Messages

1

Football / Re: FINALLY!!! The News We've ALL Been Waiting For.....IT'S OFFICIAL!!!

« on: December 22, 2008, 02:11:59 PM »

Palos,
You are like the Grince. You just stole my christmas!!!

2

Football / Re: Guatemala vs U.S.A

« on: August 21, 2008, 10:26:23 AM »

I saw some of the highlights. That game was nasty. Those Guatemala players play are very rough.

3

Football / Re: For T&T supporters in Toronto

« on: August 19, 2008, 07:22:55 AM »

Sweet.

4

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."

5

Football / Re: Maturana prefers to play overseas.

« on: July 30, 2008, 12:21:11 PM »

Strange but true but I dreamt last night that T&T was playing Guatemala in Giants stadium when the upper deck collapsed.

As for playing overseas the Jack has been licking his chops to play a T&T game in the New York area. I too will stay home and boycott any home games played outside T&T.

6

Football / Re: T & T vs Panama , 30 th July

« on: July 18, 2008, 07:22:34 AM »

Panama or Grenada? or maybe Bermuda again? I will believe it when I see it.

7

2010 World Cup - South Africa / Re: Blatter: FIFA exploring alternate-site strategies for 2010 World Cup

« on: July 10, 2008, 07:09:20 AM »

Spain, England and the US. All have major stadiums ready to go.

8

Football / Former Trinidad defender Brent Sancho on trial at Wrexham FC

« on: July 04, 2008, 07:14:44 AM »

Jul 4 2008 by Gareth Bicknell, Daily Post

THE man who shot to fame when Peter Crouch pulled his dreadlocks at the World Cup could be at Wrexham next season.

Former Trinidad & Tobago defender Brent Sancho is on trial at the Racecourse, and Wrexham boss Brian Little said he could be just the sort of the player the Dragons need for their bid to get back into the Football League at the first attempt.

Sancho, 31, played all three games in the Soca Warriors’ 2006 World Cup campaign, partnering former former Racecourse favourite Dennis Lawrence at the heart of defence.

Crouch famously broke the deadlock in England’s 2-0 victory after impeding the centre-back in the 83rd minute by pulling his dreadlocks .

And former Gillingham man Sancho could aid Wrexham’s Blue Square Premier assault after beginning a trial alongside youngsters David Ogilby – also a centre-back – and striker Drew Fahiya.

Little said of Sancho: “He’s got bags of experience behind him. He’s played at a higher level and he was keen to come in to Wrexham and show us what he’s got.

“He’s one of three players who have come in for a couple of weeks so we’ll have a look at him and see how he does.

“If they do really well we’ll try to bring them on board. We’ve done one training session and at the moment we want to integrate them in training with us and make sure their fitness levels are high.

“We’ll be pushing them in game situations in the next couple of weeks and take it on from there. At the moment they’re just getting involved in a little bit of fitness work so in terms of how their trials are going it’s early days.”

Sancho, from Port of Spain, made 45 appearances for Gillingham between 2005 and 2007, and has also played for Dundee.

His World campaign in Germany, in which he played alongside another ex-Wrexham favourite Carlos Edwards as well as former Manchester striker Dwight Yorke, included a creditable 0-0 draw against Sweden which saw the Soca Warriors hold on despite playing the whole of the second half with 10 men.

That result gave them a hope of qualifying before England’s somewhat fortunate victory over them, but Sancho’s World Cup campaign ended in unfortunate circumstances when he scored an own goal in a 2-0 defeat to Paraguay.

He announced his retirement from international football in October 2006 following a dispute between players and the Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation over bonuses.

9

Football / Re: New CONCACAF League - Puerto Rico creates 8-team soccer league

« on: June 27, 2008, 07:27:34 AM »

They better than Canada. 

10

Football / Re: 'The shot' ends 40 years of hurt

« on: June 03, 2008, 01:42:33 PM »

I remember being away from home for the first time in my life on a cold day in Toronto and wanting to know what happened. I remember staying up until 11:00pm to see the news on TSN only to see the highlights.

There was so much sadness in my heart that day. Those players like Williams, Faustin, Latapy and Yorke were my first generation of heroes. Before that time people wanted to be like Pele amd Maradona. But for the first time I remember playing football and everyone wanted to be a Yorke, Faustin etc. That was huge. It meant that your heroes were not living thousands of miles away they were living "down in the back."

E-Man you do fantastic work but you put me in a fowl mood.

Marc

11

Football / Re: Any Chance that Beenhaaker will be back to coach our boys?

« on: June 03, 2008, 10:35:11 AM »

In a world where Hilary Clinton becomes President maybe.

12

Football / Re: Noriega Back Home

« on: June 03, 2008, 10:32:17 AM »

This is one of the sadest episodes in Trinidad football history. To leave a man to fend for himself after getting injured playing for your country is a disgrace.

13

Football / Re: Foreign vs Local (Coaches).

« on: June 03, 2008, 10:26:28 AM »

Does it really matter who coaches the team? In this day and age of globalization of jobs where a Canadian can be the head of the most powerfull government run company in Trinidad or a Brit can be in charge of the Jamaica Police Force, does it matter?

It is results that matter. If the headcoach of Trinidad was from Albania, wore Mickey Mouse pajamas to every game while whistling the theme song to the Price is Right and he took Trinidad to World Cup every time I will be happy.

14

Football / Extra Time-Politics Invades Celebration in Trinidad

« on: June 03, 2008, 08:11:24 AM »

By JACK BELL
New York Times

In the often politicized world of soccer, England’s recent four-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago to celebrate that country’s soccer centenary was, well, political.

Jack Warner, a special adviser to Trinidad’s soccer federation, is also the top official in the regional governing body, Concacaf, and a member of FIFA’s powerful executive committee. He was clearly being wooed by English officials, who are seeking support for their bid to host the 2018 World Cup. Warner would be expected to support regional bids from the United States and Mexico, but he told The Daily Telegraph of London that “America will not win” on the first ballot, which would make his vote available on subsequent ballots.

But beyond the festivities in Port of Spain, where England won Sunday, 3-0, Trinidad’s federation and Warner have been involved in a dispute with 16 players from the 2006 World Cup team over how to divide the tournament booty. Last week, an arbitrator in London ruled that the players were entitled to half of the federation’s profit, which is estimated to be $28 million. A hearing later this month will decide who receives what.

“Not a single member of the team was even offered a ticket to the game,” Shaka Hislop said of the match with England in a telephone interview from Dallas. He was the goalkeeper on the World Cup team and is currently a soccer analyst for ESPN. Only one of the players involved in the dispute, Dwight Yorke, attended the centenary celebration.

“Everyone can see it was simply a way for England to get on the good side of one of FIFA’s most powerful men,” Hislop said.

After the arbitrator’s ruling, Hislop said, the players feel “some relief and a lot of justification” in their feud with the federation in Trinidad. “We entered into an agreement, one that Mr. Warner offered us, for 50 percent of the profits,” he said. “This is our trade, this is how we earn our living. It took a special group of players to take it to the courtroom.”

15

Football / Re: Trinidad trip the ultimate in political football

« on: May 30, 2008, 10:24:24 AM »

I dont think there is anyone who will vote against the English for the World Cup

16

Football / Re: New Soca Warriors shirt launched.

« on: May 21, 2008, 07:19:41 AM »

When I saw the jersey I thought it was Canada's. When comparing them all Addidas did was add a white stripe to Trinidad's jersey.

17

Football / Re: Cloud hangs over T&T/England match.

« on: May 21, 2008, 07:12:16 AM »

If this game is cancelled dot expect to see to see any big teams ever to appear in Trinidad for a very long time.

18

Football / Re: Soca Warriors get big bucks.

« on: May 20, 2008, 07:27:37 AM »

TRINIDAD PLAYERS WIN PAY-OUT

By Martyn Ziegler, PA Chief Sports Reporter

Sixteen members of Trinidad and Tobago's 2006 World Cup squad are in line for six-figure pay-outs after winning a dispute over cash owed from the tournament.

The players, who include Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones, Southampton forward Stern John and former West Ham and Newcastle keeper Shaka Hislop, had taken their case against the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) to an arbitration hearing in London last month.

Now the arbitrator Ian Mill QC has ruled that the players are entitled to 50% of the cash the TTFF earned from sponsorship revenues and half the profits from six pre-World Cup friendlies.

The exact figure each player should receive has yet to be decided upon by Mill but they should be in line to pocket around £125,000 each.

FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, the TTFF's special adviser, who made the initial agreements with the players, had originally offered them around £500 per player.

The 16 refused and began legal action believing they were entitled to much more.

The Sports Dispute Resolution Panel in London were told last month that the TTFF had signed a £5.5million ($11.5million) sponsorship deal with adidas before the World Cup and that the players were entitled to half that sum plus 50% of FIFA's participation money and profits from pre-tournament friendlies.

Neither the TTFF nor the players are permitted to comment as the arbitration ruling contains a confidentiality clause.

But a leaked copy of Mill's ruling states: "It seems to me that the applicants (players) have done enough to raise a case for the TTFF to answer in this respect.

"I therefore find, not without some hesitation, that Mr Warner did promise on June 12, 2006, to increase the players' share under the commercial revenues sharing agreement from 30% to 50%, in order to obtain 'practical benefits' for the TTFF, and that, therefore, that promise was, and is, legally binding on the TTFF."

The 16 players who took the TTFF to arbitration were: Marvin Andrews (formerly Rangers and Livingston), Chris Birchall (Coventry), Atiba Charles (Rochester Rhinos), Cyd Gray (San Juan Jabloteh), Ian Cox (Maidstone), Cornell Glen (Ma Pau SC), Shaka Hislop (formerly Newcastle and West Ham), Avery John (Miami FC), Stern John (Southampton), Kenwyne Jones (Sunderland), Kelvin Jack (Gillingham), Collin Samuel (St Johnstone), Brent Sancho (Ross County), Aurtis Whitley (W Connection), Evans Wise (Waldhof Mannheim) and Anthony Wolfe (North East Stars).

19

Football / Re: New ADIDAS unis (at least some countries)

« on: May 08, 2008, 07:19:21 AM »

I was at the new Addidas store in Toronto and could not find one T&T jersey. They somehow forgot that there was a large population of Trinis that lived their.

It is time to dump those sponsors and switch to Puma. At least they have more imagination in designing their jerseys.

20

Football / Re: Kelvin Jack released by Gillingham

« on: May 08, 2008, 07:12:51 AM »

Thank your lucky stars that you are off the Titanic.

21

Football / Re: Players transfer thead (2008).

« on: May 06, 2008, 07:25:21 AM »

From a earlier post:
Samuel joins up at St Johnstone

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.

22

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.”

23

General Discussion / Re: Happy Birthday to de one and only Tallman!

« on: May 05, 2008, 07:34:59 AM »

Happy Birthday Tallman

24

Football / Re: Attempt to extort Ronaldo by Transvestite Prostitute

« on: April 30, 2008, 07:55:46 AM »

I never thought that Ronaldo and Eddie Murphy would share something in common.

25

Football / Re: Where and what happened to David Nahkid?

« on: April 25, 2008, 03:43:56 PM »

He is no Judas.

26

Football / Re: Leafs owner eyes U.K. soccer

« on: April 25, 2008, 07:25:37 AM »

I think any team that gets bought out by MLSE should be weary. MLSE is owned by the Ontario Teachers pension Fund.

They have been the biggest cheapsakes in North American sports after the  Cincinati Bengals.

The MLSE plan would be to buy a team, put one or two starts on it no more and build a new stadium. The team will wallow near bottom until Jesus walks the earth again.

27

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.

28

Football / Re: T&T venue an option for Barbados vs USA

« on: April 22, 2008, 08:19:59 AM »

I here that Jamaica vs Bahamas game will also be moved because the stadium in Nassau is not suitable.

29

Football / Re: More Britz for Simoes

« on: April 04, 2008, 10:29:09 AM »

Captain Burrell's formular for "success"
Hire a Brazillian.
Have him write some letters in the local newspaper to the poeple of country.
Have the local players go on a tour of Brazil.
Go find some yardies.
Suffer a setback in an Intertional friendly or World Cup qualifier.
Go find some more yardies.
Realize that the formula does not work out
Have the coach write some more letters.
Go get some more yardies.

30

Football / Re: T&T olympic women go under to Canada.

« on: April 04, 2008, 07:41:50 AM »

One question from this game: Why do we still have this clown coaching any national teams from Trinidad?