Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
Sports => Football => Topic started by: Flex on January 01, 2014, 06:14:56 PM
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Hart laughs off criticism and focusses on task ahead.
By Inshan Mohammed.
Trinidad and Tobago Senior Men's National Team coach Stephen Hart took some time off during the busy Christmas season to touch base with SWO to give us a preview of what to expect from him and his team this upcoming season.
Only six months on the job, Hart is already raising eyebrows and winning over critics with a run of decent performances with his new team. Before his appointment the team had been on a winless streak of six games and had not scored a single goal in nine games. Once the scoreless streak was over however, they responded with a scorching 13 goals in 9 games, including 7 penalties. Hart’s record currently stands at 4 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws.
The former coach of Canada’s Men National Team was literally thrown into the fire upon his appointment in June 2013 as coach of the Soca Warriors, a scant two weeks before the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and without the benefit of even a single preparatory game.
Despite the timing of Hart's appointment, the team still held its own and was seemingly transformed on the fly. Credit to Hart for infusing the team with new belief, with a huge assist from Dutch mastermind Leo Beenhakker, who himself had been appointed interim Director of Football simultaneous to Hart’s hiring.
With the new staff on board the team adapted well and played with greater purpose, something that was drastically missing in T&T football over the years, particularly since 2006 when T&T made its maiden entrance into the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. The players looked rejuvenated and seemed willing to give 110% for the Red, Black and White.
First on the agenda for T&T was a clash with El Salvador in the Gold Cup Group-B opener. The Warriors faced a talented Salvadorian team, notable among whom were strikers Rodolfo Zelaya and Rafael Burgos. Both were constant threats to T&T and proved very hard to contain, Zelaya in particular.
T&T however, were first out the blocks with a breakaway goal by midfielder, Keon Daniel, but as was to be expected, El Salvador didn't lie down, twice replying and seemed poised to finish off the Warriors but for a spectacular display of goalkeeping by TnT custodian, Jan-Michael Williams and best friend, the goalpost the scored stayed 2-1. Then a 73rd-minute goal by Kenwyne Jones would deny the Central Americans victory as the game ended 2-2.
Up next were Caribbean neighbors Haiti, a team that were expected to be the whipping boys of the Group, but who instead gave Hart’s troops a wake-up call when they steamrolled to a surprising 2-0 victory over T&T. This left the losing supporters fuming as the Warriors went from playing determined football to giving a lackluster display befitting the result.
T&T would rebound and answer their critics in style with an impressive 2-0 triumph over Honduras, and despite the absence of a few regulars, were by far the better team. The win set up a quarter-final meeting with Group A runners-up, Mexico. T&T would bow out to ‘El Tri’ in a narrow, hard-fought 1-0 defeat, which on any other day could have gone in T&T's favor as the Warriors' fought bravely. But T&T had played some of their best football in quite some time and left the Cup with their heads held high.
All this against the backdrop of not having won a single game in 11 prior tries at the Gold Cup and only having made it out of the Group stage just once before in 2000 under coach Bertille St Clair. Many other coaches tried including René Simões and Wim Rijsbergen even the great Don (Leo Beenhakker), but none could reciprocate St Clair's success leaving Hart as his closes successor.
Under the new Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), all FIFA calendar dates were booked and T&T were on their way to Saudi Arabia to compete in the OSN Cup in September which included; United Arab Emirates, New Zealand and host Saudi Arabia.
T&T arrived only a day before kick-off and had to adapt quickly in the scorching 107°F weather. They opened against United Arab Emirates and were trailing 2-0 at the half and 3-0 in the 55th minute, but something seemed to click in the locker room at half-time, and a different T&T side came out on the field and responded with integrity and fight to tie the game 3-3 and send Hart's men into a sudden-death penalty shootout that saw UAE prevailed 7-6.
Trinidad and Tobago didn't look back and responded well and were 3-1 victors over the host which assured them the bronze medal and a lot of respect internationally, so much that New Zealand were already thinking about visiting T&T for a World Cup tune up match later in the year.
The “All Whites” got their wish and the following month they visited T&T shores and were held to a goal less draw in Port of Spain. T&T would then finish off their 2013 campaign on a high note when they got the better of the Reggae Boyz in a home and away Caribbean Classico series 1-0 and 2-0 respectively, a team T&T had not beaten in 12 years.
In such short time the players were playing with pride and the team was looking more like a unit instead of individuals. Stoke City striker, Kenwyne Jones was a new man, playing some of the best football anyone had ever seen him play for his country. Cornell Glen was also a handful and uncontainable at the Gold Cup.
Then the supporting cast of Andre Boucaud, Kevin Molino, Khaleem Hyland, Ataullah Guerra and the reinstated Lester Peliter were nothing but mesmerizing to watch, particularly Boucaud who was one of The team's more consistent performer.
Defensively, Daneil Cyrus, Carlyle Mitchell, Joevin Jones, Aubrey David, Robert Primus and Radanfah Abu Bakr were rock solid while Jan-Michael Williams held his own between the sticks.
Today Hart, is being called by many SWO members as "Braveheart" is back home, a place to which he always desired to return and make some sort of contributions is finally living his dream in his native country and is quietly hoping to put T&T back on the map.
Read Stehen Hart's interview.
1. Obviously since you took over as head coach T&T has improved drastically. How did you manage to transfrom the team, what is your secret?
SH: First let me state that this is a TEAM thing, not about Stephen Hart. I am one person in the team. The process will take time, complete focus, buy-in by the players, dedication and patience. I explained to the players & staff, that the standards set for international Football are not set by Stephen Hart, but by the best Countries & Clubs in the business. We have to always strived to maintain these standards, even if we playing 5-a- side.
Football is about ability, belief, trust & compassion. I am not the sole responsibility, it’s the team. I got the feeling that the players and to some extent the staff were mentally "beaten down" with all the criticism. My job was to attempt to ease the burden and rejuvenate a love for T&T Football. Our aim: Focus on the task ahead, enjoy yourself (your football) and results will take care of itself.
Building a team especially a National Team takes time, coaches in this environment are not working on a day to day basis. If we want good understanding and working relationships it can only be achieved by working on the field.
Presently, the players are only available on FIFA dates, which means 3-4 training sessions before you actually play. This is one of the main reasons for inconsistency of National Team football. With the exhibition games we need to be in a position to experiment and take risk you will not ordinarily take come competition time. There is a time for building and a time for winning.
The staff, the players and myself are quite aware of the fact that fans & the Association want results. The responsibility falls upon me, however, I have a plan to move forward and if I lose sight of what the objective are, I will take short cuts simply to insure survival. This for me completely defeats the purpose of building for competition.
I had a great discussion with some former players on the individual quality of players presently available & what the future looks like.
Here is how it went down, Beenhakker said at the Gold Cup that he had 5 players that we presently do not have today: Shaka Hislop, Dennis Lawrence, Dwight Yorke, Stern John, Russell Latapy.
A former player then commented that between 2000 - 2006 Bertille St Clair and Ian Porterfield had arguably one of the greatest generations T&T had ever seen since 1973. Jerren Nixon, Stern John, Dwight Yorke, Russell Latapy, David Nakhid, Clayton Ince, Shaka Hislop, Evans Wise, Dennis Lawrence, Marvin Andrews, Arnold Dwarika, Kerwin Jermott the list goes on. He then commented that 5 or more of that generation saw us through to World Cup 2006 and with today's squad not even Kenwyne Jones would make the former team as a starter.
2. Tell us your philosophy as a coach. What brand of football do Stephen Hart like to see his team plan.
SH: All my coaching career I have never discussed philosophy, the word is too big and frightens me. I was always told that I am a romantic and all that matters is the result. For me, if that is the case I cannot enjoy football, because I love an attractive game, with individual flair that is effective.
Football more than any other sport is a lie. A team can totally dominate play and lose and vice versa, you can play poorly and win. When I evaluate myself it is based upon team performance. It’s the same with my evaluation of players as well. Not every game you can be at your best, but you have to do everything possible to contribute in some way when things are not going your way. One of my responsibilities is to show players how to get themselves back into the game when things do not seem to be going their way. This is important because at the end of the day, football is about players. On match day, when all things are equal, it is usually an individual play that makes the difference
Team development is about creating a balance. I like my teams to play a game based on progressive ball possession, with short quick passing & penetration, yet players are free to express themselves within their role. Try to always score goals, but never lose sight of the fact that you need to have the ball in order to do this. If players are not willing to do certain aspects of team play, then it weakens the team and makes you vulnerable.
Having said all that, one has to be pragmatic. No basketball coach will design a game plan with outside shooting from the three point line, if they do not possess that capability. If the present generation of talent that is available has its strengths in certain areas, then you play to those strengths and try to cover up the weaknesses. As a National team I cannot go out and buy players to fill positions where we may be lacking balance.
3. You have been to many league games thus far. Tell us some of your observations good and bad.
SH: I am not in the shoes of those that run teams in the League, or the League for that matter. I can only speak from the outside looking in.
I don't think the coaches in the Leagues are given credit for what they are doing. Compared to the CONCACAF countries that are ahead of us, our Clubs do not have their own facilities (hinders preparation), lack consistent funding and we are in the infancy of professionalism. A simple thing like the relationship between the quality of the pitches & the quality of the game is undervalued. Poor surfaces take away from the speed of play and as a consequence we are technically slow.
Having said that, I do believe we need ONE league where the best players are concentrated, than runs for 10 months. Such a league will create a competitive environment, competition for selection, every game will be competitive, you have to concentrate for 90 minutes and use all your technical / tactical ability to fight for results. This in itself will demand proper scouting, preparation (all aspects), self-discipline etc. for every game.
The spinoffs will also be demanding for coaches and referees and help elevate their game to another level.
Lack of crowd support is an issue for me, the games have no atmosphere and as a consequence make little demands on players to raise their individual standard. Community based teams where people have an identity attachment may be a potential route. However, there are several factors that will need to be in place for this to become a reality. Off the top of my head, playing & training facilities, security issues etc. all come to mind.
In the youth Leagues, there seems to be inconsistency in the youth development pathway. There are pockets of good thing happening, so I will be generalizing and more discussing how to increase the base. Again, it’s about standards. On a World stage, player development is about producing individual players for the next level, not about teams or results. Their model consists of 5 days a week, 10 months of the year training/games, under specialized youth coaches. At most academies, the players involved have to also complete 40 hours of school a week. It’s about commitment & sacrifice. Some may say this is wrong. Fine! But the reality is this is what we are competing against.
Right now we have 20-year olds playing against 15 – 17-year olds, this does not in anyway aid the development of the 20-year old (this also flaws his evaluation). Where in the world has this model? The best players from 18 should be playing at the highest level possible. Generations of our best players use to follow this pathway, from Leroy DeLeon, Gally Cummings, Warren Archibal to Dwight Yorke, Russell Latapy etc.
A youth development model needs to be established, one that is consistent throughout the country, for ages 8-15. We must identify weaknesses, technical, tactical, mental, physical & put in place a means of implication (best practices) to rectify the situation. The program must be one that can be measured. Our aim should be the production of players with consistency & continuity.
4. What can we expect for the new year. Tell us what you would like to accomplish or your desire.
SH: The fact remains that presently we are governed by FIFA International dates. With this in mind we will need to play consistently on these dates & against opposition that will test us in every way. It would be healthy for us if we can get games against team preparing for the WC. Such games will act as an indicator as to our true potential and where we need work.
I will also wish to have an extended camp with all local based players & potentially those players that will be in their off season. The camp must also have International games.
Once this is done I will have a core group identified & we can then prepare towards the CFU Competition.
5. Who are some of the players that really impress you thus far. Players you feel has the ability to play good football and take it to the next level.
SH: I rather not call names, I will say that so far I have focused on the introduction of young players. The team that played in Jamaica average age was 24 years old. However, as we progress age will have no bearing on selection, players on top of their game will be selected. After all, qualification could potentially begin in two years.
Quite frankly all the players that I have selected. They all have their unique qualities that they can bring to the team.
It is up to them to do everything possible to be selected for the National team and once selected do everything possible to make the starting 11 and hold a position. If players are not willing to compete for selection and a position, how can I expect them to compete on the International stage?
6. Alvin Corneal has been a constant critic of T&T football and its players, nothing is ever good enough for him. Then there are a few who are never happy with T&T football and condemn at will if given the opportunity. What is your take on this and have you encountered any negativity off the field?
SH: hahahah, Criticism is part of football and in T&T we are ranked number one in our critic development model :-). We are not patient, unless we are in a line for doubles.
I really hope they come to realize how this impacts the players and hurts progress rather than contribute. Me I look for solutions? Personally, I try not to let it bother me, and if it’s constructive I can accept it. Especially since I realize that most critics have no clue as to what is happening within the team bubble, or what exhibition games are trying to achieve, short & long term.
After all it is a building process. Off the field, especially from the former National players (whom I respect) the support has been very positive and I should add, appreciative. I listen carefully to their advice, but most warn that should we lose a game or two, the sky will begin to fall and the usual knee jerk reactions will surface.
7. Are you happy with the new TTFA and what do you feel they can do to make things better for T&T football.
SH: The present Administration of the TTFA has by and large inherited a very difficult situation. They are doing their very best to slowly rectify the situation. From my standpoint, my responsibility is on the Technical side. Obviously, I will do everything to put in place standards that are necessary for the National Team to function effectively on the International stage. This will take time, with the priority being placed on the most crucial detailed aspects at the moment. In today’s football running a National program is a very expensive endeavor, especially if you want to be consistently in the top 4 of CONCACAF. Make no bones about it, many CONCACAF Nations that were on par or behind T&T have caught up, with quite a few moving ahead. Look no further than Panama & Honduras in last 8 years.
As to what is needed to make things better for T&T football? Believe me I do not have the answers. I presume you are talking about T&T footballers! I would look no further than MLS (even Australia) and you will see what those Leagues have done both countries respectively. Many CONCACAF players (and countries) have also benefited. Though people are critical & even thumb their nose at MLS. The fact remains, that League has been one of the main factors for USA now being the dominant force in the Region.
The U.S. now has a vibrant and eve- expanding league, with quality players involved. All achieved within 20 years. The league has contributed to several US & CONCACAF players being scouted and making the jump to Europe. The league has also allowed many players from the US to stay involved in football longer, increasing the player pool of that Nation. To date the US can comfortably operate with two functioning National teams, as we saw in WCQ & Gold Cup. Much the same can be said for Australia.
Back to T&T Football/Footballers. As I mentioned earlier people involved in the Pro League are doing their best. However, establishing a viable professional football league environment, should remain our primary objective. Once we can achieve this, players and the National program will be the benefactor. The Academy structure will grow, out of necessity, so National youth teams will also benefit. With this in place, I have no doubt we will see far more scouts in the region, and even an interest from foreign clubs wanting to establish working relationships with local clubs. Create the environment and slowly, but surely, the spinoffs will be our reward.
And finally on another note, I would like to send my sincere condolences to the Family of Akeem Adams, this has been a very difficult time for the family and my heart reaches out to them. Life can be cruel and it is very difficult to accept these circumstances of suffering and loss. May he RIP with all gods blessings.
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.
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I love it.
Hart talk his mind here, respect to him, the TTFA must find a way to keep him onboard.
Excellent read !!!!!!
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Nice interview fantastic answers
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Pure Class
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Pure Class
You said it right brother...that is all that cones to mind...PURE CLASS...even reading this article you get a geel for how chrismatic Braveheart is! Looking forward ro 2014 under his leadership!
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Perfecto !!!!!
Good job by both parties.
Hart don't leave us as per rumor !!!
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SH: hahahah, Criticism is part of football and in T&T we are ranked number one in our critic development model :-). We are not patient, unless we are in a line for doubles.
My favorite line...excellent interview
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Hart, we look forward to you in the new year.
For the first time in 7 years have I felt so good about a T&T coach.
I like your interview and I hope you are given the tools to do your job as you would like.
Good luck.
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SH has a lot of experience and knowledge coaching and developing national youth teams. During this time SH visited some well known academies to observe how they worked in developing there young players and he also worked for a period of time as a national Technical Director.
With such a wealth of knowledge for youth development and reading his vision for the game in this interview it would be a waste of good knowledge if TTFF don't used SH in an official role to our technical department on youth development!
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as i have always stated from 10 years ago, SH is the man for the job with a guy like beenhakker aiding him, wc qualification is in our reach.
now we need the ttfa to get their act together and pay the coaches and get the funds to get the friendlies that would benefit our progress..
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Excellent interview - some interesting observations on teh league!
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Stephen Hart's end of year comments
http://www.youtube.com/v/8IQSqZKzppI
T&T head coach talks a bit as we look ahead to 2014
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Why do we have such a huge problem with criticism? Are we that insecure?
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Why do we have such a huge problem with criticism? Are we that insecure?
In 1 word YES
In 2 words HELL YES
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the issues I think is not criticism, but the quality and source. A sport fan cannot be seriously taken as a critic. Questions are, what are the history, qualifications, background, and knowledge of the immediate focus and intricate individual processes involved in the sport/team makeup. If they are totally familiar with all, only then can the criticism be taken seriously. Many ppl tend to just honestly tell it as they see it, and expect their opinion to be taken seriously. Imagine if a coach or player, listen to every real expert who bother to offer words of advice (not necessarily negative stuff ), because criticism could be entirely positive and still wrong. So I think ppl tend to more disregard some measure of criticism due to source, quality, quantity or even due to the nature in which it is delivered..more than insecurity...unfortunately, we are sometimes to quick to criticise, and to easily offended when it is ignored :devil:
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Stephen Hart is a f00king BOSS !!!!!!!!!!!!
Blaze them Hartie...
We have 1.5 million people in T&T and 2 million coaches, so it eh go be easy and them Trinis don't support and wouldn't spend 5 cents to see anything but quick to condemn.
In T&T they need a coach and they expect d coach to do everything, like he is de savor for T&T football, de federation, de pro league and de super league.
Man like coops eh spending 5 cents to see two crapo fight but he quick to highlight de flaw.
:rotfl: :rotfl:
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as i have always stated from 10 years ago, SH is the man for the job with a guy like beenhakker aiding him, wc qualification is in our reach.
now we need the ttfa to get their act together and pay the coaches and get the funds to get the friendlies that would benefit our progress..
wait nah..like u feel ttfa in the money printing business now ? even Jack didn't hit dem heights.
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I love this interview Flex.
Stephen Hart isn't afraid to make a stand and he seems confident and knowledgable.
I really hope the TTFA could get some funding to assist his plans as they seems very good.
Still can't understand why Alvin is some a complainer and his own son Anton works for the TTFA as Technical Director. If anything, he is only condemning his own son. What kind of father is he and all this knowledge he has you would think by now he would be coaching Brazil, this guy need to wake up.
Good luck to SH, I hope he stays with us.
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Happy New Year everyone.
New year, new hope for the team.
Two things stood out in this interview:
1) Perception of the quality of players. The man said it right there, in black and white, what most afraid to say. Our talent pool moves in cycles, we are a small country. Once in every generation, we get a crop of world class players. 70's, then late 90's/early 2000's. We just in a dip right now.
Anyhow u try to cut and dice it, losing to Guyana in a WCQ playoff says it all. Not winning a Caribbean Cup in ages says it all. We always had all the other excuses of poor management/fields etc, its just at this time the players are not CONCACAF elite YET. And because we have been laying eggs consistently over the last few years now, you cant even put it down to bad player selection. We just dont have the same quality as before.
For two decades everyone was saying once Warner leave we would be unstoppable... Somewhere in there we forgot that we still need to rely on the actual players who play the game.
2) I hope Hart understands his limitations as well... As much as I like him in terms of his honesty, vibes and improving our program slowly, he is by no means a top level coach.
He has coached over 50 games at the top level and has won less than half of that. Is that good enough to get 15pts in the HEX?
I sincerely believe that we have better players than Canada, so I expect his win % to improve. But if we are to really achieve targets, Hart himself has to step up and improve, just like his players. I wonder about the dynamics of him as a the coach and having Beenhakker as the overall TD. One suspects it is a veryyyy different dynamic to the one Beenhakker had with Lincoln Phillips, and may ultimately determine whether Hart is successful in implementing HIS plan.
But in saying all that, so far he has been doing well..Anytime u can beat Jamaica twice in a month, home and away that a very VERY good sign.
He has to exceed his own expectations and get the better of rivals like Klinsman, the Mexican coach and the Colombian who coahing Costa Rica who has lots of international experience and success. One wonders if we had resources, if Hart might not be the coach of the Warriors right now, Would we would have snagged Quiroz, or gone after people like Rijkaard, Bradley, Arena etc with more established successes?
I hope in planning his programme for the coming year and beyond, he appreciates that, given a variety of reasons, the perception is that T&T is one in 3 year Caribbean Champion, perennial Gold Cup participant and a Hexagonal quality team in CONCACAF and should be in that top 6 every cycle. Thats our minimmum expectation.
Anything less than that is considered bad failure. For Hart to be ultimately judged as a success, he has to get us back to that level consistently.
And we not even talking about making a serious run at the WC just yet....
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Good stuff!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Stephen Hart is a f00king BOSS !!!!!!!!!!!!
Blaze them Hartie...
We have 1.5 million people in T&T and 2 million coaches, so it eh go be easy and them Trinis don't support and wouldn't spend 5 cents to see anything but quick to condemn.
In T&T they need a coach and they expect d coach to do everything, like he is de savor for T&T football, de federation, de pro league and de super league.
Man like coops eh spending 5 cents to see two crapo fight but he quick to highlight de flaw.
:rotfl: :rotfl:
You will not spend a cent to come home much less go and see two Crapo fight,why should i pay to see two Crapo fight,i've paid my dues already what have u done.
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You will not spend a cent to come home much less go and see two Crapo fight,why should i pay to see two Crapo fight,i've paid my dues already what have u done.
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Gee dem Coop's lol
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Me eh know coops is a sidekick. I was home for Christmas straight into de new year, my neighbor Casimir Khan from Mausica Road got shot ole years night. I left T&T on new years day. He must e vex me eh call him.
:rotfl:
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Me eh know coops is a sidekick. I was home for Christmas straight into de new year, my neighbor Casimir Khan from Mausica Road got shot ole years night. I left T&T on new years day. He must e vex me eh call him.
:rotfl:
Sam to be honest,i would like to personally meet with u one day,u seem to have a lot of mouth on the forum,i remember u saying u could not contribute to the Food Distributing Fun that the forum had for Christmas because u was not working,u come T&T and nobody hear or see u all the fans/supporters u have on here,come on Sam don't give me that u hear about your neighbor on the news,check the rules they banning posters for lieing.
Lets sit down and talk some Football u seem to know a lot,i don't drink but the drinks/food on me. ;D
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Maybe you didn't read good.
I said I could not contribute to de Akeem Adams thing but I DID CONTRIBUTE to de christmas Food Distributing Fun and ah still not woking, how much you contribute?
I hustle a ticket from my brother to come for Christmas, what else yuh want to know?
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Maybe you didn't read good.
I said I could not contribute to de Akeem Adams thing but I DID CONTRIBUTE to de christmas Food Distributing Fun and ah still not woking, how much you contribute?
I hustle a ticket from my brother to come for Christmas, what else yuh want to know?
Give us a little report nah i sure u went and look for Fenwick,Sancho etc because u have scores to settle with them.Imagine u eh drop by the TTFA office to tell Hartie he is a fooking Boss and shake his hand.
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Great interview Flex! All the best to Hart!
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Maybe you didn't read good.
I said I could not contribute to de Akeem Adams thing but I DID CONTRIBUTE to de christmas Food Distributing Fun and ah still not woking, how much you contribute?
I hustle a ticket from my brother to come for Christmas, what else yuh want to know?
Give us a little report nah i sure u went and look for Fenwick,Sancho etc because u have scores to settle with them.Imagine u eh drop by the TTFA office to tell Hartie he is a fooking Boss and shake his hand.
I went, but Hartie was not there, he was in Canada...
Tell we nah, how much yuh give?
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Maybe you didn't read good.
I said I could not contribute to de Akeem Adams thing but I DID CONTRIBUTE to de christmas Food Distributing Fun and ah still not woking, how much you contribute?
I hustle a ticket from my brother to come for Christmas, what else yuh want to know?
Give us a little report nah i sure u went and look for Fenwick,Sancho etc because u have scores to settle with them.Imagine u eh drop by the TTFA office to tell Hartie he is a fooking Boss and shake his hand.
I went, but Hartie was not there, he was in Canada...
Tell we nah, how much yuh give?
I told u don't worry with me i already paid my dues,like u forgot i played Football for this country for nothing,when i was giving where were u,what u want now blood.
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Maybe you didn't read good.
I said I could not contribute to de Akeem Adams thing but I DID CONTRIBUTE to de christmas Food Distributing Fun and ah still not woking, how much you contribute?
I hustle a ticket from my brother to come for Christmas, what else yuh want to know?
Give us a little report nah i sure u went and look for Fenwick,Sancho etc because u have scores to settle with them.Imagine u eh drop by the TTFA office to tell Hartie he is a fooking Boss and shake his hand.
I went, but Hartie was not there, he was in Canada...
Tell we nah, how much yuh give?
I told u don't worry with me i already paid my dues,like u forgot i played Football for this country for nothing,when i was giving where were u,what u want now blood.
And you don't worry about me either, once you start worrying I go start studying.
Wha dues you pay? you played 5 games for T&T olympic team, wha yuh want blood?
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And you don't worry about me either, once you start worrying I go start studying.
Wha dues you pay? you played 5 games for T&T olympic team, wha yuh want blood?
Nah, yuh starting tuh stray out ah bounds now Sam... not a good idea to start denigrating Coop's contributions to TnT football. It goes a long way past his contributions as a player, which itself was significant.
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This interview was honest at best. Other coaches would have been diplomatic. I find Mr Hart handled himself creditable.
I have not been following T&T football for a while, however, I plan on changing that soon.
Do you guys need cheerleaders?
I feel you should strongly consider that.
I live in Texas and I could surely help get you guys some fine females for games, those Carib girls looks tired.
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
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This interview was honest at best. Other coaches would have been diplomatic. I find Mr Hart handled himself creditable.
I have not been following T&T football for a while, however, I plan on changing that soon.
Do you guys need cheerleaders?
I feel you should strongly consider that.
I live in Texas and I could surely help get you guys some fine females for games, those Carib girls looks tired.
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Shelly, I think you should organise some cheerleaders for the games in T&T coming up soon, unfortunately, T&T is playing Argentina in Argentina so you might not be able to see the game in person or live.
Hopefully, the TTFA will release some games inadvance so we can plan for it.
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By the way, what is Hart up to these days?
Are we going to play one game in preparation for Argentina and then get our tails buss?
Now would be the right time to see a few new players.
The TTFA should offer him a few games vs Caribbean teams where he can see some new players.
To be inactive for 6 months is not good.
I hope Hart have a serious talk with them or else things could get ugly.
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What does that mean to football supporters and the players?
It means having confidence in your teammates and yourself and burying those insecurities that you may have when playing a powerhouse in football. Playing them on what they give, not what they are known to give or could give.
In cricket you play every ball on its merit. If a bowler like Warne bowl a bad ball, you punish it and put it away. If a great team plays average, you punish them and "play without fear".
Too many times fans and players take the game for a joke and not seriously enough. Then people complain as to why we are not succeeding. I just read that article on Belgium football. A country of that size, not really known for footballers is now ranked 5th in the world.
What does that tell you? They don't care about Argentina and Germany's history of great football, they are trying to make a name for themselves in world football and are not afraid to take it to the traditional heavyweights. They respect their achievements but they don't allow those achievements to dictate how great their football nation becomes or that they cannot achieve that.
T&T needs to start thinking big, go big or go home. T&T have been going home more often than going big. Once again, structure, planning and mental preparedness are key. Belgium no longer sees themselves as underdogs but one of the best teams in the world. T&T needs to start thinking this way and taking the measures to get to this level.
Fear God and no one else...
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Contro, I agree with you, But Belgium makes it to the WC regularly since 70. They are a rich country and their football get solid support from gov't and businesses. At one time Anderlecht and Feyernord were on equal term with Real, Barca, Bayern, Milan, etc. The dynamics of club football has changed though. But I don't see TT football going that way. those who have the money have no interest in football until the national reach a level that tey can bandwagon.If by some miracle Central was to make the Concacaf final and win, you will how much sponsor they will get. They were not there for the heavy pulling, that FS and Sanco doing right now. But they will be there to celebrate with the winners.
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Contro, I agree with you, But Belgium makes it to the WC regularly since 70. They are a rich country and their football get solid support from gov't and businesses. At one time Anderlecht and Feyernord were on equal term with Real, Barca, Bayern, Milan, etc. The dynamics of club football has changed though. But I don't see TT football going that way. those who have the money have no interest in football until the national reach a level that tey can bandwagon.If by some miracle Central was to make the Concacaf final and win, you will how much sponsor they will get. They were not there for the heavy pulling, that FS and Sanco doing right now. But they will be there to celebrate with the winners.
nothing is impossible brother... once you put your mind to it... it can be achieved, TT is also a rich country that has the money to invest, don't let the selfish businessmen and politicians fool you brother...
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All for Hart.
T&T Express.
STEPHEN HART is the kind of coach footballers want to play for. There is no doubt about it.
Hart is a player´s coach. He has ideas on how he wants the Soca Warriors to play, but is not a dictator. On the field, he demands discipline, but also wants his footballers to express themselves.
“Gentlemen, these are ideas, not orders,” Hart shouts from centre field in the middle of a training session.
The player was almost forcing to do what Hart wanted, trying so much to please, but at the inappropriate time. When necessary Hart is forceful as well.
“At no time must the right-back and the right-midfielder be up-field at the same time,” he shouts. “That is like leaving your door open for thief to enter.”
The greatest critic would find it had not to recognise that the Trinidad and Tobago team has come a long way in just a year under Hart. But he does not do it alone.
Former national standout Hutson Charles, who was demoted as national coach, is now Hart's assistant, along with former Joe Public coach Derek King. Charles has since forged a good working relationship with Hart as have the other backroom staff, all buying into the vision of Team Hart.
“I would like to see us possess the ball and do more with it.”
Hart preaches it day in, day out. And maybe some time, even this afternoon against Iran, he may get more of what he wants.