Topics

1

Football / Keane Happy with Jones Performance

« on: October 29, 2008, 07:30:12 PM »

Dear A,
Their keeper had one save to make, in the second half from Kenwyne Jones.
You have to earn the right to win a game of football and we didn't do that. We started badly and we knew it was going to be a long night.
We had a decent spell just after half-time, and then after we had gone behind but it was too late by then.
I made one change - maybe it should have been a few more.
We had plenty of time to recover from the Newcastle game. When you start a game as slowly as we did, you are inviting trouble.
Our passing was poor, that was the biggest disappointment, our movement was poor and we didn't express ourselves. It was probably our worst performance of the season.
Bardo [Phil Bardsley] has done well and I decided to play him, maybe I should have made a few more changes. We never performed and we deserved nothing from the game, no excuses.
The one bonus would be Kenwyne - he looked sharp, both going forward and defensively, he would be the big plus.
He's making it hard for me to leave him out. How close is Kenwyne to a start? About two-and-a-half days.Thanks for your support,
 
Roy Keane

2

Football / This is not a Football Issue

« on: October 28, 2008, 10:13:42 AM »

Greetings, I guess by now most of you have heard about the shooting of Tobago born police officer Edward "Eddy" Alleyne outside his home a few days ago. Most of you would have also read about the request for blood to help save his life. I have known Eddy and his family since he was a little boy, and I urge those of you at home to try your best and help save this man by donating blood.

For those of you who don't know, he is the younger brother of long-time Calder Hall United striker, coach and manager Raymond "Finey" Alleyne. Those of you who know me would know that I am not a big fan of police, but as we all know there is police, and then there is police, and Eddy is one of those who don't deserve to go out like this. He and his family are some of the most decent people you can ever meet.

I spoke to Finey two nights ago, and they are very optimistic. Those of you who know Finey would know that the rasta is ah rock, but ah know he hurting. My hope is that you will hear the plea, and help save this brother, and if you are unable to donate blood, please keep him and his children in your prays. Cheers.

3

Football / Jack's Enemies?

« on: October 24, 2008, 11:02:24 PM »

Apart from Dominica and apparently England which national federation all yuh feel doh like/resent Jack Warner and will love to see him removed from CFU, CONCACAF and FIFA?

4

What about Track & Field / Tobagonians in the Olympics

« on: August 22, 2008, 03:27:10 PM »

Apart from Joseph Goddard (sprinter) and Quow, who are the other Tobagonians to represent T&T at the Olympics?

5

General Discussion / Cost Of Living In T&T

« on: August 22, 2008, 02:31:56 PM »

I have been in the US for over 20 years. What is cost of living like inTrinidad today, average monthly bills etc etc? 

6

Football / Richard Goddard UMBRO "Man of The Match"

« on: June 22, 2007, 08:21:11 PM »

All yuh call Wim and Corneal - Richard Goddard is back. He just shutout Miami FC in the A-league. Final score 1-0. He was the backup to former Newcastle GK Tony Caig, but Caig gone back to England.

If ah had any say he would be on the National team, he have more experience than Williams, Durance and Phillips. Men goh say ah bias because is meh Cousin, but de man good. Another BSC product.

He saved well - he was voted UMBRO Man of the Match. Well done Rich. For those who doh know he and Joel Bailey suiting for de Vancouver Whitecaps. 

7

Football / Name yuh 23 for 2010

« on: June 14, 2007, 11:49:16 AM »

Don't know if this was asked before. Based on what I have seen over the past few months, and also on what we know 'bout our national pool, I believe the following players will be our final 23 for 2010 when we qualify. Post your picks and lets see who comes closest. 

GK - Kelvin Jack
GK - Jan Williams
GK - Anthony Warner

DF - Seon Power
DF - Cyd Gray
DF - Glenton Wolfe
DF - Anthony Noreiga
DF - Osei Telesford
DF - Makan Hislop
DF - Andre Pacheco (will also assist at LW if needed)

MF- Collin Samuel
MF - Chris Birchall
MF - Carlos Edwards
MF - Josh Johnson
MF - Kerwyn Jemmott
MF - Keon Daniel
MF - Denzil Theobald
MF - Silvio Spann
MF/F - Lester Peltier


F - Kenwayne Jones
F - Darryl Roberts
F - Jason Scotland
F - Andre Toussaint

8

Football / Warrior Nation FC in the TT PRO LEAGUE ??

« on: May 25, 2007, 09:56:01 AM »

I have been on the site long enough to recognize that we have quite a number of forumites with the knowledge and experience and in several cases to finances to create a model pro club in T&T. One that will allow us to identify and develop the type of player that we need in our national programs, one that would add creditability to our pro league.

Unless this has been proposed before - I propose that the Warrior Nation put together a special committee to look into the possibility of entering the pro league by '09/'10.

The annual operating budget should be between $1.5 - $2.0 Million TT. With the type of folks and ideas we have at our disposal this should not be so difficult to raise.

The start up cost should be around 1/4 Million TT, This will include proleague franchise fees, and legal costs etc. We will need another 1/2 million TT for transfer fees and sign on bonuses.

Some may argue that Jabloteh, Connection and Joe Public have good clubs, but I believe that all they have is the $$$ to keep their clubs going, but not the type of philosophy necessary to remove the stigma, and  create the type of league we yearn for.

Apart from the obvious, we must remember that football is not only a game, it's an industry, an industry where the average employee comes from areas where the youths are considered "at risk".  I also do not believe that the clubs in our pro league fully understand the social value of their organizations - hence their inability to corral the fans etc.

I see this as a pro active move, and very necessary. Just my take.

9

Football / Women's World Cup

« on: October 31, 2006, 09:29:33 AM »

Imagine we Soca Princesses about 3 weeks and 2 victories away from qualifying for the World Cup in China next year and there is no buzz, no excitement nothing, but yet we support T&T ball, and we say we love we women - wake to f**k up fellas, and join me at Tropical Park, Miami on November 19th.

10

Football / New TTFF Executives ?

« on: September 19, 2006, 08:17:31 AM »

Should Jack Warner lose his post in FIFA, I will  assume that he would have to resign from CFU, and in good taste from his T&T football -special advisor position. This could lead to the current administration being revamped (possibly wishful thinking). If it happens, who would you like to see in the following positions?

TTFF President
V/President
V/President/Marketing
V/President/Business Affairs
V/President/Finance
Communications/PR Director
General Secretary
Special Advisor?
Director of youth Development?
Director of women's program?
Special Events Director?


I have added a few new positions. Just curious.

11

2010 World Cup - South Africa / Parreira not taking S==t from South Africa

« on: September 12, 2006, 09:35:53 AM »

...and all yuh think we have it bad, imagine they hosting de cup.  Check this out


TOUGH-talking national soccer team coach Carlos Alberto Parreira launched an extraordinary attack on the South African Football Association (Safa) yesterday that left his new employers with red faces.

The ink had hardly dried on the outspoken Brazilian's contract when Parreira showed he was not afraid to tell the media -- in front of Safa vice-president Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana and CEO Raymond Hack -- that he would never tolerate the kind of interference that is believed to have led to the departure of previous Bafana Bafana coaches.

"The moment I feel that I am not happy, I will say 'thank you very much, bye-bye'," a frank Parreira said, with Nonkonyana and Hack quietly looking on.

"I never accept interference. If there is, I walk. They (Safa) have had 13 coaches in 14 years! That is not a very good record for a football association. It is not a good record at all."

The many men who have steered the Bafana ship include incumbent Pitso Mosimane, Ted Dumitru, Stuart Baxter, April "Styles" Phumo, Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba, Kenneth "Conti" Kubheka, Jomo Sono, Carlos Queiroz, Trott Moloto, Philippé Troussier, Clive Barker, Augusto Palacios and Stanley "Screamer" Tshabalala.

Parreira continued the offensive and said he was astounded when he found out that the nation's youth structures had been allowed to crumble into dust over the past few years.

"When they told me that there are no youth leagues here, I could not believe it. How can a country that wants to be a powerhouse not have proper development structures?

"The picture we have is not the best possible. Where are we going to find the players to build the national team for the 2010 World Cup if we do not have the proper youth structures?"

The Brazilian's observation contradicted years of misleading information from Safa that claimed the youth structures were in excellent condition.

Parreira -- who revealed he did not have any conditions attached to his contract with Safa -- said he was disturbed by the intense debate that has surrounded his R1,8m-a-month salary.

"The fact is, I did not come here for the money. After spending 40 years of my life as a coach at the top level, it would not have made any difference to me financially if I came here or not.

"It was because SA is the country that will host the next World Cup on African soil for the first time. And if I feel at any point that (my salary) is a problem, I am ready to leave right away."

The Brazilian then turned his attention to perennial Bafana stayaways Benni McCarthy and Quinton Fortune and said he would get to the bottom of the two English-based players' tendency to turn down call-ups.

"For the World Cup, all good players have to be considered to play. I think that the country will benefit from Benni's skill if he is willing to play. (So) I will not take any position on him until I have spoken to him."

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) was not spared either. Parreira said the current rules that allow five foreign players to be fielded at the same time would undermine all efforts to rebuild the national team. "Maybe, instead of playing five foreigners in the PSL, we need to allow just three to give South African players a chance to play. How can local players be expected to develop if they cannot play?"

Relevant Links
 
Southern Africa
Soccer
South Africa
 
 
 
Parreira warned that the resuscitation of SA's football would be no easy task and that the nation would have to exercise extreme patience during these growing pains.

"Patience will be the key word because there will definitely be ups and downs along the way. There will be traps, there will be bad moments, but the focus should be 2010. There is lot of work ahead and it is going to be a huge challenge."

But he added that the period between now and 2010 should be enough to build a decent team if all the shortcomings were resolved.

12

Football / College game helps cultivate late bloomers

« on: September 11, 2006, 09:46:18 AM »

Another interesting article on the value of college ball

With the college soccer season in full swing and MLS nearing playoff time, it's time to ask the question: does college soccer adequately prepare domestic players for professional competition?

Based on college soccer's retention of top domestic talent, the answer is yes. A number of young American stars with professional opportunities have chosen college soccer to develop their game.

Charlie Davies, a sophomore at Boston College, had the option to play in Europe out of high school. He strongly considered signing on with a professional team in Europe but in the end, Davies and his father both agreed that college was the right choice for him.

"I was considering going to Europe -- to Belgium -- to play for a couple years before I could play in England," Davies said. "My dad thought it would be a good idea to go to college and get some experience playing with bigger guys."

That doesn't mean that Europe does not still beckon. Far from it - as Davies continues to excel, interest in the talented attacker only grows. Back in August at the U-18 Milk Cup in Northern Ireland, the New Hampshire-bred striker wowed the crowds with his quickness en route to a hat-trick in the finals. His performance undoubtedly earning the notice of the professional scouts in attendance.

Davies, whose ultimate goal is to play in one of Europe's premier leagues, spent last week running on the beaches of San Diego, clearing his head and making priorities. He has chosen again to delay his jump to professional soccer and returns to BC for one more season.

"My goal is obviously to play at the highest level I can. I just want to get better," Davies said. "We're playing in the ACC this year. It's is the best competition we can have, which is a good thing."

Lee Nguyen, Davies' U-18 teammate for the United States' triumph in the Milk Cup, also faced the college/pro decision a few months ago. After mulling several offers, he decided to play collegiately and signed with perennial powerhouse Indiana.

In Nguyen's case, college will be an important step in his development, according to Sigi Schmid, coach of the U-20 men's national team. Schmid believes every American player, especially one as slightly built as Nguyen, can benefit from at least one year of college ball.

"The way our youth soccer is structured in this country is one-year age groups," said Schmid. "As a result of that, college soccer is the first time that they play against older opponents. So that one year helps any player."

Davies, who garnered Big East Rookie of the Year honors after notching nine goals in 20 games, agreed. He said the bigger players reminded him of his freshman year of high school.

"(College players) aren't more skilled - it's just a matter of them being bigger and in some cases faster," Davies said. "I knew it would be a good to get used to the physical challenge of college."

The retention of domestic athletes is a credit to the level of competition in college. But just how does this level compare with some of the other options these players have?

Schmid believes elite college soccer measures up favorably with European professional leagues.

"To me, top college teams are definitely the equivalent of third division soccer in Germany, which is where most of the reserves for the pro teams play," Schmid said. "(College soccer) can hold its own, for sure, in the second division in England. Some of the top college teams could do all right against the bottom of the French second division."

Besides a high level of competition, college soccer offers a number of other advantages over pro leagues.

For one, college has proven adept at cultivating "late bloomers." With 199 D-I men's college programs competing in 2003-2004, there are plenty of roster spots for unheralded players to develop.

"If they are talented enough to go straightaway -- the Landon Donovan scenario -- and can get major training opportunities and games with the first team, obviously that's a unique situation," said Dean Wurzberger, head coach at the University of Washington. "But the vast majority of players have yet to mature and they can certainly do that in their college years."

A prime example is newly-signed SV Hamburg midfielder Benny Feilhaber.

Without any scholarship offers out of high school, Feilhaber walked on at UCLA, eventually earning a starting spot. He parlayed his success with the Bruins into a spot on the U-20 national team. His strong play at this summer's World Youth Championships in the Netherlands got him noticed by a number of big European teams, including Hamburg, the team he eventually signed with.

Feilhaber played two years at UCLA before going pro, following the footstep of his Bruin teammate Chad Barrett. The Chicago Fire striker tore up the Pac-10 for two seasons before making the jump to MLS. Unlike college baseball, which requires its player to wait three years to be drafted, college soccer allows its talent to leave at anytime.

One perceived knock on college soccer involves the relatively small number of games played per year. But with spring seasons, players get about 35-40 games a year, only slightly less than they would be getting professionally in Europe. Additionally, players are free to pick up additional experience during the summer.

Another notch in college's favour: student-athletes have access to outstanding facilities and support services.

"Our training facilities at the collegiate level are superior to many lower division pro outfits and even our A-League," Wurzberger said. "There's no way the Seattle Sounders can replicate our training environment at the University of Washington - we just have more resources."

Even financially, college makes sense compared to the MLS.

With the exception of Freddy Adu's substantial contract, the financial infrastructure of the MLS can't offer young players the guaranteed money and lucrative signing bonuses their peers in basketball and baseball receive.

The recent release of MLS player salaries shows that some developmental players earn as little as $11,000 per season. Players on the senior roster can make as little as $28,000. That's not much more than the value of athletic scholarships awarded to players - such scholarships generally range from $13,900-22,300 per annum, depending on a number of factors.

However, player development remains the overarching concern for players with dreams of plying their trade professionally. In the end, all these players must ask themselves the same question: Where can I go to get the highest level of soccer available and still get game experience?

For America's elite youngsters, the answer means choosing between collegiate and professional soccer. As players in this situation continue to opt for college, it's an affirmation of the ability of college soccer to develop players.
 

13

Football / Young Players Check This Out

« on: September 11, 2006, 08:31:09 AM »

Want to be a football pro? 
A club invites you to join its Academy. What happens now?
Paul Holder, former assistant Academy director at Crystal Palace, explains the next stages.


MOVING UP THE LADDER
What exactly is an Academy?
Academies are special training schemes set up by clubs to help them develop young players. All Premiership clubs have them.

 
Liverpool's academy opened in 2000 

Other League clubs run either Academies or Centres of Excellence, which are run along the same lines. Many non-league clubs also run their own development schemes or community projects.

Do I have to be a certain age to attend an Academy?
A player must be at least nine years old to join an Academy, but many clubs - such as Arsenal - have development groups which cater for even younger players.

Does it matter where I live?
Yes. Strict new rules have been brought in to prevent clubs signing young players who live outside their catchment area.

Under 12's must live within an hour's travelling distance from the club, or 90 minutes for players aged 13-16.

What happens once a club agrees to take me on?
Between the ages of nine and 16 you will be asked to sign schoolboy forms.

These will be renewed every year or two years, if the club is happy for you to continue.

Once you're 16, the club will then decide whether it wants you to stay on and join its Youth Training Scheme.

 
A West Ham youngster show off his skills 

Places are limited, though. For example, Crystal Palace take on about six trainees every year at this stage.

Some clubs take on more, some less. If you are one of the lucky ones, you will be offered a scholarship.

This can last up to three years, during which time you should progress from the Academy's Youth team to the Reserves.

Premiership clubs also have Under-21 teams to bridge the gap between the reserve team and the first team.

Technically, you can sign a professional contract at 17. But Wayne Rooney is the exception rather than the rule.

Most players will have to wait until they are 19 before finding out whether they have a future at the club.


LIFE AT AN ACADEMY
At the Crystal Palace Academy, youngsters train three times a week - one and a half hours on Tuesday evenings and Thursday evenings and an hour on Saturday mornings.

On Sundays, they play matches against other Academy teams. That could mean up to 28 games a season.

At Under-9s, 10s and 11s, the matches are eight-a-side, moving up to regular 11-a-side numbers after that.

 
Academy players are given all-round assistance 

Players are given practical homework such as training drills they can practice at home.

Their parents are also given advice on things like nutrition and mental preparation.

Agility is very important too.

So, while the players can practise their football skills at the academy, we'll ask their schools to make sure they take part in other sports such as gymnastics or basketball.

When he's approaching 16, the club will sit down with the player and his parents to decide the best way forward.

If the player is offered a scholarship, he'll more than likely move to live in digs near the club.

He'll be expected to continue his education, though, and will be offered various courses such as A levels, BTecs or GNVQs at a local college.

He'll also be expected to do some jobs around the club, such as collecting the kit and taking it to the laundry.


WHAT IF I'M REJECTED?

You've got to be realistic.

Just think. How many new young players does a club like Liverpool or Arsenal sign every season?

 
Darren Peacock overcame rejection 

The answer is very few. The fact is that most trainees will never make the grade.

Trainees released from scholarship schemes are put into a central pool which allows other interested clubs to come in for them.

And former Fulham scout Roger Skyrme believes there's nothing wrong with lowering your standards.

"Never lose faith in your ability, but do be prepared to move down a level," Roger told BBC Sport.

One example is Darren Peacock, who was rejected by Bristol Rovers before being taken on by Newport County.

He eventually went on to make some 200 Premiership appearances for clubs such as QPR, Newcastle, West Ham and Blackburn.

"Now that's one player with real backbone," said Skyrme.



 

14

Football / Want To Be a Football Pro?

« on: September 11, 2006, 08:27:19 AM »

Thought some of our young players might have an interest in reading this article, especially the part on what clubs are looking for.

Want to be a football pro? 
 
It takes hard work to reach the top

You've probably dreamt of winning the Premiership, scoring the winning goal in the Cup final or leading your country at the World Cup.

But have you really got what it takes to follow in the footsteps of your favourite star?

We decided to find out what it takes to become a professional footballer.

From getting spotted, to joining an academy, to coping with rejection - read on to find the information you need.


GETTING NOTICED
Some clubs still hold trials, or talent days, but these are becoming a thing of the past.

Instead, most clubs now have a vast network in place that helps them pinpoint the best young talent in their area.

 
Liverpool's youth players are put through their paces 

Many run community schemes which allow them to keep in touch with the people who run the sport at grassroots level.

They liaise with local schools and with the managers of county or district teams.

They also have scouts who will be out and about watching matches all over the country and reporting back to them.

If you're good enough, generally they'll find you.


WHAT ARE CLUBS LOOKING FOR?
Roger Skyrme, a scout with Fulham FC, reveals exactly what he looks for in a young player

It doesn't take a scout to pick out the best player on a pitch. Anyone can spot raw talent, but I'm looking for more than that.

You'll rarely see me with my eyes on the ball during a match - I need to find out about a player's character.


So I'll be busy looking at things like their position on the pitch, and whether they're prepared to get stuck in and help their team-mates out.

A player must have the right attitude.

It's ultra competitive out there, and very few players make it at the top level.

To succeed, you've got to have something special in your make-up that will help you rise above the rest.

I'll often arrange to meet a young player's family and find out a bit more about his background before deciding if I'm going to recommend him to a club.

You should make sure you have every chance of being spotted by playing at the highest possible standard.

You'll probably start off playing for your school team or local club side.

If you're any good you should progress to your district or county team and maybe even represent your country at school or youth level.

 

15

Football / Where are the fans?

« on: September 09, 2006, 01:07:45 PM »

The two previous pro leagues in T&T saw much greater fan attendance than the "improved" PFL. It's as if the fans decided to stop supporting gameday football as soon as the PFL started. Most of the clubs in the last pro league were in someway represented in the PFL, but for some reason the fans didn't follow. Can the local based forumites provide some explanations?

16

Football / Brian Haynes on T&T Coaching Staff???

« on: January 23, 2006, 10:31:33 AM »

Curious to hear what forumites think about FC Dallas (MLS) assistant Coach Brian Haynes (T&T) joining our senior team coaching staff in the near future. He was responsible for turning the USA striker Johnson around , not only as a player, but as a person also.

Share your thoughts.

17

Football / Tobago XI vs CFU teams

« on: December 28, 2005, 11:18:41 AM »

How do you think a Tobago team will do against other CFU nations. A truly representative Tobago team will include:

GK - Richard Goddard  - Toronto Lynx - USL A-League

DF - Uz Taylor - Tobago United - PFL
DF - Cyd Gray - Jabloteh - PFL
DF - Makan Hislop - US College
DF - Kelshall Alexander - Defense Force - PFL
DF - Dwayne Jack - Tobago United - PFL
DF - Kevin Adams

MF - Keon Daniel - St. Clair Coaching School
MF - Dwight Yorke - Sydney FC - Australian A-league
MF - Devon Leacock - Stokely Vale
MF/DF - Hayden Fitzwilliams - Toronto Croatia - Canada CPSL
MF - Shelton Williams - Defense Force - PFL
MF - Darren Toby - US College
MF - Ashford Leggerton - Tobago United - PFL

F - Kevin Nelson - South Melbourne - Australia
F - Michael Carrington - Stokely Vale
F - Garvin McKenna - Joe Public
F - Handell Manswell
F - Ashley MacMillan - St Catherine Wolves - Canada CPSL 


Share your thoughts.

18

Football / Who betting on T&T?

« on: December 01, 2005, 03:36:37 PM »

Ah just placed my $40.00US on T&T @ 750-1. Ah hope some ah all yuh putting yuh $$$ whey yuh mouth is.

19

Football / FIFA Agent (Trinidad & Tobago)?

« on: November 29, 2005, 08:50:15 PM »

Now that we have qualified - there would be lots of eyes on our players, but there are no FIFA agents licenced in T&T. It means that our players will continue to be represented by foreign agents.

There must be a few folks willing to accept the challenge and get licenced. I cannot believe that this opportunity will pass us by.

The closest FIFA Agent is in Barbados.

Share your thoughts

20

Football / Is it really going to cost $15,000.000.00US ?

« on: November 28, 2005, 03:05:13 PM »

I have tried all how to justify Warner estimate of $15,000.000.00US to prepare the warriors for the WC, Is he for real? Did he put pen to paper, or does is he guessing?.

Even after reading Beenie's plans for the coming months, it just doesn't add up. Is Jack up to his old tricks again.

I too want the warriors to succeed and to have quality preps  prior to the finals, but $15 mil US. It would be nice if he would break down the expenses for us.

Share your thoughts.

21

Football / Kevin Nelson signs deal in Australia

« on: November 15, 2005, 08:09:01 AM »

Former T&T youth international Tobagonian Kevin Nelson just signed a deal with Australian 2nd division pro club South Melbourne FC. The deal was struck so as to allow Kevin to stay in Australia - because several A-League clubs still have an interest in him , and worked to secure the deal to keep him in the country.

He passed every trial he participated in, but the clubs made other moves (the story of his career). Nevertheless, the Adelaide United and Queensland Roar coaches and others like his abilities, and work ethic, and have all helped to make this signing possible.

Kevin, will be T&T starting striker or winger for the 2010 WC.

Share your thoughts