in T&T today is more ambitious and creative. I say so !!!!!!!!!!

Gally did a great interview to, but I wish he had answers 10, 12 and 19 BETTER.....

His answer to question number 20 made me laugh.

After reading this, I feel Gally would have done a great job as a current national coach, if he gets the support, he seems like a very intelligent fella. ?

Good luck to him, however after 3 years at UTT they should be a better team but they keep placing last in their league, come on Gally....
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: injunchile on July 13, 2011, 05:52:04 AM
I will give Gally the under 20's to groom. Dont quite agree that we played defensive at the W/c. I see our friend COOPS get a big up. Two patriots from my era and men with passion for T&t football.
 Well good deeds will always be remembered. If the truth be told Gally could not handle Nakid but then again Nakid not easy with his mouth. I still think that he had a role to play in the middle of the park, not to mention his experience.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: weary1969 on July 13, 2011, 07:21:47 AM
 :beermug: Flex as 4 Gally d man born Aug 28th that is all dat is impt 2 d I.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: dinho on July 13, 2011, 07:43:49 AM
Great stuff as always Flex. Keep it coming.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Sando on July 13, 2011, 09:00:23 AM
Sam, I felt he didn't want to answer question number 10 because he know he would have done something different, like start Earl Carter and Leroy Spann.

Thanks for the memories Gally, you brought the whole country together.

Brian Williams was the man vs USA.....

And I agree with Gally for dropping or not picking Nakhid, his attitude stinked and he must respect the coach.

At least Gally admitted he would not have make that drive from south to north on game day.

Flex, you are surperb !!!!!! I said it a million times, and I will say it again, you deserve an honor.

PS: Didn't know Gally met all these black icons in the US, big up. Stokley Carmichael was a good man, and he was born in Trinidad and played a part in US history.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: weary1969 on July 13, 2011, 09:02:47 AM
Sam, I felt he didn't want to answer question number 10 because he know he would have done something different, like start Earl Carter and Leroy Spann.

Thanks for the memories Gally, you brought the whole country together.

Brian Williams was the man vs USA.....

And I agree with Gally for dropping or not picking Nakhid, his attitude stinked and he must respect the coach.

Flex, you are surperb !!!!!! I said it a million times, and I will say it again, you deserve an honor.

PS: Didn't know Gally met all these black icons in the US, big up. Stokley Carmichael was a good man, and he was born in Trinidad and played a part in US history.

 :beermug: to Nakhid comment.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Cocorite on July 13, 2011, 09:15:43 AM
This interview made me wonder what the sports writers in T&T doing? Who is bringing the issues to the sport- hungry people of T&T and celebrating our successes and Heros?

The very first answer set the tone for the entire interview. Gally's background reinforces the importance of knowing one's identity complete with his history and the difference those make in how we think and live.

Excellent choice Flex.

PS. What allyuh think about his ideas for question 4?

4. Football has changed, from your time to now. How important is the SSFL in today's football. In other words, can it contribute to our national team in a positive way and can it help develop players.

EC: - First we need to have the SSFL players play a longer season, but since that will be clashing with the academics then we need to have SSFL zonal football. North Zone, South Zone, Central Zone and East Zone etc.

Select the best coaches in the country to manage these zones which will compete against each other before and after the SSFL season. We can also create a sort of ODP like in the USA where about thirty players are regularly trained and screened for national selection. Start a Tertiary Football League to bridge the gap between SSFL and senior football.

This tertiary league will accommodate players leaving and not being able to meet the required standard of senior football. For example; players can transfer to this league with their regular teammates as an old boys club. For example; St. Benedicts old Boys, Fatima old boys, St. Anthony’s old boys, Naparima, Presentation, QRC, Signal Hill, St. Mary’s, Murcurapo, St. Augustine, Arima, El dorado, Carapichaima and others. This will also bring back the crowds who have already been a fan base connected to their schools.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: royal on July 13, 2011, 09:33:33 AM
Great stuff Flex

Gally has to be one of our greatest players,I saw him at the ending of his career and to me he was still great and a true leader on the field.Also Gally's patriotism cannot be disputed.I'm glad he admitted the mistake of the Fyzabad trip which a few pleaded with him to stay at either The Hilton like the Americans or Crowne Plaza(Holiday Inn) including Jack Warner. However he was adamant in staying in Fyzabad.Another thing as we sing Gally praises one has to remember there has not been a coach before or after Gally who has had a team together for a year and a half.I will like to also find out why the foreign base players like Brian Haynes and other were not selected.Alibey was the only foreign player (in college) on the team   Finally the maligning of Gally had to do a lot with Jack Warner who swore that he will never let a coach have so much influence again after our failure on 19th Nov'89.In my opinion someone like Gally should be coaching one of our youth teams.You can ask any of the national players under Gally,there has never been a better motivator.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Errol on July 13, 2011, 09:37:56 AM
Imagine this is the first real interview with Gally Cummings since 1989, over 20 years ago. Big up to Mr Flex Mohammed.

Cant believe the TTFF was so poorly run and still is, how ? even if Camps and Warner is bad now, when they first started off they was suppose to be better, no ? at one time in your life you have to be or do good ? Cant wait to see this bastard Jack Warner behind bars for good.

Gally met some real quality people during his time in the US. Wonder if he ever met Michael Jackson. ?

Did Gally played with Pele during his time at NY Cosmos ?

Surprised Gally didn't mention Bobby Sookram and Steve Khan from St Benedicts who use to beat every team in InterCol. And what about Dom Basil. ?

I wish I could see some of those games from 1989, I really wish, can someone help ?
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Coop's on July 13, 2011, 10:48:13 AM
If you look at some of the things we denounce and criticize today are the things that developed and made him into the player he ended up being,everthing basically was local,Coaches,players he played with admired and look up too,influential people in his life etc etc

The players he played with and against from college to Snr level were the best this country produced,our national teams used to be developed from the SSFL which we think today is no use,look at the Minor leagues he mentioned which we think today is no use,who were the Coaches we had how many were qualified,sometimes you just have to imagine how players developed in those times,but then we also have to look at the quality of players we had.

I agree when he said he can't name a best national team because of the amount of good players our country have produced,i know you guys are young but those who was around and can relate the past to the present will tell you what a great history T&T have of Football and Footballers.I was home on vacation a couple weeks ago and Gally came to visit me,he makes you feel appreciated,the man connects all the dots he like a walking encyclopedia of Football but i enjoyed the time with him because he is also funny.         
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: madness on July 13, 2011, 10:52:03 AM
why r u keep looking back at the past. dont u think we should look at the future. tnt is very bye us when it comes to team selection. the Strike squard is history swo can't bring back those times.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: ZANDOLIE on July 13, 2011, 11:43:49 AM
why r u keep looking back at the past. dont u think we should look at the future. tnt is very bye us when it comes to team selection. the Strike squard is history swo can't bring back those times.

If you can achieve yesterday you can achieve tommorrow. Good stuff Flex and Gally
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Tallman on July 13, 2011, 11:51:27 AM
why r u keep looking back at the past. dont u think we should look at the future. tnt is very bye us when it comes to team selection. the Strike squard is history swo can't bring back those times.

If you can achieve yesterday you can achieve tommorrow. Good stuff Flex and Gally

Not if you don't adapt and improve.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Coop's on July 13, 2011, 01:08:30 PM
why r u keep looking back at the past. dont u think we should look at the future. tnt is very bye us when it comes to team selection. the Strike squard is history swo can't bring back those times.
       Why you think history is a subject,regardless to how we feel we still need to know what went on in the past,why don't you forget 06 Germany it's something that will live with us.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Socapro on July 13, 2011, 01:13:01 PM
why r u keep looking back at the past. dont u think we should look at the future. tnt is very bye us when it comes to team selection. the Strike squard is history swo can't bring back those times.

If you can achieve yesterday you can achieve tommorrow. Good stuff Flex and Gally

Not if you don't adapt and improve.

Correction Tallman:
Not if you don't remove, adapt and improve starting with the removal of Camps!!

BM has his retirement plague waiting for quite a while now and ah hope it doh get rusty before we could hand it over to him and thank him for his long and illustrious service to Jack Warner via the TTFF.  ;)
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Socapro on July 13, 2011, 01:16:59 PM
why r u keep looking back at the past. dont u think we should look at the future. tnt is very bye us when it comes to team selection. the Strike squard is history swo can't bring back those times.
       Why you think history is a subject,regardless to how we feel we still need to know what went on in the past,why don't you forget 06 Germany it's something that will live with us.

Coop's the man's name is Madness so what else do you expect, logic?!
Doh waste yuh time!!!  :devil:
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Dutty on July 13, 2011, 02:19:01 PM
I worked myself to the bone with no kind of support systems in place, financial or otherwise and to the public TTFA was bad news, they were owing everyone, even the snow cone and corn soup men.
 

Yep no improvement dey..20 plus years and tings full circle

Kinda hard to believe this man do and see so much and still end up fading into obscurity back in T&T
That encore in Mexico must have been spectacular


Nice one flex...actually we should overs de 'Flex' ting since yuh hustlin for that Pulitzer 8)...nice one Mr. Inshan...cyah wait to see yuh nex big 'scoop'
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Blue on July 13, 2011, 03:20:36 PM
Great interview  :beermug: :beermug:
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Brownsugar on July 13, 2011, 05:58:22 PM
Thanks Flex!!  Thanks "Gally" ......aaahhhh The Strike Squad.....the primary for me falling in love with football......dem and the rampaging Signal Hill team of the late '80s........good times!!!.... :beermug: :beermug:

Imagine this is the first real interview with Gally Cummings since 1989, over 20 years ago.
 

Not sure what you mean by this since Gally has given many interviews over the years......
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Sando on July 13, 2011, 06:13:21 PM
Who was the foreign based players in Gally time ?

Brian Haynes, Collin Rocke and David Nakhid ?
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Tallman on July 13, 2011, 06:34:49 PM
Who was the foreign based players in Gally time ?

Brian Haynes, Collin Rocke and David Nakhid ?

Maurice Alibey, Clint Marcelle, Veron Skinner
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Dumplingdinho on July 13, 2011, 07:35:25 PM
Who was the foreign based players in Gally time ?

Brian Haynes, Collin Rocke and David Nakhid ?

Maurice Alibey, Clint Marcelle, Veron Skinner

Didn't richard chinapoo play in the early qualifiers?
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: maxg on July 13, 2011, 08:35:17 PM
Some of the our best potential filled local players, in a short time become foreign and disregarded, due to scholarships and pro contracts, which then weakens the developmental leagues, and thus the local senior leagues even further. I repeat, we have to find a way to get them to return, and not just for football. But if a country  continue threating it expatriates like foreigners, expect them to remain where the foreigners are at least showing them some measure of respect for their talents.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Cocorite on July 13, 2011, 10:03:26 PM
But if a country  continue threating it expatriates like foreigners, expect them to remain where the foreigners are at least showing them some measure of respect for their talents.

Well said bro, well said.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Sam on July 14, 2011, 04:42:35 AM
Shaun Fuentes could have alteast mention de writer name !!... ent he and Flex cool... (Gally interview).

http://guardian.co.tt/sport/2011/07/14/local-physio-benefits-premiership
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Sam on July 14, 2011, 05:18:24 AM
Flex, why yuh didn't ask Gally if he was still head coach if Chris Birchall woulda make he team ?
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Errol on July 14, 2011, 08:30:04 AM
Imagine this is the first real interview with Gally Cummings since 1989, over 20 years ago.
 

Not sure what you mean by this since Gally has given many interviews over the years......

I meant an interview so indepth and polished..
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Errol on July 14, 2011, 08:31:14 AM
Flex, why yuh didn't ask Gally if he was still head coach if Chris Birchall woulda make he team ?

Not sure if Gally liked foreign born players. But good question Sam.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Jack Horner on July 14, 2011, 10:19:20 AM
Gally, will never work for me again, he still vex with me after 20 years.

No one could stop me.

Jack will raise again.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: weary1969 on July 14, 2011, 11:58:56 AM
Who was the foreign based players in Gally time ?

Brian Haynes, Collin Rocke and David Nakhid ?

Maurice Alibey, Clint Marcelle, Veron Skinner

Didn't richard chinapoo play in the early qualifiers?

Yep I remember d game v Honduras at d Oval where Gally as k peeps 2 come out and peeps came out talk bout drama 2 get in d oval. Policeman on horse by d game. It was 5$ 2 go that game. D road to Italy strted that day 4 me.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Tongue on July 14, 2011, 01:34:59 PM
cant help but like #20 response......  :rotfl:
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Brownsugar on July 14, 2011, 01:49:30 PM
Imagine this is the first real interview with Gally Cummings since 1989, over 20 years ago.
 

Not sure what you mean by this since Gally has given many interviews over the years......

I meant an interview so indepth and polished..

Nah man, not taking any thing away from Flex but I've seen him on TV and radio giving in depth interviews....they have been few and far between so that's probably why it seems like we never got one so detailed....

cant help but like #20 response......  :rotfl:

For real eh.... :rotfl: :beermug:
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Trinitozbone on July 14, 2011, 06:06:34 PM
This interview made me wonder what the sports writers in T&T doing? Who is bringing the issues to the sport- hungry people of T&T and celebrating our successes and Heros?

The very first answer set the tone for the entire interview. Gally's background reinforces the importance of knowing one's identity complete with his history and the difference those make in how we think and live.

Excellent choice Flex.

PS. What allyuh think about his ideas for question 4?

4. Football has changed, from your time to now. How important is the SSFL in today's football. In other words, can it contribute to our national team in a positive way and can it help develop players.

EC: - First we need to have the SSFL players play a longer season, but since that will be clashing with the academics then we need to have SSFL zonal football. North Zone, South Zone, Central Zone and East Zone etc.

Select the best coaches in the country to manage these zones which will compete against each other before and after the SSFL season. We can also create a sort of ODP like in the USA where about thirty players are regularly trained and screened for national selection. Start a Tertiary Football League to bridge the gap between SSFL and senior football.

This tertiary league will accommodate players leaving and not being able to meet the required standard of senior football. For example; players can transfer to this league with their regular teammates as an old boys club. For example; St. Benedicts old Boys, Fatima old boys, St. Anthony’s old boys, Naparima, Presentation, QRC, Signal Hill, St. Mary’s, Murcurapo, St. Augustine, Arima, El dorado, Carapichaima and others. This will also bring back the crowds who have already been a fan base connected to their schools.

Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Coop's on July 14, 2011, 07:00:48 PM
This interview made me wonder what the sports writers in T&T doing? Who is bringing the issues to the sport- hungry people of T&T and celebrating our successes and Heros?

The very first answer set the tone for the entire interview. Gally's background reinforces the importance of knowing one's identity complete with his history and the difference those make in how we think and live.

Excellent choice Flex.

PS. What allyuh think about his ideas for question 4?

4. Football has changed, from your time to now. How important is the SSFL in today's football. In other words, can it contribute to our national team in a positive way and can it help develop players.

EC: - First we need to have the SSFL players play a longer season, but since that will be clashing with the academics then we need to have SSFL zonal football. North Zone, South Zone, Central Zone and East Zone etc.

Select the best coaches in the country to manage these zones which will compete against each other before and after the SSFL season. We can also create a sort of ODP like in the USA where about thirty players are regularly trained and screened for national selection. Start a Tertiary Football League to bridge the gap between SSFL and senior football.

This tertiary league will accommodate players leaving and not being able to meet the required standard of senior football. For example; players can transfer to this league with their regular teammates as an old boys club. For example; St. Benedicts old Boys, Fatima old boys, St. Anthony’s old boys, Naparima, Presentation, QRC, Signal Hill, St. Mary’s, Murcurapo, St. Augustine, Arima, El dorado, Carapichaima and others. This will also bring back the crowds who have already been a fan base connected to their schools.

         I've always said we need to develop a system/formula that suits T&T and Gally seems to have that same trend,is not that we want to go back to the good old days but have Football playing all over the country,more players playing at the top level,people will not have to be forced to leave South and come North to see Football on a regular basis,we will also have a feeder system for our clubs and national teams etc etc if you notice he even mention the ODP system used in the US,it's just a matter of having players playing and being assesed consistently.I also liked what he did to get his players and that's why i think the majority of his team was local,no word a mouth.   
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: dreamer on July 14, 2011, 07:20:01 PM
Gally was marginalized and silenced and prevented from making useful contributions proportional to his talents. None of us doh have flaws but it is clear that he was treated badly even if he had shortcomings (no pun intended).  Very good interview Flex.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Sam on July 14, 2011, 08:09:11 PM
4. Football has changed, from your time to now. How important is the SSFL in today's football. In other words, can it contribute to our national team in a positive way and can it help develop players.

EC: - First we need to have the SSFL players play a longer season, but since that will be clashing with the academics then we need to have SSFL zonal football. North Zone, South Zone, Central Zone and East Zone etc.

Select the best coaches in the country to manage these zones which will compete against each other before and after the SSFL season. We can also create a sort of ODP like in the USA where about thirty players are regularly trained and screened for national selection. Start a Tertiary Football League to bridge the gap between SSFL and senior football.

This tertiary league will accommodate players leaving and not being able to meet the required standard of senior football. For example; players can transfer to this league with their regular teammates as an old boys club. For example; St. Benedicts old Boys, Fatima old boys, St. Anthony’s old boys, Naparima, Presentation, QRC, Signal Hill, St. Mary’s, Murcurapo, St. Augustine, Arima, El dorado, Carapichaima and others. This will also bring back the crowds who have already been a fan base connected to their schools.

Very well said....

Seems everybody on de same page except for the TTFF.

Jack Warner probably did ok for T&T in the past to some extent but he did more bad than good, T&T football dead because of his pride and greed.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Conquering Lion on July 14, 2011, 08:37:38 PM
I worked myself to the bone with no kind of support systems in place, financial or otherwise and to the public TTFA was bad news, they were owing everyone, even the snow cone and corn soup men.
 

Yep no improvement dey..20 plus years and tings full circle

Kinda hard to believe this man do and see so much and still end up fading into obscurity back in T&T
That encore in Mexico must have been spectacular


Nice one flex...actually we should overs de 'Flex' ting since yuh hustlin for that Pulitzer 8)...nice one Mr. Inshan...cyah wait to see yuh nex big 'scoop'

That is part of the Trini mentality..."All ah we iz one." There are many Trinis who do great things locally and abroad yet we seem to have a problem recognizing them or giving them credit where it is due. Many of them are willing to give back to the country and the youths, but we just ignore them.

Great interview Flex.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Errol on July 14, 2011, 08:49:21 PM
Gally cant discriminate against foreign based players because he probably was the only foreign base player on that 1973 team ?? Tallman, clairify ?

Not sure how he feels about foreign born though. (IE Chris Birchall).... if you notice he didn't mention him when Flex ask him who were some of the 2006 WC players he was impress with and I believe Birchall may not had been the best, but he had to be in T&T top 5...
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Big Magician on July 15, 2011, 12:00:44 AM
Top stuff Flex

gally is one of the most mis understood people in tnt football

 ah build 1,00 bridges... but ah F#CK one goat
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Sando on July 15, 2011, 06:01:56 AM
Gally, will never work for me again, he still vex with me after 20 years.

No one could stop me.

Jack will raise again.

 :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Who you suppose to be Jack himself ?
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Trinitozbone on July 15, 2011, 06:32:55 AM
Flex,great interview! You got a little behind gally the man. But seriously football has become so much of who we are as a people. It is something we are all passionate about. It is not only about a game , Gally's time was really a happy time and it lasted for some time ! We cannot go back to the ole days but if only we could lift the spirits of trinbagonians again!
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Burn Boots on July 15, 2011, 06:48:53 AM
Some footballers, past and present, and other interesting friends of football have now gotten together to send a strong letter to the TTFF,copied to CONCACAF and FIFA about recent statements made by Jack about getting back into football. They are asking the TTFF to state publicly their position on Jack's involvement in TTFF affairs, if there is any.  
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Sam on July 15, 2011, 07:01:28 AM
Some footballers, past and present, and other interesting friends of football have now gotten together to send a strong letter to the TTFF,copied to CONCACAF and FIFA about recent statements made by Jack about getting back into football. They are asking the TTFF to state publicly their position on Jack's involvement in TTFF affairs, if there is any.  

hhmmmm...

You guys should try and get Flex involved with this project. When it comes to Jack and the TTFF you need all the amno you can get.

And off course Jack will deny all the claims.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Coop's on July 15, 2011, 08:36:29 AM
Some footballers, past and present, and other interesting friends of football have now gotten together to send a strong letter to the TTFF,copied to CONCACAF and FIFA about recent statements made by Jack about getting back into football. They are asking the TTFF to state publicly their position on Jack's involvement in TTFF affairs, if there is any.  
       I wonder who are some of these guys but who ever it is behind this,it's the kind of thing i've been talking about,if anything is to happen certain things must be made clear to all concerned.While i was home i spoke with guys like Tansley Thompson,Gwenwyn Cust,Selris Figaro etc and they were in the process of calling a general meeting of all Footballers in the country,i don't know if it's the same group of guys stiring this up.After talking with them i told them that i was very interested in what they were doing and would like to be added to their list,keep me updated,i have no doubt something is going on.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: weary1969 on July 15, 2011, 09:50:25 AM
Some footballers, past and present, and other interesting friends of football have now gotten together to send a strong letter to the TTFF,copied to CONCACAF and FIFA about recent statements made by Jack about getting back into football. They are asking the TTFF to state publicly their position on Jack's involvement in TTFF affairs, if there is any.  

 :applause: :cheers: :thumbsup: :wavetowel: :salute:

Please post here after it was forwarded. Much appreciated
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Socapro on July 15, 2011, 10:13:11 AM
Some footballers, past and present, and other interesting friends of football have now gotten together to send a strong letter to the TTFF,copied to CONCACAF and FIFA about recent statements made by Jack about getting back into football. They are asking the TTFF to state publicly their position on Jack's involvement in TTFF affairs, if there is any.  

 :applause: :cheers: :thumbsup: :wavetowel: :salute:

Please post here after it was forwarded. Much appreciated

Niceness!

But we need to hear more than that from the TTFF!
We also need to hear if the TTFF is going to show the court the 2006 World Cup accounts books if they exist and if they plan to pay the remaining warriors the rest of the bonus money still due to them.
And if not does Oliver Camps intend to shoulder the blame as president of the TTFF and resign or is he waiting to be pushed out in ah wheelchair?!

BM has Camps retirement plague waiting and we doh want it to get rusty!!  :waiting:

If this important question can be added to that letter to the TTFF it will be most useful but leave out the wheelchair bit!

Thanking you guys sincerely for this initiative!!  :-*
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Trinitozbone on July 15, 2011, 06:51:01 PM
the idea of bridging the gap from secondary school to senior level is an interesting one which Gally addresses in question #4. In fact I have  heard foreign coaches complain that some players at the senior level lack the technical skills required at that level ! I note a coaching seminar coming up shortly I hope some attention will be given to this!
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Coop's on July 15, 2011, 07:37:11 PM
Some footballers, past and present, and other interesting friends of football have now gotten together to send a strong letter to the TTFF,copied to CONCACAF and FIFA about recent statements made by Jack about getting back into football. They are asking the TTFF to state publicly their position on Jack's involvement in TTFF affairs, if there is any.  

 :applause: :cheers: :thumbsup: :wavetowel: :salute:

Please post here after it was forwarded. Much appreciated

Niceness!

But we need to hear more than that from the TTFF!
We also need to hear if the TTFF is going to show the court the 2006 World Cup accounts books if they exist and if they plan to pay the remaining warriors the rest of the bonus money still due to them.
And if not does Oliver Camps intend to shoulder the blame as president of the TTFF and resign or is he waiting to be pushed out in ah wheelchair?!

BM has Camps retirement plague waiting and we doh want it to get rusty!!  :waiting:

If this important question can be added to that letter to the TTFF it will be most useful but leave out the wheelchair bit!

Thanking you guys sincerely for this initiative!!  :-*
        Soca the letter gone already yu can't add nothing at this stage to it,what you suggesting there should have gone already. :devil:
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Socapro on July 15, 2011, 10:20:37 PM
the idea of bridging the gap from secondary school to senior level is an interesting one which Gally addresses in question #4. In fact I have  heard foreign coaches complain that some players at the senior level lack the technical skills required at that level ! I note a coaching seminar coming up shortly I hope some attention will be given to this!

Nothing significant will improve until Camps is gone & the TTFF is reformed!
If we really want to improve our football certain characters who have been running it into the ground for much to long need to go!
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Socapro on July 15, 2011, 10:28:00 PM
Some footballers, past and present, and other interesting friends of football have now gotten together to send a strong letter to the TTFF,copied to CONCACAF and FIFA about recent statements made by Jack about getting back into football. They are asking the TTFF to state publicly their position on Jack's involvement in TTFF affairs, if there is any.  

 :applause: :cheers: :thumbsup: :wavetowel: :salute:

Please post here after it was forwarded. Much appreciated

Niceness!

But we need to hear more than that from the TTFF!
We also need to hear if the TTFF is going to show the court the 2006 World Cup accounts books if they exist and if they plan to pay the remaining warriors the rest of the bonus money still due to them.
And if not does Oliver Camps intend to shoulder the blame as president of the TTFF and resign or is he waiting to be pushed out in ah wheelchair?!

BM has Camps retirement plague waiting and we doh want it to get rusty!!  :waiting:

If this important question can be added to that letter to the TTFF it will be most useful but leave out the wheelchair bit!

Thanking you guys sincerely for this initiative!!  :-*
        Soca the letter gone already yu can't add nothing at this stage to it,what you suggesting there should have gone already. :devil:

Never mind but we can expect the TTFF to deny that Jack is still acting as Special Advisor but we all know that Camps will not admit that he is simply Jack's puppet and clueless without him.

At the end of the day Jack is still controlling things in the background once Camps remains the TTFF president.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Burn Boots on July 16, 2011, 09:53:14 AM
The SSFL can implement that zonal structure that Gally mentioned in #4 of the interview. SSFL has nothing to do with Camps and them. It might just force their hands to really bridge the gap so T&T football can have more technically sound players at the senior level.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Insider on July 16, 2011, 05:23:13 PM
The SSFL can implement that zonal structure that Gally mentioned in #4 of the interview. SSFL has nothing to do with Camps and them. It might just force their hands to really bridge the gap so T&T football can have more technically sound players at the senior level.

Unfortunately, the people at the TTFF don't really care much about bridging gaps.

Camps would have done much better without Jack Warner in the picture and now he is so much involved in Jack dirty laundry that he cannot get out or make any changes and will never resign, but Jack wants and need him there so Jack will always have a hand as long as Cheryl Abrams, Oliver Camps, Anton Corneal and Richard Gorden is around you can count on Jack playing devils advocate with T&T football, he is a parasite.

I remember in a recent interview with Flex, Keith Look Loy said that the SSFL should not be, I feel he should try and work to improve the league instead of thrashing it, we are not a powerhouse or a big country and need all the help expecially since the federation and the people incharge of the leagues dont see eye to eye or on the same page.

Interview here.
http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=53846.msg743273#msg743273
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Brownsugar on July 16, 2011, 05:33:53 PM
Fellow forumite Burn Boots, given the TTFF's track record of ignoring folks, does the group have a plan B if the response is not forthcoming??  Just say yes or no....ah eh want de details.  Plenty spies round here...

Oh and yes good initiative, at least somebody(bodies) doing something..... :beermug:
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Burn Boots on July 18, 2011, 09:10:04 AM
Brownsugar, over the last ten years,Alvin Corneal, Anton Corneal, Keith Look Loy and other members of that elk. have been holding some mighty big technical positions in TTFF, CFU, CONCACAF and TTpro league.
We are yet to see or hear them come up with something constructive or some kind of solution to football's problems. All we hear is regular criticisms of SSFL and plenty talk, talk, talk. "trini style".
There is a Plan B. and yes T&T is now spy country. 

who dey!!
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Jack Horner on July 21, 2011, 09:43:13 AM
Some footballers, past and present, and other interesting friends of football have now gotten together to send a strong letter to the TTFF,copied to CONCACAF and FIFA about recent statements made by Jack about getting back into football. They are asking the TTFF to state publicly their position on Jack's involvement in TTFF affairs, if there is any.  

You guys bringing a letter to stop Jack !!!!   :rotfl: :rotfl:

This is so funny.

Jack is a millionair, he owns 10 businesses and he basically controls our government.

And you guys bringing a letter to stop Jack.

Jack own the Equal Opportunities Commission and Anand Ramlogan was by Jack house drinking last night.

Come on.

Jack will raise again !!!!!
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Observer on July 22, 2011, 05:28:53 AM
Very good interview Flex, well done and congratulations.

Gally is a part of football history in T&T, people may be critical, but he did step up and do the job to the best of his ability, at a time when T&T football was at a low.

Chinnas was on the squad and arguably should have been given more time to settle. Excellent footballer often marginalized (for those who saw him perform with Cosmos) in T&T Football.
IMHO the biggest omission of all the foreign based was Veron Skinner.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Sando on July 22, 2011, 05:38:43 AM
Cummings: Firing Latapy not the solution (http://cnc3.co.tt/content/cummings-firing-latapy-not-solution)
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Trinitozbone on July 29, 2011, 11:49:20 AM
Galley is the heart and soul of Trinidad and Tobago football. There are others like him but they are no where close to our national teams. Talk about a country that does not value it's treasures!
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Burn Boots on July 30, 2011, 06:17:43 AM
Trinitozbone, this is how we 'trini' treat our own especially those who contribute at the highest level. You can feed ah 'trini' for 364 days of the year, that one day you aint feed them.ohgarrd!!! They need to really understand the struggles and stress these people go through. I think they should listen to a kaiso by Prowler called " Beneath the surface."
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Flex on August 04, 2011, 07:01:26 PM
FYI

Gally said the formation used for the Strike Squad was 2-3-2-3.

Something like this...

____________Maurice_____________
_______Francis______Morris_______
Faustin______Jamerson_____Williams
_____Latapy___________Charles___
___Lewis____Jones_____Yorke
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: davyjenny1 on August 04, 2011, 10:59:01 PM
Trinitozbone, this is how we 'trini' treat our own especially those who contribute at the highest level. You can feed ah 'trini' for 364 days of the year, that one day you aint feed them.ohgarrd!!! They need to really understand the struggles and stress these people go through. I think they should listen to a kaiso by Prowler called " Beneath the surface."
That is ah boss Kaiso
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Flex on August 15, 2012, 12:44:07 PM
copyrights to - socawarriors.net

(http://www.socawarriors.net/images/stories/gally-meets-eric-williams.jpg)

Gally meets the late Eric Williams.

Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Star Child on March 21, 2013, 09:28:55 AM
Just saw this one, a wonderful read, great job Flex.

Gally brought everyone together, indio, afro, dougla, white etc etc.

Wonderful days.

Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: coache on March 21, 2013, 10:00:47 AM
In my mind the Strike Squad was by far the best Trinidad team I have ever seen in my lifetime ..I was not living in Trinidad during their run but I watched their matches on t.v. whenever I could. The attacking players were young ,fearless and fast, the defenders were strong, stable and seasoned. The football was free flowing. Thanks  to Gally for his leadership...now it's up to Hudson Charles and Shabazz...it's much more challenging in these times because the players aren't as good ...
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Observer on March 21, 2013, 10:24:00 AM
Thoroughly enjoyed this interview, Great job Fex. Respect Gally :applause: :applause:

Flex Faustin played on the left, Williams on the right
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Errol on March 21, 2013, 10:40:04 AM
The introduction to this interview was bar none....

 :applause:  :applause:  :applause:

Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: doc on March 21, 2013, 12:31:02 PM
There was another Trini on the '68 Atlanta Chiefs championship team. Who was that player?
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Tallman on March 21, 2013, 12:39:51 PM
There was another Trini on the '68 Atlanta Chiefs championship team. Who was that player?

Bertrand Grell
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: doc on March 21, 2013, 01:55:31 PM
There was another Trini on the '68 Atlanta Chiefs championship team. Who was that player?

Bertrand Grell
:thumbsup: unsong hero?
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Sam on December 14, 2013, 03:10:22 AM
ABFA identifies possible TD for national team
By Carl Joseph
antiguaobserver.com.
Nov, 28th, 2013.  


ST JOHN’S, Antigua- Antigua & Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) has finally identified two of the three men being considered for the post of technical director of the national football programme – Everald “Gally” Cummings, Peter Nowak and a yet to be named coach out of England.

ABFA General Secretary Gordon “Banks” Derrick, appearing on the Good Morning JoJo Sports Show, said, “ We had spoken to Mr ‘Gally’ Cummings in Trinidad and we tried to get him, but he’s coaching at University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) and another club team. He’s on a contract and he was trying to see how he could have re-jigged the contract, but it didn’t work out.

“And there are a couple others that we’re looking at. We made some offers. Remember, we don’t have any money. We just told them exactly what we could afford and they’re looking at it now and we’re just waiting for a response from them,” he added.

Cummings was a football mid-fielder who played for six years in the North American Soccer League. He also played professionally in Mexico. He was a mainstay of the Trinidad and Tobago national team in the 1960s and 1970s and later became the national team coach of Trinidad and Tobago in the 1980s during the Strike Squad years.

Nowak, meantime, acted as assistant under Bob Bradley during his tenure with the United States Men’s national team, and the Under-23 Men’s national team, which competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Nowak came under much scrutiny, however, leading to his firing by his last club team, Philadelphia Union.

The FA is scheduled to make its decision for the post of technical director by the end of January next year.

Flex video feature

http://vimeo.com/22977268

Title: ABFA and possible TD in talks
Post by: Trini _2026 on September 11, 2014, 02:01:59 PM
ABFA and possible TD in talks
Antigua Observer


http://antiguaobserver.com/abfa-and-possible-td-in-talks/

Former Polish professional footballer, Pitor Nowak, could be the country’s next technical director.

The 50 year old, who enjoyed a successful career in Europe playing for several Polish clubs, was spotted at the Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG) during the country’s successful run in Group 5 of the CFU Caribbean Cup.

Reports are that Nowak was, at that time, engaged in talks with the ABFA over possibly joining the coaching staff.

General Secretary, Gordon “Banks” Derrick confirmed the FA is in talks with Nowak but could not give further details.

“We would have had discussions with him but I would want to leave it at that for now, but the FAP has started to come back to us … part of the mandate is that we must have that technical director in place so we are moving swiftly to fulfill that because we really don’t want to have any more issues with the big bosses up east,” he said.

Asked how soon the FA expects talks to be completed, Derrick said a new TD could be confirmed by the end of the year.

“They didn’t really give us a specific timeline, but it would have to be within a reasonable time. Technical directors are not just waiting to come and coach Antigua & Barbuda so you have to find the right one and of course, see who’s available and try and get that to work. I think, if we are looking at a reasonable time, within four to six months would be more than reasonable for us to get somebody,” the GS said.

Nowak was also an important member of the Poland national football team throughout the 1990s, earning 24 caps, serving as national captain for several years, and being voted Polish Player of the Year in 1996.

As a coach, he is a former assistant coach of the United States men’s national soccer team under Bob Bradley, former head coach of United States U-23 men’s national soccer team, and former head coach of DC United and Philadelphia Union of MLS.

Title: Re: ABFA and possible TD in talks
Post by: Trini _2026 on September 11, 2014, 02:02:06 PM
Match dates: 6–13 October 2014.
Group 7

Trinidad and Tobago 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Antigua and Barbuda 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Saint Lucia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Dominican Republic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Star Child on June 04, 2015, 04:19:07 PM
Maybe they could revisit this to see if anything suspicious was done to aid the US as they had to win to host the 1994 world cup, after this Jack got is real power.

Seeing that they investigating everything now after the lastest FIFA fiasco but what probably really helped the US the FBI ignoring?

  :)

Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Deeks on June 04, 2015, 05:02:03 PM
Maybe they could revisit this to see if anything suspicious was done to aid the US as they had to win to host the 1994 world cup, after this Jack got is real power.

Seeing that they investigating everything now after the lastest FIFA fiasco but what probably really helped the US the FBI ignoring?

  :)



While I think that money passed for the US WC. The FIFA hierarchy was always leaning for the US holding the WC. The turnout for the LA Olympics had already convinced them that it was a win/win decision. Let me refesh allyuh memory, Havelange was in charge. He had Concacaf first and foremost. Remember, Jack was his "outside child". He got the SA group and most of the African  and Asian groups. The Euros could not beat that. And the US WC delivered big time. They made big money. Record crowds for all the games. And that is with 24 teams. Now the WC has 32 teams. The US has more than enough stadiums with 60 thousand plus capacity to host. They don't have to build any. You don't think FIFA will not want to host it again in the US.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Flex on September 02, 2015, 05:35:22 PM
By Gabre Cummings.

I experienced a moment of pride today as a son, a football fan and as a Trinidad and Tobago National. 3 guys from the Mexican media network Televisa flew in from Mexico to interview my father about his professional football career playing in the Mexican Premier League and his long tenure as a national player and especially the game in which Trinidad destroyed Mexico 4-0 in the 1974 CONCACAF world cup qualifiers for Germany '74.

For those who don't know that game was the worst CONCACAF loss in Mexican football history in which "Gally" Cummings scored the first two of the 4 goal drubbing of Mexico who were at that time the previous world cups hosts and reached the quarter finals in a WC that the Brazil national team with Pele, Tastao, Rivelino and Jairzinho became legendary(1970). Gally who was playing for the New York Cosmos at the time in the NASL was then pursued by about 4 Mexican professional teams after his performance against Mexico in the CONCACAF and eventually he chose Veracruz because their altitude and climate were similar to Trinidad being on the eastern side of Mexico where our Caribbean Sea was. I moved to Mexico along with my Dad, mom and sis when I was barely 6 months old.

As these three Mexican media men arrived at my parents house in Lange Park they jumped out of their vehicle and ran towards my father and took turns shaking his hands joyfully & passionately and then began hugging him like school boys who finally got to meet their hero. After that they practically filmed everything in sight for 3 hrs, including me. Lol.

The Televisa sports anchor who did the interview (with his 2 camera men) explained to us that in Mexico they try to hide what happened in that CONCACAF tournament in Haiti back in 1973 and the impact it had on Mexican football. They even tried to blame Haitian Voodoo on what Trinidad did to them. He enthusiastically told us that "Gally" was the catalyst that transformed Mexican national team football. In Mexico my father is known as "El Verdugo de Mexico" meaning the executioner of Mexico. After that defeat to Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico's football plunged into disarray and they would have to wait13 years before they would see the World Cup again as hosts in 1986.

The ending wasn't happy for Trinidad either who were robbed out of the world cup by the hosts (Haiti) after scoring 5 times to have 4 disallowed by referees paid off by "Papa Doc" the dictator of Haiti at that time. The referees were subsequently banned for life but there was no time for a replay of the game so Haiti still represented the region along with the other 15 teams in the 1974 WC.

Even though Everald "Gally" Cummings was awarded the CONCACAF MVP trophy and presented with the Hummingbird gold medal on returning to Trinidad by Dr Eric Williams (the father of our nation), nothing positive was taken from the teams performance by the TTFA and we would have to wait 16 yrs until the same "Gally" Cummings (@ 38 yrs old)created the beloved "Strike Squad" to get a taste of high level CONCACAF world cup qualifying football again (1989).

(https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11225349_10155994432585564_6564056525355447430_n.jpg?oh=b219692fe204696df3df110f0a38a101&oe=5680E80A)

(https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xal1/v/t1.0-9/11986576_10155994432890564_1315833092215184493_n.jpg?oh=06c72aeb09e37d61db7f1c2db9a81fa3&oe=567A1178)

Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Cocorite on September 02, 2015, 07:19:19 PM
Wow. Wonderful!! Thank you for sharing.

I keep saying that T&T's footballing history needs to be passed on to our young. It needs to be ingrained in their psyche.

Can't wait to see the documentary. When will it come out?
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: vb on September 02, 2015, 09:35:03 PM
For the younger generation who don't know how big these men are.

Congrats Gally.  :beermug:
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Star Child on January 21, 2017, 07:20:26 AM
Gally should be Technical Director or run for TTFA President, either him, Kelvin Jack or Terry Fenwick.

Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Tallman on January 21, 2017, 07:42:21 AM
Gally should be Technical Director or run for TTFA President, either him, Kelvin Jack or Terry Fenwick.

Based on what?
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Anbrat on January 21, 2017, 12:30:57 PM
Gally should be Technical Director or run for TTFA President, either him, Kelvin Jack or Terry Fenwick.

Based on what?
Fair question.
Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Sando on January 18, 2020, 04:42:13 PM
Lincoln Phillips is now the Ambassador of the North America Talent Identification. Wonder if Gally might be a good local prospect for the same?

Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Errol on January 19, 2020, 11:33:39 AM
This have to be one of the best interview legendary Gally probably ever got for his hard work.

Title: Re: SWO Introduces: The mastermind behind the famous Strike Squad.
Post by: Flex on March 06, 2022, 12:57:09 AM
Learning from ourselves: Gally reflects on Strike Squad concept.
T&T Newsday Reports.


EVERALD 'GALLY' Cummings’ autobiography is an engrossing recollection of the football life of one of Trinidad and Tobago's elite sportsmen, from his beginnings in Newtown and the East Dry River, Port of Spain to his phenomenal development as a young footballer. He was selected at 15 to play for Paragon and, not long after, was called up for the T&T men's team, the youngest player to date to have that distinction.

While still at Fatima College, Gally was contracted to play professionally for the Atlanta Chiefs, in the then-racially segregated US city of Atlanta. Over the years, he moved to the less forbidding atmosphere of Vera Cruz in Mexico and later to the New York Cosmos before returning home to Trinidad to pioneer a professional league, and to further prepare himself for a coaching career.

In writing that reveals a keen awareness of his world and careful appraisal of the individuals that enter his orbit, Gally showcased characters from the tragic Glory Guys’ captain Clyde Blondell to the notorious Haitian dictator Baby Doc Duvalier, along with different generations of national and club footballers, and the activity at the foundation of Trinbago’s football.

His remarkable personal achievement as a footballer at home and abroad, his successes coaching Glory Guys and other local teams, compared to the disastrous performances of the national team in its qualifying matches in regional and global football during the mid-1980s, made a persuasive case for him, and the TTFA (TT Football Association) eventually offered him the position of men's team coach.

This was his opportunity both to motivate a dispirited team for a game at home against the United States a few days later, and to resurrect the national effort to qualify for the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. To do this required that T&T football - its administration even more than the players - moved from its old ways of thinking into the self-awareness of the value of its own style. Gally knew what he had to do.

Many years earlier, as a young professional interacting with footballers from different parts of the world, Gally recognised that the different playing styles they exhibited was the expression of the different cultures from which they had come. The culture that gave T&T's game its shape, rhythm, deceptiveness and acceleration was Trinbagonian. But the continuous introduction of foreign coaches had, he complained, convinced the T&T team players to adapt their styles.

What the T&T team needed, Gally emphasised, was to develop within a culture that was their own. This was what he sought to do. With the help of kaisonians, soca singers and rapso artists, the style soon had a name: Kaisoca. The national team would be the Strike Squad.

By the time November 19, 1989 arrived, the Strike Squad had established themselves as a force in CONCACAF. Players who had been largely unknown became household names. Now, with one game to play, the team needed a single point from their final qualifying match against the US to secure a place in Italy .

Gally detailed the dramas of that day – the team’s accustomed routine changed to something grander and more insane; the bigger church in which the players were to be blessed; the red carpet under the bus; the premature declaration by the government of a Strike Squad public holiday; the tickets for the game vastly oversold and more than half the fans holding tickets unable to get into the stadium to see the game; the players, overwhelmed by suffocating supporters, having to fight their way to get past the stadium gate. At the end of 90 minutes of play, Trinidad and Tobago were not going to Italy.

In his autobiography, Gally did not back away from identifying the forces he believes responsible for contributing to the unhappy outcome. He had his say to the Commission of Inquiry established to investigate the overcrowding of the stadium on the day. The inquiry was aborted and never resumed.

In the eerie aftermath of the game, Gally is removed as coach and two interim coaches were installed in his place. The first request reportedly made by them was that the national team no longer be called The Strike Squad. What had made the Strike Squad name so objectionable? Did it now mean that we were to get away from the culture that Gally had been ringing in our ears and return to foreign coaches?

But that is not so easy now; for what Gally had done in his tenure as coach was to emphasise T&T's football as an expression of the nation's culture.

Gally’s autobiography is a testimony of a serious participant whose football career has spanned our entire Independence period. He has left us with a wisdom he has himself lived: that as we go forward as a civilisation we need to not only value, as we have been taught, what we learn from our colonisers, but to value what we can learn only from ourselves.

1]; } ?>