Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
Sports => Football => Topic started by: Flex on May 04, 2013, 04:30:15 AM
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Winchester too cold for comfort but keeping focus.
By Inshan Mohammed.
Former Naparima College striker Shahdon Winchester recently interacted with the Soca Warriors Online (SWO), telling us about his new found home and how he is adjusting to life in Finland.
The Princes Town-born footballer signed with Finland Premier League club FF Jaro only weeks after his 21st birthday.
Coming from a country like Trinidad where the temperature on average is 33ºC to one of the coldest places in Europe where the temperature can average 7ºC is a huge challenge; but the striker is eager to make the best of his opportunity.
Winchester made his debut for T&T at age 18 against Antigua & Barbuda and has two senior international caps for his country with the other against Haiti, and now looks forward to getting more caps under his belt.
Winchester meanwhile will be remembered for his goals while playing for the T&T U-23 team against Uruguay at the 2011 Pan American Games in a 1-1 tie and in the 1-1 draw against Panama at the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying final round in Los Angeles last year.
At school level Winchester was named one of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) top five Players of the Year in 2009 for his previous year’s accomplishment. He also took home an individual award for best forward that year.
He led Naparima to both the 2007 and 2008 National Big Five League and South Zone leagues respectively. Winchester took it further in 2009 when he single handedly destroyed St Augustine’s Green Machine Coca Cola InterCol title hopes and its bid to make a clean sweep in the Secondary Schools Football League. Naparima defeated the Green Machine 2-0, however Winchester could not have saved his school in the final as the former champs bowed out to El Dorado.
Winchester also left his mark on the T&T Pro League before jetting off to Finland when he scored a hattirck against neighbours Central FC in a 3-0 win which spoilt Terry Fenwick’s debut as head coach of the "Sharks". He also recorded his 7th league goal of the season in the process.
In Finland he scored on his debut for FF Jaro against SJK and has already amassed 4 goals in 10 appearances for the Club. Unfortunately, after his appearance against SJK (the second time around) he had to undergo a sport hernia operation which has so far kept him on the Club’s injury list.
Below are a few questions with the talented center forward.
1. How are you adjusting to life in one of the coldest countries in Europe, Finland? Tell us about your ups and downs?
SW: It’s definitely a culture shock, but I am adjusting quite fine at this moment. However, at first it was a bit difficult because coming from the Caribbean to meet weather like -21ºC (wind chill factor) would be hard for anyone. In my experience here thus far would consider a down to be a more mental one, like for example when there are double sessions. It was a bit difficult at times when after the first training, you come home to eat and sleep then you have to go back out in the cold for the next session. The hot and cold gets to you. The discomfort caused by the weather when playing is really tough. At times you can't feel your fingers and toes. On the upside, signing my first European contract was a thrill. It felt good to get out here, try something new, see where I'm at in terms of football and try to better my game from an overall standpoint. I also thank God, family members, and true friends for the continued support and with that coupled with my ambition I was able to make the necessary adjustment.
2. You recently signed with Finland Premier League club FF Jaro becoming the second Trinidadian to play for the Club, the first was Akil DeFreitas. Since signing you have already scored a few goals averaging a goal every two games. Then you got injured and you’ve been out for a while now. Can you tell us a bit about your game, the League in Finland, your injury and when you are expected to make a return?
SW: My game is more or less the same as when I left Trinidad. The only difference now where my football is concerned is that I'm more focused. When there is need for extra work in my game I put it in, hence my scoring average. The League is not one of the top leagues in Europe like England or Scotland, but it is at a higher level than T&T’s Pro League. The intensity of the game, the skill of every individual and also the mentality of everyone is right up to standard. The injury that I had surgery for is not a new injury, I have been experiencing this for quite some time with a little pain and discomfort, but I just never really thought it to be that big of a problem until I came across here. It became very bothersome and eventually it was diagnosed as a sports hernia, so I had to have an operation. It was a successful operation and by the grace of God recovery is coming along fine. I`ll be back up fully in maybe a week from now, I'm praying.
3. I've seen you play a few times and in my opinion you fit the center forward position more than an all out striker. Again, this is just my opinion and I base it on your skills where you can run at defenders. What position do you prefer on the field and are you a regular starter at the FF Jaro?
SW: To me as a footballer it doesn't matter the position I play once I`m playing I am happy, but the position I prefer is the center forward and yes I`m a regular starter with the Club since I have signed.
4. If you had to compare the T&T League to the Finland Premier League, apart from the crowd support would you say there is a big gap?
SW: Believe it or not there is a big gap. This is just my opinion, but there is a stark difference in the passion for the game, the drive to give 100% every time you are on the field, the willingness to learn, the focus to get a positive result whether it is in training sessions or official games and also the professionalism of the players. There is no question about the talent that exists in the Caribbean as we can compete anywhere in the world, but we need to learn how to take ourselves to the next level. Once these attributes are ingrained in us the rest is history. But first we have to realize our flaws and work hard on remedying them and taking our football to a higher level.
5. Being away for the first time in your career, what do you miss the most about T&T?
SW: Actually I miss a lot of things like the warm weather, the food, the partying (laugh), but most of all though, I miss my family and friends. Out here it’s a totally different world where everything is not what I'm accustomed to. However, it's all about the sacrifice for me to do better in my life. I want to also mention that I see Ataullah Guerra when our teams meet. He lives in a different city so we don't hang-out at all, it would have been nice to meet him more often though.
6. Regarding T&T, obviously you would be disappointed in our Olympic team’s performance in LA last year. Where did you feel we went wrong?
SW: I think we lacked international experience, not individually but as a team. We had players with some experience, but that certainly wasn't enough to get us through as the statistics showed while our players were playing in the Pro League and college football the players from other teams were playing in top flight leagues. Also, we can always look for an excuse and say this and that, but it is up to us the players to do what is necessary to get ourselves on the same level as the other players we are competing against or even higher.
7. Which is your favorite football club and country in the world?
SW: I would have to say my favourite club team is Chelsea and my country where football is concerned is England.
8. Who is your idol?
SW: Didier Drogba is my idol.
9. What is your main aim as far as your career goes?
SW: As far as my career goes my goal is to be remembered as one of the greatest from Trinidad and Tobago and by extension the world for what I have done on the field, and to make my family & friends proud. I know it’s a lot to accomplish, but I hope to put my head down and work hard to accomplish this.
10. You were at trials with many teams including Song Lam Nghe An, FC Dallas, PFC Sevastopol and Scottish giants Celtics FC. Can you tell us a bit more about what happened and why no deal ever materialized?
SW: Actually I had signed with Song Lam Nghe for a year on-loan. What happened was that my international clearance came in after the transfer window and that barred me from being able to play. However, my contract is a valid contract so right now it’s currently in the hands of FIFA so they would have to pay me off for the year. At FC Dallas they didn't want me. They said I have the talent, but I needed a little more time. I know to myself that I didn't perform well during the trial period so I wasn't expecting any different news. At PFC Sevastopol and Celtics FC they both wanted me, but my club president and the teams couldn't come to an agreement.
11. You've played in the T&T Pro League for quite some time and you've also played for T&T at the youth and Olympic level. As a result you've played with many of your countrymen. Who in your opinion can be top players?
SW: Trinidad & Tobago has a lot of good players with a lot of potential, and in my opinion I expect players like Joevin Jones, Daneil Cyrus, young Matthew Woo Ling and even Jomal Williams to become top players. Also, there's a few more I can mention like players from North East Stars, Central FC, Caledonia AIA, but at the end of the day it all comes down to them and how bad they want to make it. It’s a bit difficult for them though because to my knowledge W Connection is the only club that gives players that opportunity. They operate very professional and they want to really help players succeed in their careers.
12. Who would you say is responsible for you being the player you are today?
SW: A lot of people are responsible for me being the player I am today. Firstly, my dad who is deceased, was the one that started me off playing football at age 8 and he even coached me for a bit at youth level at W Connection. Then after that Sean Cooper and Dunstan Williams were mainly responsible for taking me through the ranks of school and youth level football. Then I progressed to the senior team and Stuart Charles-Fevrier took it from there.
13. Who is your favorite player/s in the game both locally and internationally?
SW: My favourite players both locally and internationally are Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy, before they retired. But currently I don't really look at anyone that much. However, I'm highly influenced by Didier Drogba.
14. Who are some of the best players you've played with and against?
SW: Thus far in my career I have played with and against a lot of players likeKevin Molino, Joevin Jones, Daneil Cyrus, Jan-Micheal Williams and Clyde Leon just to mention a few. Also some top players played against were on the Mexican and Honduran teams during the Olympic qualifiers in LA.
15. Have you ever visited the Soca Warriors Online (SWO) and if yes, what can we do to help make your visit more frequent? You also have many supporters at SWO, do you have any words for them?
SW: I think the site is very well organised and structured; it’s a home away from home if so to speak. It's always up to date with important information. That's why when people need to know what’s going on in T&T they can always log on to the site and be informed. I visit the site quite often actually. As for all my true supporters, I want to thank each and every one of you for supporting me whether I'm up or down, because that goes a long way in an athlete’s career and I just want you to know that I appreciate it very much - Thank you guys.
Copyrights of the Soca Warriors Online - Any press using the following article written by Inshan Mohammed are welcome to do so, provided that they reveal the source and writer. Furthermore, no portion of this article may be copied without proper credit as well.
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good interview flex. every player dat leave the pro league same de same damn thing......... it toooooo slow. Yet our coaches and administrators have not address dis point.
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Thanks, SWO. Great stuff, Shahdon. Keep the hustle alive!
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Royal, de local coaches do not know how to raise de intensity of the game in T&T, they feel they coaching a SSFL team or they acting so and they feel they know it all. Infact, I feel a SSFL All Star team could beat a T&T Pro League team right now.
Our local coaches need to spend time with a foreign team/coach like Arsenal, Ajax or Manchester United and learn a few things.
As for Winchester, very good answer young man, I personally do not like your game because you are to slow and show no desire or intensity in your game, but hopefully you learn a few things in Finland.
Keep up the good attitude and hard work and you will be somebody soon. Take an example from Dwight Yorke when he just went to Aston Villa and the attitude he showed which paid off in de long run.
Its not easy young man and dont expect it to be easy, just look at a big picture and make up your mind deep down.
T&T and party will always be here.
Remember, if you broke no one will lime with you and your friends will only know you for a while.
Think about it.
Stay in Europe and make it better and aim to play in a better league too.
But Finland is a good stepping stone.
Nice interview Flexo.
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I like this guy! All the best son!!
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good interview flex. every player dat leave the pro league same de same damn thing......... it toooooo slow. Yet our coaches and administrators have not address dis point.
I think is a cultural issue well beyond the scope of coaches and administrators.
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Imagine this.
In question number 2 he was able to play in the T&T league injured and as soon as he went to Europe he realised he needed surgery.
Really guys, this sounds like the clubs in T&T is a big part of the problem. What sort of training do they have these players doing and how often, if Europe they have double sessions?
And is the T&T league really that slow where a player can get by even with a injury?
The T&T league is worst than a retirement league then.
Latapy, Andrews, Cox, Sancho, Wise, Maldani, Reyna, Andy Cole, Yorke, Dwarika, Nakhid, Rivaldo, Irasto Kinghts, Romario, original Ronaldo, etc, could still play in our league then and be stars too ?
Good luck to the youth, lets see what he has learnt when he returns.
I see Mikeil Williams is back and still cannot break through on the W Connection side and he has been outside for a minute.
These guys should not look at a foreign club just to make money, they have to look at it as a personal gain in many ways. The attitude of some of these players is very minimal.
Devorn Jorsling, Kerry Baptiste, Jomal Williams and Jerrel Britto is perfect examples. They want to leap before they walk.
These players need guidance more than anything else.
They get fool very easy by their agents too.
Once they improve overally, their stock goes up and then money will come in.
The player I mention will never leave T&T league to play outside and if they do they will not last long.
ATTITUDE and I am not saying they have bad attitudes, they just don't have to discipline and professional attitude to make it far.
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Real nice interview. I was a very happy man when Shahdon got through. He will open more doors for our players as he will be a good ambassador for T&T. Real proud of you Winchester. All the best. Next, ah want to hear from Tulla
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every interview we read mirrors the idea of just buckling down and working hard
also both bateu and shadon mentioned the same players as having the potential to go abroad
keep the faith
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By the way Flex, I know you are a Chelsea supporter and I have notice that the 4 last interviews (Mitchell, Winchester, Welch and Bateau) you did were with Chelsea supporters as well.
I smell a conspiracy.
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Hold tight Winchester. . .when yuh feel to give up, remember why you're there. Do well there and everything will improve.
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Excellent interview Flex! As a fellow Chelsea supporter and a huge admirer of Didier Drogba myself, he certainly has picked an EXCELLENT striker to try and emulate, however, I agree with Sam's point on Winchester's game being too slow, but the fact that he is starting and scoring fairly consistently hopefully means that playing at a higher level than the Pro-league has improved his game. I wish him a speedy recovery and keep the T&T flag flying high S.W.!!!
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Yo P, nice to hear from you man.
Chelsea will be Man U tomorrow again, just make sure Harzard they.
Real Chelsea man on here.
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I always liked tgis fella...he's a true baller...he cld beats defenders like nobody business... glad to see he focusing ..wish you all the best man! Buss net...and some finnish pum pum tooo..ya done know.
He hrel talent..he and molino remind me ah latas!!!
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By the way Flex, I know you are a Chelsea supporter and I have notice that the 4 last interviews (Mitchell, Winchester, Welch and Bateau) you did were with Chelsea supporters as well.
I smell a conspiracy.
;)
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So many young players with potential and talent and allyuh still want old men to wear the senior team shirt...
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Winchester on facebook bawling he break a record, he have not eaten KFC in 40 days, or something so.
Imagine, de average Professional athletes in T&T lives on KFC and fast food.
No wonder de youths now a days brain fry. When they get older crapo go smoke they pipe.
What sort of muscle mass will they develop.
Now he have to train twice and he catching he ass.
He eh realise that KFC does soften prick. When he reach in he 40s he go have to pack f00ck.
They have to realise that diet is very important to a athlete.
I wish I could eat some calalloo, red bean, stew chicken and rice right now with some greens, sweet potatos, plantin and orange juice.
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Highlights of Winchester's brace today against derby rivals Vaasan Palloseura. Excellent finishing on both goals. The first goal is at 1:22, and the second one is at 9:28
http://www.youtube.com/v/6Q4uUFwP0To?start=82
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That game had something about 10 mins of stoppage time...lol.
Good goals from Winchester.
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Shahdon Winchester rescued a point for FF Jaro with this equalizer against Kuopion Palloseura in the 86th minute. It was his 9th goal of the season.
http://www.youtube.com/v/op8Roic_VwQ&start=395
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When ppl making comments and criticisms, I hope they consider things like, People, history, climate, culture, medical access and facilities.
just as an example, from Wiki.
Veikkausliiga (Swedish: Tipsligan) is the premier division of Finnish football, comprising the top 12 clubs of the country. As of 2013, Veikkausliiga is ranked as the 33rd best league in Europe. Its main sponsor is the Finnish national betting agency Veikkaus, hence the league's name. Veikkausliiga was founded in 1990; before that the top division was called Mestaruussarja (championship series) since 1930 which was an amateur or semi-professional league. Between 1908 and 1930 the championship was decided in a cup competition.
Don't see why ppl expect the ProLeague and clubs in TT to function like any European league, that has been doing this for a generation, that has National social programs in place, that has proper medical care, and other National infrastuctures, and have enough people to maintain a high financial support base to a wide range of sports. In TT where some ppl saying on some days, game to far to go. I can talk for ice-hockey here, and football in Denmark. Ppl drive a couple hrs to and fro, and buy tickets at 100 + $can each(not counting other incidentals),to go every home game, and many away games..Not counting the level and amount of supporters each club has.. One minor league club in Europe, may have more supporters and or backing, than the whole Group of Pro league teams together. It's part of their culture, they have a history, generation of support..etc.etc.. Pro league now start, should be considered semi-pro at best. The ppl are trying, I didn't even think it would work at all, given the weak support base. Don't know how Central managing without that funding at all. Yet they trying.
On top of all that, ppl expect ppl to run hard in that climate like is normal to do in the north, for next to free, in spite of ability and availabilty to proper facilities, and treatments , and proper nutrition as is available...note in some areas(even in north) even with availabilty, sometimes hardly utilized, thus some measure of education..Yet, the education that is considered important in TT culture, is constiently. almost exclusively being academic. Yeah, Mexicans make the successes happen, but only in some areas -lack of academia is not frowned upon on a large scale as was in TT-, in the warmer areas, they play just as slow and controlled as us, but they work at it, they play to their strength..IMO, we always trying to play like someone else..in addition, they have learned to temper and time their runs, as well as differnce in work ethic and other cultural beliefs as well. anyway, I'm sure we can improve, but how come ppl always blaming someone else for it..including me... Is the government, is the clubs, is the players, is the supporters, is the stadium,is money, is the minister, is the fans, is Jack, is Camps, is dem, Skeene, FS...what that tells one ?
ps: ah try with the paragraphs :D
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Nice control.
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When ppl making comments and criticisms, I hope they consider things like, People, history, climate, culture, medical access and facilities.
just as an example, from Wiki.
Veikkausliiga (Swedish: Tipsligan) is the premier division of Finnish football, comprising the top 12 clubs of the country. As of 2013, Veikkausliiga is ranked as the 33rd best league in Europe. Its main sponsor is the Finnish national betting agency Veikkaus, hence the league's name. Veikkausliiga was founded in 1990; before that the top division was called Mestaruussarja (championship series) since 1930 which was an amateur or semi-professional league. Between 1908 and 1930 the championship was decided in a cup competition.
Don't see why ppl expect the ProLeague and clubs in TT to function like any European league, that has been doing this for a generation, that has National social programs in place, that has proper medical care, and other National infrastuctures, and have enough people to maintain a high financial support base to a wide range of sports. In TT where some ppl saying on some days, game to far to go. I can talk for ice-hockey here, and football in Denmark. Ppl drive a couple hrs to and fro, and buy tickets at 100 + $can each(not counting other incidentals),to go every home game, and many away games..Not counting the level and amount of supporters each club has.. One minor league club in Europe, may have more supporters and or backing, than the whole Group of Pro league teams together. It's part of their culture, they have a history, generation of support..etc.etc.. Pro league now start, should be considered semi-pro at best. The ppl are trying, I didn't even think it would work at all, given the weak support base. Don't know how Central managing without that funding at all. Yet they trying.
On top of all that, ppl expect ppl to run hard in that climate like is normal to do in the north, for next to free, in spite of ability and availabilty to proper facilities, and treatments , and proper nutrition as is available...note in some areas(even in north) even with availabilty, sometimes hardly utilized, thus some measure of education..Yet, the education that is considered important in TT culture, is constiently. almost exclusively being academic. Yeah, Mexicans make the successes happen, but only in some areas -lack of academia is not frowned upon on a large scale as was in TT-, in the warmer areas, they play just as slow and controlled as us, but they work at it, they play to their strength..IMO, we always trying to play like someone else..in addition, they have learned to temper and time their runs, as well as differnce in work ethic and other cultural beliefs as well. anyway, I'm sure we can improve, but how come ppl always blaming someone else for it..including me... Is the government, is the clubs, is the players, is the supporters, is the stadium,is money, is the minister, is the fans, is Jack, is Camps, is dem, Skeene, FS...what that tells one ?
ps: ah try with the paragraphs :D
Great post!! :beermug:
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When ppl making comments and criticisms, I hope they consider things like, People, history, climate, culture, medical access and facilities.
just as an example, from Wiki.
Veikkausliiga (Swedish: Tipsligan) is the premier division of Finnish football, comprising the top 12 clubs of the country. As of 2013, Veikkausliiga is ranked as the 33rd best league in Europe. Its main sponsor is the Finnish national betting agency Veikkaus, hence the league's name. Veikkausliiga was founded in 1990; before that the top division was called Mestaruussarja (championship series) since 1930 which was an amateur or semi-professional league. Between 1908 and 1930 the championship was decided in a cup competition.
Don't see why ppl expect the ProLeague and clubs in TT to function like any European league, that has been doing this for a generation, that has National social programs in place, that has proper medical care, and other National infrastuctures, and have enough people to maintain a high financial support base to a wide range of sports. In TT where some ppl saying on some days, game to far to go. I can talk for ice-hockey here, and football in Denmark. Ppl drive a couple hrs to and fro, and buy tickets at 100 + $can each(not counting other incidentals),to go every home game, and many away games..Not counting the level and amount of supporters each club has.. One minor league club in Europe, may have more supporters and or backing, than the whole Group of Pro league teams together. It's part of their culture, they have a history, generation of support..etc.etc.. Pro league now start, should be considered semi-pro at best. The ppl are trying, I didn't even think it would work at all, given the weak support base. Don't know how Central managing without that funding at all. Yet they trying.
On top of all that, ppl expect ppl to run hard in that climate like is normal to do in the north, for next to free, in spite of ability and availabilty to proper facilities, and treatments , and proper nutrition as is available...note in some areas(even in north) even with availabilty, sometimes hardly utilized, thus some measure of education..Yet, the education that is considered important in TT culture, is constiently. almost exclusively being academic. Yeah, Mexicans make the successes happen, but only in some areas -lack of academia is not frowned upon on a large scale as was in TT-, in the warmer areas, they play just as slow and controlled as us, but they work at it, they play to their strength..IMO, we always trying to play like someone else..in addition, they have learned to temper and time their runs, as well as differnce in work ethic and other cultural beliefs as well. anyway, I'm sure we can improve, but how come ppl always blaming someone else for it..including me... Is the government, is the clubs, is the players, is the supporters, is the stadium,is money, is the minister, is the fans, is Jack, is Camps, is dem, Skeene, FS...what that tells one ?
ps: ah try with the paragraphs :D
Great post!! :beermug:
True!!!
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When ppl making comments and criticisms, I hope they consider things like, People, history, climate, culture, medical access and facilities.
just as an example, from Wiki.
Veikkausliiga (Swedish: Tipsligan) is the premier division of Finnish football, comprising the top 12 clubs of the country. As of 2013, Veikkausliiga is ranked as the 33rd best league in Europe. Its main sponsor is the Finnish national betting agency Veikkaus, hence the league's name. Veikkausliiga was founded in 1990; before that the top division was called Mestaruussarja (championship series) since 1930 which was an amateur or semi-professional league. Between 1908 and 1930 the championship was decided in a cup competition.
Don't see why ppl expect the ProLeague and clubs in TT to function like any European league, that has been doing this for a generation, that has National social programs in place, that has proper medical care, and other National infrastuctures, and have enough people to maintain a high financial support base to a wide range of sports. In TT where some ppl saying on some days, game to far to go. I can talk for ice-hockey here, and football in Denmark. Ppl drive a couple hrs to and fro, and buy tickets at 100 + $can each(not counting other incidentals),to go every home game, and many away games..Not counting the level and amount of supporters each club has.. One minor league club in Europe, may have more supporters and or backing, than the whole Group of Pro league teams together. It's part of their culture, they have a history, generation of support..etc.etc.. Pro league now start, should be considered semi-pro at best. The ppl are trying, I didn't even think it would work at all, given the weak support base. Don't know how Central managing without that funding at all. Yet they trying.
On top of all that, ppl expect ppl to run hard in that climate like is normal to do in the north, for next to free, in spite of ability and availabilty to proper facilities, and treatments , and proper nutrition as is available...note in some areas(even in north) even with availabilty, sometimes hardly utilized, thus some measure of education..Yet, the education that is considered important in TT culture, is constiently. almost exclusively being academic. Yeah, Mexicans make the successes happen, but only in some areas -lack of academia is not frowned upon on a large scale as was in TT-, in the warmer areas, they play just as slow and controlled as us, but they work at it, they play to their strength..IMO, we always trying to play like someone else..in addition, they have learned to temper and time their runs, as well as differnce in work ethic and other cultural beliefs as well. anyway, I'm sure we can improve, but how come ppl always blaming someone else for it..including me... Is the government, is the clubs, is the players, is the supporters, is the stadium,is money, is the minister, is the fans, is Jack, is Camps, is dem, Skeene, FS...what that tells one ?
ps: ah try with the paragraphs :D
Great post!! :beermug:
True!!!
Couldn't have put it any better!!! Just want to add to the list of those being blamed.....the coaches, how many of us know what these guys have to go through on a daily basis, how many of us would be able to endure all what they have to face daily, yet when the team fails they get all the blame, when the team succeeds oh it's because of the brilliance of the players.....what a world!!!
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Winchester has returned to T&T because of injury, but has signed a contract extension which will see him returning to Jaro at the beginning of March 2014.
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I think de Finnish season almost finish anyway
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I think de Finnish season almost finish anyway
Yes, it ends on October 26th.
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well done to the youth...it ent easy to go in that cold and perform....the mental part to his game is what will come to the forefront now.
on another note...i went to school with a chick from finland...that gyul didn't drink no beer...is strictly vodka she wanted oui :D
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WATCH Shahdon Winchester’s brave header to score FF Jaro’s opening goal in their 2-0 win over Turun Palloseura.
https://www.youtube.com/v/iDLvGr_wTXs
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CONGRATULATIONS to Shahdon Winchester on being selected to the Finnish Premier League’s Team of the Month (May). Shahdon scored in 3 consecutive matches during the month of May.
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Shahdon Winchester is using his head again. WATCH this goal he scores in a 1-1 draw with MyPA.
http://www.youtube.com/v/yjBTd9EcyrI
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Nice.
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Great head, great jump. Defence should really have challenged him tho. At this rate Finland will be big Trinibagonia :p
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::)
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With the goal scored against MYPA yesterday, Winchester has scored 6 goals and is tied as the top goal scorer at the half-way mark in the Veikkausliiga season. It would be great if he could continue his goal scoring form in Finland and receive a call-up from Hart for this year's Caribbean Cup qualification in October.
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With the goal scored against MYPA yesterday, Winchester has scored 6 goals and is tied as the top goal scorer at the half-way mark in the Veikkausliiga season. It would be great if he could continue his goal scoring form in Finland and receive a call-up from Hart for this year's Caribbean Cup qualification in October.
it would be nice if he can move to a stronger league also ....
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Agreed! He should seek a club in a stronger league. I was shocked to learn that Tim Väyrynen (21 years old), last year's top scorer in the Veikkausliiga with 17 goals, was only able to transfer to Borussia Dortmund's reserve squad in the third tier in Germany. Moving up from a club in Finland seems to be a difficult thing to do.
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New contract for Shahdon Winchester
T&T Express Repots.
SHAHDON WINCHESTER has been rewarded for his good play in Finland, by being offered a new contract by his club FF Jaro.
“Before I left this year, they offered me a new contract,” Winchester said. “The coach talked to me personally, and tell me he liked my progress, and that I have improved from year to year.”
Originally from Princess Town, Winchester had been a Naparima College and W Connection player at a very young age, and a solid player for Trinidad and Tobago at youth level. He said his greatest area of improvement after playing for two years in two seasons of the Finland Premier League, has been his consistency.
“They like my progress. There has been a mass improvement. Before, I used to play in spurts. Sometimes I am in the game, sometimes I am not in the game. Now, I am more in the game regularly for 90 minutes.”
A child prodigy, Winchester has had previous stints with the senior team as a teenager under former coach Russell Latapy, and also last year under Stephen Hart against Estonia. He has ambition to be a regular member of the senior national setup.
“It’s been a while since I represented my country. So, it a tremendous feeling and I taking it well,” stated the 22-year-old striker.
“I have been on the senior team a couple of times, but it’s a while since I’ve been regular,” Winchester added.
“I want to seal my spot and to be a regular call-up to the national team, and to show what I learned playing in Europe.”
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Serbian SuperLiga club, FK Vojvodina, is reportedly close to reaching an agreement to sign Shahdon Winchester.
http://www.sportske.net/vest/domaci-fudbal/vincester-na-pragu-vojvodine-209313.html
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FIFPro warns players away from no-money Serbian Clubs. Hope he doesn't end up in one of the clubs that's undergoing financial hardships.
http://www.insideworldfootball.com/world-football/europe/16062-fifpro-warns-players-away-from-no-money-serbian-clubs
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Shahdon Winchester is currently on trial with Major League Soccer club, Chicago Fire. The team is in Portland Oregon where they are participating in the Simple Invitational Tournament with Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps and Stabæk (Norway).
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Buss dem up Shahdon. Yuh bredren Joevin is dey to show you the ropes, plus you is de real pioneer having conquered Europe in col' ass Finland.
So you have proven you could adapt and yuh CV lookin' nice. Sign him up Mr Chicago Fire manager.
Sign by the dotted line.
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Shahdon Winchester, a trialist from Trinidad and Tobago, had another go moments later. The winger took a pass and created a shot with a nifty turn and first touch to create space from 20 yards out. However, his left-footed attempt went wide of the frame.
https://www.youtube.com/v/KgrTdozyHQY?start=121
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I see Joevin give a man a "sitter"
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That first touch and turn was beautiful. It had all the earmarks of a world class move. He had the two defenders close to him beaten and mesmerized, he even had the goalkeeper beaten for a split second. It would have been a beautiful goal had it been on target. One of the commentators had no choice to rave about the move by Shah. But he needs to get more into the flow of play and that can only come with opportunities with his teammates. I for one would like to see this player playing in the MLS. I know he has the talent. Remember, this is a kid that scored a hattrick for Celtic FC of the Scottish League some years ago.
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Fire End Unbeaten Preseason with 1-1 Draw Against Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Trialist Shahdon Winchester provides 90th-minute equalizer
http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2015/02/fire-end-unbeaten-preseason-1-1-draw-against-vancouver-whitecaps-fc
Winchester scored the equalizer in the 90th minute with an impressive individual effort. The Trinidadian trialist took a pass 40 yards from goal, sprinted toward Vancouver’s back line, juked a defender and then crushed a shot to the lower right corner from the top of the box.
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WATCH Shahdon Winchester score a last-gasp equalizer for Chicago Fire against Vancouver Whitecaps
https://www.youtube.com/v/drZUU02Bit0?start=201
Post-game interview with Shahdon Winchester.
https://www.youtube.com/v/xfAHG7T1gUg
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Nice juke hahah. Made up for it with a bullet.
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Very proud of you Shahdon. Yuh real representin'.
You were like the mailman, you delivered ... & with the most dramatic timing too.
Trialist turned hero of the game. Brazen individual skill then an unstoppable rocket from way out captured from all angles on video.
Daiz de kinda shit they like to see up there. Well done. They now have to make some serious decisions about you as they show this to the voting board members of the club. No matter what happens, your stock went up big time and your agent can use this clip as a feature of your profile.
Thanks Tallman, that was delicious video.
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Ah was wondering why Shaun Maloney was hugging him up so, but then ah realize he must be remember him from when he try out with Celtic. Make an impression apparently.
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"I like him [Winchester]," he said. "We brought him in for a reason. For me it's now about fitting him into the roster. I'll figure that one out."
— Chicago Fire Head Coach, Frank Yallop
http://www.csnchicago.com/fire/fire-winchester-delivers-last-gasp-leveler
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If Shahdon Winchester doesn't get a contract - if the season starts and he's looking for work as a striker in the USA - then the Fire at least owe him a bonus. Give the guy a couple grand. Give him a place to stay until he finds his next stop. Take care of the dude, because he took care of you.
There's another universe just on the other side of Winchester's 90th-minute goal against Vancouver in the preseason finale - and it's an ugly one. In that universe, the Fire didn't have a single player score a goal since they'd returned from England. In that universe, they've played 450 minutes of football, mostly against has-beens or never-wases, and riffled the twine twice. In that universe, they look like a more-expensive version of last year's group, the worst in club history.
But that's not this universe. In this universe, Lovel Palmer won a ball by pinching into midfield in the 90th minute, then skidded a sharp pass to Winchester's feet, some 20 yards forward. In this universe, Winchester had a glancing half-thought to realize he had a defender rushing to meet him, and instead of killing the ball's momentum, he simply poked it into the space behind. In this universe, Winchester took two quick steps and lashed the ball inside David Ousted's near post to tie the game at 1 with just a few breaths left. The Fire leave the Simple Invitational with three draws on the trot; not the results they were looking for, certainly, but better than the nearby-universe's alternative.
http://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2015/2/28/8127535/back-in-purgatory-fire-1-vancouver-1-friendly-recap
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Tallman, you're a boss ... and Shahdon, you're on the verge of securing a massive opportunity
We're praying for you. All of us.
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Chicago Fire is still interested in trialist Shahdon Winchester but with 25 players already under contract they are waiting to see what the outcome of the roster limitations will be under the terms of the new CBA. Winchester would also occupy an international roster spot.
http://www.chicagonow.com/fire-confidential/2015/03/kick-off-nears-with-cba-talks-looming/
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Shahdon is still running with the Fire. He played today in a scrimmage against the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame in a 1 - 0 win for the Fire. He didn't score though but it's good to see he is still in the mix. Yallop might be a man of his word afterall.
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The Chicago Fire is reportedly signing Victor Perez, a midfielder from Levante of La Liga. Meanwhile, Shahdon is still unsigned. How is that "fitting Shahdon in"?
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He is back with W Connection or at least for now. Played yesterday for them vs NE Stars in the FA Cup finals which they lost 5-4 on penalties.
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Winchester looks to grab opportunity.
By Shaun Fuentes (Guardian).
Shahdon Winchester has been in solid form for DirecTV W Connection this season and now he’s looking to make a strong impression and hopefully a lasting one on the national team.
The former Naparima College forward has been in and around the national team for the past five years after first making his debut under Russell Latapy in 2010. But he is yet to cement his spot after being part of the 2014 Caribbean Cup squad which finished runners up to Jamaica.
“It’s been a good training camp. We’ve been working hard. Everyone knows what is at stake so we are pushing each other,” Winchester said.
The former Finnish-based professional added: “The competition for places on the team has been tough and that’s good because it means everyone has to be on top of their game. The team has been doing quite well and we want to keep the momentum going into the World Cup qualifiers and hopefully the Copa America as well.
“My aim is to work hard and do the right things to break into the team. I know everyone wants to do what is best for the team. There is a strong belief among the players and for me it’s an honour to be part of this squad,” Winchester added.
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Shahdon Winchester if yuh read this, I want to encourage you to keep doing good, you did very well when you came on for T&T, I am shell shock.
Keep working hard and try to be consistent.
And stick around with positive people.
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Shahdon Winchester if yuh read this, I want to encourage you to keep doing good, you did very well when you came on for T&T, I am shell shock.
Keep working hard and try to be consistent.
And stick around with positive people.
Cosign of comments by Sam. Go for it Shahdon. Want to see you hit Central America at least with a contract.
Good positive comments by Sam
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Winchester says no pressure in Uruguay.
By Shaun Fuentes (Guardian).
Playing at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo against Uruguay can be a gruelling contest and a nerve wracking one for most teams. Just ask Australia, or any other national team that has had to travel to play 60,000 seater in a World Cup qualifier. Perhaps, T&T’s upcoming friendly on May 27 may not be too feisty but the hosts are expected to firing on all cylinders as they prepare for the Copa America Centenario.
It is listed by FIFA as one of the football world’s classic stadiums, along with the likes of the Maracanã, Wembley Stadium, the San Siro, the Estadio Azteca, and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Uruguay has won 80 percent of its games at the stadium which was built for the hosting of the 1930 FIFA World Cup.
The whole idea of what the contest could be like is more than welcomed by national team forward Shahdon Winchester who will once again get the chance to show his worth for the Soca Warriors. The W Connection man is not intimidated by the possible scenarios in either of the upcoming fixtures which also includes games versus Peru and China.
“These are big games but we are not going to be intimidated by them. These are the kind of games we always look forward to. It will be a great honour for us to play there and against such a quality side,” he said.
“The next three games are very important. It is important for the locals to stamp their authority on the national team so they can be regular call ups and then you also never know who can be looking on at these games,” Winchester added.
“I know my role is very important and l have to lead by example not only by talking but with my actions on and off the field. The Pro league was very competitive coming to the end and there was a lot of hype so the players were very sharp coming into the national team and every player is looking to stake his claim,” he added.
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The Pro league was very competitive coming to the end and there was a lot of hype so the players were very sharp coming into the national team and every player is looking to stake his claim,” he added.
I keep smiling when I read this. I certainly hope for other young players the idea of "very competitive" is not that of playing in a league with empty stadiums and no relegation.
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The Pro league was very competitive coming to the end and there was a lot of hype so the players were very sharp coming into the national team and every player is looking to stake his claim,” he added.
I keep smiling when I read this. I certainly hope for other young players the idea of "very competitive" is not that of playing in a league with empty stadiums and no relegation.
Memories of the MLS.
How things have changed. (http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/10/26/mls-sets-new-attendance-records-seattle-hold-highest-average-league)
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Winchester over the moon on new Mexico move.
By Shaun Fuentes (Guardian).
National team forward Shahdon Winchester is simply enjoying life as a professional footballer these days as he makes the transition to playing in the Mexican Professional League after joining Murcielagos FC for a new chapter in his career.
The ex-DirecTV W Connection forward teamed up with fellow countrymen Yohance Marshall and Jomal Williams at this club this week to begin his recently signed contract with the club.
“I'm very overwhelmed about my move as well as I’m enthusiastic for the opportunity & experience,” Winchester said.
“My ambitions is to meet my personal goals that I set for myself as well as add something to my new team. My feelings about playing in Mexico is actually a joy because I look at it as I'm getting paid to do something I love which is not really a normal thing where jobs are concern so if it was on the moon I would have been playing I would have the same feelings,” Winchester added.