Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum

Sports => Football => Topic started by: Football supporter on August 12, 2014, 09:12:23 PM

Title: Ross Russell Thread
Post by: Football supporter on August 12, 2014, 09:12:23 PM
I've heard that Defence Force coach, Ross Russell has had a stroke.

I sincerely hope this is not true, but it came from a good source. I have no news of the severity of the stroke.

All at Central F.C. pray that Ross will be on the touchline in September for Army's first game of the season.

How much more does this Defence Force squad have to suffer this year?

Title: Re: Ross Russell
Post by: vb on August 13, 2014, 03:58:30 AM
Positive vibes for Russel.
Title: Re: Ross Russell
Post by: Tiresais on August 13, 2014, 04:15:22 AM
He was at a fete match yesterday for All Together Youths according to the missus and she hadn't heard. I'm texting a mutual friend to find out the deal. Hope it's not true, wish him well and good health :)
Title: Re: Ross Russell
Post by: Tiresais on August 13, 2014, 09:41:17 AM
Just heard he's okay, no specifics :)
Title: Re: Ross Russell
Post by: Deeks on August 13, 2014, 09:43:44 AM
Just heard he's okay, no specifics :)

 :praying:
Title: Re: Ross Russell
Post by: Trinidad Sports Reality on August 13, 2014, 10:09:49 AM
He dint get a stroke jus was feeling sum pains on the left side of his chest so he is at the hospital precautionary
Title: Re: Ross Russell
Post by: dreamer on August 13, 2014, 10:23:24 AM
Phew!
Get well bro. They need you.
Title: Re: Ross Russell
Post by: vb on August 13, 2014, 11:42:08 AM
D/Force and T&T U-17 coach, Russell, recovers from suspected mild stroke.
By Lasana Liburd (wired868).


Trinidad and Tobago national under-17 and Defence Force coach Ross Russell is believed to have suffered a mild stroke at his Diego Martin home yesterday and is awaiting word from doctors today after spending the night at the West Shore Medical Hospital in Port of Spain.

National youth team manager Christo Gouveia said that he visited Russell today and found him in good spirits and physically uninhibited. However, the national youth team assistant coach and Defence Force Staff Sargeant is still awaiting results from a MRI scan to discover what triggered his health scare yesterday.

“The doctor said his symptoms were similar to a mild stroke but they are waiting for results from a MRI and so on,” Gouveia told Wired868. “He is in good spirit and laughing and showing full use of his all limbs.”

The national under-17 team is due to leave for St Lucia on Monday for the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) qualifying stage of their Chile 2015 Under-17 World Cup campaign. The national team does not have a specialist goalkeeper coach and Russell, a former national goalkeeper, plays a dual role with the team’s technical staff.

Gouveia explained that Russell called to complain about dizziness and blurred vision yesterday.

“When he got up at his home, he was feeling dizzy and experiencing blurred vision,” said Gouveia. “And he was feeling a little bit of numbness on his left side.”

Defence Force assistant coach Marvin Gordon ran yesterday morning’s session in Russell’s absence. He said the entire Pro League squad expects the coach to make a swift and complete recovery.

“He call yesterday morning and said he wasn’t feeling up to it, so I ran the session,” said Gordon. “But the guys can’t wait for him to come back out on the park with us. We understand that everything is alright with him, so we hope to see him soon.”

The Defence Force football team had a traumatic 2013/14 season as 30-year-old vice-captain Kevon Carter died of a heart attack on 28 February 2014 while, two months earlier, defender Rawle Fletcher was murdered outside a bar in Couva.

However, the “Teteron Boys” are hoping for a flying start to the 2014/15 Digicel Pro League season, which is expected to kick off on September 20 with the Charity Shield fixture that pits defending champion club DIRECTV W Connection against runner-up and bitter Couva rival Central FC.

Title: Re: Ross Russell
Post by: Tiresais on August 13, 2014, 04:07:08 PM
latest; first time his bar in Diego been closed since the missus can remember :p Glad to hear he's on the mend
Title: Ross Russell
Post by: gb8702 on January 08, 2015, 05:06:29 PM
Army part ways with Ross Russell.
ttproleague.com.


Marvin Gordon to serve as interim head coach

Staff Sergeant Ross Russell’s tenure with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), which falls under the Ministry of National Security, has come to an end after 26 years, which also means that, at present, the 47-year-old will not be able to serve the army-coast guard combination of Defence Force Football Club as head coach or in any official position.

Unless, Russell – the most successful coach of the Defense Force football set-up in recent years – is subsequently promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer. Only then would he be able to serve the TTDF and its top-flight football team for three more years—something Russell has been very optimistic about over the past year.

At present, Russell’s able apprentice and close friend, 36-year-old Lance Corporal Marvin Gordon, will serve as interim head coach and will lead the soldiers out against Play Whe San Juan Jabloteh from 7 pm at the Marvin Lee Stadium on Saturday in Round One Match Day Eight of the 2014-2015 Digicel Pro League.

While another former player, Anton Joseph, will continue to serve as assistant coach of the top-flight Defence Force football team.

Last month Russell served out his final days as a member of the TTDF prior to December 18 when the Staff Sergeant reached his 47th birthday – the retirement age based on his last rank – two days after his last match in charge which ended in a 1-1 draw with Point Fortin Civic.

Russell’s successes as head coach of Defence Force’s top-flight team includes winning the soldiers’ two (Digicel) Pro League championships (2010-2011 & 2012-2013), the First Citizens Cup (2009) and the Digicel Pro Bowl (2012) during his spell, which began in 2009.

Last season, Defence Force, interrupted by issues relating national security, went trophy-less for Defence Force, but more so a traumatic season after 30-year-old club winger and Trinidad and Tobago player Kevon Carter died of a heart attack on 28 February 2014, and two months earlier defender Rawle Fletcher was murdered in his hometown, Couva.

However Russell’s accomplishment’s in the new era of professional football in Trinidad and Tobago isn’t unnoticed.

“He (Russell) was a dedicated soldier… both to country and organisation,” said Lieutenant Basil Thompson, who serves as the team manager.

“He usually puts country first (opting to various national football team coaching duties) during times of military courses where he could have been promoted in the service. He served the country in football and even in the service he has always been diligent, never once having a problem. And with the current squad of footballers we have, the motivation he inspires is unparallel.”

Despite being away from the job, it is also understood that Russell, who presently serves the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s Under-17 team as assistant coach/goalkeeper coach, continues to unofficially share advice with the current coaching staff at Defence Force FC.

“I think I’ve served the service well and never brought it under any disrepute,” said Russell, who has also served Trinidad and Tobago Men’s and Women’s teams from youth to senior levels in various coaching positions. “I thought I deserved the promotion to serve a few more years.”

Today, the former Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper said he holds no regrets over his decision 26 years ago to join the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force.

Russell, back then a 19-year-old captain of the Trinidad and Tobago Under-20 team, enrolled in the army in 1988 and went on to serve the Defence Force admirably as a soldier and footballer.

“I think the Defence Force was good to me,” Russell added. “I enjoyed every moment in the Defence Force… all 26 years of it and I won’t change anything even if I had the chance. I think I was a very good soldier and served the Defence Force and country to the best of my ability.”

Russell, during his early time as a soldier, was at the time the only national footballer serving the infantry battalion of the TTDF but went on to have an exciting and well-accomplished playing career. He won every title on offer domestically, which included multiple national league titles and the FA Trophy, as well as the Caribbean Club title.

But for Russell his most precious memory is “leading Defence Force to 10 straight league wins then winning the (2010-2011 Digicel Pro) league title as coach”, while his fondest military memories includes being a member of Echo Company (military unit) and being a footballer while serving in the front line, as well as “being the fittest recruit in my time.”

Russell’s son, Ross Russell Jr., a left-footed defender/winger, has already followed some of his father’s footsteps, representing T&T at youth level, and joining the military where he also serves the Defence Force top-flight team.

Russell Sr. said he plans to continue coaching for as long as he can, and there are already offers from local clubs, but plans to weigh his options carefully.

Digicel Pro League 2014-2015 Round One Match Day Eight

Saturday 10 January 2015

Marvin Lee Stadium
North East Stars vs St. Ann’s Rangers—5 pm
Defence Force vs San Juan Jabloteh—7 pm

Sunday 11 January 2015

Ato Boldon Stadium
Central FC vs Point Fortin Civic—5 pm
W Connection vs Caledonia AIA—7 pm

Round One Match Day Nine Tuesday 13 January 2015

Marvin Lee Stadium
North East Stars vs Caledonia AIA—6 pm
San Juan Jabloteh vs W Connection—8 pm

Ato Boldon Stadium
Defence Force vs St. Ann's Rangers—6 pm
Police FC vs Point Fortin Civic—8 pm

Title: Re: Ross Russell
Post by: Football supporter on January 08, 2015, 05:25:41 PM
This is a major loss to Defence Force football. I honestly believe that this team will self implode without Ross. When you consider what Ross achieved when he has a very small pool of talent, he is a decent coach. A real gentleman too.
I really hope he gets to stay in professional football.
Title: Re: Ross Russell
Post by: Tiresais on January 09, 2015, 07:10:12 AM
Ross is a top bloke - met him both times I was in the country, and from what I've seen and heard he's a good coach too. I hope he isn't out of the game too long - TT footy needs more coaches as professional as him.
Title: Re: Ross Russell
Post by: dreamer on January 09, 2015, 07:40:21 AM
Yuh mean they couldn't find SOME way to keep this special talent?
Why this blaring failure to understand the value of special human resources so badly?
Why FS as a T&T implant (and a good one mind you) had to be the first person to recognize the value of Russell?
What is wrong with T&T boy? Why boy?
Cyah see this shite happening in Jamdown, Haiti, Antigua just so.
Just letting a top sports institution go down, with the result seen way in advance and with corrective measures possible long ago.
Why only the foreign based touting his value?
Why?
Title: Re: Ross Russell
Post by: diamondtrim on January 09, 2015, 02:43:53 PM
Ross is a good one....had some dealings with him personally and professionally....Defence Force HR couldn't do something????
Title: Re: Ross Russell
Post by: Agent Jack Bauer on January 17, 2015, 12:16:50 PM
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2015-01-16/soldiers-get-three-more-years-serve
Title: Re: Ross Russell
Post by: Flex on May 26, 2015, 01:55:57 AM
Russell appointed Women Soca Warriors coach.
T&T Guardian Reports.


Former national goalkeeper Ross Russell has been appointed coach of the Women’s Soca Warriors for the upcoming Pan American Games in Canada in July as well as the Caribbean Football Union Olympic qualifying tournament.

Russell, a former Defence Force Staff Sargent and coach was confirmed in the post by the members of the T&T Football Association’s Executive Committee serving on the federation’s Technical Development Committee headed by chairman Richard Quan Chan, following its special meeting held to discuss its 10-year development plan.

Earlier this year, Russell who led Defence Force to two Digicel T&T Pro League titles was replaced as the team’s Pro League coach after his tenure with Defence Force came to an end, 26 years after he first enrolled.

Russell served out his final days of his 26 years as a member of the Defence Force prior to December 18 last year when he reached his 47th birthday–the retirement age based on his last rank–two days after his last match in charge which ended in a 1-1 draw with Point Fortin Civic. His successes as coach of Defence Force’s top-flight team includes winning the Digicel Pro League in 2010/2011 & 2012/2013), the First Citizens Cup (2009) and the Digicel Pro Bowl (2012) during his coaching spell, which began in 2009.

The decision to appoint Russell, a former national youth team goalkeeping coach came after the T&TFA failed to reach a decision with former coach, American Randy Waldrum due to his club commitments with the Houston Dash in the US National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Last December, Waldrum led the Women Soca Warriors to the brink of qualification to the Canada 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and had stated his intention to continue coaching the squad, however, Russell has been given the task of leading the team forward instead.

The other coaching announcements made by the T&TFA includes Jason Spence, coach of defending Women’s League Football champions, St Ann’s Rangers’ being named as coach of Under-20 women’s squad for the upcoming FIFA Under-20 World Cup qualifying campaign. Prior to the disclosure from the T&TFA, Spence, 44 was the assistant coach to both senior and Under-20 teams.

And Ken Elie, a past national youth team coach, being appointed to oversee the preparations of the team for the Concacaf Under-15 Championship as well as prepare for future tournaments which will see the team graduate to the Under-17 team for World Cup qualification.

Other decisions taken by the T&TFA Executive Committee

T-League

The Executive Committee voted to grant provisional approval to the promoters of the T-League, a master’s competition that will be held for 12 weeks from May to July 2016 throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

Women’s Premier League

The Executive Committee has granted permission to the Women’s Premier League to hold a Cup Tournament from June—July 2015. The Executive Committee also established a position paper on the Women’s Premier League initiative that sets forth the conditions for approval of the competition.

T&T National Youth League

The Executive Committee voted to support the creation of a national youth league through the expansion of the Republic Bank Youth Tournament. Age groups for boys and girls will include u13, u15, and u17 levels. The youth league will begin play in late June.

Super League Championship League

Consideration has been given to explore the feasibility of creating a division below the current National Super League for the purpose of presenting a promotion/relegation system consisting of a Super League Premier Division and a Super League Championship Division.

Title: Re: Ross Russell
Post by: Sando on May 26, 2015, 06:17:32 AM
Ross Russell?

Wow, we just keep recycling the same old coach.

New TTFA, same TTFF.

Title: Re: Ross Russell
Post by: Deeks on May 26, 2015, 06:23:09 AM
Ken Elie, wow, forgotten about this dude. Played with him in Essex.
Title: Re: Ross Russell
Post by: Bakes on May 26, 2015, 07:11:27 AM
From a women's "professional" league to now a "cup tournament"...
Title: Re: Ross Russell
Post by: Sam on May 26, 2015, 09:52:38 AM
Somebody should run up in de TTFA office and drag Tim Key dong de step and put some hard clout in he ass.

They hire another free coach and with no money to play any games de team go fail and they go fire him then next year they go hire him again to coach de under 20 men.

Even Defence Force don't wan him.

Like we really short on local coaches boy.

Ross Russell cant coach, allyuh ever see de bob hope style he does coach, kick to de foward.

Title: Re: Ross Russell
Post by: Flex on June 01, 2015, 05:15:54 AM
Russell hopes to improve Women Soca Warriors
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).


Newly appointed Women’s Soca Warriors coach Ross Russell says he hopes to improve the overall standard of the team as they continue preparations for the upcoming Pan American Games in Canada in July as well as the Caribbean Football Union Olympic Games qualifying tournament for Rio 2016.

The 47-year-old Russell, a former Defence Force Staff Sargeant and coach was confirmed in the post by the members of the T&T Football Association’s Executive Committee serving on the federation’s technical development committee headed by chairman Richard Quan Chan, following its special meeting held to discuss its 10-year development plan last week.

Commenting on his appointment, Russell who led Defence Force to two Digicel T&T Pro League titles and was replaced as the team’s Pro League coach after his tenure with Defence Force came to an end, 26 years after he first enrolled said he took his new position in stride and was quick to point out that the team was already at a very good standard in terms of quality.

A former national goalkeeper Russell said his main aim for now will be improving the sharpness and fitness levels of the players as they ready themselves for a very tough group campaign at the Pan American Games in Canada in July.

“In Canada we will face three top quality teams in Argentina, Colombia and Mexico and our first target is to qualify from the group to the semifinal phase of the competition and against these teams we will need to be at our peak physically,” said Russell.

“Once we take each match as it comes and manage to qualify from the round-robin stage then our next target will be to get among the medals. I believe we have the quality players and team in general to achieve that goal and we will be trying our best to do so.”

Russell said he was also looking forward to the new Women’s Professional League which is set to kick off next month so he can have a chance of seeing a few more players with Olympic qualifiers coming soon after the Pan American Games.

“So far all the girls have responded to my appointment very well. I must say its been’s a smooth transition for me, and I think having been around as a goalkeeper coach and helping out with national teams in the past made it very easy for me to communicate with the team and their captain Maylee Attin-Johnson.

“They have been very professional as well and all know my work.

“We are now into our second week of training and the girls are all working as hard as possible to get into peak form and with me being a new coach it gives them the extra motivation of wanting to make a good impression.

According to Russell, who conducted another training session at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on Thursday, he has not selected a final squad for the Pan American Games as yet, even though a list of players have been shortlisted and submitted to the T&T Olympic Committee with the final team set to be named by mid June.

Title: Russell takes charge of Central FC
Post by: Tallman on July 23, 2015, 07:50:42 AM
Russell takes charge of Central FC
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian)


Former T&T Defence Force Staff Sergeant Ross Russell will be unveiled as the new coach of reigning Digicel T&T Pro League and Caribbean Football Union Club champions, Central FC, as soon as he returns home from the 28th Pan American Games in Canada, where he coached the Women Soca Warriors.

This was confirmed by the club’s newly-appointed Football Operations manager, former national defender and captain Anthony Rougier, yesterday.

And Russell will have little time to relax as his first major assignment will be the 2015/2015 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League, which kicks off in two weeks time, with Central FC set to debut against US Major League Soccer Cup champions LA Galaxy and Guatemalan champions CSD Comunicaciones in Group D.

Central FC will play its first match of the three-team home-and-away round-robin group against LA Galaxy on August 6 and will more than likely face a star-studded line-up inclusive of former England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerard, Ireland striker Robbie Keane, and Mexico’s Giovani Dos Santos, who signed for the club last week from Spanish La Liga side Villarreal.

Commenting on the appointment, Rougier, who first noted that he was brought on board because of former Operations Manager, Kevin Harrison and Minister of Sports, Brent Sancho, the former club co-owner, political commitments, said all that was waiting on was for Russell to put pen to paper on his contract when he returns from Canada.

He added: “We have been in discussion with him (Russell) for a while and things are now in place for him to take up his position. But in the meantime, assistant coach Saunders, who served under Vranes and Fenwick, has been conducting the sessions as we are preparing to face LA Galaxy, and at the moment we have close to 22 players in training.

“We are also in discussions with a few other players with a view to strengthening our squad. But we cannot reveal their names at the moment, because they are attached to other clubs, however, we are confident we should be ready by August 6,” stated Rougier, a former England-based player and manager of the now defunct South End FC.

Russell’s tenure with the T&T Defence Force, which falls under the Ministry of National Security, came to an end after 26 years, prior to December 18, 2014, when the Staff Sergeant reached his 47th birthday—the retirement age based on his last rank—two days after his last match in charge, which ended in a 1–1 draw with Point Fortin Civic.

This meant, he was unable to serve the Army-Coast Guard combination as coach of its Digicel T&T Pro League football team or in any official position.

Only if Russell, the most successful coach of the Defence Force football set-up in recent years, was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer would he have been able to serve the TTDF and its top-flight football team for three more years—something Russell has been very optimistic about over the past year.

In his absence, close friend, 36-year-old Lance Corporal Marvin Gordon, served as coach, while another former player, Anton Joseph, was his assistant.

Russell’s successes as coach of Defence Force’s top-flight team included winning two (Digicel) Pro League championships (2010-2011 and 2012-2013), the First Citizens Cup (2009) and the Digicel Pro Bowl (2012) during his spell, which began in 2009.

Central FC on the other hand, began the season under former T&T coach Zoran Vranes and retained the First Citizens Cup, after Englishman Terry Fenwick quit the post for greener pastures in the Belgium Third tier with CS Vise, where local players Willis Plaza, Rundell Winchester, Elton John and Kevon Villaroel subsequently followed.

With the club sitting nicely at the top of the Pro League table and two trophies already won, Vranes was surprisingly replaced by the returning Fenwick, and elevated to the position of Technical Director.

The move to bring back Fenwick worked wonders as he went on to add the Akeem Adams and Kevon Carter trophies for winning the remaining two rounds in the league, the Pro League title and the Digicel Pro Bowl, before capturing a first ever CFU Club Championship title.

However, at the end of last season, Fenwick along with a number of players saw their contracts with the club expire while there were also issues over bonus payments for tournaments won.

Matches

Central FC’s Concacaf Champions League

August 6: LA Galaxy (USA) vs Central FC
August 27: CD Comunicaciones (GUA) vs Central FC
September 17: Central FC vs CD Comunicaciones (GUA)
September 23: Central FC vs LA Galaxy (USA)
Title: Re: Russell takes charge of Central FC
Post by: King Deese on July 23, 2015, 08:57:14 AM
Another useful exercise!
Title: Re: Russell takes charge of Central FC
Post by: asylumseeker on July 23, 2015, 09:22:30 AM
Most anticipated a different sort of revolutionary announcement, and now could only conclude that Ross Russell comes cheaper than Terry Fenwick.

That he's Central's first T&T bred coach is an unfortunate tie-in with the above conclusion.

On the theory that we get what we pay for, I wish Ross well.

It's undoubtedly a great platform for him.

One has to note though ... that Central is showing an indulgent degree of composure with Pan Ams closing a few days away and kick-off v. LA mere days after that.

Congrats to Rougier.
Title: Re: Russell takes charge of Central FC
Post by: Football supporter on July 23, 2015, 09:47:40 AM
Most anticipated a different sort of revolutionary announcement, and now could only conclude that Ross Russell comes cheaper than Terry Fenwick.

That he's Central's first T&T bred coach is an unfortunate tie-in with the above conclusion.

On the theory that we get what we pay for, I wish Ross well.

It's undoubtedly a great platform for him.

One has to note though ... that Central is showing an indulgent degree of composure with Pan Ams closing a few days away and kick-off v. LA mere days after that.

Congrats to Rougier.

Actually, we approached Ross before Vranes was appointed but he wanted to stay with Army to see if they could find a way to keep him on board. I always felt that if he could achieve what he did with a limited pool of players, what could he achieve with access to a wider selection? I also liked the team spirit and discipline (off the pitch) of the Army team.
Title: Re: Russell takes charge of Central FC
Post by: spideybuff on July 23, 2015, 09:59:03 AM
So what that means? He won't be with the Women's team who stay in Canada to prepare for Olympic qualifiers?
Title: Re: Russell takes charge of Central FC
Post by: Banter Banton on July 23, 2015, 10:03:55 AM
I really hope Central or Connection buy Kadeem Corbin. He needs to be at a top local club if he is going to play in Trinidad.
Title: Re: Russell takes charge of Central FC
Post by: Football supporter on July 23, 2015, 10:18:14 AM
So what that means? He won't be with the Women's team who stay in Canada to prepare for Olympic qualifiers?

He has no contract with TTFA or any salary. What would you do? We actually wanted him to start with Central before PanAms but he ia a man of integrity and wanted to fulfill his duty to the women first.  :salute:
Title: Re: Russell takes charge of Central FC
Post by: spideybuff on July 23, 2015, 11:04:07 AM
Not blaming him, just wondering what that meant in terms of the women's programme.

Title: Re: Russell takes charge of Central FC
Post by: asylumseeker on July 23, 2015, 11:30:47 AM
Actually, we approached Ross before Vranes was appointed but he wanted to stay with Army to see if they could find a way to keep him on board. I always felt that if he could achieve what he did with a limited pool of players, what could he achieve with access to a wider selection? I also liked the team spirit and discipline (off the pitch) of the Army team.

I recall you making this observation a while back.
Title: Re: Russell takes charge of Central FC
Post by: Tiresais on July 24, 2015, 04:45:59 AM
He's a top bloke - met him both times I was in the country. He has Trini football in his heart and knows the value of professional preparation. Excellent appointment imo
Title: Ross Russell follows Mourinho out of CFC's door
Post by: amielisadore on December 17, 2015, 12:43:14 PM
Central sack Russell; Sancho fires coach after North East Stars loss

Former Defence Force coach and two-time Pro League champion, Ross Russell, lasted just under five months as head coach at Central FC.

Wired868 understands Russell, a former Trinidad and Tobago stand-out goalkeeper and national youth team coach, was fired within an hour of last night’s 1-0 Pro League defeat to Jap’s North East Stars at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.

The result saw Central slip to fifth place in the 10-team table, although they are just three points shy of leaders, Defence Force. The Central-Stars clash was the second game of a double header, as Makesi Lewis grabbed a hattrick, earlier yesterday evening, in Police FC’s 6-1 mauling of St Ann’s Rangers at the same venue.

Russell bid farewell to his coaching staff at around midnight yesterday via a What’s App message which read: “Misters thanks for everything. It was nice working with u all and all the best for the rest of the season.”

Russell was Central’s first local head coach as the club started off with Englishman Graham Rix and had two spells with former England World Cup player Terry Fenwick on either side of a stint with former Yugoslav National Under-23 international, Zoran Vranes.

This morning, Central operations director Kevin Harrison allegedly told the players that Russell was fired last night and would be replaced, in the interim, by assistant coach Dale Saunders.

Bizarrely, Russell was sacked just one day after being named the Pro League’s Coach of the Month for October. But the decision was not a complete surprise as, at the start of the week, Russell was supposedly given until Saturday to “fix the mess” by Central chairman Brent Sancho.

Sancho’s warning came after Central’s first league defeat of the season against Play Whe San Juan Jabloteh on Friday December 11, although the “Couva Sharks” failed to land either the First Citizens Cup or Toyota Classic trophies. Both titles were both secured by Central’s bitter Couva rival, DIRECTV W Connection.

Russell did not make it past Wednesday, as Sancho and Harrison decided to go for the club’s sixth coaching change in just three and a half seasons.

Central captain and Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams said he was sad to see Russell go but lamented the team’s recent form.

“On any level of football, they judge the coach based on the results,” Williams told Wired868, “and I can’t recall the last time playing with Central FC (that) we lost two or three games in a row. The board made the decision based on that and it is their club.

Gabriel returned the favour by helping restore Sancho to the helm of the Pro League club, after his defeat in the polls at the September 7 general elections.
“We, as players, can only try to support the coach and we did the best we could while he was here. We wish him all the best in the future because we know he is a good coach.”

Ironically, the goal that sealed Russell’s fate came from within his own ranks.

Central left back Kevon Villaroel hooked the ball into his own net in the 43rd minute, after a dangerous low cross from Stars midfielder Neil Mitchell provoked a panicked reaction from the Sharks backline.

Just three minutes earlier, it took a goalline clearance to keep out the Stars, as attacker Keron “Ball Pest” Cummings ran on to an Alonzo Adlam cross and dribbled past the Central custodian, Williams, only to be be denied by alert defender Akeem “Battery” Benjamin.

But those moment of incisive play from Stars were rare.

North East Stars coach Roland Clarke might have been playing under pressure himself, after successive defeats to W Connection and Morvant Caledonia United.

Yesterday, Clarke’s troops were more energetic and compact and kept the ball better. But Central created sufficient chances to win the game comfortably.

Trinidad and Tobago international striker Willis Plaza volleyed overbar from just six yards, after a cross from Jason Marcano in the 32nd minute.

And, in the second half, Stars goalkeeper Shane Mattis came to the fore, as he fended away a Marcano effort at his near post in the 60th minute and pulled off a miraculous point blank double save from Plaza in the 82nd minute, before defender Jesus Perez scrambled clear.

Two minutes later, Central substitute Kadeem Corbin, who made his debut last night after being sacked by St Ann’s Rangers, whipped in a right side cross that produced a thumping half-volley from Marcano and another cracking Plaza strike.

Mattis saved the first effort; the second rebounded off the upright.

And Russell was out of a job.

As the minutes ticked away and Russell threw substitutes Darren “Chucky” Mitchell, Nicholas Dillon and Corbin on to hunt for an equaliser, Central’s vocal supporters pointedly began singing a ditty to former coach, Vranes.

At least one member of the Central technical staff looked over his shoulder as the loud singing drifted out on to the field, where the players were fighting for their coach’s future.

“Zoran Vran-esh… He’s from Serbia. His team will murder yuh!”

Harrison, as always, stood alongside the “Central Choir.” It was, arguably, an uncouth parting shot for the soon-to-be departed Russell.

In March 2015, Vranes, who was in the stands last night, had Central atop the Pro League standings when he was replaced as head coach by Fenwick, who returned for his second stint in charge.

Harrison said then that Fenwick was a better fit.

“We are in the last furlong now and the results haven’t been spectacular,” Harrison told Wired868 at the time. “At the end of the day, the (Central) board did say the team was top of the league and doing quite well but it was more about getting the pieces in the right places.”

Fenwick and the Central pair of Sancho and Harrison have clashed bitterly since then, particularly during the duo’s stint at the Ministry of Sport. And, with a reconciliation unlikely, Vranes, who won the 2014 First Citizens Cup with Central, is considered an early favourite for the vacant post.

Russell, who won two Pro League titles with Defence Force, leaves Central without a trophy—barring the exhibition Digital Charity Shield affair—after his team fell 2-1 to Connection in First Citizens Cup final.

Central will be under new management again soon.

(Teams)

North East Stars (4-2-3-1): 1.Shane Mattis (GK); 25.Keryn Navarro (captain), 19.Glenton Wolffe, 4.Jesus Perez, 26.Carey Brown (8.Neveal Hackshaw 86), 24.Adrian Noel, 21.Neil Benjamin, 5.Alanzo Adlam (23.Brendon Figuera 69), 6.Duane Muckette, 10.Keron Cummings, 28.Dillon Jagasar (40.Jomoul Francois 80).

Unused substitutes: 22.Cleon John (GK), 14.Chike Sullivan, 27.Quincy Charles, 39.Taryk Sampson.

Coach: Roland Clarke

 

Central FC (4-2-3-1): 21.Jan-Michael Williams (GK); 5.Akeem Benjamin, 4.Andre Ettienne, 12.Jamal Jack, 24.Kevon Villaroel, 25.Elijah Manners (11.Darren Mitchell 70), 10.Marvin Oliver, 7.Jason Marcano, 99.Marcus Joseph (9.Kadeem Corbin 63), 8.Sean De Silva (14.Nicholas Dillon 77), 33.Willis Plaza.

Unused substitutes: 30.Akel Clarke (GK), 6.Kerry Baptiste, 15.Kaydion Gabriel, 26.Jem Gordon.

Coach: Ross Russell

 

Referee: Gordon Maloney

Man of the match: Shane Mattis (North East Stars)

Photo: Former San Juan Jabloteh goalkeeper Shane Mattis saves a penalty kick from Point Fortin Civic captain Andre Ettienne during the 2014 Toyota Classic final. Mattis, who is also a former Central FC custodian, joined North East Stars for the 2015/16 season. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Former San Juan Jabloteh goalkeeper Shane Mattis saves a penalty kick from Point Fortin Civic captain Andre Ettienne during the 2014 Toyota Classic final.
Mattis, who is also a former Central FC custodian, joined North East Stars for the 2015/16 season.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Pro League results

(Wednesday December 16)

St Ann’s Rangers 1 (Jelani Peters 5), Police FC 6 (Kareem Freitas 26, Christon Thomas 27, Makesi Lewis 29, 42, 70, Anton Hutchinson 71) at Hasely Crawford Stadium;

*—Red card: Anton Hutchinson (Police FC)

North East Stars 1 (Kevon Villaroel 43 OG), Central FC 0 at Hasely Crawford Stadium;

Photo: Police FC defender Anton Hutchinson (centre) reacts after a missed opportunity against San Juan Jabloteh in the 2014/15 Pro League season. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Police FC defender Anton Hutchinson (centre) reacts after a missed opportunity against San Juan Jabloteh in the 2014/15 Pro League season.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Upcoming Pro League fixtures

(Friday December 18)

Club Sando v Police FC, 6 pm, Ato Boldon Stadium;

W Connection v San Juan Jabloteh, 8 pm, Ato Boldon Stadium;

(Saturday December 19)

Morvant Caledonia United v Central FC, 3.30 pm, Larry Gomes Stadium;

Defence Force v North East Stars, 4 pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium;

St Ann’s Rangers v Point Fortin Civic, 6 pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium.

http://wired868.com/2015/12/17/central-sack-russell-sancho-fires-coach-after-north-east-stars-loss/ (http://wired868.com/2015/12/17/central-sack-russell-sancho-fires-coach-after-north-east-stars-loss/)
Title: Re: Ross Russell follows Mourinho out of CFC's door
Post by: palos on December 17, 2015, 01:33:20 PM
Dah headline is a teef head yes.  I tort Ross was Mourinho assistant  :devil:
Title: Re: Ross Russell follows Mourinho out of CFC's door
Post by: Flex on December 17, 2015, 02:04:44 PM
Ross Russell and Stuart Charles-Fevrier nab monthly The Fan Club Coach of the Month awards.
ttproleague.com.


Central FC head coach Ross Russell and his opposite number at rival club W Connection, Stuart Charles-Fevrier, were this week honoured as The Fan Club Coach of the Month for October and November, respectively.

Russell, who led the Couva Sharks to a 1-0 over W Connection in September in the season-opening Digicel Charity Shield, stood out in October with 4 wins in all competitions from 5 games.

Russell, who took charge of the defending Digicel Pro League champions in August, said, “It’s an honour to be Coach of the Month.”

Russell said hard work and being truthful to team and himself contributed to October’s form as well as the contribution of senior players Marvin Oliver, goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams, Ataulla Guerra and Willis Plaza.

Ironically, W Connection, who were unbeaten during the month of October, snapped Central’s winning run by dethroning the Couva Sharks 2-1 in the final of the First Citizens Cup in the same month.

Fevrier later led Connection unbeaten again in November, registering 3 wins from four games in all competitions.

“It’s always a good feeling to get any award,” said Charles-Fevrier. “I am really pleased to be voted as Coach of the Month. It’s not something I think about when I work but if you are recognised for your work then it’s a great thing.

“My players have definitely contributed well. Their form individually and collectively played a major part. The rest of the staff as well because at W Connection we work as a team. This isn’t an award I’m accepting for myself.”

Charles-Fevrier, who also led the Savonetta Boys to this season’s Toyota Classic title, believes that the The Fan Club Coach of the Month award along with the two major titles captured this season will contribute in helping the confidence of his side for the rest of the season.

The Coach of the Month is chosen based on statistics and all round performance of the team as well as votes from the media.

Sports merchandise and apparel outlet store, The Fan Club, are currently in their second term of a two-year partnership with the TT Pro League and will honour each of the Coach of the Month this season a $1,000 voucher to be used at any of TFC branches located in Movie Towne (Port of Spain), Trincity and Gulf City Malls, and their newest location in Aboutique Mall in Port of Spain.

The Fan Club Coach of the Month

October

Ross Russell—Central FC

November

Stuart Charles-Fevrier—W Connection

Title: Re: Ross Russell follows Mourinho out of CFC's door
Post by: dreamer on December 17, 2015, 05:34:01 PM
Not surprised

Russell is an inspirational leader, but I thought still a coach with a ways to go on the learning curve if yuh talking how to qualify for & perform at Concacaf club level.
Always thought it was a mistake getting rid of Vranes. A lowish-energy kinda guy, funny Serbian accent, no bling but he's been there with our World Cup youths and he eh stupid at all and already proved how to win, good with organizing defenses which are the local coach weaknesses. Good with youths. :oikes living in Trinidad after than painful traumatic Yugoslavian war. Asking price cheap. What more yuh want.
With tough budgets, the only locals who are tried and tested for this kinda high-stakes-get-us-the-results campaign, that we can afford in Trinidad, would be Vranes, Gally. Fenwick making style and playing hard ball with salary plus his bridges now supposedly burnt for good anyway.
Eve with some more exposure and courses will become a top coach but dah kinda pressure is too early for him now.
Answer for CFC: Vranes. Eat humble pie and call him back.
Title: Re: Ross Russell follows Mourinho out of CFC's door
Post by: amielisadore on December 17, 2015, 06:32:32 PM
Not surprised

Russell is an inspirational leader, but I thought still a coach with a ways to go on the learning curve if yuh talking how to qualify for & perform at Concacaf club level.
Always thought it was a mistake getting rid of Vranes. A lowish-energy kinda guy, funny Serbian accent, no bling but he's been there with our World Cup youths and he eh stupid at all and already proved how to win, good with organizing defenses which are the local coach weaknesses. Good with youths. :oikes living in Trinidad after than painful traumatic Yugoslavian war. Asking price cheap. What more yuh want.
With tough budgets, the only locals who are tried and tested for this kinda high-stakes-get-us-the-results campaign, that we can afford in Trinidad, would be Vranes, Gally. Fenwick making style and playing hard ball with salary plus his bridges now supposedly burnt for good anyway.
Eve with some more exposure and courses will become a top coach but dah kinda pressure is too early for him now.
Answer for CFC: Vranes. Eat humble pie and call him back.

What would be considered to be a low asking price though? For Central and for a pro league coach general?
Title: Re: Ross Russell follows Mourinho out of CFC's door
Post by: dreamer on December 17, 2015, 08:35:50 PM
Asking price ? That I don't know but the Caribbean, including Trinidad & Tobago, I consider a relatively low pay zone for the struggling industry of football and therefore it is more than just a shitty salary that is keeping some of these foreign born coaches here, especially after being employed in a cultural zone that has a history of exploitation, unprofessionalism, TTFA inspired verbal contracts etc.
All I can say is that I believe that Vranes, for whatever reason, one can never know, gives the impression that he would play less hardball than Fenwick in negotiating a contract. Not a good thing for him really. He is an adopted Trini and knows how to make results happen for the teams that he coaches.
Title: Re: Ross Russell follows Mourinho out of CFC's door
Post by: amielisadore on December 17, 2015, 09:30:34 PM
Well Vranes has never stopped attending games. He is always there and is a likeable character. He definitely won't be as hard nosed in negotiations as with Fenwick but I don't see him accepting anything less than $20k a month. With all the uncertainty about subventions, don't know how feasible it might be assuming that amount of course.
Title: Re: Ross Russell follows Mourinho out of CFC's door
Post by: injunchile on December 18, 2015, 06:36:56 AM
Mourinho  made 163 pounds a week, with that kind of money , one expects results. Curious as to what Russell was paid. Apples and Oranges, quite a misleading caption, actually I thought Russell was on the Chelsea coaching staff.
Title: Re: Ross Russell follows Mourinho out of CFC's door
Post by: Peong on December 18, 2015, 08:38:10 AM
Just a little humour as they both left CFC.
Title: Re: Russell takes charge of Central FC
Post by: asylumseeker on December 27, 2015, 09:30:02 AM
Well Vranes has never stopped attending games. He is always there and is a likeable character. He definitely won't be as hard nosed in negotiations as with Fenwick but I don't see him accepting anything less than $20k a month. With all the uncertainty about subventions, don't know how feasible it might be assuming that amount of course.

Update?
Title: Re: Russell takes charge of Central FC
Post by: amielisadore on December 28, 2015, 08:40:16 AM
Haven't heard any updates or even targets so far. That sorta points to Vranes not being a target.
Title: Re: Russell takes charge of Central FC
Post by: asylumseeker on December 28, 2015, 11:57:15 AM
Haven't heard any updates or even targets so far. That sorta points to Vranes not being a target.

If CFC looking fuh a foreign-based, ah know ah non-Trini, non-Caribbean who might find it interesting, depending on the budget.
Title: Re: Ross Russell Thread
Post by: Flex on January 07, 2016, 02:29:31 PM
Opponent to advocate: N/E Stars hires Ross Russell as head coach.
ttproleague.com.


North East Stars have made a surprising move this week, signing sacked Central FC coach, Ross Russell, at the Sangre Grande club’s coaching helm.

The 48-year-old Russell will serve as head coach, while Roland Clarke, who made his professional head coach debut at the start of the season, will return to his former duties as academy coach.

North East Stars, notorious for sudden coaching changings, made the “necessary change” following a board decision, according to team manager Maurice Eligon.

North East Stars once led the Digicel Pro League standings this season but are currently sixth on the 10-team ladder with 13 points after eight games. However they are only four points from leaders Defence Force, who hammered the Sangre Grande club 6-1 on December 19 in their final game before the Christmas break.

Ironically, it was Clarke’s side that hammered the proverbial nail in Russell’s sacking three days earlier.

A first half own-goal conceded by Central against North East Stars sealed Russell’s faith at the Couva Sharks.

Moments after the 1-0 loss—Central’s second consecutive defeat, Russell, a two-time league winning coach with Defence Force, was issued his marching orders by the Couva Sharks’ operations manager Kevin Harrison via a letter of dismissal.

“It’s a results game,” Harrison said this week. “But [the decision by the club to sack Russell] wasn’t purely down to the two games we lost. It was about the performance of the players… perhaps they weren’t giving him their all.

“We won seven trophies (four of them major titles) last season and already we have dropped the First Citizens Cup. We couldn’t risk carrying on that way.

“It just happens—sometimes a good coach comes into successful team and it just doesn’t work. We see it happening all the time in world football.

“We made the change while we still have time. While we want to win everything else on offer, our two major aims now, is to make sure and defend the Pro League and Caribbean Club Championship titles.”

Russell was the three-year-old Central's fourth coach when he took up the vacant post last August. But by December 16, five months into the club’s fourth year of existence, he became the fourth Central coach after former Arsenal and England player Graham Rix, Serbia-born former Trinidad and Tobago coach Zoran Vranes, and former Tottenham and England player Terry Fenwick to bite the dust, although it is believed the latter opted not to pursue contract renewal following his second stint.

Since Russell’s sacking, assistant coach Dale Saunders has been shifted into the role of interim head coach of Central with no immediate plan to find a high profile replacement according to Harrison.

In Sangre Grande however, Eligon said the decision to replace Clarke wasn’t based on results or performance. He said with Russell becoming available and the board having reviewed the club’s plans after four months into the season, the change was necessary in taking North East Stars forward.

Eligon, who said the club remains dedicated to giving local coaches the opportunity, added, “At the moment we are comfortable giving Ross a chance at the helm of our club and we will see how things will go.”

North East Stars will return to action on Friday night from 8 pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium against San Juan Jabloteh.

Title: Re: Ross Russell Thread
Post by: Sam on January 07, 2016, 08:06:22 PM
Roland Clarke was doing a good job, now NE Stars f00cked.

Title: Re: Ross Russell Thread
Post by: Tallman on March 09, 2019, 07:45:44 PM
Ross Russell: Home of football hotel was a dream in my time
TTFA Media


Former Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper and current Men’s Senior Team goalkeeper coach Ross Russell says during his days wearing national colours he could have only dreamt about a facility where he could walk from his room straight onto the training pitch for residential training camps with the national team.

Russell was commenting on Thursday after a training session at the Ato Boldon Stadium as the senior men’s team continued its preparations for the Wales encounter on March 20th at the Racecourse.

“Back in my time it was different, we either had to come from home all the time or we would stay in a public hotel. We never had this kind of opportunity that the current bunch will have with the home of football where they can practically roll off their beds and walk onto the training pitch,” Russell told TTFA Media.

“I think it’s a great step for the association and local football, especially youth players.It was also a big surprise to see the development that has taken place on the sight because it’s only the other day I was able to see it. Teams will be more comfortable now and the coaches can plan their training camps and know exactly what they can do when it comes to preparing national teams for competitions in the future,” he said.

Russell stood in goal during the 1996 Concacaf Gold Cup where T&T scored to go 1-0 ahead through an Arnold Dwarika first half strike but lost 3-2 to the US and also lost 3-2 to El Salvador despite a second half double by Russell Latapy to level the scores at 2-2 in the second half.

“Now as the goalkeeper coach I am definitely looking forward to returning to the Gold Cup as a member of the coaching staff. It’s been great for me to be part of this effort. I have continued to learn and experience a lot,” he said.

“Going into the Wales game, it’s a big bite for Trinidad and Tobago because Wales is a big footballing country. We are training like a club team right now because most of the players are in offseason. We trained right through the Carnival season and that’s great for the players. I have two brilliant goalkeepers in Adrian Foncette and Marvin Phillip. I think they work hard everyday.

“We are doing research on past youth goalkeepers to see where they are now and to try and get them back on board. We have to start preparing for down the road. We are in good hands with Dennis because he does his homework

“It’s a also a great step for Dennis to get re-signed as head coach of the national team. I know the results in the past wasn’t what he would have wanted but he took over half way through it. Now is his time to really shine and I know the Gold Cup is a huge step for him. Me and the other coaches are supporting him one hundred percent and I think the association is helping him as well,” Russell said.

Russell experienced a health scare in 2014 when he was admitted to the West Shore Medical for observation and he was sidelined for a short period. Since then he has paid special emphasis on his physical being and has continued to serve local football.

“I have to praise the Lord for my return. It was a shock for my family and friends and even the Defence Force to see a healthy coach fall sick suddenly, it was really hard for me. It was seven of the worst days I ever had in my life not being able to cope with it,” he recalled.

“My family did a lot to help me through it. My kids were there. It was a long journey but they were with me everyday.  The football fraternity and the football association helped a lot by sending people to ensure I was alright.

“I was well taken care of by the Defence Force, they took care of all my bills. The football family really helped. Brian Williams and Kerry Jamerson did a lot to motivate me and keep me going. People like coach Shawn Cooper, Anton Corneal and the (Under 20) manager at the time Christo Gouveia, they were all with me along the way and they still check up on me today. Even Stern (John) still checks on my eating habits. He, Ansil Elcock and Arnold Dwarika were there with me. Dr Welch was there head and head with me. I couldn’t thank these people enough and now I am just thankful to be up and able to offer my services” Russell concluded.
Title: Re: Ross Russell Thread
Post by: asylumseeker on March 10, 2019, 06:53:46 AM
"I have two brilliant goalkeepers in Adrian Foncette and Marvin Phillip. I think they work hard everyday."

Game, set, match?
Title: Re: Ross Russell Thread
Post by: Tallman on March 10, 2019, 08:20:49 AM
"I have two brilliant goalkeepers in Adrian Foncette and Marvin Phillip. I think they work hard everyday."

Game, set, match?

Doh get meh started :devil:
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