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31

Football / Fifa rejects Premier League plans

« on: February 14, 2008, 05:48:00 PM »

Fifa rejects Premier League plans  
 
The president of football's world governing body Fifa has told the BBC that plans by the Premier League to host games abroad will never happen.
Sepp Blatter also warned that the proposal could harm England's attempt to host the 2018 World Cup.

"This does not take into consideration the fans of the clubs and it gives the impression that they just want to go on tour to make some money," Blatter said.

"This will never happen, at least as long as I am the president of Fifa."


Interview: Mihir Bose with Sepp Blatter

Blatter's comments, in an interview with BBC sports editor Mihir Bose, are the strongest from the governing body since the Premier League's plans were revealed last week.

Top-flight clubs will consider plans to extend the season to 39 games with the extra matches taking place overseas.

But the idea has met with resistance in Asia, Europe and fans in England.

 This is abuse. The rich Premier League is trying to get richer and expand the importance of that league

Sepp Blatter
Blatter's stance effectively leave the proposals, for a round of games to take place in five different host cities from January 2011, dead in the water.

"The Premier League is richer than the others, they have more responsibility and what they are trying to do is contrary to this responsibility," he said.

"This is something I cannot understand and definitely the Fifa executive committee will not sanction such an initiative."

A Premier League spokesman said the clubs would "look forward to the opportunity to meet with Fifa in order to discuss this matter in full".

"This was always the starting point in relation to the issue of sanction for the proposed international round, and as such we will be making no comment until after that time," the spokesman added.

 
This will not have a positive impact on the bid from England for the World Cup in 2018

Sepp Blatter

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore had previously expressed his belief that Fifa could not stop the plan if the clubs receive the go-ahead from England's Football Association.

But Blatter rejected that claim.

"It is not true," he added. "Even if the FA did sanction it, all the national associations receiving these clubs would have to sanction it also. This will be very difficult.

"In addition to that, the Fifa executive committee will apply article two of the Fifa statutes: 'to prevent all methods or practices which might jeopardise the integrity of matches or competitions or give rise to abuse of association football'.

"This is abuse. The rich Premier League is trying to get richer and wants to expand the importance of that league."

There were early signs of Fifa disquiet when it was revealed the governing body had told the Premier League it could not consider the plans until the Football Association had contacted them.

It is understood the FA has held talks with Fifa and is ready to issue a statement distancing themselves from the proposals.

Blatter warned it could affect the FA's bid for the 2018 World Cup.

 DEBATE ON MIHIR BOSE BLOG
With the amount of negative reaction coming from every direction, I think it's a waste of time for the PL to be pursuing it any further

Oliver Lewisohn
"When it comes to a decision of the executive committee concerning this matter of the 39th round, and I am sure they will be against it, then it will not have a positive impact on the bid from England for the World Cup in 2018," he added.

Scudamore's plans received a mixed reaction around the world, with the heads of the Asian Football Confederation and Football Federation Australia, which could host any proposed games, rejecting the idea.

The United Arab Emirates Football Association said it would welcome the plan but Uefa boss Michel Platini called it a "nonsense idea".

The proposals were also widely criticised by fans in England and Blatter said he understood their reaction.

"I support the fans 100%," he said. "If I was a fan in England I would say: 'no, please play at home and don't go and exercise your talents abroad'.

"If the plan includes official league matches then, as a fan, I would protest against this."

Fifa will examine the Premier League's proposals at its executive committee meeting on 14 March.










 

32

Football / Dominica FA files ethics complaint against Warner

« on: January 17, 2008, 10:33:06 AM »

Dominica FA files ethics complaint against Warner
 
By Mark Ledsom

BERNE, Switzerland, Jan 17 (Reuters) - The Dominica football association has appealed to FIFA's ethics committee over what it calls "the appalling conduct and flagrant abuse of power" by FIFA vice-president Jack Warner.

The association said on Thursday that Warner had arrived in the country on Wednesday and told officials he would recommend the removal of the association's executive committee within seven days and its replacement by a "normalization committee."

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The association's media release gave no information on possible reasons for the actions taken by Warner, who is also president of the CONCACAF region of FIFA.

FIFA said it could not confirm the claims made in the media release.

"All we can say today is that we have received a correspondence from the football association and that we are looking into it," a spokesman added.

FIFA has frequently suspended national associations or insisted on the removal of officials, often as a result of alleged interference by national governments.

The Dominica FA insisted though that Warner had made a "unilateral decision."

The statement added: "Mr Warner's actions are totally unacceptable as they are unquestionably illegal, being contrary to the provisions of the Constitution of the Football Assocation as well as to statutes of CONCACAF and FIFA.

"The DFA has requested that the Independent FIFA Ethics Committee headed by Lord Sebastian Coe launch an urgent investigation into the unwarranted and unconstitutional interference by Mr Warner in the internal affairs of the national association."

FIFA's executive committee expressed "disapproval" with Warner in Dec. 2006 over a scandal involving the resale of World Cup tickets by a former travel company of Warner's run by his son Daryan.

No further action was taken though after FIFA's disciplinary committee said there was "no concrete evidence" that Warner had known about the sales. (Editing by Justin Palmer)



Updated
 

33

Football / G14 to disband

« on: January 15, 2008, 03:10:29 PM »

G14 to disband
 
January 15, 2008
By Martyn Ziegler Special to PA SportsTicker

G14, the group of elite European clubs, is to be disbanded and the organization will withdraw their court claims against FIFA in what has been hailed as "an historic day for football".

The announcement follows a summit meeting between the clubs, FIFA and UEFA in Zurich that will lead to the formation of a new European Club Association that will be formally recognized by the ruling powers.

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G14 - made up of 18 clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal - has been a thorn in the side of the world and European governing bodies for a decade, threatening breakaway super leagues and taking legal action after players were injured on international duty.

The clubs, FIFA and UEFA have signed a letter of intent for moves which will see G14 dissolved and the court claims withdrawn. For their part, UEFA and FIFA will make financial contributions for players' participation in European Championships and World Cups.

"Something very special has happened today," FIFA president Sepp Blatter said. "The clubs, which are the basic cells of our game and fundamental to its thriving, are at last to become a part of the pyramidal football organization."

"The demands of the clubs to be heard and to be associated, also financially, are well-founded. The letter of intent signed today is not a political step, but a logical one," UEFA president Michel Platini added.

Speaking on behalf of the clubs, Barcelona president Joan Laporta praised the outcome of the meeting.

"Friendship and confidence is the basis for our game," Laporta said. "I compliment the UEFA president on having implemented the change he promised when he came to office. It is a victory for all."

At the next meeting of the European Club Forum on January 21, UEFA will propose to the European clubs the intention to create a new body to represent their interests at European level.

This new club body - to be known as the European Club Association - will consist of more than 100 clubs across Europe, including representatives from every one of the 53 national associations of UEFA. The new body will be independent but recognized by UEFA.

The meeting in Zurich included David Gill, Peter Kenyon and Martin Bain, the chief executives of Manchester United, Chelsea and Rangers respectively.





Updated
 

34

Football / Anton Pierre

« on: January 08, 2008, 04:55:14 PM »

Anton Pierre is one player that TTFF drop like a hot bag ahh potatoes out of all the local defenders he has the most experience some may say he’s slow but that can’t be the only reason for his non selection I say he should be training   with the locals i took some topic for a little refresh


Name: Anton Pierre.
Date of Birth: 23rd-Sept-1977.
Height: 189 cm.
Club: Defence Force (Trinidad).
Position: Defender.
School: Belmont Secondary (Trinidad).
Favourite team other than T&T: Manchester United.
NOTE: A solid defender who has recently been giving the chance to establish his place in the TnT Senior team, Pierre can also play as a midfielder. He has represented TnT at the U-14, U-17, U-20 and U-23 levels. He was also part of the Senior team during the tour to Brazil in February, 2001. Anton also played against Kuwait and China in August, 2001.

Related News:
       

 By Randy Bando...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Skipper Anton Pierre of TT Pro League club Defence Force has picked up the ‘Courts MVP’ title of Round Two.

The elated ‘Army’ player received a brand new 21-inch flat screen television courtesy Courts (Trinidad) Ltd following in the tracks of Caledonia AIA midfielder Marvin Oliver, MVP of Round One.

Pierre told ‘ttproleague.com’, “When I first saw the MVP of the round and Marvin Oliver had won it, I said to myself, I could really do with something like that.”

“It’s not about wanting to win a TV,” Pierre explained. “To receive an award such as the Player of the Round is just a great feeling for any player.”

Pierre a veteran defender with the Army/Coast Guard professional football club led his team to a massive achievement this season climbing from ninth position to third place on the League standings.

His steady top class performance in defence for ‘Army’ during Round Two has earned him the ‘Player of the Round’ title but personally the former Trinidad and Tobago international would prefer that younger players in the League step up to such an achievement.

Commending the involvement by Courts, Pierre said, “Courts has done something great here, by supporting the League. What they have done is create something extra for the younger players to look forward too. I would now like to see that those young players improve on their game to take such an award in the future,” said the 31 year old.

He also praised the overall effort by his teammates, saying, “As captain I always felt that I had to be outstanding. But what I felt helped me personally this season is knowing that the team came together and everybody is playing for each another.”

Adding that Coach Kerry Jamerson had also done his part but at the end of the day, the coach can do as much and it is the players to have to do it on the match day.

He also reminisced on one of his team’s earlier practice sessions this season saying, “I had allowed the players come out and talk about what they wanted. I also reminded them that for the last three years Defence Force have been struggling and it is time that we rise,” concluded the Defence Force skipper.
 
 





Anton Pierre…….Taken by surprise.

By: Joel Villafana.
10-May-2005 - Defence Force burly defender Anton Pierre is today a bit disappointed at being left out of the National team by new National Coach Leo Beenhakker.
The strongly built anchorman admitted he was taken by surprise when he learnt of his omission, but he told ttproleague.com that he is looking on the bright side.
“It was a shock to me, because personally, I believe I am in the best form of my life, I have lost a couple pounds, and I have been playing at a consistently high level, but I guess that’s football, and the new coach will have his own thoughts,” said Pierre.
“However, I will not be phased, I am going to continue working hard and giving 100% at all times and I can only hope that I get a recall.”
Anton Pierre has come on leaps and bounds in recent times—and established himself as one of the country’s better defenders, and he was considered a key man in the Bertille St. Clair line up, but with the arrival of the Dutch born coach Leo Beenhakker, Pierre failed to make the first cut.
Beenhakker has narrowed down a squad of locally based players from 25 to 17, and has invited 23 overseas based players to have a look at in the coming weeks.
Looking at the Pro League, Pierre who is now a senior player with Defence Force, is excited about the 2005 season, he believes there are good things in store for the Army/Coast Guard outfit this year.
“The guys are all working hard, and they want to do well, there is a renewed vigor in the camp, we are aiming to be up there in the top three, and also looking to take away the knockout titles on offer.” Defence Force is currently lie 5th on the standings on 8 points.

Anton Pierre wants better this time.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
30-Mar-2005 - He was in the starting team which lost 2-0 to Costa Rica in the return match of the 2002 World Cup qualifiers at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Today, a fitter and more experienced Anton Pierre wants to help T&T to three points which will be more than the team had at the time of meeting the Costa Ricans back in 2002 when six games in the final round were already completed.
“This game is probably the most important of my career because it has much more significance than 2001,” Pierre said. “I think now being able to be in the squad is an achievement but it’s more than that now because we have to get into the habit of beating teams. I’m confident that we can bounce back but it’s going to be hard and we must be prepared for a rough battle.”
The likes of Nigel Pierre, Arnold Dwarika, Nigel Henry, Keyeno Thomas, Angus Eve, Leslie Fitzpatrick, Silvio Spann, Atiba Charles, Brent Sancho, Stern John, Kenwyne Jones and others are all carrying the same thoughts ahead of what is undoubtedly the most crucial game up to this point of the campaign.

Anton Pierre ready for action.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
09-Feb-2005 - Last year, he was struggling to maintain a place in the National team at a time when Bertille St Clair had taken over the role as head coach. But today, with the national team set to take on the United States in a 2006 World Cup qualifying match, Anton Pierre is in the 18-man squad and likely to start.
Pierre, a former Under 23 player, has fought hard to become a fitter individual during the past six months and is now hoping to add to his winner scored against Haiti last week.
“It’s just been down to personal sacrifices and hard work over the past few months,” Pierre said. “I decided that I really wanted to get into the team and the only way was to get fitter and try and become a better player and honestly I’ve felt much better in recent times and it’s beginning to show on the field. Hopefully I can come good for the team and make a contribution because we are aiming for nothing but a win,” the Defence Force soldier stated on Monday after a training session in the sister-isle. Apart from Pierre, Bertille St Clair has been getting good offerings from other home-based pros like Keyeno Thomas, Atiba Charles, Derek King, Marlon Rojas, Nigel Pierre and Angus Eve.

Anton Pierre: we will be ready to prove ourselves.”

Issued By: Shaun Fuentes.
03-Jan-2005 - “We are beginning to believe in ourselves and I think from February 9 onwards we will be ready to prove ourselves.” Those were the words of Defence Force defender Anton Pierre as he spoke of the yearning desire he and his fellow locally-based players have for putting on the National shirt and attaining success.
Pierre has appeared in the last five Digicel Caribbean Cup matches for the T&T team in the Digicel Caribbean Cup, and has performed creditably. Like his teammates, he is beginning to appreciate the call for stronger commitment and hard work from coach Bertille St Clair. The likes of midfielder Denzil Theobald, Silvio Spann, Marlon Rojas, Atiba Charles, Nigel Pierre, Stephen Cruickshank, Kerwyn Jemmott, Derek King, Cyd Gray, Michael Celestine, Keyeno Thomas, Jose Seabra, Leslie Fitzpatrick, Scott Sealy, Daurance Williams, Jan Michael Williams, Avery John, Anthony Rougier, Gary Glasgow and Cornell Glen are just some of the names who have been hard at work under the eyes of Bertille St Clair in recent weeks.
“I think confidence is always a main factor and most of us are beginning to believe more in ourselves. We have been working very closely as a team and it’s like a family among us. We know it’s going to be competitive when it comes to making the team for February 9 but we believe the best team will be out there on the day,” Pierre said.
For the past few weeks, St Clair has been putting his players through the paces and recently all day camps with two sessions per day have been ongoing. The team trained twice at the Marvin Lee Stadium on Monday and spent the off hours relaxing with meals being provided at the nearby Le Sportel Inn.
“Everything is settling into place and all the boys are really working hard,” striker Sealy added.
“The local pros are showing now that they are ready to step up and face any challenge that comes their way. There is talk in the air that there will be more local players in the squad. The complain is always that we don’t get enough time to train together as a team but now we are getting this chance and things are looking much better. It’s now a situation where we have to take that picture from practice and try and paint it on the field when match day comes around,” added the 2004 All American.
CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh midfielder Kerry Baptiste who has been a member of the squad for much of 2004, believes that his team can upset the Americans.
“When you think about it, America are the favourites to win this match but I believe that once we can keep up this sort of preparations then we stand a chance of beating them on Ash Wednesday. It’s all about hunger in the camp right now and we are becoming more determined to not just let any team come and feel they can get three points from us at home,” the former Murucapo Senior Comprehensive standout added.
The players are well aware of reports that the Americans have put off the start of their training camp because of unsettled wage agreements. But that could be just talk at the moment.
“We are not concerned with what’s happening in America,” Theobald said. “Our focus is getting as fit and ready as can be to ensure that we can stand a chance of winning that first game. All I am thinking about these days is what’s going to happen on Ash Wednesday. Whether I play or not, myself and the other guys are eager to do whatever we can to see us through to a win and then go on to qualify for Germany.”
Theobald and company will have yet another chance to prove their worth on Sunday when T&T tackles St Vincent and the Grenadines at the Queen’s Park Oval from 3:30pm in the Digicel Caribbean Cup third round encounter.

35

Football / Since 2000

« on: January 06, 2008, 08:39:30 AM »

Fellas I just can believe that this website has lasted so long I know for shore I’m not a original member but I’ve been on this site since 2000 and the most days I ever stayed away or had no ability to log on was three days my wife said it’s a sickness I have, but to tell yah de truth I’ve been following de national  team since ahh small big up men like FLEX AND TALLMAN  because without these two men we would have to rely on TTFF for news and we know how they can manipulate de news.   

36

Football / St Francois win Savannah football+

« on: December 22, 2007, 04:11:31 PM »

St Francois win Savannah football+

Saturday, December 22nd 2007
 
 
 St Francois Nationals are champions of Savannah Football for 2007.

The Belmont-based squad won the competition following a convincing 3-1 victory over Carenage United in the final on Thursday evening at the Queen's Park Savannah.

Carenage actually took the lead, scoring in the 18th minute through Marvin Jones. However, by half time, they trailed 2-1 as St Francois rallied back. Lorne Joseph, formerly of Superstar Rangers, pulled St Francois level at 1-1 in the 24th minute, before former Defence Force striker Odel Armstrong had them ahead in the 28th minute. Armstrong scored again in the 50th minute of the second half to stretch his team's lead to 3-1.

St Francois also topped the major awards, Joseph winning the Most Goals and Most Valuable Player awards, while Marvin Francois was Best Defender
 

this man still playing

37

Football / Safe Cleon John gets Jabloteh MVP

« on: December 21, 2007, 08:14:24 PM »

Safe Cleon John gets Jabloteh MVP       

User Rating: / 0
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Friday, 21 December 2007 
 By Randy Bando...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goalkeeper Cleon John, of the 2007 League Champions CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh, has been named as the Club’s Most Valuable Player, at their annual prize giving ceremony at the Cascadia Hotel, St Anns on Thursday night.

John, who had sterling performances throughout the TT Pro League season, joined Jabloteh in 2007 from Defence Force.

He grabbed two awards on the night, the second being the Most Improved Player.

“I wanted to prove something to my former club(Defence Force) and I have done it. I also wanted to prove to my new bosses that they made the right choice in me,” Cleon told ‘ttproleague.com’.

He also promised even better performances in goal in 2008 with the ‘San Juan Kings’.

Cleon was also picked  goalkeeper of the month three times during the 2007 season in the Seven Seas Peak Performers.

2007 Jabloteh MVP and current team captain and instrumental midfielder Trent Noel, picked up the Most Disciplined Player.

Both Trent Noel and Cleon John were part of the 2007 Shaka Hislop Tribute Cup TT Pro League Local All-Stars team.

The 2007 TT Pro League top goalscorer with 15 goals, Antiguan Peter Byers, is Jabloteh’s top goalscorer with 21 goals and last year’s Most Improved Player. Midfielder Jason Marcano picked up a special award for his outstanding performances.

Although honored with the award Byers admitted that it wasn’t his best performance.

He said, “It was my focus to win the Golden Boot award when I came to Trinidad and I have gotten it. But I believe I need to work a lot more on my finishing. I should have gotten a lot more goals this season.”

But it was youth player Jerrel Britto who bagged four awards on the night. The Queens Royal College student, and Trinidad and Tobago youth player, won the U-15 Most Valuable Player, U-15 Most Goals, Chairman’s Award and the Special Award Youth Catogory.

He represented both the Jabloteh U-15s and U-17s and is targeted by English Premiership club Portsmouth FC after impressive performances for his club and national U-15 team in the CFU Youth Tournament earlier this year.

San Juan Senior Comprehensive captain and Jabloteh reserve player Elijah Manners picked up two awards with the Most Valuable Player and Most Goals in his category.

Elijah Manners also led San Juan Senior Comprehensive to the Big Five Championship in 2007.

Jabloteh Awardees
Chairman Award
Jerrel Britto

Special Awards
Youth Category—Jerrel Britto
Senior Category—Jason Marcano

Senior Team
Most Valuable Player—Cleon John
Most Goals—Peter Byers
Most Improved—Cleon John
Most Disciplined Player—Trent Noel

Reserves
Most Valuable Player—Elijah Manners
Most Goals—Elijah Manners
Most Improved—Stephan Charles
Most Disciplined Player—Manuel Rezendi

U-17
Most Valuable Player—Anthony Sullivan
Most Goals—Brandon Rupert
Most Improved—Lorenzo Lutchman
Most Disciplined Player—Michael Duff

U-15
Most Valuable Player—Jerrel Britto
Most Goals—Jerrel Britto
Most Improved—Dillon Kertin
Most Disciplined Player—Dwight Sebaro

U-13
Most Valuable Player—Mario Kissoon
Most Goals—Garvin Samaroo
Most Improved—Akim Andrews
Most Disciplined Player—Cleon Joseph

Youth Clinic
Most Improved—Ronell Williams
Most Disciplined Player—Marcus Alexander
 
 
 

THE RACE FOR THE GOLDEN BOOT
 Top Goalscorers
1  Peter Byers 15
2  Errol Mc Farlane 14
3  Kerry Baptiste 14
4  Sylvester Teesdale 13
5  Jonathan Frias 13
 Click for full list
 

 

 
Copyright ©2007 TT Pro League     

38

Football / Brazilian coaches suffer as talent drains away

« on: December 18, 2007, 07:55:35 PM »

Brazilian coaches suffer as talent drains away
 
By Brian Homewood

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - No matter how meticulously a Brazilian coach prepares for the new season, his plans can be wrecked in an instant by the international transfer window.

Brazil exported a record 1,085 professional players this year, according to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

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In addition to the traditional destinations such as Spain, Italy and Portugal, players headed for places as unlikely as Guatemala, Surinam, Vietnam and Armenia.

The trade is often lucrative for Brazilian clubs and a successful move can give the players a chance to achieve financial independence for themselves and their families.

For the coaches of the 20 first division clubs, already working in one of the most volatile markets in the football world, it is a major headache, however.

"In the old days, the boy was born and his dream was to play football and to play for Brazil," said Alexandre Gallo, coach of first division Figueirense, during an international football forum in Rio de Janeiro.

"Today, the boy is born and he dreams of becoming a footballer so he can turn professional and be sold to a club in Europe. The dream has changed."

The Brazilian season runs from mid-January to early December while the European transfer window opens in January and again in July.

This means that most players depart either during pre-season training or halfway through the Brazilian championship.

"The first thing a coach has to know is the dates of the international transfer window," Ney Franco, coach of Atletico Paranaense, told an audience at the same forum.

"No matter how much you work and plan in December, you always have the risk that two or three players you had counted on will not be there when pre-season training starts."

"This is a problem for all the Brazilian clubs, even the ones with the best structure and more money."

COMMITMENT DROPS

Franco said negotiations often went on without the knowledge of the coach.

"The coach is sometimes the last one to know. The player is taken out of a training session because he has to sign some paperwork and when the coach asks what happened, he's told that the player has been sold.

"The Brazilian championship is at full steam and suddenly the transfer window opens...and the coach lives with the expectation that he could lose his best players."

Before the start of the Brazilian championship, the respected magazine Placar publishes a guide to the tournament complete with player profiles for all 20 clubs.

Halfway through the championship, the magazine publishes a second guide because the original is already out of date.

Franco said that even if a player is not sold, there can still be a negative effect on the team.

"If the player thinks he is going to be sold, his commitment drops. If the deal falls through, he can get frustrated and his performances drops anyway," he said.

Gallo said he had been sacked twice in the last three years after losing his top players.

In 2005, Gallo said he was at Santos when forwards Deivid and Robinho, who had scored 46 goals between them, left the club. The latter joined Real Madrid and is now one of the world's top players.

Santos immediately suffered a dip in form and Gallo was sacked.

This year, he was at Internacional when they parted company with 17-year-old Alexandre Pato, who left for AC Milan.

Internacional struggled, Gallo was sacked and the player himself was shunted into the reserves on arriving in Italy.

"These are top-quality players, the supporters look up to them and they are not easy to replace," he said.

Former Gremio coach Mano Menezes illustrated the problem with his line-ups from two different matches played less than two months apart.

In that time, five key players departed, including striker Carlos Eduardo, who was sold to a German second division club.

"I think we need to change the season so it coincides with Europe," he said. "Then the effects would not be as serious."

"The transfer window is a Sword of Damocles hanging over the coach."

(Editing by Clare Fallon)



Updated on Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 8:50 pm, EST

 

39

Football / MLS rules benefit Toronto FC

« on: December 18, 2007, 07:46:39 PM »

MLS rules benefit Toronto FC
 
December 18, 2007
NEW YORK (Ticker) - Toronto FC has been given additional roster flexibility under the new competition rules announced by Major League Soccer on Tuesday.

The league has redrawn its international players system, scrapping the distinction between senior and youth players, and adding slots for all teams.

Toronto FC has again been given more slots than the rest of the league, a recognition of Canada's smaller talent pool which limits the club when it is seeking to sign domestic players.

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Under the rules for the 2007 season, each team was allowed to have four senior internationals and three youth internationals on the roster. Toronto was given a exception, with seven senior slots and five youth slots.

Tuesday's announcement will see all MLS clubs given one extra slot for an international player, while Toronto's allocation will increase by two, although it will only be able to use the extra spots on American players.

MLS also confirmed Tuesday that, as expected, Los Angeles' Landon Donovan, Kansas City's Eddie Johnson and FC Dallas' Carlos Ruiz will not be considered designated players in 2008.

When the designated player rule was introduced last offseason, the high-salaried trio was "grandfathered", meaning their clubs did not need to use a DP slot to retain them.

After reviewing the arrangement, MLS has decided they will remain non-DP players, although the clubs must assume responsibility for the remainder of their salaries above the league maximum of $400,000.



 

40

Football / Who will be our coach for the game against Jamaica

« on: December 17, 2007, 02:38:19 PM »

Who will be our  coach for the game against Jamaica, I ask this because I heard from a reliable source that Wimm has been suspended without pay and he planning to sue its not confirm and TTFF  mite try to cover it up. If anyone have more info feel free to inform us.     

41

Football / Galaxy brand spreads Down Under

« on: December 16, 2007, 02:26:05 PM »

Galaxy brand spreads Down Under
By Martin Rogers

Sunday, Dec 16, 2007 5:35 am EST
The Los Angeles Galaxy's plans to increase their international exposure received a boost with the announcement that a new team called the Gold Coast Galaxy will join Australia's A-League.

The Major League Soccer team made a big impression when it travelled Down Under for a friendly against Sydney FC last month, with around 90,000 turning out to see David Beckham and his teammates. Gold Coast chiefs are determined to finalize a deal with their Los Angeles counterparts – the partnership ranging from something as simple as Galaxy shirts being sold in the Aussie team's shop to a more in-depth program that involves training visits and loaning players.

Soccer in Australia is starting to mount a real challenge in terms of popularity to the traditional sports like Australian Rules football and rugby. Brazilian legend Romario played for Adelaide last season and former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke spent a year at Sydney FC in 2005-06.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

"I want to be called up but if not then I will cheer Italy on while I am on holiday" – Fiorentina's Christian Vieri on his chances of a return to the Italian national team.

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42

Football / Struggling Coventry City facing administration

« on: December 03, 2007, 11:14:55 AM »

Struggling Coventry City facing administration
 taken from YAHOOSPORTS.COM
LONDON, Dec 3 (Reuters) - Coventry City have filed a court notice to go into administration, the 1987 FA Cup winners said on Monday.

"This is merely a legal process protecting the bank and it's creditors and should speed up the potential takeover of the club and therefore take Coventry City into a solvent financial situation," said a statement on the club's Web site (www.ccfc.premiumtv.co.uk).

"The legal notice gives Coventry City a 10-working day window to complete the takeover talks with Ray Ranson and Sisu Capital, along with other parties."

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Coventry, who have struggled since relegation from the Premier League in 2001, are 14th in the Championship (second division) and have been actively seeking a buyer.

Monday's statement also said that staff and player wages had been paid and they were "looking forward to a successful conclusion of the takeover in the near future".

Football League rules state that any club going into administration are deducted 10 points. (Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Alison Wildey)



Updated on Monday, Dec 3, 2007 9:37 am, EST

 

43

Football / Marketing, Media, Mega packages my PFL ideas

« on: December 01, 2007, 04:39:57 PM »

The PFL has grown a lot since its inception with good web site better game reports, interviews and the standard of play has increased, however the crowd support has not.  Some mite say there's no connection with the teams and the villages some mite say why watch the PFL when aah could stay home and watch the EPL and all the big leagues of Europe. Others would say that the quality of play is poor or we simply don't have the money to follow the team week in and week out. After listen to the PFL CEO saying that the crowds would come out for the knock out competitions but not the league due to the fact that there's radium section and Baccunal (spelling) .
This is what they should do, stop the two match a week thing make all the games to be played on the weekend with one big game on Monday nights maybe every other Monday this mite be hard because what I'm getting at is a televised game on Monday nights so the whole country can see the PFL. The games on the weekend should start around 6 pm when all of the Euro leagues fixtures are completed. Now I know it's not that hard for home team to supply a rhodium section every community has one. Specking about community some of the individual teams have to step there game up they should come up with ideas they need to take a hands on approach on getting home fans to come out. They just can't sit there and say bout what the league doing to get fans to come out this has to be a collective effort to get the crowds out, another thing the PFL should come up with a plan to get the PFL on channels such as TV6, FSC, OR GOL TV.
This is hard but not impossible just look at Jamaica they have a semi pro league and they where able to secure a contract. Marketing, Media, Mega packages like family ticket discounts free stuff any thing free is good let the teams figure it out. In closing we have a good product all we need is good crowd support day in and day out and every thing will improve.         

44

Football / Denilson keys list as MLS Expansion draft draws near Avery John on list too

« on: November 19, 2007, 09:23:54 PM »

Denilson keys list as MLS Expansion draft draws near
 
November 19, 2007
NEW YORK (Ticker) - Brazilian star Denilson headlines the list of players the San Jose Earthquakes can select from for Wednesday's MLS Expansion draft.

The winger, once the most expensive player in the world when Real Betis paid $40 million for him in 1998, was signed by FC Dallas as a designated player in August. He managed only one goal and no assists in eight games, and was played sparingly late in the season.

Leaving him unprotected represents little risk for FC Dallas, which is yet to make a decision on whether to pick up his contract option for 2008. The club has until December 1 to do so.

ADVERTISEMENT
 
 
It is also questionable that San Jose would want to sign Denilson, assuming he would not accept a considerable pay cut.

Also on the list of unprotected players in Canadian goalkeeper Pat Onstad, who finds himself listed a little over 24 hours after making a crucial last-minute save in Houston's MLS Cup final victory over New England in Washington.

Onstad had an outstanding regular-season, conceding just 0.82 goals per game - the best ratio in MLS.

But with the 39-year-old's contract up for renewal, Houston has taken the decision to make him available.

He could be appealing to new San Jose coach Frank Yallop, who is familiar with Onstad after coaching the Canadian national team from 2004 to 2006.

It will also be interesting to see who Yallop might want to sign from the Los Angeles Galaxy, the club he quit to take the San Jose job earlier this month.

Among the unprotected players are defender Abel Xavier, midfielders Peter Vagenas and Kyle Martino, and forwards Alan Gordon and Gavin Glinton. The Galaxy also listed Clint Mathis, having only acquired the veteran forward on Monday in a trade with the New York Red Bulls.

Among the other significant players available are New England defender Avery John, Chicago regulars Ivan Guerrero and Colorado's two-time MLS champion defender Brandon Prideaux.



 

45

Football / England women angry at £40 wage

« on: November 15, 2007, 04:17:56 PM »

England women angry at £40 wage
By Jacqui Oatley 


 
Aluko took home £1,400 for five weeks at the World Cup
England women's footballers have criticised the Football Association after getting just £40 a day for the five weeks at the World Cup in China.

The team reached the quarter-finals but players claim fitness levels are now suffering as they work extra hours to claw back wages lost from their jobs.

"Two months back from China, people are still working to recoup the money," said Chelsea striker Eniola Aluko.

An FA spokesman said investment in the women's game had never been higher.


Report: Low pay hits England's women
Interview: England's Eniola Aluko

 606: DEBATE
Am I alone in thinking this is a mistake?

DW

Alex Stone, who represents the FA on women's football, told BBC Radio 5 Live: "The money that goes into women's football each year from the FA is currently at an all-time high - it's £4.5m.

"That goes into financing the grass roots of the game, a salary development officer in each county to get more girls playing in schools, and we have a full-time scholarship at Loughborough University for 20 students each year - we pay their accommodation fees and tuition fees - and finance five elite teams.

"The point to make here is that the men's game has had a 100-year start on women's football and we hope in the not-too-distant future that the women's league will be completely different product."

Aluko maintains the women are not asking to be paid the same as the men but to receive similar financial help to their counterparts in the United States and Sweden.

"We all feel the same, that we don't feel respected. Players had to take unpaid leave and some are now not able to sustain training because they don't have the time because of the money lost in China," said the 20-year-old.

"We are all grateful that we went to the World Cup but realistically we can't sustain the level of progress because of employment issues.

 In the 14 years since the FA has run women's football, the budget has never been bigger

FA spokesman
"Our fitness levels that were tested at the last camp were significantly lower than they were at the World Cup in China," she added.

The England player's comments come on the same day as the Women's Sport and Fitness Foundation conference, which is being opened by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The WSFF wants a public debate on how to engage women in physical activity.

It says many women currently feel under more pressure to be thin than healthy and are put off exercise from an early age - typically by school sport.

And women desperately need greater sporting role models than the wives and girlfriends of football stars, it says.

 Women's football has made a breakthrough but clearly there's a long way to go and we know that

FA spokesman Alex Stone
Aluko's team-mate Vicky Exley, who retired from international football earlier this month, added: "I think the FA could review the women's game and look at contracts for players.

"I think that's the way forward if we want to compete in World Cups and the European Championships."

"We're just having our say. We work hard for our money and just want to get noticed."

But Stone said a review at the FA was already under way.

"We've been actually conducting a strategic review of the women's league since June this year and the findings will be presented to FA board in early 2008," said the FA spokesman.

"And one of the key issues to work on for the FA is to find out how we can make that product more attractive to sponsors, broadcasters and people who want to come in and watch the game.

"Clearly we hope that the finances we might generate filter through to the players.

"Women's football has made a breakthrough but clearly there's a long way to go and we know that which is why we're working incredibly hard to try and change that status quo."



 

46

Football / Boro chief against winter break

« on: November 02, 2007, 11:20:32 AM »

Boro chief against winter break 
 taken froM BBC.COM
Gibson believes most players he knows want more, not less football
Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson insists demands for a Premier League winter break to help ease player burn-out are totally unjustified.
Players' union chief Gordon Taylor has led calls for a mid-season window while 13 of the 15 union reps who responded to a BBC Sport survey supported it.

But Gibson said: "I'd take some convincing about a two-week break.

"I've never heard anyone call football a daily grind. If they're tired rest them, that's why there are big squads."


Interview: Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson

Taylor has warned that the likes of Steven Gerrard and other England stars are facing burn-out because of the demands placed on them.

 606: DEBATE
Burn out? Stop whinging and get on with it. If the top players aren't keen on the work I suggest they give up football and do a proper job

kingkippax

Gerrard has started six games in the last 18 days, including England's trip to Moscow and Liverpool's to Istanbul.

"If that was a racehorse you would say that was too much and have the RSPCA onto you," Taylor told BBC Sport.

But Gibson told BBC Radio 5 Live: "We are talking about fit young men who are very well pampered, have the best diet in world, travel to games in luxury surroundings.

"They stay in the best hotels, have the best doctors, physios, they have the best of everything.

"The problem at our football club is not the players who are playing but the ones who aren't and I haven't met a player yet who doesn't want more football."

 Any player complaining should come and do a 14-hour day in industrial Teesside

Steve Gibson


And Gibson insists highly-paid professionals moaning about the physical demands of the game should feel more grateful for their "privileged profession".

"That's what the Premier League, international and European football is all about, the strongest teams winning with the strongest players.

"If the players aren't up to it they aren't up to it. There would be many players upset if they were forced to miss an international because someone perceived them to be tired.

"Any player complaining should come and do a 14-hour day in industrial Teesside. We're not asking them to go to Afghanistan or Iraq, we're asking them to play football."

Taylor insisted the biggest problem is with the country's elite players who "need the most looking after."

But Gibson added: "If that's the case they should tell Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea not to pick their international players and give them a rest.

"Or tell the FA not to have the piddling, silly friendlies that we seem to have littering the calendar."



 

47

Football / Row after Iranian-born German refuses to play in Israel

« on: October 09, 2007, 10:39:27 AM »

Row after Iranian-born German refuses to play in Israel
 
AFP
October 9, 2007
BERLIN (AFP) - Germany's main Jewish group has criticised the decision of an Iranian-born German international footballer to refuse to play in Israel for political reasons.

Ashkan Dejagah, 21, said he feared his family in Iran would be a target for reprisals if he played against Israel in an under-21 international match in Tel Aviv on October 12.

The German Football Federation (DFB) said it had "accepted" the "personal" reasons given by Dejagah, a talented striker who is believed to have a good chance of making the step up to the senior German squad.

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The leader of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Charlotte Knobloch, said she hoped Dejagah would now be banned from German national teams.

Dejagah is "behaving in an extremely unsporting way because sporting contests are supposed to be peaceful, carried out with respect and overcome political tensions," Knobloch said.

"In view of Germany's historical responsibility to maintain friendly relations with the Jewish state, it would be a great affront to tolerate this anti-Israeli behaviour in silence.

"I therefore expect the DFB to ban the player from the German national side."

DFB president Theo Zwanziger said the under-21 team's coach, Dieter Eilts, had told him he had accepted Dejagah's "personal reasons" for refusing to make the trip to Israel.

But he said the basic position of the German federation was clear: "We cannot accept that players refuse to play in a match because of their view of the world or their religion."

Zwanziger said in Tuesday's edition of Bild newspaper: "Whoever wears our (German national) shirt must identify with the country and its basic values.

"Otherwise one must do without them."

Dejagah told the BZ tabloid: "I have more Iranian than German blood in my veins, that must be accepted.

"I am doing this out of respect. At the end of the day, my parents are Iranians."

Iran does not recognise Israel's right to exist and Iranian President President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has called for the country to be wiped off the map.

 

48

Football / Better playing surfaces

« on: September 24, 2007, 07:16:25 PM »

Well I’ve listening to the football experts about the development off the game in Trinidad but not once I’ve ever herd them mention better playing surface yes this is one off the areas we seem to neglect better playing surface for or national and pro team should be the number one agenda. look at England for example  back in the day( about 20 years ago )England had poor grounds in the winter because off the bad winter and the amount off games play on the pitch so they adapted a long ball system now with new technology the playing surface is almost  flourless   the game improve and the top pro leagues flourish my point is with better playing surfaces around the country we may play a better brand off football.     

49

Football / Does ANYONE HAVE THE TnT under 17 WORLD CUP which was held in Trinidad

« on: September 21, 2007, 03:47:57 PM »

With all this new technology around can anyone find the gameS TnT played in the under 17 world which was held in Trinidad (2001) I tried every avenue in Trinidad the TV station don’t even have the games any more if someone out have the games or knows way off getting them can you please contact me .

50

Football / Indonesian soccer chief sentenced to 2 years in jail for corruption

« on: September 17, 2007, 12:17:52 PM »

Indonesian soccer chief sentenced to 2 years in jail for corruption
 taken from yahoo
September 17, 2007

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) -- The chief of Indonesia's soccer association was sentenced to two years in prison for misusing funds in the distribution of staple goods to the poor after the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

The Supreme Court found Nurdin Halid, who was also elected to Parliament last week, guilty of misusing $18 million when he was chairman of the Indonesia Trade Cooperative in 1998 and responsible for distributing government-supplied affordable goods, Judge Andi Samsan Nganro said Monday.

He also was fined $3,200, the judge said.
Ok when will Jack AND CAMPS GET THERE DAY IN COURT.
 

51

Football / FIFA plan Olympic-style bidding to host World Cup finals

« on: August 30, 2007, 11:22:53 AM »

FIFA plan Olympic-style bidding to host World Cup finals
 
By Darren Ennis
MONTE CARLO, Aug 30 (Reuters) - FIFA is expected to propose Olympic-style bidding for future World Cup finals following a landmark review by soccer's governing body of how its showpiece event is awarded, sources said on Thursday.
As part of the shake-up to be unveiled in October, bidding for the right to host the multi-billion dollar tournament will be opened up to all regions across the globe from 2018, ending FIFA's rotation policy.
"There will be a slight twist, however, in that the previous two regions or continents to host the finals will not be allowed to bid," one source close to the talks told Reuters.
"So, say for 2018, South America and Africa nations would not be allowed to bid, but countries from every other region could. The new idea is based on the bidding for the Olympics which generates more excitement and interest."
South Africa will stage the finals in 2010, while Brazil is expected to be confirmed in November as host for the 2014 event under the rotation policy.
"The fact that Brazil is the only bid has woken FIFA up," a FIFA source said.
"It realises the commercial benefits and revenue which can be gained by having such a wider bidding competition, particularly by its associations through sponsorship and backing without even being awarded the finals. This has been lost for 2014."
The move is also seen as a way of appeasing UEFA, the body which governs the game in Europe. Under the traditional system, a European country was awarded the event every three cycles.
In a bid to increase soccer's global appeal, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said this could no longer be guaranteed.
However, Blatter has come under pressure in recent months from his close ally, UEFA president Michel Platini, to give the green light to Europe for the 2018 event after the head of soccer's world governing body indicated his preference for the event to go to North America.
"Under this new policy, Europe would be allowed to at least bid every three cycles no matter what, which generates enough interest and financial revenues to a keep them sweet," the first source said.
According to the sources, the new proposals have been widely welcomed by all confederations with the exception of CONCACAF, which represents North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
CONCACAF president Jack Warner -- also a FIFA vice-president -- is said to be unhappy because he wants Mexico to host the 2018 finals.
England and the Benelux -- joint bid by Belgium, the Nethrlands and Luxembourg -- have already confirmed their intention to bid for 2018 should Europe be allowed. Other nations including Russia, the United States, China, Italy, Spain and Australia have also made their interests known.
Updated on Thursday, Aug 30, 2007 10:13 am, EDT

 

52

Football / United States loses to Tunisia 3-1 after giving up 2 penalty kicks in first half

« on: August 24, 2007, 01:22:38 PM »

United States loses to Tunisia 3-1 after giving up 2 penalty kicks in first half
 
August 23, 2007
Yahoo
CHANGWON, South Korea (AP) -- The United States gave up two first-half penalty kicks to Tunisia in a 3-1 loss Thursday in the Under-17 World Cup.
The United States lost its second straight group-stage match, but can keep alive its chances to move on to the knockout stages by beating Belgium on Sunday.
Nour Hadhria converted for Tunisia after a handball was called in the eighth minute, and again in first-half injury time.
In the 90th minute, Colombian referee Hernando Buitrago awarded the game's third penalty to the United States. But after Jared Jeffrey's goal, the Carthage Eagles got a goal on the counterattack from Rafik Dkhil in the fourth minute of added time.
In the other Group E game, Belgium beat Tajikistan 1-0 on a goal in the 92nd minute.
In Group F, Colombia beat Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 to take the group lead, and Germany held on for a 3-2 win over Ghana.



Updated on Th
 

53

Football / Young Warriors feel the heat.

« on: August 22, 2007, 01:42:48 PM »

Young Warriors feel the heat.
By: Fifa.Com.[/size]

"It's goals that count," as the saying goes, and this was particularly true for Trinidad and Tobago in their first match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007. The young Soca Warriors put in a great performance against Ghana in their opening Group F match and won over many fans, only to come away empty-handed. Coach Anton Corneal's boys were full of self-belief before the game but ended up on the wrong end of a 4-1 scoreline.
Trinidad's attackers were certainly very active. The team created a host of chances with livewire forward Stephen Knox often involved, but lacked the necessary precision in front of goal. They at least got on the scoresheet, and in some style, substitute Stephan Campbell crashing a free-kick into the corner from over 30 yards to reduce the deficit to 3-1.
This of course turned out to be a mere consolation effort. "Yes, I scored that goal, but we were still behind after that and we still lost the match," a disappointed Campbell said after the match. "We needed to put them under more pressure and take our chances a bit better. I hope that we'll be able to do that in our next two matches."
The first of these comes on Thursday, when Trinidad and Tobago will play their second group game at the Cheonan Sports Complex against Colombia. To keep their dreams of progressing to the last sixteen alive, they will have to turn their possession into goals, as another defeat would eliminate the Caribbean team from the competition.

All or nothing

"We've got it all to play for against Colombia," says Campbell. "We watched their first match and I reckon that we can get a result. We need to find our rhythm early and then we've got every chance. I'm really looking forward to it. The South Americans play a similar game to us."
The young islanders will be able to count on the support of their fans as they bid to become the first team from Trinidad and Tobago to pick up points at a FIFA U-17 World Cup. Many of them were there for the match against Ghana, filling the stadium with noise and colour as they cheered on their favourites.
They will of course be hoping that Campbell once again has his shooting boots on. "Stephan has one heck of a shot. He hit that free kick exactly how he wanted to," said coach Corneal of only the third goal in Trinidad's FIFA U-17 World Cup history. "He practises these situations all the time in training and he's a real danger from any set piece." Warriors fans will be hoping that practice makes perfect for Campbell against Colombia.

54

Football / EA FIFA 08

« on: August 20, 2007, 06:03:58 PM »

TAKE FROM EAFIFA 08.COM



Key Features

Manual Controls — Dictate the play with new manual controls for through-passing
and crossing. Control the goalkeeper in one-on-one situations to deny the striker
yourself. Use the right-stick to quickly switch to the exact player you want to
control when defending.

Be A Pro: Co-op Season — Take on the role of a professional footballer,
create your own player and test yourself in one position for an entire season.
Master positioning, improve your attributes and develop into an elite player.
Co-operate with up to three friends fixed to their player on the same team, but
compete with those same friends on individual challenges. All performances are
tracked through detailed statistics to determine who really is a pro.

Custom Formations — Design your own unique strategy to create the perfect
formation and tactics. Set each player's exact position in the formation, and assign
specific attacking and defensive runs to unlock the opposition.

Enhanced AI — New defensive and positioning logic requires greater tactical
expertise to break down the opposition New AI ensures players are in the right place
at the right time. Player and team traits differentiate the stars.

Manager Mode Improvements – New features include pre-season friendlies
to test your team before a campaign, new training options to hone your squad of
players and dynamic board expectations that change depending on your successes
… or failures.

Online Football Clubs (PlayStation®2) — Form your own group of like-minded
football fans to take on all challengers online and create a Football Club. Gain status
among the online community by helping your Football Club climb the rankings. Win
more points based on the importance of the match, like playing Interactive Leagues
or challenging other Football Clubs to a grudge-match tournament.

Share Replays (PC) – Now you can save and show-off your best games
or just the highlights! It is easy to capture a game or key moments and export
as a video file to share with your friends and foes. Brag about match-winning
plays and goals or even capture the entire ninety minutes to relive your favorite
games.

Complete Authenticity – Featuring 30 leagues, 30 real stadiums and 14,000
players all accurately recreated.

55

Football / Spann makes the shift to Wrexham.

« on: August 13, 2007, 11:34:54 AM »

Spann makes the shift to Wrexham.
By Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).

Trinidad and Tobago midfielder, now famous for his spectacular free kick goal at the CONCACAF Gold Cup against El Salvador is set to join the professional ranks in England.
Spann agreed to sign a three-year deal at English league Two club Wrexham and is awaiting international clearance before beginning his tenure with the club which kick-started the overseas careers of Dennis Lawrence, Carlos Edwards and Hector Sam.
And Spann, formerly of St Benedict’s College trained on Monday alongside T&T winger Josh Johnson who is also at Wrexham.
“It’s a dream come true to actually get a contract to play in England. The road has not been an easy one but by the grace of God and hard work and belief something has worked out for me. I’m happy to have signed this deal” Spann told TTFF Media on Monday. The deal is a three-year one.
The player, whose contract with T&T Pro League giants W Connections runs out at year end, said Wrexham boss Brian Carey saw him in T&T’s 2-0 win over Iceland at Loftus Road last year February and has been interested since then. And after interest from Sheffield United and Sunderland disappeared, Wrexham appeared eager to sign Spann.
A hamstring injury put him out of T&T’s 2006 World Cup squad and then a shoulder problem forced him to miss the 2007 Digicel Caribbean Cup but Spann is more than likely to get the permit. The same could not be said for goalie Jan-Michael Williams after his appeal was turned down after his trial at Sheffield.
“It’s a bit unfortunate for Jan but I’m hopeful something will work out. My first session at Wrexham was a good feeling for me and I’m already feeling at home now. Carlos and Dennis plus Hector have left a good mark of our country at this club and hopefully I can continue that now,” Spann added.
Meantime, defender Brent Sancho is likely to sign a new deal this week with Brentford at the top of the list. Southampton and Leyton Orient are also still in talks over possible deals.
“It looks likely that something will come good this week and I’m waiting to see what the actual result will be. I’m hoping to get something because I want to get back out on the playing field as quickly as possible,” Sancho added.Silvio not giving up on Wrexham dream.
By: Rob Griffiths (Daily Post).

Trinidadian Silvio Spann is relishing a possible move to Wrexham as he hopes to embark on a new stage of his career. Spann, 25, has already plied his trade in Japan, Italy and Croatia, but admits a move to the English league would be a dream come true.
But there is still work to be done to make his dream a reality, with the Dragons still waiting for international clearance and a work permit for the player. On top of that Brian Carey’s side must come to an arrangement with the midfielder’s Trinidadian club, W Connection.
Not that Spann is letting these minor points detract him from what he believes he can achieve with the Dragons.
"I’m really excited at the moment of coming to Wrexham, but I still have to wait for the clearance to come through," he said yesterday.
"After training with the lads and seeing them and being with them for the last three days I really love the guys and the welcome they have given me.
"And also there’s another Trinidadian here as well, so it’s brilliant."
And midfielder Spann admitted he had taken some words of advice from fellow Trinidadian’s and ex-Wrexham favourites Carlos Edwards and Dennis Lawrence.
He added: "Obviously they’re going to have a part to play in this. They are at heart are still Wrexham players and they have had a word with me, especially Dennis. He told me he thinks I should give it a go.
"I considered it with my wife and we decided I should take my chances at Wrexham. At the moment it looks a good decision for me, for her as well and hopefully for Wrexham too."
Spann was an interested spectator last Saturday as the Dragons opened their League Two campaign with a 2-0 defeat at Darlington.
But the player that boss Carey has been tracking for a number of months believes there are brighter days ahead.
"Sometimes a score does not really reflect the true outcome of the game," he said.
"Wrexham should have won the game on the number of chances they created.
"I thought they looked very disciplined and very solid at the back and it’s just a case of giving a little bit extra and taking our chances. We will get there once we are a little bit more organised and I can come in and give my bit and help the team."
Spann will now travel home to Trinidad and try to finalise his move from his club to Wrexham as soon as possible.
"I have to say W Connection are the best team in the whole of the Caribbean," he added. "It’s only been together for only nine years and I have had a very good five years with the club, because I have travelled across the world playing football.
"But I want a move to Britain, because that’s where it all happens.
"Any kid growing up wants and dreams of playing football in Britain, and I just want to start as soon as I can."
And boss Carey is also hoping the paperwork can go through sooner rather than later.
"These things can have a habit of dragging on for some time," he conceded. "But he will be a very useful acquisition for us. "But he is not our player quite yet."
Carey will be without Mark Jones and possibly Eifion Williams for tonight’s Carling Cup first round match at Port Vale.
Steve Evans and Conall Murtagh will both come into the squad, while Josh Johnson and Michael Carvill travel..
And Carey is hoping his side can kick start their season tonight against local rivals Port Vale of League One.
"Cup runs are fantastic," he said. "Last season we had a good run in this competition. We had a great result at Sheffield Wednesday and put in a great performance at Birmingham and it would be nice to have another good run this season.
"Martin Foyle is doing a great job at Port Vale with what he has to work with, but this is an opportunity to pit ourselves against a side from a higher division, and see exactly where we are."
Carey’s opposite number Foyle is also under pressure to have a good run in the cup and could name two ex-Wrexham players in tonight’s line up in Mark McGregor and Paul Edwards.Clubs agreed transfer deal for Silvio.
By: wrexhamafc.premiumtv.co.uk.

The club is pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement with Silvio Spann's club in Trinidad - Vibe CT 105 W Connection - concerning the player's possible transfer to Wrexham. With this news, a work permit application has now been lodged on Silvio's behalf with the Home Office and we await their verdict in the near future.
One of the requirements is that the player has taken part in 75% of his country's competitive internationals over the last two years. An allowance is made if he can't take part due to injury, which in Silvio's case covers three games at the World Cup Finals in Germany and five matches in the Digicel Caribbean Cup last January.
In he first instance he pulled a hamstring on the eve of Germany 2006 and then required a shoulder operation at Christmas, which meant missing the Caribbean Cup.
The TTFF have forwarded on a letter from their Team Doctor explaining Silvio's injuries and why he was unable to play. Of the other 10 games, he played in nine and was suspended for the tenth.
If they Home Office feel that an appeal is necessary, then his application would be referred to a Review Panel. The club obviously hopes that is not necessary and that the application will be strong enough in the first instance. If and when a work permit is granted, then we will push on with the normal procedure of gaining his international clearance and registering him with The Football League.Silvio Spann can help Josh Johnson shine.
By: Gareth Bicknell (Daily Post).

The imminent arrival of Silvio Spann at Wrexham can help fellow Trinidadian Josh Johnson finally fulfil his potential. That’s the verdict of first-team coach Steve Weaver, who said versatile midfielder Spann would be a “great acquisition” for the Dragons as they bid for promotion from League Two this season.
Wrexham yesterday cleared another hurdle in their bid to bring the Trinidad international to the Racecourse, agreeing a settlement with Spann’s homeland club W Connection for the remainder of his contract.
Spann has already agreed terms with the Dragons, who are now waiting on a work permit and international clearance before the deal can be completed.
While Weaver is looking forward to the midfielder’s arrival, he was also impressed by the contribution of Spann’s compatriot Johnson in Tuesday’s Carling Cup win at Port Vale.
Johnson came on as a substitute for goalscorer Michael Proctor and Weaver said: “I wouldn’t have thought Port Vale will have known much about Josh before Tuesday, but he’s a very talented player.”
He admitted Johnson has struggled to adjust to life in League Two since joining the Dragons last summer, but said this season he expected to see more of the winger’s ability shining through this season.
“He’s quite a shy guy and he’s a long way from home, and he’s just found it very difficult,” Weaver added. “It’s not that easy – Trinidad’s a completely different place to North Wales – and he’s probably much better adjusted now than he was 12 months ago.
“But he’s got a lot of ability.
“He’s got pace and he can finish, and this year it really is time for him to push on. He can be a real handful for anyone and he could be anything he wants to be.
“It’s a lot for a young lad from Trinidad to come and be expected to take everything by storm.
“But Silvio will be someone for Josh to talk to, someone to relate to and be friends with, so I think they can help each other.
“Josh is quite introverted – he must be the most introverted of all the Trinidadians we’ve had here – whereas Silvio’s a cheeky chappie.
“He’s bubbly, he’s bright and when you’re in his company he brings the best out in you so I’m sure Josh will benefit from that.”
Weaver said Spann has the quality to aid a possible promotion push for Wrexham this season, adding: “The situation is we want to sign players from now on who are ambitious and want to push on in their careers.
“I’m sure Silvio will be looking at us as a stepping stone for his career, whether he wants to stay and spend a few years with us or he wants to eventually move on to a higher level. “That’s how we want all our players to think. It might take him a little bit of time to adjust but I think he’s going to be a great acquisition for us.”
Weaver also praised the work put in by Dragons boss Brian Carey and club co-owner Geoff Moss behind the scenes in persuading Spann to agree terms.
“Brian and Geoff have worked extremely hard on this and they’ve never taken no for an answer,” Weaver said. “Dennis Lawrence is quite close to Silvio and he said to him he was better off going to Wrexham – a club that will help him develop – rather than to a club where he’s going to be stuck in the reserves for a while.”

56

Football / Young Soca Warriors touch down in Seoul.

« on: August 13, 2007, 11:32:45 AM »

Young Soca Warriors touch down in Seoul.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).[/size]

Trinidad and Tobago’s National Under 17 team made a much awaited arrival into Seoul Korea for this month’s FIFA Under 17 World Championship just after 5pm (8am T&T Time) on Monday ahead of its opening Group E game against African giants Ghana a week from now.
The team, under head of delegation, manager Christopher Gouveia and head coach Anton Corneal was met by a small delegation in Seoul before being police escorted on its bus ride to Cheonan, a two hour drive from the airport. Cheonan will host T&T’s two games against Ghana and Colombia. The arrival which had little fanfare is expected to be the same for all teams with the real fireworks starting when hosts Korea play Peru in one of the opening day of games on Saturday in Suwon. Also expected to arrive later in the week is FIFA Vice President Jack Warner plus TTFF General Secretary Richard Groden as well as a local steel band, 21 parents of the team players and another group of supporters.
The 21 players and 11 staff members got a first sight of the German team which was making its way to training just as the young “Soca Warriors” arrived at the Onyang Hot Spring Hotel. Corneal did manage to get a 45-minute session which was taken charge of by trainer Gilbert Bateau at the Shin Jung-ho Park a short distance from the hotel which will be occupied by all four teams in T&Ts Group E.
“It’s been a long wait to be here after we qualified in Jamaica in early May and this is what we have waited for… just getting here and getting a feel of things as a team before we play our first game on Monday,” Corneal told TTFF Media.
“I think we are in the right frame of mind and being here will have some impact on the mood of the team and its focus over the next few days. It’s no time to relax and feel well Korea is still some time away. We are here now and we are days away from what is the biggest stage at this level of the game. This is where the future begins and players are made or broken and we will emphasize over the next few days.”
Cheonan itself has a population of just over 460,000 and has a lot of mountains which made the settings at Monday’s training park similar to one close to the Northern Range back home. And the food too was nothing strange to the team. The basic ingredients were there to ensure a balanced meal with rice, chicken, beef, steamed vegetables, pasta and a lot of fruits making up the menu.
Also on Monday evening, each member of the T&T staff headed by manager Gouveia and head coach Corneal also signed forms for FIFA with regards to non betting, proper ethics and fair play during the tournament.
This is the grand Under 17 stage and according to Argentina's 2006 FIFA World Cup coach Jose Pekerman, the FIFA U-17 World Cup provides youngsters with the ideal preparation for long and successful international careers. It is a sentiment shared by current Brazil tactician Dunga.
The statistics certainly support their belief. Sixty-seven of the participating players at the 2006 FIFA World Cup were graduates of the biennial youth event, including three who turned out for Italy's triumphant side in the final.
“The 504 teenagers set to showcase their talents in Korea will have doubtlessly fantasized about one day competing for the trophy that the Italian trident, Nigerians Nwankwo Kanu, Carlos Tevez (out of the 2001 Finals in Trinidad) along with Emmanuel Petit and Ronaldinho, have proudly raised aloft. For some, this opportunity is sure to come as early as South Africa 2010,” a FIFA.com report added.Soccer parents off to World Cup.
By: Ian Prescott (Express).[/size]

"How many people get to say, 'I saw my son play football at a World Cup'. 'It's a hell of an opportunity. It's generally a feeling of pride for oneself and also Trinidad and Tobago. It has been three years we have been with the under-15's, during which time I have seen this team evolve. As parents, it has been a case of out-and-out full support for this team, and we hope the authorities would do the same."
Chris Da Silva is one of 21 parents of the players on the Trinidad and Tobago national under-17 football team-the "Young Warriors"- who leave today for South Korea to support the squad at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup which takes place from August 18-September 9.
Today, they head for JFK airport in New York city, where they will overnight before taking the 15-hour flight to South Korea tomorrow. After arriving in the capital Seoul, the group will also visit the cities of Cheonan and Changwon, where T&T's matches will be played.
They are likely to be joined by a T&T steelband which is being sent by a Government ministry, and possibly other nationals going to the matches on a local charter.
Chris' son, Sean Da Silva is a midfielder with the team. And conscious that the only other T&T youth football team to qualify for a World Cup did so 17 years ago (1990), he felt this might be a once-in-a lifetime opportunity. From the moment he realised that T&T would qualify, a decision was made that the family would be going to South Korea. So, he along with wife Lorraine, their children, and Sean's grandmother June Pollonais, father Sean will be there to support the "Young Warriors."
"I think a precedent was set by last year's World Cup in Germany. We love football. And, the Government has made it possible for a lot of us to be there....It would not have been possible for a lot of the parents to be there otherwise," the elder Da Silva said. "Even in Jamaica, where the team qualified, there were 14 of us. "
The parents head for South Korea confident that their boys can overcome the odds and be competitive in their preliminary games against Ghana (August 10), Colombia (August 23) and Germany (August 26). The results of a recent Holland tour during which the team was hammered 6-2, before bouncing back with a 5-0 win, have not daunted Da Silva's faith in the team.
"Most of us feel that the boys will get to the next round," he says.
"It was just this feeling that was there in Jamaica when the team qualified and is still there. We feel that they will compete. I think when went they went up there (Holland), the first game was an eye opener. From then on, I think they realised that the tournament standard would be very high and they adjusted to that in the second game they played. "
Da Silva says that the camaraderie built between parents, players and the team's technical staff is such, that a collaborative effort was made to get the team's assistant manager, Oswald Davis, to South Korea. Davis, aka, "Danny', has been the main person laising with the parents and players during the past few years. He even housed players at his home. But, Davis was not selected among the technical staff of the team which left for Holland on a pre-tournament tour on Sunday, August 4, because FIFA only paid the way for five officials. It was only this weekend, after last ditch efforts were made, that some of the $38,000 needed was raised to get the assistant manager to join the team.
"Danny will be going to the World Cup, but not because of the Trinidad and Tobago Football federation or the Government," Da Silva said.
"The boys and the technical staff put together their stipends so that Danny could be with the team in South Korea as well. It was announced that Danny and the teacher will be going along with the parents. Then they got cut off the list. Imagine that!! They don't understand how close Danny is to the team. Danny has been assistant manager with the team for two years. They don't understand what a close-knit family this team is. The boys were very upset. "
In Korea though, the entire T&T under-17 "family" will be reunited, come what may.

57

Football / Report: Brazilian players went out drinking between World Cup matches in Germany

« on: August 01, 2007, 07:38:05 PM »

Report: Brazilian players went out drinking between World Cup matches in Germany
TAKEN FROM YAHOO
August 1, 2007

SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) -- Some Brazilian players returned to the hotel drunk after being given time off between matches during the 2006 World Cup, according to the president of the Brazil's soccer confederation.

A year after Brazil's quarterfinal elimination in Germany, Ricardo Teixeira said a group of players lacked discipline during the World Cup, but did not mention anyone specifically, the Estado de S. Paulo newspaper reported Wednesday.

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"There were players who arrived between 4 and 6 in the morning, drunk," Teixeira said.

Teixeira also criticized Ronaldo for being out of shape during the competition.

"How can an athlete arrive for a World Cup weighing 98 kilograms (216 pounds)?" he said, adding that it would be acceptable to him if coach Dunga stopped including the 30-year-old forward for the national team.

"How old is Ronaldo today? How old is he going to be in the 2010 World Cup? That's all I have to say," Teixeira said. "We need to find another Ronaldo."

Teixeira also criticized the period Brazil spent practicing in Switzerland before the World Cup, and insinuated that he hired Dunga to replace Carlos Alberto Parreira because Brazil needs "discipline, and that's Dunga's role."

 
 

58

Football / Jan Michael gets contract offer from Sheffield United.

« on: July 24, 2007, 03:43:08 PM »

Jan Michael gets contract offer from Sheffield United.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).

Trinidad and Tobago National Team goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams has been offered a deal by English Championship Division club Sheffield United and is expected to sign with the team early next month subject to a work permit approval.
Williams, the 22-year-old custodian of W Connection, returned from England on Monday, all smiles after learning from Sheffield head coach Bryan Robson that he wanted to sign him to the club and was confident that he will secure the necessary paperwork to go through with the deal.
The former St Anthony’s College player spent nineteen days on trial at the club after undergoing a previous trial in Hungary with Ujpest FC. He was subsequently offered a deal by Ujpest but requested time to make a decision due to the Sheffield trial. The Hungarian club allowed Williams up to July 11 because of their transfer deadline and things turned uncertain after the player suffered an ankle injury two days into his trial with Sheffield. But persistence and faith paid off.
“The experience in Hungary was good. I did well enough and the President and Head coach wanted me to sign. They offered the deal but I wanted to go to England and nothing was going to stop me. But then I got injured on the second day at Sheffield and had to do rehab for the next eight days and the deadline for the Hungary deal came up. That definitely had to be one of the hardest decisions in my career having to turn down the deal but I kept faith and it so turned out I did well enough after recovering and Sheffield made the offer in the end,” Williams told TTFF Media on Tuesday.
He added that doctors told him it would take eight days before he could resume the trial and the team physio worked feverishly to get him well again and he eventually resumed light training on July 11.
“The rehab there was ten times more intensive than normal training because I spent up to six hours day working on getting back well, but it was worth it.”
Sheffield requested that Williams spend an extra week and goalkeeper coach Andy Leaning relayed to him that the club had seen his performances against Guatemala and United States at the CONCACAF Gold Cup and were impressed. Robson, the former England captain, signed on as head coach in May taking over from Neil Warnock while assistant manager Brian Kidd has a rich history, having worked as assistants to Sven Goran Eriksson with the England team and Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
“He (Leaning)  said they saw the games and were interested in me. They kept me for an extra week and when I eventually resumed the trial I conceded the most amount of goals ever in a small sided game.” Williams laughed.
“But then I played a full trial game and did my part. We won 2-0 and the manager and the president said well done but I still wasn’t sure until the receptionist at the hotel told me next morning that I was all over the back page of the newspaper and Robson had made some good comments about me. After my agent gave me the news on the phone, he (Robson) and the chairman then spoke to me and made the offer and said they hoped to me get back up to the club in the quickest possible time once the permit came though. They said that they would find the necessary solution to ensure they sign me,” an excited Williams added. Sheffield has Ireland international Paddy Kenny and Ian Bennett as two other first team goalies.
Currently terms and conditions of the contract are being worked out. Williams added that Spann left for Sunderland earlier this month after playing one game during his trial at Sheffield.
“I think the Pro League is of a good standard. It may not be as high as the Premier League or the Championship Division but it helped give me this opportunity to make it to the next level. I heard about the trial at Sheffield since last year but my aim was to get the caps and maintain my place in the National team and I did just that and I’m grateful for that opportunity. Now hopefully I can continue to use this new experience as a way of bettering myself as a goalkeeper and an overall professional,” stated Williams who has 18 appearances for T&T and was also the number two goalie for T&T at the 2001 FIFA Under 17 World Championship.

59

Football / Jemmott invited for trial in Hungary.

« on: July 10, 2007, 09:22:36 PM »

Jemmott invited for trial in Hungary.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).

Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Kerwin “Hardest” Jemmott will get the chance to try out for an overseas professional contract later this month as he gets set to depart for Europe alongside two other local-based players.
Jemmott, attached to local Pro League club Superstar Rangers is expected to leave these shores within the next week along with former national under 23 striker Devon Mitchell and midfielder Akil Gueverra for trials with Hungarian First Division club FC Tatabanya. The club finished 12th last season in the League. Tatabanya is also the former club of former Hungary forward József Kiprich who was a member of his country’s national team at the 1986 World Cup.
The trials for the local trio were arranged on recommendation from English-born coach Terry Fenwick.
“This all came about after a contact rung me up and asked for me to recommend some players and I put forwards these guys obviously because I think they have what it takes to get something out there,” Fenwick told TTFF Media.
“If it works out… great, if it doesn’t then I’m sure the experience would have been worthwhile for them. Their visas are being processed and should be ready in the next couple days.”
Superstar Rangers chairman Richard Fakoory was grateful to Fenwick for arranging the opportunity for  Jemmot who is considered one of the more gifted talents on the local scene who has not failed to live up to high expectations over the past decade.
Fakoory still believes the 28-year-old “Hardest” can do it on the foreign circuit. The former Joe Public player will follow his close pal Densill Theobald on Hungarian soil as the T&T national team captain recently concluded a trial at Ujpest FC alongside Jan Michael Williams.
“Hardest is a quality player by all means and I think he’s just been unfortunate not to have things go in his favour for various reasons. Maybe he never got that break that was needed but now I think he’s a lot more serious than before and he realizes that he has to make the most of the remaining time he has as a player,” Fakoory told TTFF Media on Tuesday.
“I hope this time he can make use of the opportunity. Everything should be in place for him so that he can show them that he can play. His vision is great. His fitness may be a bit of a concern but I think he can show them out there that he has what it takes to make it at that level. Being a member of my club, I think it will be great exposure for him. I feel we have set about in the right way towards development and I think I can predict that in 2010 I could see my team having four or five players on the national team.”
Fakoory even tipped his hat to one of his club’s benefactors.
“Maybe if it wasn’t for Jack Warner or his group of companies, my club wouldn’t be where it is today and Hardest may not be playing professional football as well as several of the other guys we have here. He (Warner) supported and encouraged me to be part of the Professional League and I am very grateful for that. I will continue going the distance because he has given me the strong support to keep on fighting the good fight in football,” Fakoory added.

60

Football / Brazil's 1970 winning team voted best of all time

« on: July 09, 2007, 12:32:09 PM »

Brazil's 1970 winning team voted best of all time
 
By Mike Collett

LONDON (Reuters) - Brazil's 1970 World Cup winning team have been voted the best of all time in a global poll of experts conducted by World Soccer magazine.

The greatest goal of all time was judged to be Diego Maradona's mesmerizing second against England in Argentina's 2-1 quarter-final victory in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals in Mexico City.

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The vote for the greatest match of all time completed a hat-trick for events that took place in World Cups in Mexico.

The experts opted for the 1970 semi-final in Mexico City in which Italy beat West Germany 4-3 after extra time.

World Soccer described Brazil's 1970 winners as "more than a team," adding: "the Brazilian side that won the 1970 World Cup in such style have become a myth, a team to be held up as the ultimate exponents of the beautiful game."

The second best team of all time was named as the Hungarian side of 1953 and the third best the Dutch side that lost the 1974 World Cup final to West Germany.

The AC Milan side of 1989-90 finished fourth, the highest-ranked club side. Real Madrid 1956-60, who won five successive European Cups, were voted sixth.

While Maradona topped the goalscorers' poll for his second against England, Marco van Basten's goal against the Soviet Union in the Netherlands' victory in the 1988 European Championship final was voted the second best.

Zinedine Zidane's stunning volley for Real Madrid in their 2002 Champions League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen was voted the third greatest of all time.

Following the Italy-West Germany semi-final as the best match was Liverpool's penalty shoot-out victory over AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final. Real Madrid's 7-3 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the 1960 European Cup final was voted the third greatest match.