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1

Football / TINTO SET FOR SECOND MILLERS CHANCE

« on: August 01, 2008, 12:12:15 PM »

Rotherham United manager Mark Robins has confirmed that he is set to have another look at Millers trialist Hayden Tinto.

The Trinidad & Tobago winger has already had a trial with Yeovil this summer and featured for the Millers in the 1-0 friendly defeat to Bristol Rovers on Wednesday.

Having lost Graham Coughlan to Shrewsbury, Robins is still on the lookout for reinforcements and Tinto, 22, could feature in Saturday's friendly against Hartlepool at the Don Valley Stadium.

"I more or less know what the league starting team will be, though I am still looking round to bring in the right people if I can get hold of them," he told the Sheffield Star.

"We had a triallist in from Trinidad called Hayden Tinto and we will have another look at him."

2

Football / Samuel signs with St. Johnstone.

« on: May 06, 2008, 07:24:18 AM »

Saints secure striker Samuel.
St Johnstone FC.

Saints have this morning moved to sign former Falkirk and Dundee United striker Collin Samuel. The 26 year old Trinidad and Tobago internationalist, who has been playing his football in with Major League Soccer side Toronto, has signed a two year deal.

Manager Derek McInnes is delighted to have added Samuel to his current options up front and told the Saints Official Website, “Colin has been enjoying his time in Toronto but his wife and family have been back here in Scotland and that has not been ideal and he has been keen to return to them. When I found that out, I spoke with Mo Johnston who is the Director of Soccer at Toronto and moved quickly to bring him to Saints.”

Prior to the start of the current MLS season Samuel enjoyed training facilities at McDiarmid Park during the winter thanks to his former Tannadice team mate McInnes and the Saints gaffer says, “I had six weeks to look at Colin and I think he is a more complete player than he was earlier in his career. I was keen to keep him here but he was contracted to the MLS and had to go back but he has since indicated to them that he wanted to come back to Scotland to be with his family.

“He knows me, he knows Tony Docherty, he knows a lot of the players from his time training here and he knows the First Division – I think that will make him a great acquisition and he is still at the age where he can kick on and play at the level I think he can reach.”

Inevitably comparisons will be made with Jason Scotland, another Trinidad and Tobago striker who also played at Tannadice but Derek is anxious for that not to be the case.

“They are different types of players” says McInnes.  “Sammy has pace and works hard and although nobody could argue with Jason’s scoring rate, he didn’t necessarily have the same attributes.”

The Manager revealed that he is still seeking another striker – one with more of a physical presence than his existing options – and he is working hard to bring a goalkeeper and left-back to the club. Jody Morris is also a target but it will be later in the week before there will be any move with that one.

Del continued, “I had a squad of 24 last season and I am looking to bring that down to 18 or 19 – but 18 or 19 guys who expect to be playing each week.  I want real competition for places.”

Samuel joins up at St Johnstone
BBC Sport

St Johnstone have signed former Dundee United striker Collin Samuel on a two-year contract. The 26-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international arrives from Toronto FC in Major League Soccer, where he played for only one season. Samuel joined Falkirk in 2001 before moving to Tannadice after two years, scoring 14 goals in 66 games. He has also represented his country 17 times, and played at the World Cup in Germany in 2006.Sam’s not last on Saints’ list.
By: Gordon Bannerman (Perthshire Advertiser).

Derek McInnes this week tied-up Trinidad and Tobago striker Collin Samuel and immediately announced he wants to line-up a magnificent seven frontline.

The arrival of the 26-year-old ex-Dundee United and Falkirk attacker from North American side Toronto – subject to securing a work permit – will have Andy Jackson, Steven Milne, Peter MacDonald, David Weatherston and Gavin Swankie on their mettle next term.

But they can brace themselves for the arrival of another target man to make the battle for first-team places even tougher.

McInnes had been tracking World Cup star Samuel for months, after failing to persuade Toronto chief Maurice Johnston to release his one-time Tannadice colleague while Samuel was training at McDiarmid during the MLS close season. But when he got word that Toronto were prepared to give the green light to the striker to return to his adopted homeland, McInnes set the wheels in motion, knowing American sides were keen to land the Caribbean star.

But no sooner was the ink dry on a contract than McInnes was confessing another striker, a left-back and a keeper were on the wish list.

Caley Thistle’s experienced ex-Ross County and Dundee forward Graham Bayne (28) was being strongly linked with Saints yesterday, and is understood to be one of several candidates being lined-up.

Referring to Samuel and the obvious parallels to be drawn with another Trinidad and ex-United player, Jason Scotland, McInnes noted fans were getting a different type of footballer. He said: “I’m excited about Sammy’s arrival.

“He has pace to burn and he tore through the First Division at Falkirk before earning his move to Tannadice. I was determined to make this happen when we heard we had a chance.

“Unlike most signings from abroad he won’t take time to bed-in. We tried to get him before and Sammy wanted back to Scotland. But he was under contract.

“Even this time there was interest from several US clubs. But we got in quickly.

“He feels this is the right move for him. Toronto didn’t want to lose him seven games into their season.

“It’s unfair to compare Sammy to Jason directly but Collin can play wide or through the middle. He is more versatile, he works hard and can also score goals.

“I feel he can kick on again and get back to the level he should be at. At the time he was at United it didn’t really happen for a few players.

“We have four strikers and I still want a target man type up top. You can never have enough options in that area.”

McInnes leaves on holiday tonight and while his squad will be trimmed from 24, he wants quality throughout pressing for starting slots.

“The chairman, Geoff Brown, has backed me from the start when we see players who will benefit the club.

“We will have more flexibility next season and we are still working on players for a couple of positions.”

Samuel wants to play SPL football with Saints but his first challenge is an international clash with England in the Caribbean next month.

After signing, he said: “I wanted to come back to Scotland. I know most of the players from my time training here and know the manager and Tony Docherty from Dundee United. We had a good understanding. It will be easy to settle in.

“I enjoyed the experience in Toronto even if the weather could be extreme. Scotland can be warmer! But I enjoyed the football more here.”

3

Football / Leafs owner eyes U.K. soccer

« on: April 24, 2008, 02:17:01 PM »

Looks like another foreigner is interested in buying a English team. Stern might have a new owner.

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment is exploring the idea of purchasing a soccer club in England's fabled Premier League.

The Toronto sports holding company has retained consultants Deloitte & Touche to advise on soccer investment opportunities in the U.K., a senior sports industry executive told the Star.

Richard Peddie, president and chief executive of MLSE, confirmed he and chief financial officer Ian Clarke recently returned from a week-long trip to the U.K., where they visited six English soccer stadiums, met various team executives and investors, and attended a one-day soccer-industry conference.

He cautioned it would be "very, very premature" to say MLSE, which owns the Maple Leafs, Raptors and Toronto FC, is actively exploring another acquisition. "We went over there with our eyes wide open on everything, but I don't know where it will take us."


Dan Jones, the head of Deloitte's soccer consultancy, confirmed MLSE is a client of the firm but declined to elaborate.

England's Premier League is considered the top soccer league in the world. In recent years it has attracted interest from foreign investors anxious to enhance the fortunes of teams with global followings.

In 1997, Fulham became the first Premier team to be bought by a non-British citizen when Harrods owner Mohamed al-Fayed snapped up the club. Since 2003, Chelsea, Manchester United, Portsmouth and Aston Villa have also been bought by foreign interests. Derby was bought by American Andrew Appleby, and former Thailand PM Thaksin Shinawatra grabbed Manchester City last year.

Other NHL owners are getting in on the action. Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett and Dallas Stars owner Tom Hicks last year agreed to pay about $441 million to buy Liverpool FC, although their relationship has since soured with both calling for the other to sell.

MLSE is said to be worth upwards of $1.75 billion. Yet the club's riches wouldn't give it a financial advantage over Premiership owners. Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer, for instance, is said to be worth some $2 billion, while Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's fortune has been estimated at more than $8 billion.

Peddie said he visited White Hart Lane, home to Tottenham Hotspur, and Reading's Madejski Stadium. Clarke also visited Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea plays its home games. He also visited Southampton's St. Mary's Stadium.

"We came away with a lot of ideas on how to maximize revenues," Peddie said.

A sports banking executive who specializes in European soccer said three English Premier teams would probably merit interest from the likes of MLSE: Everton, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham might be the most attractive. Based in one of London's most multicultural boroughs, Spurs fans are recognized as rabid supporters. It also needs a new stadium. White Hart Lane opened in 1899 – some 32 years before Maple Leaf Gardens opened for business (although, like many of the oldest stadiums in England, it has undergone extensive renovations).

A common recipe for success in the sports industry is buying a franchise that plays in a decrepit arena or stadium, building a new one and realizing newfound revenue from the sale of personal seat licences and increases in prices for season tickets and sponsorships.

"We are often the subject of speculation regarding possible acquisition due to our history, appeal, huge fan base and recent success on the pitch, but we never comment on any of this speculation," said Donna-Marie Cullen, Tottenham's executive director.

Unlike MLSE, which is a privately traded company, Tottenham's shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange. Last year, it generated an operating profit of $21.4 million on sales of $208 million.

Everton's home stadium is even older than White Hart Lane. It opened in 1892, the same year Newcastle began playing at St. James' Park.

If MLSE decides to move forward with an English soccer investment, it may make more sense for the company to eye a team in The Championship, England's second-tier pro league. The three teams that finish with the worst records in the Premier League are relegated at the end of each season to the Championship. That league's three top clubs are promoted to the Premiership. A team in the Championship would cost less money, with the potential to be worth more.

Peddie and Clarke also visited Southampton's St. Mary's Stadium, in the Championship league. The Internet and broadcast are areas poised for rapid revenue growth, said Rob Tilliss, a sports banker who advised Hicks and Gillett on their Liverpool purchase.

"The difference in Europe is that teams control their websites," Tilliss said. "It's not collective like you have in North America where the league controls all the content."

There are potential stumbling blocks to MLSE's considering an overseas acquisition. For starters, the global credit markets have faltered in recent months, meaning it would be more difficult and expensive to finance a large purchase.

Still, Tilliss and several other investment banking sources said it's possible MLSE could initially move to create a marketing partnership with a Premiership team. That's what MLS's Colorado Rapids did last year in a collaboration with English soccer powerhouse Arsenal.

4

Football / Keane Blasts 'Cheapskate' Trinidad FA

« on: February 12, 2008, 10:01:39 AM »

Roy Keane says Sunderland had to pay for a first class upgrade for Trinidad striker Kenwyne Jones to ensure he got enough sleep to be able to face Wigan this weekend.

Sunderland take on Wigan today in a vital bottom-of-the-table clash as both sides seek to distance themselves from the drop zone. 

The Black Cats are hoping that Trinidad striker Kenwyne Jones will be able to take to the pitch and put in a good display, despite him having featured for his country in a friendly against Guadeloupe on Wednesday and only returning to Wearside on Friday. 

It was a long and arduous trip for the striker, but Sunderland boss Roy Keane says it would have been even worse if they'd left it upto the Trinidad FA. 

But after forking out the extra cash for first class, the Black Cats boss expects to see the striker repay his club in goals. 

“The Trinidad FA make Kenwyne’s travel arrangements but we made sure he came back first class and had a bed to sleep on," said Keane.  "If we left it to them I think he’d be on a ferry.  Him and Stern John would probably be paddling home.

Sunshine

"To be honest, after the way he played we should have kept him in economy.  But we had to make sure he was sorted as he needs to perform in a big match for us.  I’m hoping it will have refreshed him," added the Irishman of Jones' trip back to the West Indies. 

"He’ll have got a bit of sun on his back.  Dwight Yorke used to go back to the Caribbean and return like a new man.  Sometimes it does you good

5

Football / Moore weighing up Trinidad trialist.

« on: February 12, 2008, 08:14:58 AM »

Moore weighing up Trinidad trialist.
By: Tranmere FC.[/size]

Tranmere’s reserve team game against Blackpool at Prenton Park tomorrow (kick-off 7pm) provides Tranmere manager Ronnie Moore and his coaching staff with another opportunity to assess the merits of trialist Cornell Glen.
The Trinidad and Tobago international scored twice in a Pontin’s League game against Wrexham last week and his work on the training ground is giving Moore some encouragement.
Glen is on a short trial, set up by his agent, the former Luton forward Ricky Hill.
Moore said: “Cornell is in the country until the 21st of this month and we are having a look at it him. He’s trained really well with us and scored a couple of goals for the reserves.
“He’s 26, has got experience and plenty of pace but he is lacking a bit of match fitness. He has that little habit of sometimes switching off and not working hard enough . That may be down to the lack of fitness.
“I was quite pleased with his performance last week and he’ll have another game against Blackpool. Then we will have a little think about what needs to be done.”

6

Football / Is this Sunderland's Posh and Becks?

« on: September 19, 2007, 10:38:14 AM »

from: http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Is-this-Sunderland39s-Posh-and.3210538.jp
By Marissa Carruthers
Posh and Becks beware – Sunderland now boasts its own football-pop star celebrity couple, except this Wag can sing.
Wing wizard Carlos Edwards wows fans with his creative skills on the pitch, while wife Teressa, an R&B singer, is a big hit off the park having just signed a new album deal.

Trinidad-born Teressa first followed in the footsteps of Queen of Wags Victoria Beckham three years ago.

She launched her debut album while Carlos, 28, played for Wrexham, but unlike Posh Spice, Teressa's musical career looks set to soar.

The 26-year-old caught the eye of record bosses after wowing the crowd at a Wrexham match against Sheffield Wednesday with her rendition of Pointer Sisters' I'm So Excited.

And now the still unsigned soul star is ready to release her second album, Days Ahead, which has already received critical acclaim for its blend of soul, RnB and gospel.

In April, Teressa shared her seductive sounds when she performed at the Love Music Hate Racism event at Kent in a bid to help stamp out racism.
She launched her singing career at the age of 16 after singing with her gospel choir in her Caribbean homeland.

But after her mother died she decided to move to England to follow her dream and make her break in music.

Trinidad and Tobago footballer Carlos was a Ł1.4million buy from Luton Town in January and he is currently out of Roy Keane's side recovering from injury.

For more on Teressa's music, log onto www.teressaedwards.co.uk

Roy's Wags jibe may be justified

Sunderland's one of the worst places for Wags in the UK, but it shouldn't affect Roy Keane's efforts to recruit stars because the best place is on our doorstep.

Last month the Black Cats' boss claimed multimillion-pound footballers were turning their backs on the Stadium of Light because their partners prefer shopping in bigger cities.

Figures published by Locallife.co.uk, yesterday, seem to have proved Keane's point.

Wearside has fewer beauty salons, jewellers, nightclubs, au pair services and tanning salons for every 10,000 residents than most other footballing towns in the UK.

The city came 13th in the UK's bottom 20 Wag magnet clubs (Wagnet), beating rivals Middlesborough by 0.21 points. Newcastle was named the best transfer destination.

Tony Martin, chairman of locallife.co.uk, said: "Sunderland may be enjoying success again on the pitch, but the city isn't faring as well when it comes to catering for Wags. Roy Keane's recent attack on Wag lifestyle and footballers' priorities being dictated by their wives seems to hold more than a grain of truth."

7

Football / Anybody want tickets for T&T game in Los Angeles

« on: May 24, 2007, 02:27:49 PM »

I bought two tickets for the Gold Cup game on June 9th for T&T vs US. I will not be able to attend due to a conflict in my schedule. It is in the Warrior nation section. Send me a PM if you would like to buy them.

8

Football / Terry Fenwick one of the worst managers

« on: July 17, 2006, 07:36:23 PM »

ESPN Soccernet ran an article on some of the worse managers in football. Everyone's favorite two faced coach made the list. You know the one who says that PFLs player quality is not that high but all to willing to sell them to low division clubs in England.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=336164&cc=5901

9

Football / Where the money?

« on: July 14, 2006, 02:11:43 PM »

It is my understanding that each team gets approx. $1.5 million per game in the first round of the World Cup. If that is true that is more than T&T needs to keep the program running for one year figured at TT$29 million by the Sports Minister.

Could anyone tell me if T&T has got that money yet? And if so where it has been allocated?

10

Football / Refresh my memory

« on: July 13, 2006, 08:00:43 PM »

Fellas help me out I know Jlloyd Samuel cannot play for T&T. However can Bobby Zamora, Anthony Warner and Ricky Shakes play for the team?

11

Football / Whim's biggest challenge

« on: July 12, 2006, 06:03:24 PM »

After looking around the internet and reading the various comments made in forums and by national players from other teams I have figured what the biggest challenge is for Whim.

He needs to continue the trend from the World Cup which is to build on T&T's respectablity.

Despite everything that T&T has achieved in the last year there is still those who believe that there team could have done better. Not only that but T&T could easily be beaten right now,

I have read the comments from former Jamaican international Fitzroy Simpson to Canada's current international Jim Brenan who all seem to be of the thought T&T's World Cup appearence was a fluke. Maybe it is sour grapes, jealousy or just general bitterness but there is no respect for the Warriors.

I personally don't care what they say. Like Tony Soprano once said: "You don't have to like me but you have to respect me!"

A lot of us hate the US national team but when they walk into your stadium you have to respect them because they are prepared and always play to win.

I know respectabilty will come with time. The World Cup started trend it needs to continue.

12

Football / Trinidad and Tobago changes confederations

« on: July 12, 2006, 05:17:34 PM »

In anouncing that Leo Beenhakker has left to coach Poland yesterday, the fine folks at Fox Sports Canada stated that:"Leo had coached Real Madrid, Holland , the last being Trinidad and Tobago ...THE AFRICAN NATION looked impressive in the World Cup..."

Not only has T&T moved out of Jamaica but moved over into the a whole new continent and confederation all together.

Thanks Fox Sports

13

Football / We need to qualify for Under 20 championship

« on: July 03, 2006, 05:59:21 PM »

I was think in today inorder to reach 2010 we need to get to the World Under 20 championship in Canada next year. That team will form the base for the Olympics in 2008 and South Africa in 2010.

Has a team been prepared and a coach appointed?

See you next week on the same topic.

Marc

14

Football / Leo to Australia?

« on: June 27, 2006, 08:17:03 PM »

This is from the Sydney Morning Herald

Coaches queuing up to replace Guus

GUUS Hiddink has gone, to be followed by Johan Neeskens, leaving Graham Arnold almost certainly in charge for Australia's next game - an Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait in Sydney on August 16.

Arnold won't yet commit to taking charge of the national team, even on an interim basis, for the remainder of the Asian Cup campaign, which includes five matches before the end of the year. Football Federation Australia is known to be considering a collection of high-profile replacements for Hiddink, but some may not be available until next year.

"I want a week off to think about things," Arnold said. "As you know, there are a couple of offers on the table. But as I've always said, my family, and my heart, belongs in Australia."

Within an hour of Australia's World Cup exit, the FFA had received at least three phone calls from credible coaches wanting to discuss job prospects. One is a top English Premier League coach, another a European, while the third is also understood to be European with recent experience in Asia.

The Socceroos' performance at the World Cup has given the team a dose of credibility that has made the Australia job an attractive proposition for many big-name coaches.

Hiddink, who has made no secret of the fact he thinks Arnold is up to the job, backed Trinidad & Tobago coach Leo Beenhakker's call last week for a chance to discuss his credentials with FFA officials.

"Leo is a very mature and a very good person and he is well equipped as a manager and a person," Hiddink said. "I have known Leo since I was 20, so that is a very long time."

15

Football / How Brazil does it

« on: June 26, 2006, 09:39:15 PM »

This is from the New York Times.
June 25, 2006
In Brazil, Unpaved Path to Soccer Excellence
By LARRY ROHTER

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 24 — How does Brazil do it? Year after year, World Cup after World Cup, soccer stars seem to roll out of here like cars off a factory assembly line.

First came the generation of Pelé, Garrincha, Tostão and Rivelino, followed by Zico, Falcão and Socrates. Since the mid-1990's, Romário, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and now Kaká, Adriano and Robinho have further burnished Brazil's reputation for unmatched excellence. To the average fan around the world, Brazilian soccer appears to be a powerful, well-oiled machine.

But those who know it best are aware that the reality is far more complicated, that the country's record five World Cup championships are more a result of popular passion for the beautiful game, as it is often called here, than of any organized apparatus that methodically finds and develops players.

"There is no system in Brazil," said Carlos Roberto de Oliveira, who, playing as Roberto Dinamite, was a member of the Brazilian national team in the 1970's and early 1980's. "Everything happens on a random, haphazard basis."

To hear Brazilians tell it, organized professional soccer here is chaotic, corrupt and in perpetual disarray. But the game itself is so deeply ingrained in daily life — and in Brazilian identity and self-esteem — that its strength at the grass roots more than compensates for those deficiencies at the top.

Familiarity with soccer begins early, producing a bottomless pool of talent. By age 3, a boy has probably learned how to dribble the ball, and by 7 he is playing the informal sandlot version of the game with his pals in any open space they can find — a clearing in the jungle, an empty lot in a large city, a pasture or on the beach — and maybe sleeping with the ball, if he is fortunate enough to afford one.

Despite the considerable economic advances it has made over the last generation, Brazil is still a country with millions of poor among its 185 million people. And it is the poor who have traditionally seen success in soccer as their fastest ticket to prosperity and prestige.

Of the 23 players on the national squad competing in Germany this month, only three come from a background that would be considered middle class here. Most of the players, whether they were born in cities or in the countryside, come from families that are humble, the preferred term for poverty here.

Their success breeds only more success, especially now that the globalization of soccer has made Brazilian players increasingly in demand for teams all over the world. When a poor boy sees that a player like Ronaldinho, considered the best in the world going into the World Cup, can earn 28 million euros (about $35 million) a year, it encourages him to aim high and devote himself to the game.

"There are now so many role models, and no glass ceiling," said Alex Bellos, the author of "Futebol: Soccer, the Brazilian Way." "Go into any shantytown or urban center, and you're sure to find someone who had a mate at school who played with Ronaldo or knows someone else who is a pro footballer. The idea is more than a dream, it's a reality."

That hunger for success, however, does not explain the extraordinary inventiveness and fluidity with which Brazilians play the game. Some of the country's most knowledgeable analysts see that skill as a response to the confusion and unpredictability of daily life here, which has made Brazilians adept at what is called dribbling around rules and barriers.

"We Brazilians are accustomed to having to improvise, to being creative when we are in a tight spot," said Tostão, now a popular commentator whose real name is Eduardo Gonçalves de Andrade. "It's the foundation of our music and art, too, and that intuitive ability to sidestep the rules and improvise on the spot is what distinguishes the great player from the excellent."

As Brazil urbanizes and as it becomes harder to find open spaces, the game is also moving indoors, to gymnasiums in a form known as futsal. Ronaldinho and Robinho came out of that setting — the soccer equivalent of arena football in the United States.

"Futsal teaches players a capacity to create in a small space," said Juca Kfouri, one of Brazil's most influential and outspoken soccer commentators. "Then, when they get to play on the grass, on that larger stage, they can glory in really having room to create."

Traditionally, the path of a Brazilian player was clearly defined from the moment he was spotted playing sandlot ball, usually by an amateur scout who was often a fan of a local team. He was signed by that team as a teenager, passed on to a larger regional club if he showed promise, sold to one of the 20 or so teams with large national followings, and finally, if he was very lucky, ended his playing days in Europe.

Throughout his career, however long it lasted, a player was little more than a piece of merchandise. If he offended management or wanted too much money, he could easily be replaced because he had few contractual rights and there was always more talent waiting in the pipeline.

But when Pelé, the country's greatest player, became sports minister in the mid-1990's, he made an effort to change the system. Using his prestige, he managed to push legislation through the Brazilian legislature that was meant to reduce the power of clubs and give players more control of their careers.

The so-called Pelé Law has weakened the clubs, commentators agree, but it has also ended up benefiting agents more than the players. The agents, or impresarios, as they are known, have increasingly assumed responsibility for finding promising players, who are signed to personal management contracts and parked at clubs willing to showcase them until their value increases and they can be sold to a European club, sometimes while still teenagers.

"In the last decade, this has become an industry," TostĂŁo said. "The clubs don't have as many scouts out there as they once did, people who will call out of love for a club and tell them they have to see a kid. Today, it's all the impresarios and their personal networks of scouts, which I think is a bad thing because they grab the kids and put them under their personal control."

In hopes of getting an early look at future stars, teams in Italy, England, Spain and Belgium have either bought pieces of Brazilian clubs or signed development deals with them. They are also bypassing the clubs and the player agents by sending their own scouts to scour the backlands and the urban slums for exportable talent, as Major League Baseball teams do in places like the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.

Brazilian law and international rules forbid teams to sign players who have barely entered their teens. But to get around that restriction, European teams are now offering jobs as drivers or cooks to the parents of promising young players, who are then taken to Europe and enrolled on their junior squads.

Private soccer schools are also growing in importance as sources of players. These operate independently of clubs and for the most part do not receive support from the Ministry of Sports or the Brazilian national confederation. The confederation has a $165 million contract with Nike, but is widely criticized for contributing little to development programs for Brazilian youth.

Roberto Dinamite is one of several former players who operate such academies. Born and reared in Duque de Caxias, a working-class suburb of Rio, he has established the headquarters of his Roberto Dinamite Institute across the street from the rutted field where he was first spotted at age 10 by a scout for the Vasco da Gama club.

His school in his old neighborhood has functioned for little more than a decade. But it has produced one player who is on the Brazilian national junior team, another who plays for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands and two who are signed to teams in Rio.

More than 150 boys, ages 7 through 16, participate in the program. On a cool and windy afternoon the day before Brazil's debut in the Cup, a group of 13-year-olds was going through a drill that required them to run a zigzag among a row of traffic cones, then take a pass with the right foot, dribble and finally kick the ball with the left foot.

"All of these kids know how to play, and every one of them wants to be the next Ronaldinho," Roberto Dinamite said. "But if there is even half a Ronaldinho here, or at some other school like this, then Brazil is going to remain atop the heap."

16

Football / Nurermburg pictures

« on: June 26, 2006, 08:33:29 PM »

Howdy folks here are my pictures and a video from Nuremberg and Frankfurt
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVv_VBd-aBg

Tallman and me

[/b]

I was taking pictures with any Trinis

Let me see...A bunch of guys drinking, dancing, half naked and no women around. I call that GAY PRIDE

[/b]

What do you prefer this....

[/b]

or this!!!

[/b]

Post Game

[/b]

17

Football / Good Bye Waggonist

« on: June 22, 2006, 11:02:48 AM »

Now that T&T are headed home I would like to say thanks to the many Waggonist and people who know nothing on football in T&T and in general. Your comments at times were thoughtful and added to lively debate.

I look forward to seeing you during the following:

Gold Cup (when T&T either make it to the final or bow out early so you can bad talk the team)
Olympics (If we make it)
World Cup qualifying (When you realize that we are playing)
November 2009 (When we qualify for South Africa along with our cousins from Jamaica).

Like a Catholic priest said to his congregation in after Easter and Christmas mass: "See you next year!"

18

Football / Come Saturday

« on: June 07, 2006, 03:49:21 PM »

Fellas. No shame here but come Saturday morning before the game start I might have a few tears in my eye.

It will be tears of accomplishment and knowing how far we have come. With no disrespect to Ato, Hasley or Brian never have so few carried the T&T flame before the World and represented the dreams and aspirations of our nation than ever before than those eleven men on Saturday.
 

This team us.

Latapy grew up in Mrovant/Lavantile. Anyone headed over the Lady Young from Morvant Junction to St. Anns can see that in this area it is soooo easy to go down the wrong path.Yet a superstar was born and bred in that area.

Yorke catch crabs in Tobago in a place people dive past without even noticing.

This team is filled with people who grew up in Malick, Morvant and Lavantile. Fete in Arima and lime in Tunapuna.  They played as boys for CIC, QRC, St. Augustine,Sando Tech, Arima Senior Compre, San Juan Sec. Presentation College and Signal Hil. Who in T&T during the 1980's and listening to intercol didn't hear the names of Latapy at Sando tech and Yorke playing for Signal Hill with Shaka playing for the hated CIC.

Men on this team played and still play for Jabloteh, W Connection and Defense Force. Never in my life time would I every imagine someone playing for San Juan Jabloteh would ever mark someone playing for Juventus.

I think about all those who gave there blood, sweat and lives for T&T football. I think about my first generation of heroes in Clayton Morris, Brian Williams, Marvin Faustin, Leonson Lewis and the other many talented men that heard our national anthem play in far away countries in front of hostile crowds. I think of the men far from home and the only ones in whatever league they played in from Trinidad who are always fighting for that call up to the national side and doing there country proud.

And finally I think Richard Theodore and  Marvin Lee one of T&T's up and comers whose tragic accident while playing for our country lead to his death.

Win, loose or draw I don't care. This is my team. They are you and me and I could not be happier.

19

Football / Gol TV had it wrong

« on: June 07, 2006, 11:49:57 AM »

Last night on the the GOl Tv news they mentioned that T&T lost to St.Pauli 2-1. They went on to say that were not disappointed with the lost because we rode back to the hotels on our bikes.

20

Football / I had a dream

« on: May 16, 2006, 04:42:12 PM »

I dreamt T&T tied Sweden 1-1 and beat England 4-1.

In the England game T&T scored in the 1st minute, England tied the game and then we scored in the 33rd minute and two goals in the second half.

Marc

21

2006 World Cup - Germany / Lime in Frankfurt Germany

« on: April 26, 2006, 11:07:00 AM »

Fellas,
I flying ito Germany from June 14th -16th from England to catch the England game. I will be in Frankfurt for those days. Anybody going to be in Frankfurt and then going to the T&T game?

Let me know so we could organise a lime.

Marc

22

Football / Why the double standard?

« on: February 21, 2006, 11:18:20 PM »

It always seems odd that the media outlets, particularly in Europe always seem to harp on a footballer's nationality every four years.

In 1998 it was Jamaica and there four English born players.  This year it is Trindad and our recruitment of players with T&T parentage.

For years European national teams have been granting citizenships to stand outs in there domestic league. Ask Poland, Germany, England, Sweden and the Netherlands to name a few. Every World Cup it is interesting to see a player obviously not of European decent running on the field wearing national  colours not of his birth.

The situation is particularly acute in the US. They fast track citizenship like it is a fire sale at Walmart.

My question is why is a big deal that  T&T is recruiting players who were born overseas? Jamaican and Trinidadians migrated to the UK in the 1950's and the trend shows no sign of stopping. There will be generations of players long after we leave our existence who will have T&T blood flowing through their veins. If we go after them to form part of team so be it. The situations has been this way for years now and it is time for a reversal.

Marc

23

2006 World Cup - Germany / Travelling to Germany

« on: February 14, 2006, 08:56:38 PM »

Howdy folks,
I have been hearing stories that getting from England to Germany during the World Cup is going to be hell. Can anyone confirm this.

I am thinking of flying to T&T and then on to Germany for a game.

Marc

24

Football / I had a dream last night

« on: December 27, 2005, 01:07:26 PM »

Last night I dreamt we tied Sweden 1-1 and lost to England 5-3 with T&T coming back late in the game. I also remember people here on the board talking about  the Paraguay game as the biggest ever in T&T history.

Marc

25

Football / Trinidad's Matches

« on: December 09, 2005, 03:19:25 PM »

T&T vs Sweden June 10th Dortmund
T&T vs England June 15th Nurenburg
T&T vs Paraguay June 20th Kaiserlautern

26

Football / What T&T needs

« on: December 08, 2005, 03:10:19 PM »

T&T despite getting to the World Cup is not getting any respect from teams and there supporters in the region. Supporters from Jamaica, Canada, Guatemala and the US while happy a team from Concacaf is there are down playing our results and qualification.

There arguement being that T&T had weak oppenents in there opening round facing St. Vincent and St. Kitts. They were unable to beat the US and Costa Rica at home. And despite wins over Guatemala and Mexico at home T&T showed poor form when hitting the road.

Now that we have qualified T&T needs to become consistent first at home and then abroad. We only have to look at our cousins in the north to see what being consistent is about. Up until last year playing at the national stadium in Kingston was not a easy walk for any team.

Jamaica proved that home should be a fortress and playing there be it Brazil or Norway should never afford the opposition much of oppurtunity for a win or tie.

Unfortunately, T&T doesnot have that stella record at home. Lets face the facts, should Honduras, Jamaica or Guatemala come to Port of Spain those teams would give us a run for our money. Not to speak of the US, Costa Rica and Mexico. 

It should not be a crap shoot of which T&T team will show up when the are playing at home. The one that played Mexico or the one that played Bahrain. Hasley Crawford should be a fortress and any team coming to T&T should be shaking in there boots not licking there chops.

Marc

27

Football / Boo Hoo I should have qualified

« on: November 22, 2005, 06:56:19 PM »

Howdy,
Every four years it is the same crap over and over again. Some country complains that they should have gone to the World Cup in place of some weaker oppenent. This year the cry baby award goes to Uraguay.

The boys from South America are upset that they should be in the World Cup by the simple fact that they beat eventual group winners Argentina, tied Brazil home and away and play in the toughest qualifying group in the World. They have a point, should they have played T&T for a play-off the story may have been different last Wednesday.

My counter to that argument is that football a global game. Where would the World game be if the purest were to just simply pick the top 32 teams? Worse still 16 teams, with the majority made up of European teams with South American and a couple of squads from around the globe to add flavor.

I ask the question of where would football be in the US with just one team qualifying from Concacaf. Should the US not qualified for the WC in 1990 there would be no MLS. The same would be for the J-league in Japan and  Korean domestic football.

Where would football be in Africa without the more spots after 1994. Countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, South Africa and Senegal would not be able to capture the imagination of World. Worse still the level of the play would remain the same and countries like Ivory Coast, Angola, Togo and Ghana would still be sitting at home. They had to raise there game in order to reach Germany. Angola  is in the World Cup and are still recovering from years of civil war. What better way to unify and help rebuild the country than seeing there team play on the World stage.

Sorry Uraguay, you deserve more but football is much bigger than one country.  Dry your tears and this time finish in the top four.

Marc

28

Football / Bahrain ready for T&T

« on: November 15, 2005, 08:19:23 PM »

GO FOR IT BAHRAIN

By RAMI HULAYYEL

BAHRAIN players are set to go all out tonight in their quest to clear the final hurdle and clinch their first-ever ticket to the World Cup at the National Stadium. "We will go for it," declared Bahrain coach Luka Peruzovic ahead of the second-leg playoff against Trinidad and Tobago.

Bahrain not only hold an away goal advantage following a 1-1 draw in the first-leg in Port-of-Spain on Saturday, but also has the benfit of playing in front of their home fans.

But Bahrain have a few worries as two key players, captain and influential midfielder Mohammed Salmeen and key defender Abdulla Al Marzooqi will be unavailable due to suspensions

"The players are very motivated and I like their sense of pride. I'm enjoying every minute with them," said the 53-year-old Belgian who took over from German Wolfgang Sidka.

Peruzovic denied that Bahrain would adapt defensive tactics to safe guard the away goal advantage.

Peruzovic also declined to name the replacements for Salmeen and Al Marzooqi.

But it is widely believed that star striker Aal'a Hubail will start the match for the first time in eight months following a long term injury.

"We will play our normal game, like we did in the first-leg. But it's going to be a tough match for both sides," added Peruzovic.

On his part, Beenhakker expressed faith in his players and said that he was confident of his team booking a slot in the 2006 World Cup to be held in Germany.

"We respect Bahrain who played a good match at our ground. It is also true that some of our players disappointed in the first-leg.

"But they are now keen to work harder here. I just want my players to play a normal game in the second-leg," said the 63-year-old Dutchman.

Like Bahrain, Trinidad are also chasing their first-ever ticket to the World Cup.

Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia and South Korea are the four other Asian countries already in the World Cup fray.

29

Football / The day after tommorow

« on: November 15, 2005, 07:59:34 PM »

Whatever happens tommorow night in Bahrain Trinidad and Tobago football will never be the same again. There are some fundamental questions that need to be asked irregardless of the score.

The first question we have to ask ourselves if we should hold on to Beenie after August 2006. After that date T&T will be once again in a rebuilding mode. He has taken T&T to levels that we have not experianced in 16 years. However he has only been on the job since a 0-0 tie with Costa Rica. He has done a remarkable job and needs to be given a fresh mandate that will take him to South Africa.

The second pressing  question is players. We will have to source new players as several members of our team are now and will be considered veterans by 2010. Someone in the forum has raised the point that our World Championship team has not produced the amount of players that will provide a foundation for the next World Cup. With that being the case we have to go out and get European born players to represent T&T. Further, we need to put some serious resources once again into youth football. (I have been saying this for the past eight years).

Finally, T&T is now a marked team in Concacaf. When the next round of qualifying begins the other teams are going to come after T&T like fire. Lets put aside the two main contenders Mexico and the USA. Costa Rican football has improved tremendously in the few years and on a good day can really play with the best. Our Jamaican cousins are currently rebuilding and they will use our run for the World Cup to put fire under there program. Both Honduras and Guatemala are not going to take there failures easily.

Yes folks come tommorow night T&T football will never be the same again. See you in Germany

Marc
 

30

Football / Bahrain already playing in the World Cup

« on: November 14, 2005, 08:17:31 AM »

Soccer squad make Bahrain proud... 
By Vijay Mruthyunjaya

With Bahrain just 90 minutes away from realising a long-cherished dream of playing in the World Cup, I'm already overwhelmed by the infinite possibilities awaiting the national team in Germany next year.

The end of one dream may well begin another, and mine started at 3.30am yesterday as I gave the finishing touches to the four-page GDN World Cup playoff special which carried the story of Bahrain's 1-1 draw against Trinidad and Tobago.

It was a delightful experience: realising the enormity of the achievement, and dreaming of the future possibilities.

Bahrain, for instance, being grouped with either England or France; Germany or Argentina is another exciting prospect while a match against Brazil can be a dream come true: Aal'a Hubail versus Ronaldo or Mohammed Salmeen vs David Beckham.

My favourite, however, will be to see Bahrain's wonderfully gifted goalkeeper Ali Hassan at one end and, perhaps, England's Paul Robinson or Dida of Brazil at the other at an exotic venue like Gelsenkirchen or Kaiserslautern.

At the other end, a clash between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia or South Korea, or even against Japan or Iran in a World Cup can be a fascinating duel among equals.

Or how about a clash of World Cup newcomers: Bahrain versus any of the five debutants - Ukraine, Ivory Coast, Togo, Angola or Ghana.

Even a simple draw or a narrow victory in any of the above showdowns can be as good as winning the World Cup, at least for the time being.

A lot of people have asked me for the secret behind Bahrain's unprecedented success and everytime I have said the same thing - a clear lack of fear and a strong will to overachieve.

These two factors were brilliantly on show against Trinidad, who were overwhelming favourites to win on home soil with a bunch of soccer stars.

But Bahrain played with traditional flair and fluency, and seemed well aware of the fact that they had everything to gain and very little to lose.

Their performance was not flawless, particularly after scoring in the 72nd minute, and they even let their guard down which allowed Trinidad to equalise five minutes later, but, overall, it was persevering and heartwarming.

It's now time to hail our soccer heroes, celebrate the occasion, and cherish the moment!