Topics

241

Football / Hatters fight for Edwards

« on: December 20, 2005, 09:20:37 AM »

Hatters fight for Edwards


Luton will face a battle to have Trinidad & Tobago star Carlos Edwards available should they make the Championship play-off final.

Fifa announced recently that players named in their countries' World Cup squads would not be permitted to play after 15 May - ruling them out of the Championship showpiece on 21 May.

However, the FA said recently they had an understanding with Fifa that players would not be pulled out of this game - something welcomed by the Hatters.

"I wouldn't want to lose anybody if we got to the play-off final," said Mike Newell. "If we employ the players, it wouldn't be right for others to dictate when we could use them."

teamtalk



Fellas de sh!t talk start already.I hope Jack and dem put their foot down early.

242

Football / Birchall Still Out

« on: December 05, 2005, 05:42:05 PM »

Port Vale look set to be without winger Chris Birchall for the trip to struggling Nottingham Forest.

Boss Martin Foyle had hoped to have Birchall back in action for last Friday's FA Cup second-round draw at home to Bristol Rovers.

But his badly-bruised foot kept him on the sidelines and looks likely to do so again.

Steve Rowland, who collected his fifth booking of the season on Friday, can play at the City Ground, but is suspended for Saturday's trip to Gillingham.

Vale's long-term injury list still includes Robin Hulbert, Michael Cummins, Hector Sam and George Abbey.


teamtalk

243

Football / Birchall Reveals Friendship With Lawrence

« on: December 02, 2005, 06:38:48 PM »

Port Vale midfielder Chris Birchall has revealed how his international career has allowed him to forge a close friendship with Wrexham's Dennis Lawrence.

Birchall and Lawrence were on the scoresheet during Trinidad & Tobago's World Cup play-off success against Bahrain which booked their place in next summer's finals in Germany.

A well-known tale saw giant defender Lawrence quiz Birchall about his credentials to play for the Caribbean nation during a League One clash in April.

The pair have since become good friends, often travelling away on international duty together.

Birchall explained: "Dennis has been brilliant with me since I got involved with the T & T set-up and has helped me get to know everyone.

"All the lads have been great but Dennis, in particular, has really looked after me and made me feel at home. I speak to him all the time now and he has become a good friend."


teamtalk

244

Football / Who will be voted T&T Footballer of the Year ?

« on: November 25, 2005, 12:00:01 PM »

As we get ready for the end fo the year,we know that the sports awards will becoming up early next year.Who will be voted T&T footballer of the year ?
I personally have to say Yorke fellas.He represented us well during the WC campaign and I saw the fire in his eyes I had'nt seen since ManU days.His experience was critical to our success.
Obviously Kudos to the entire team.

245

Football / Luton In Trinidad Row

« on: November 22, 2005, 06:16:37 PM »

Luton in Trinidad row


Luton are to complain to the Trinidad & Tobago Football Association about the late return of midfielder Carlos Edwards.

Hatters boss Mike Newell is furious that Edwards, 27, did not fly back to England immediately after helping the Caribbean side qualify for the World Cup with a 1-0 win in Bahrain last week.

Edwards went instead to Trinidad with the rest of the squad for a state welcome before eventually returning to his club.

"We will complain to the Trinidad & Tobago FA, the English FA and anyone else we can think of complaining to," said Newell.

"I was not happy that Carlos was taken away for a game and then for a party. He should have flown straight back here from Bahrain.

"It's not Carlos' fault. He was instructed to go back to Trinidad and meet the president (George Richards)."


teamtalk

246

Football / Shaka Takes Gloves At Spurs

« on: November 18, 2005, 05:15:31 PM »

Shaka takes gloves at Spurs


Shaka Hislop retains his place in goal for West Ham's Sunday lunchtime date at Tottenham despite the return to training of knee injury victim Roy Carroll.

The Trinidad and Tobago international has recovered from injury himself - the head knock that forced him off early in the Hammers' most recent Premiership game, the 1-0 win over West Brom.

Midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker was also hurt in that fixture and will be out for up to five weeks with an ankle injury. Former Spurs striker Teddy Sheringham has been told he will definitely start.

West Ham (from): Carroll, Hislop, Bywater, Repka, Ferdinand, Gabbidon, Konchesky, Benayoun, Newton, Dailly, Mullins, Etherington, Sheringham, Harewood, Bellion, Zamora, Noble, Ward, Collins, Aliadiere, Williams, Clarke, Fletcher.


teamtalk

247

Football / Bratt Proud Of Birchall

« on: November 18, 2005, 05:10:01 PM »

Bratt proud of Birchall


Port Vale chairman Bill Bratt has hailed Chris Birchall after he helped inspire Trinidad & Tobago to qualify for next summer's World Cup finals.

The 21-year-old midfielder will become the first Vale player to appear in the World Cup finals after the Soca Warriors won the second leg of their play-off in Bahrain.

Birchall only lasted 20 minutes of the 1-0 win - secured courtesy of Wrexham defender Dennis Lawrence's header - before he was forced off with an ankle injury.

But he had already played a major part in the Caribbean country's qualification, including scoring their goal in the 1-1 draw in the first leg in Trinidad last Saturday.

And Bratt beamed: "Chris is a brilliant lad and everyone at Port Vale is extremely proud of him. It's a massive achievement and he's the first homegrown Vale player to play in a World Cup finals.

"Chris' achievements with Trinidad & Tobago have raised the profile of the club and undoubtedly made him a better and more confident player - long may it continue."


teamtalk

248

Football / Lawrence Wins T&T Plaudits

« on: November 18, 2005, 05:01:41 PM »

Lawrence wins T&T plaudits


Dennis Lawrence has been flooded with messages of congratulations after scoring the goal which propelled Trinidad and Tobago into the World Cup finals for the first time.

One greeting which would have pleased him more than most came from Wrexham-based Garden Village YFC.

There is a special bond between the defender, who wears the colours of the Welsh League Two side, and the young players.

He gives the occasional coaching session and they in turn donated 200 pairs of boots and some kit for deprived children in Trinidad.

Garden Village were thrilled that Lawrence got the dramatic winner against Bahrain, sparking fierce celebrations throughout the West Indian islands.

"It is just nice to be associated with Dennis and we are very pleased for him," said club spokesman Phil Sadler, Wrexham's sales manager.

"Six months ago nobody would have given Trinidad a thought but now he has a lot of people looking out for him.

"I tried ringing him after the game but his mobile was switched off, which is hardly a surprise. Hopefully we will see him soon.

"It is fantastic for Wrexham as well, both on the football and commercial side.

"We have had some dark days financially but when you are trying to sell the club and you have a World Cup player in your squad it does raise your profile."


teamtalk

249

Football / Newell Tribute To Carlos

« on: November 18, 2005, 04:55:39 PM »

Edwards: Heading to Germany
teamtalk

Luton boss Mike Newell hailed Carlos Edwards for his part in helping Trinidad & Tobago reach the World Cup finals.

The Caribbean side's 2-1 aggregate victory over Bahrain sealed their spot in Germany next summer - the first time they have qualified for football's most prestigious competition.

Edwards, 27, played in both legs against Bahrain and will become the first Luton player to play at the World Cup since Mal Donaghy represented Northern Ireland in 1986.

"For Luton to have a player at the World Cup finals is fantastic," said Newell. "We are delighted for Carlos.

"It's a great achievement for Trinidad & Tobago."

250

Football / Jason Roberts Congratulate's T&T and Dreams of Leading Grenada to WC

« on: November 17, 2005, 04:33:42 PM »

Jason Roberts column 

   By Jason Roberts
Wigan striker 


The first time I ever pulled on an international jersey for Grenada, when I was 19 years old, was the proudest moment of my career.

I come from a footballing family and it was amazing to make my debut alongside my uncle Otis Roberts, who basically taught me how to play the game.

 
 I have to be honest, if I'd thought I had a chance of playing for England I would have had to take it
 

I can't remember how many caps or goals I have got exactly, it is something like 12 goals in 22 games.

My mother was born in French Guyana and my dad in Grenada and I've got loads of family back home there, I have always gone back a lot since I was a kid.

It was always a big deal when I was growing up, I was so proud of my heritage and to play international football was a huge deal.

At the time there was talk about me playing for the England Under-21s, but I just felt I might not get the chance at full level so I took the plunge with Grenada and I've never looked back.

I have to be honest - if I'd thought I had a good chance of playing for England I would have taken it up.

As a footballer, you want to play in the World Cup finals and with the best players and all the real greats have played at the very highest level.

But for me, playing for Grenada was more than just playing international football, it was a chance to put something back into the country.

 Trinidad & Tobago make history 

There are a lot of good players in the Carribbean - Trinidad have shown that by qualifying for the World Cup, but we're not far off them and can compete with them on our day.

I would like to congratulate the Trinidadians on a magnificent achievement and I am delighted for my great mate Shaka Hislop, it is fantastic news.

As for Grenada, it is just about pushing ourselves to the next level, to get to a World Cup or a Gold Cup, so far it's just not happened for us.

It is my dream before I retire, maybe it is just pie in the sky I don't know, but it is my dream to take Grenada to the World Cup finals. I was as happy as anyone when Jamaica did it in 1998 because it allowed some of their players to come and play in England and I hope we can do that as I'd love to see some Grenadians in the Premiership.

  There is a buzz around Wigan - we're not just playing the best teams, we're competing with them too
 

There's a good standard of football over there but the facilities aren't great and there isn't a professional league because it is such a small country.

They show the Premiership highlights and I started getting texts and calls from people back home congratulating me after Wigan's great start to the season.

I wouldn't say I'm the most famous Grenadian in the world, but we are getting plenty of exposure!

Football is right up there with cricket and basketball as the main sport in the Carribbean, just because it gets so much coverage wherever you are.

And I do get recognised all the time when I go over - but only because we are all family!

It isn't just in Grenada where the profile of Wigan Athletic has increased, it is happening right on our own doorstep too.

There has been so much publicity this season, almost blanket coverage and you get the showbiz that goes with it when you play the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal.

There is a buzz around the town because we are not only playing the best teams but competing too, and people here have been dreaming about it for years.

A lot of football fans in Wigan grew up supporting other clubs, we all know how it works.

It's great that they can now watch their home town team at the top level instead.


source:bbc
 

251

Football / Yorke troop set for Operation Bahrain

« on: November 11, 2005, 09:03:04 PM »

On guard

Yorke's troops set for Operation Bahrain

Lasana Liburd


Saturday, November 12th 2005
 
 
 
THE Trinidad and Tobago Warriors take a sunset jog earlier this week at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, where at 6.30 p.m. today they face Bahrain in the first leg of the 2006 World Cup qualifying play-off.

Trinidad and Tobago national football team captain Dwight Yorke yesterday declared he had learnt his lesson from November 19, 1989 as the country again stands on the verge of a senior World Cup place.

Yorke was 18 years old when the national team, dubbed the "Strike Squad", came within a point of the 1990 World Cup tournament only to lose 1-0 to the United States at the National Stadium.

At 6.30 p.m. today, Trinidad and Tobago meet Bahrain in the first game of a two-leg Play-Off at the same venue-since rechristened the Hasely Crawford Stadium-and Yorke is desperate not to let a second chance go by.

"I have a lot more experience now," said Yorke. "I think that 1989 has taught me to be calm and realise the job is not done. I think we were maybe a little ahead of ourselves before in the sense that the country was celebrating already that we had qualified for a World Cup.

"So we have learned that and Russell (Latapy) and I are here to bring that experience to the team and let them know that the job is far from over."

Yorke, who won every trophy possible in the English domestic game and Europe, insisted that today's match was of huge importance and at least as big as representing Manchester United in the 1998-99 European Champions League final.

"As a young footballer growing up," said Yorke, "this is (the type of match) you dream of playing in."

Trinidad and Tobago national coach Leo Beenhakker has a slightly different motivation.

Beenhakker coached Holland at the 1990 World Cup and also helped Saudi Arabia qualify for the 1994 tournament. His resume also included spells with top European clubs like Real Madrid and Ajax Amsterdam.

The Dutch-born coach was guarded, as usual, with his pre-match comments and said little about his own team. However, he did make an observation about the two teams.

"For me, having ball possession is the best defence," said Beenhakker. "(Bahrain) pay a lot of attention to defence and are looking always for the shortest way to come in front They do not complicate their life by looking for too much ball possession."

Bahrain coach Luka Peruzovic also offered a wry comment about the Trinidad and Tobago team when asked about the visitors.

"We have no star players like Trinidad and Tobago," said Peruzovic. "Dwight Yorke everybody knows in the world. Russell Latapy is the same and Stern John has 13 goals We have ordinary players but good and motivated.

"Reality is (on) the pitch."

Neither Trinidad and Tobago nor Bahrain have ever qualified for a senior World Cup final. T&T are ranked 53rd in the world by FIFA, two places higher than Bahrain.

Trinidad and Tobago booked their Play-Off spot by winning their last two fixtures-1-0 away to Panama and 2-1 at home to Mexico-which saw them knock Guatemala out of CONCACAF's fourth place, while Bahrain edged out Uzbekistan in an Asian Play-Off by the away goal rule after drawing 1-1 away and then goalless at home. Goals scored by the visiting team are doubled as a tie-breaker.

In more mind games, both coaches claimed to have a fully-fit squad, although Bahrain star striker Alaa Hubail has played little football over the last seven months due to a knee injury, while Yorke and his compatriots Kelvin Jack, Carlos Edwards, Kenwyne Jones, Brent Sancho and Shaka Hislop have all been bothered by injuries recently.

Trinidad and Tobago must make home advantage count today and Yorke suggested he was mindful of the sociological benefits of a positive result by the football team, as the country tries to cope with escalating crime.

"Football is a really important thing in this part of the world," said Yorke, who received best wishes from West Indies and Trinidad and Tobago cricket star Brian Lara. "If we qualify, that will bring the whole of Trinidad and Tobago together and certainly help to eliminate the crime."

But he insisted that today's match represents just the first half of the Play-Off fixture and the team was not going to get carried away.

"We respect them a great deal but we do not over-respect them," said Yorke. "We need to be on our guard and not take this game for granted."

Yorke and more than a million Trinidad and Tobago fans hope that therein lies the secret to slaying the ghosts of 1989.
 

252

Football / Warriors get $15m.

« on: November 08, 2005, 08:40:02 PM »

'Warriors' get $15m.
By: Kern De Freitas.

The Trinidad and Tobago "Warriors" will now have little else to worry about other than facing Bahrain in their upcoming home and away World Cup play-offs.
Yesterday, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Roger Boynes announced that the Government, as well as several corporate sponsors, have stepped in with financial contributions, the total sum of which surpasses the $13.1 million requested by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF).
At the Ministry's office on Abercromby Street, Port of Spain, Boynes outlined contributions made by several companies, including NGC, Petrotrin, the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB), BG T&T, BHP Billiton, BPTT, UTC and Carib.
The latter are still locked in negotiations, but the Minister revealed the total input is in the vicinity of $15 million.
"Mr dear friend, Mr Peter O'Connor," Boynes said as he addressed the T&TFF marketing manager at the Ministry's conference room, "we are all here to give you the support and, through you, team Trinidad and Tobago without a shadow of a doubt will make history in our country and take us to the next World Cup in Germany."
Boynes also used the opportunity to respond to comments suggesting Government had not been doing enough to help the national football team, explaining that the total amount being contributed by state-owned entities was in excess of $15 million, including TSTT, NLCB, Petrotrin, and NGC, as well as the $6 million Cabinet approved towards facilities, travel and accommodation, and training of the Warriors.
"The last time I checked, Government had 51 per cent interest in TSTT," Boynes stressed, adding there were also pledges being made by other companies, as well as corporate bodies from the Point Lisas Industrial Estate, who have expressed interest in giving financial support to the team.
The Sport Minister also expressed satisfaction with the corporate response.
"In a sense, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased with corporate Trinidad and Tobago with their effort now, and their continued effort."
Boynes went on to list several initiatives of his Ministry, in conjunction with the newly-formed Sports Company (SPORTT), including $120 million for development of playing fields and a further $20 million for upgrading of playing fields and parks.
He also noted funds given to the T&T Pro League and the National Super League.
Following the media conference, O'Connor summed up the event. "Well what happened here today was the fruition of a campaign to bring corporate Trinidad and Tobago on board with a full understanding of their opportunities, as well as ours. If I grouped that, what we received today is about $15 million, according to the quick sums from Government and the corporate sector."
O'Connor was also pleased with the monetary boost for the team.
"What we had before this was about $8 milllion. We are delighted in what we have seen today, it was a long time coming. If we didn't have a benefactor in Mr (Jack) Warner, we would not have been where we are today.
"But that's water under the bridge now...people were skeptical, you know the team was not a shining team in the beginning, but they showed character beyond what Trinidadians, what we like to be. And I think now people joined us and there's a tremendous opportunity for all of us, football, and everybody else."Warriors get necessary funding.
By: Kwame Williams (Guardian).[/color][/size]

Corporate T&T pledges more than $10m.
Peter O’Connor, marketing manager of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF), had to have left the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs on St Vincent Street, Port of Spain, a happy man yesterday.
O’Connor was on hand to receive a cheque from Sport Minister Roger Boynes on behalf of the T&T government, which approved $6 million in funding for the national football team—the Warriors—ahead of its two-leg World Cup 2006 play-off with Bahrain.
The TTFF originally requested $13.9 million to cover the cost of the team’s preparation, administration expenses and match expenses, but government was only able to provide aprroximately half of that.
It now seems as though the TTFF should have nothing to worry about heading into the second-leg of the play-off in Bahrain on November 16, however, as corporate T&T is poised to pledge more than $10 million to the World Cup qualifying cause.
Also presenting cheques to O’Connor yesterday were representatives of the National Gas Company (NGC), who contributed $500,000, local petroleum producers Petrotrin, who have promised $1 million, resource company BHP, the pledgers of $150,000, and British Gas, who have pitched in $250,000.
Although it was not represented at yesterday’s press-conference, Boynes said that the Carib Brewery was in talks with the Ministry and the TTFF to contribute close to $5 million, while the Unit Trust Corporation, who had a representative present, have also given assurances that they too will make a substantial donation. The value of the donation is yet to be revealed, however. He also disclosed that several companies from the Point Lisas Industrial Estate were eager to get involved.
The National Lotteries Control Board recently agreed to assist the TTFF with $5 million for the next five years, as well.
“The journey to Germany ends on the 16th (November). It will either conclude with a safe landing in Germany, figuratively speaking, or it just ends. There were few believers when we began this journey, now their are many,” O’Connor stated.
“It seems now that our (the TTFF) needs have been met. Now, we need everyone who has contributed today to consider this not as a donation, but as an investment in football, the nation and the nation’s youth,” O’Connor added.
“The government understands the importance of football to this country. That is why we have given football this type of support,” Boynes said.
“When we met with the TTFF, people found we weren’t doing enough, so we decided that in the best interest of T&T we need to do more and give further assistance. And I want to applaud corporate T&T, who we have always pleaded with, because their response was tremendous,” he stated.

Winners rally around Warriors
Thousands of entries have come out in support of the national football team and the Guardian’s ‘Rally around the Warriors’ contest. Today we publish the third group of winners who will all receive two tickets for Saturday’s first leg qualifier against Bahrain.

1. DONNA CROOKS - MARAVAL

2. SUSAN SMITH - BELMONT

3. NYALA MOHAMMED - CHAGUANAS

4. PAULA WALTERS - AROUCA

5. ZAID BRAHIM - SAN FERNANDO

253

Football / Sam Targets New Year Return

« on: November 05, 2005, 09:59:43 AM »

Port Vale striker Hector Sam has targeted a first-team return early in the New Year after his injury nightmare.

The summer signing from Wrexham made only two substitute appearances for the Valiants before he broke his leg against Rotherham in the League Cup back in August.

The 27-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international also picked up an injury during pre-season just after joining from the Welsh outfit, but he can now see light at the end of the tunnel.

Sam said: "Everything is going well so far with the injury. The cast is off now which is good news as it has been frustrating for me not to be in the side.

"The lads have been playing well, though, over the past few weeks and I am pleased about that and I hope it continues.

"Maybe I will be back in contention for the New Year games, but I have to get back in to training first," he told the Stoke Sentinel.


source:teamtalk

254

Football / Tony Warner to seal Fulham Move

« on: October 31, 2005, 04:06:52 PM »

Warner: In fine form for Fulham
Warner to seal Fulham move

Cardiff goalkeeper Tony Warner will sign for Fulham in a permanent £100,000 deal until the end of the season later this week.

Fulham boss Chris Coleman is keen on the former Millwall player, who has been on loan at Craven Cottage for the last three months, after Wales international Mark Crossley was injured.

"Nothing has been completed yet, but we'd be delighted for Tony (Warner) to sign for Fulham," said Bluebirds manager Dave Jones, who is sticking with goalkeepers Neil Alexander and Martyn Margetson.

Cardiff also have Wales Under-21 international Lee Worgan, who has signed until January, and teenager Scott Allison, who joined from York City two years ago, on their books.

Source:teamtalk

255

Football / From Germany to Germany

« on: October 23, 2005, 11:10:11 AM »

We all in uproar over the last few days with Jamaica,Nahkid,Samuel,Zamora etc.Fellow posters these things doh matter when destiny is in your hands.It doh matter how much obstacles are thrown our way once we doh loose focus victory is ours.it has taken us three decades...ah whole generation to reclaim our rightful place in Germany.When we beat Bahrain,the Gov't should give dat '74 squad a free ride to Germany.Everyone including the media local and foreign talk about '89 because that's as far as their memory goes.But not getting to Italy was our fault,mistakes we made administratively and tactically.Not getting to Germany'74 was the fault of some corrupt officials who were later ban for life.I laugh as I see what's happen now to distract us,it(they) will not prevail for victory is ours some thirty years in the making.
God Bless T&T.

How many from this squad allyuh men see play ?These men deserve to be in Germany.

1973 World Cup Squad.

Head Coach:
Kevin Verity - England.

Goalkeepers:
Gerald Figeroux.
Kelvin Barclay.

Defenders:
Anthony Douglas.
Dennis Morgan.
Lawrence Rondon.
Raymond Roberts.
Raymond Moraldo.
Selwyn Murren - capt.
Selris Figaro.

Midfielders:
Leon Carpette.
Steve Khan.
Russell Tesheira.
Sydney Augustine.
Winston Phillips.
Leo Brewster.
Leroy Spann.

Forwards:
Everald Cummings.
Noel Llewellyn.
Steve David.
Wilfred Cave.
Warren Archibald.

256

Football / Warner To Fulham

« on: August 11, 2005, 10:53:08 AM »

Warner provides cover for Cottagers
ESPN Soccernet

Fulham have solved their goalkeeping crisis by signing Tony Warner from Cardiff on a six-month loan-deal.

Boss Chris Coleman has been forced to secure emergency cover after Jaroslav Drobny and Mark Crossley sustained knee injuries during the club's pre-season tour to the United States.

Drobny, signed from Greek club Panionios in June following Edwin van der Sar's departure for Manchester United, could be out for up to two months while Crossley looks set to miss Saturday's Barclays Premiership opener against Birmingham.

Warner has been brought in to plug the gap and Coleman is confident the 31-year-old former Millwall stopper will provide quality cover for his first choice keepers.

'Jaroslav picked up a knee problem in the States. He's had to have some minor surgery and will be out for six to eight weeks,' he said.

'Mark Crossley is doubtful for Saturday with a knee problem which has forced us to bring Tony Warner in from Cardiff. Tony started his career with Liverpool.

'He will be with us for a six-month loan-spell until January. Before then we'd expect Mark and Jaroslav to be back.

'Tony was training with us this morning. He's in great shape. I didn't realise how big he was until I met him. I'm pleased we've got him.'

257

Football / Lawrence scores for Wrexham in pre season

« on: July 30, 2005, 10:52:59 AM »

 
Mark Jones opened the scoring with a 20-yard volley
Mark Jones and Dennis Lawrence scored as Wrexham completed their Northern Ireland pre-season tour with a 2-1 win over Glentoran in Belfast.
Jones volleyed in the opener from 20 yards in the 15th minute.

The League Two side made it 2-0 five minutes from time when Lawrence netted after controlling Dean Bennett's cross and turning Stephen Parkhouse.

The Irish Premier League champions scored two minutes later through Gary Brown after he dispossessed a defender.

Early on the Glens had a chance to go into the lead when former Alloa and Rangers midfielder Kevin Kelbie, on trial with the Glens, had a shot saved by new Wrexham keeper Michael Ingham and Colin Nixon put the rebound wide.

A slip by Northern Ireland international Ingham gave Michael Halliday a chance and his shot came off the post. Then Jody Tolan was denied by a great block by defender David Bayliss.

bbc

258

Football / John gets T&T call up

« on: July 25, 2005, 10:36:30 AM »

Coventry striker Stern John has been called up for World Cup qualification duty by Trinidad & Tobago.

The 28-year-old Sky Blues frontman has been named in the squad set to assemble prior to the Caribbean nation's clash with USA at Hartford in Conneticut on Wednesday 17 August.

Trinidad & Tobago lost their last qualification match 2-0 in Mexico to leave them lying fifth in their six-nation group and meaning victory over USA is essential if hopes of reaching the Germany 2006 finals are not to be extinguished.

John's call-up will not effect his Coventry commitments though with the USA game falling three days before City are due to entertain QPR at the Ricoh Arena.


teamtalk

259

Football / Bench Men

« on: July 16, 2005, 08:27:07 PM »

You'll realise how many men who played in de Gold Cup and started for us either on or off de bench for their clubs.
     Kelvin Jack,Avery John,Brent Rahim,Jason Scotland,Stern John (most times),Colin Samuel.If you exclude the PFL men  dat only leave Dog,Lawrence, Birchall and I assume Spann
    Only 4 of our large foreign contingent of players who start for us actually start for their clubs.

260

Football / Leo Beenhakker, tough taskmaster for Trinidad

« on: July 14, 2005, 10:56:47 AM »

Leo Beenhakker, tough taskmaster for Trinidad.
By: Keyvan Antonio Heydari.[/size]

"I have spent 40 years in the game. I have been asked every question. I have told my story, answered everything", say Beenhakker.
In soccer, many coaches like to have a hard man at the back or in the middle. Trinidad has their hardest man at the head of the national team. Dutchman Leo Beenhakker coached the Soca warriors in the Gold Cup and now that they are out of the tournament after a respectable showing, must refocus his players as they try to get back in the race for a World Cup qualifying spot. His no-nonsense demeanor is starting to filter down. Trinidad has no time to waste.
"I have spent 40 years in the game. I have been asked every question. I have told my story, answered everything. I give you five minutes."
Trinidad' s limited player pool was reflected in the few changes made by Beenhakker in the starting lineup in the Soca Warriors' three matches during Gold Cup. But his discipline has produced a more organized and compact team, which played in Miami without its biggest star, former Manchester United forward Dwight Yorke, now in Australia. His limited pool of players notwithstanding, Beenhakker is molding a team in his image, less flashy and more direct. New addition Chris Birchall, who grew up in Stoke, England but now a Trinidadian international (by virtue of his mother) showed promise and scored a goal in the 1-1 tie against Honduras. The players are gaining in confidence and Columbus Crew forward Cornell Glen scored an injury-time equalizer against Panama. "We have the best coach," exclaimed Glasgow Rangers defender Marvin Andrews during a break in a steamy training session in Miami.
Beenhakker's coaching staff includes countrymen Theo de Jong and Wim Rijsbergen, both veterans of the legendary Dutch team from the 1974 World Cup. Rijsbergen conducts the training sessions while the 70-year-old Beenhakker observes and paces. At the hotel, they huddle to discuss tactics and player choices.
In Holland, they say that two Dutchmen discussing any subject will have three opinions on the matter. And this tendency to question and criticize openly has perhaps hardened coaches such as Beenhakker, and many say has hurt the cohesion on the Netherlands squads during long tournaments such as the World Cups. But Beenhakker was not brought in to impose a Dutch system, but to get results in a hurry. He was hired by the Trinidad federation and Concacaf president Jack Warner because of his previous experience with Concacaf soccer scene, and in particular his knowledge of Mexican soccer.
"Trinidad is a very small country, with no international soccer pedigree, which once in a while fights for a chance to enter a big tournament like a World Cup," he explains. "People there live the game with great enthusiasm and passion, and their national team has a chance to qualify. In that sense, it's different from Mexico, where they have great infrastructure and a very strong league. And now Mexico has players with double nationality, and that helps to strengthen the national team greatly."
Beenhakker was the coach of the Dutch team in World Cup 1990, where a team with talents such as Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard was eliminated in the second round by the eventual champ West Germany in what was perhaps the best match of the whole tournament. Yet Beenhakker is remembered more for his club stints, having coached Ajax and Feyenoord in Holland and spent six seasons at Real Madrid, plus stints in Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and twice at America of Mexico, where his brusque manner and testy relationship and exchanges with the local media at press conferences were legendary.
Behind that hard exterior, perhaps, is a man who is aware his talents and vast experience are applied in a footballing backwater, but with the possibility of a triumphant return to the main stage. Trinidad has climbed back into the World Cup picture by beating Panama but losing to Mexico in the last two qualifying matches. They are in fifth place in the final Concacaf qualifying group, but the top three advance (and the fourth-place team faces a playoff with a country from the Asia region).
But the next Trinidad fixture is in August in Birmingham against the United States, which will be looking to clinch its ticket to Germany 2006. The closest the island nation came to qualifying for a World Cup was - coincidentally - Italia 90, when the United States won 1-0 in Port of Spain to spoil the party and wrest the World Cup ticket from the Soca Warriors.
The last time Beenhakker's hard exterior was breached and he got emotional in the sport of soccer, he reveals, was when he led Feyenoord to the Dutch title in 1999. "It was May 1999, and 250,000 people came to celebrate the title of the team in the city where I was born. It was very special".
True to his conditions stated before the chat, Beenhakker winds down the interview after just five minutes. "Last question," he declares. -How would you like to be remembered? Frankly, I don t care," he barks, before concluding the interview.

goldcup.org

261

Football / Dennis heads home

« on: July 14, 2005, 09:47:54 AM »

Dennis heads for home


Wrexham defender Dennis Lawrence is set to join up with the Dragons' pre-season preparation after Trinidad & Tobago's Gold Cup campaign ended.

Needing at least to avoid defeat to give themselves a chance of progressing to the quarter-finals, following consecutive draws with Honduras and Panama, the Soca Warriors slipped to a 2-0 defeat against Colombia and made an early exit from the competition at the group stages.

Central defender Lawrence played the full 90 minutes against the Colombians in searing heat in Miami.

Wrexham club secretary Geraint Parry said: "Dennis is now on his way back to join the rest of the squad for pre-season training."


teamtalk

262

Football / Andrews news lifts Gers

« on: July 14, 2005, 09:37:46 AM »

Andrews news lifts Gers


Rangers have been boosted by news that Marvin Andrews has not suffered a serious injury while on international duty with Trinidad and Tobago.

It had been feared that the centre-back had further damaged a knee problem which was the focus of plenty of attention last season.

He was forced off during his nation's 2-0 defeat by Colombia in Florida as Trinidad and Tobago were eliminated from the Gold Cup competition.

T&T spokesman Shaun Fuentes said: "Probably the only positive note coming out of the game was that Marvin Andrews received just a knock to his left ankle and not his knee.

"Alarm bells were at first ringing especially after he went down a second time and had to be replaced. The ankle blow is not serious."

Andrews had suffered cruciate ligament damage at Dundee in March but defied the club's orders to have an operation, relying instead on faith healing.

The 29-year-old returned to help Rangers win the SPL title and is still shunning surgery.


teamtalk

263

Football / Whose The Worst Player To Put On T&T Colours

« on: July 11, 2005, 10:44:54 AM »

I've been following(aware) of our football since '73 and Cyd Gray gets my vote.He beat back Derek Lee who use to play for Army .At least once in a few games Lee may do something good.
I've seen a lot of mistakes with our ddefenders like Clayton Morris back slicing a boom kick into his own net in a Shell final against Jamaica but I've NEVER seen a Trinidad defender do what Gray did last night in misjudging a waist high ball completely.It brought back Under 14 memories when you see a sh!t player on de ball.

264

Football / Jason Norville on trial

« on: July 08, 2005, 10:56:07 AM »

Trinidad and Tobago international Jason Norville has returned to Colchester for a trial.

The English-born striker linked up with Phil Parkinson's men on Monday and has spent the past week training with the Us.

Norville, 21, played a reserve game for Colchester at the end of last season as the club attempted to negotiate with Watford over a loan deal. However the deal was not completed before the transfer deadline.

Colchester kick off their pre-season preparations next week with visits to Dulwich Hamlet (12 July) and Tiptree United (13 July) and Norville is expected to feature


teamtalk

265

Football / Adams warns Ince

« on: July 08, 2005, 10:51:35 AM »

Coventry manager Micky Adams has warned new goalkeeper Clayton Ince he is by no means assured of the number one shirt.

The 32-year-old has signed for the Sky Blues on a free transfer from Crewe but still has plenty to prove to Adams.

"Clayton needs to improve his game but with full-time goalkeeping coaching - which he didn't have at Crewe - he can get better," Adams said.

"But I'm still in the market for a goalkeeper so he'll have to accept that if I can bring somebody in, there'll be competition for that position."

Ince added: "From a personal perspective, I just want to get that number one spot, but my target is to stay fit and get the club where they deserve to be.

"I'm hoping we can get promoted and the club reaches where it should be - and that's the top flight."


teamtalk

266

Football / Sam wants to play again

« on: July 06, 2005, 11:32:19 AM »

Port Vale's new arrival Hector Sam is hoping to rekindle his Trinidad & Tobago career alongside compatriot Chris Birchall.

Sam has joined Vale on a 12-month deal from Wrexham after turning down a new contract at the Racecourse Ground.

He is hopeful of kick-starting his international career alongside newly-capped Birchall, who recently became the first white player in 60 years to represent the country.

Sam said: "Hopefully I can rekindle my international career. I am looking forward to playing alongside Chris Birchall - he's a great lad and I just can't wait."

teamtalk

267

Football / He's having a ball, and he hasn't even kicked off yet

« on: July 02, 2005, 02:50:35 PM »

He's having a ball, and he hasn't even kicked off yet
By John Huxley

   
"It's a big responsibility" ... the former English Premier League player Dwight Yorke will be the man fans watch. For opponents of Sydney FC he will be the man to stop.

On and off the football field, Dwight Yorke has pretty much done it all.

He has played alongside David Beckham, been deified by his countrymen on the Caribbean island of Tobago, and been trashed by the English tabloids for his partying, his on-off relationship with the topless model Jordan and his on-film sex romps with four women and his Australian mate Mark Bosnich.

So why, at the age of only 33, would he want to come to play football in Australia which - to adapt the famous remark of a former Socceroo - is rather like going to England to surf?

"Not the money. I could have got much more in the Far East," Yorke said yesterday after signing a two-year contract to play with new A-league team Sydney FC.

"Not the weather, and other stuff like that," he added, glancing outside at rain more typical of Manchester and Birmingham.

No, Yorke just wanted to play for an exciting, new club, in an exciting, new competition.

"It was a great opportunity I couldn't resist. And, well, there's no secret Sydney is a place I love."

Sydney FC, dubbed Hollywood FC and Bling FC by rival fans, already has a billionaire backer, Frank Lowy; a celebrity supporter, Anthony LaPaglia, and a World Cup-winning coach, the German Pierre Littbarski. Now it has its big-name player.

Advertisement
AdvertisementNot surprisingly, Yorke declined to disclose the terms of his contract, reportedly worth about $1 million a year, plus Porsche (although he disappeared in one of the four-wheel-drives of the sponsor, Hyundai), plus an apartment in Elizabeth Bay, plus plus.

Sadly for a code that needs publicity good or bad to succeed in footy-mad Sydney, he did not wish to discuss his private life either. "Football is what I'm here for." Asked if he expected better treatment from local media, he rattled his silver bracelets, tugged his silver earrings and smiled.

"If I'm totally honest, I don't expect much different. You know when you become a name in the game the media wants to know about your private life." So will he be on special behaviour? "Oh, this is my personality. Everyone knows what I'm like. If I'm doing the business on the football pitch and the manager is happy, that what's important."

Yorke knows that as the club's top player he will be tagged by fans as the man to watch and targeted by opponents as the man to stop. "It's a responsibility. But I don't want to be too big-headed. This is not just about Dwight Yorke."

Maybe not, but he has most to prove. His previous manager described him unflatteringly as a $50,000-a-week "straggler". His new chairman, Walter Bugno, was quoted as saying that bringing him to Sydney was like winning the Olympics.

Yorke starts training on Monday, and the club kicks off its first A-league game on August 28. It will be hoping that all's Dwight on the night.

Meanwhile, he is getting used to being a player in Australia. Apologising for arriving one day late, he explained he had missed the plane. If he had still been an English Premier League player they would have held it for him.

sydney morning herald

268

Football / Birchall Urge To Rest

« on: June 21, 2005, 09:21:33 AM »

Veteran midfielder Danny Sonner has waded into Chris Birchall's club-versus-country row, insisting the Port Vale starlet requires a proper break before the season kicks off.

Birchall, 21, had intended missing Trinidad and Tobago's Gold Cup games to be part of Vale's build-up to the new season, which kicks off on 6 August.

But Trinidad & Tobago coach Leo Beenhakker is adamant the winger will play in the United States-based Gold Cup tournament, which runs from 6-24 July.

Vale manager Martin Foyle says he will leave the final decision to Birchall, but has made clear he wants the player to rest.

Sonner said: "Chris did very well recently when he made his T & T debut, and understandably will now not want to miss a game.

"However, he is still a young lad and it's very important that he gets a proper break before the start of the season. I can understand both sides of the argument, but from Port Vale's point of view, we need him fit and ready for the start of the season."


Teamtalk

269

Football / Some News On Carlos Edwards

« on: June 20, 2005, 10:09:14 AM »

Dibble backing for Edwards


Former Luton goalkeeper Andy Dibble has tipped Carlos Edwards to shine for the Hatters next season.

Edwards is due to move to Kenilworth Road on 1 July after leaving Wrexham - where he played with Dibble last season - at the end of the 2004/05 campaign.

"Carlos is a very, very strong attacking player with a lot of pace and he can play in either wing-back position or further forwards," Dibble told Luton Today.

"He's versatile and also has a really decent strike on the ball and I've seen him score plenty of goals from outside the penalty area.

"He's an exciting player and I think the fans will only be impressed by what they see."

Teamtalk

270

Football / Trinidad vs Mexico going on now

« on: June 09, 2005, 07:16:53 PM »

For those who have GolTv. It in English.