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151

Football / Fresh recruits for Warriors - Coach calls Dwarika, Nixon, Glen, Theobald

« on: March 29, 2005, 05:31:19 AM »

BY NIGEL SIMON
Trinidad Guardian

T&T midfielder CARLOS EDWARDS (second from left) has the attention of teammates KENWYNE JONES (background) NIGEL HENRY, SILVIO SPANN and JERREN NIXON during the team’s training session at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo yesterday. This was in preparation for tomorrow’s CONCACAF World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica at the same venue.
Photo: Shirley Bahadur

Dallas Burn striker Cornell Glen has been brought into the T&T team for the CONCACAF World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on Wednesday. Glen was due back home last night, after passing a medical test following an ankle injury, which forced him to miss Saturday’s match in which T&T was defeated 5-1 by Guatemala.

In addition to Glen, CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh defender Keyeno Thomas and midfielders Arnold Dwarika, Densil Theobald, Marlon Rojas and Jerren Nixon were involved in the team’s training session at the Hasely Crawford Stadium yesterday, under coach Bertille St Clair and technical director Lincoln “Tiger” Phillips.

But the Warriors are expected to be without sturdy Glasgow Rangers defender Marvin “Dog” Andrews for an extended period.  Andrews sustained cruciate ligament damage to his left knee during his team’s 2-0 Scottish Premier League win over Dundee last week and has been advised to undergo surgery on the knee.  However, the T&T defender—a devout Christian and believer in faith healing—has told Rangers he will play with the pain instead of undergoing surgery.  The injury not only forced Andrews to miss Rangers’ CIS Insurance Cup final which the team won from Motherwell last week, but caused Andrews to miss the match against Guatemala.

While the absence of Andrews and Ian Cox (hamstring injury) was surely missed, assistant coach David Nakhid— a second-half substitute in the match in Guatemala—feels otherwise.  Speaking at the team’s training session yesterday Nakhid said: “It’s going to be a long campaign—10 matches over eight months—and injuries will happen, so we have to cope with the injuries how we can.  “We have conceded seven goals in two matches, which means we need to work harder defensively and take our chances at the other end.”

Reflecting on the match against Guatemala, team captain Dwight Yorke stated: “Everyone involved in the football is not feeling good at the moment but you have got to look at the positive side, meaning that we can change things around starting from the next game on Wednesday (tomorrow). “We have to pick ourselves up to ensure that we can bounce back quickly or else we can find ourselves in a very critical position.  “The work ethic must remain the same and even though we conceded so many goals away from home we must continue to stay strong as a team.  “It’s very hard to describe how hard it is for us but as an experienced player, I have got to try and help as best as I can in this time.” Yorke added.

“Looking at us from an attacking point of view; we obviously didn’t look too bad—certainly not as the scoreline indicated, because we failed to convert at crucial points. Every time we looked like we were going to change things around, we just end up being knocked back,” Yorke said.

Asked what the scenario could be if there was a change at the helm of the team, Yorke responded:
“As a player, you never want to see something of that nature; but whether we like it or not the people in higher places will make a decision as they see it.  “We as professional players just need to keep doing what we are here to do and maintain that focus of trying to achieve that ultimate goal,” Yorke ended.

The T&T team will hold its final training session today from 4.30 pm while the Costa Ricans, who arrived yesterday, will also train today at the match venue.

T&T’s team:

Shaka Hislop, Nigel Henry, Anton Pierre, Brent Sancho, Dennis Lawrence, Leslie Fitzpatrick, Hector Sam, Dwight Yorke, Angus Eve, Carlos Edwards, Stern John, Kenwyne Jones, Nigel Pierre, Silvio Spann, Clayton Ince, Marlon Rojas, Atiba Charles, Cornell Glen, Arnold Dwarika, Densil Theobald, Jerren Nixon.

152

Football / Update on Dog

« on: March 28, 2005, 08:02:41 AM »

RANGERS have released the following statement on Marvin Andrews' knee injury:

"Marvin Andrews sustained cruciate ligament damage to his left knee in the game against Dundee on Sunday,13 March.
"It is the medical opinion that he requires an operation.
"Marvin fully understands the advice he has received, however, has declared himself fit and wishes to continue training and playing."

153

Football / Costa Rica to face Panama in silence

« on: March 26, 2005, 02:18:24 PM »

Silence?  Like they move the match to the Queens Park Oval or what?

By Eduardo Solano / Special to MLSnet.com

For the first time in the history of World Cup qualifying matches in Costa Rica, that country's national team will play behind closed doors when they take on Panama on Saturday. It comes after a sanction imposed by FIFA on the Costa Rican federation for the poor behavior of their fans on Feb. 6 in the opening match of the final hexagonal, at home against Mexico.
Even though the leaders of the Central American country tried to ease the decision of the world's governing body, the ticos will play without any fans at all, actually the regulations for the match are even greater: to the extent that the journalists who attend the match can't express their emotions, although for the representatives of their country, it applies as much to the Panamanians as to the Costa Ricans.

In the footballing preparation for Jorge Luis Pinto's team, it's been mixed with a week that in Latin America is traditionally one of reflection and meditation. Nevertheless, that's been only in the background, and the minds of the coach and the players have been focused squarely on Saturday's match then the upcoming contest next Wednesday against Trinidad & Tobago in Port-of-Spain.

For the first time in a while, the Colombian technical director can count upon all of his first-choice players in good condition, although in the final days leading up to the match Chicago Fire forward Andy Herron was injured, who had been figured to partner Paulo Cesar Wanchope in attack. The option now for Pinto will be either Liga Deportiva Alajuelense forward Froylan Ledesma or Wayne Wilson, who has remained in Costa Rica and turned down a move to China in order to play with the Costa Rican selection.

On the other side, the Panamanians have not won in Costa Rica for 13 years, yet are looking at the game as a great chance to claim a great result. They will take on Mexico on March 30 at Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama.

Panama also has a complete team available and no injuries, with a heady optimism and more with incentive, in not facing a Costa Rican fan base in the Saprissa that pressures the visitors with its songs and chants. This Saturday silence will reign in the stadium -- but one hopes it's the football that shouts.

154

Football / Donovan back to MLS - Glen to bench?

« on: March 26, 2005, 05:59:23 AM »

The Los Angeles Galaxy is reportedly close to sending forward Carlos Ruiz to Dallas so it can acquire Donovan from Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.
The 25-year-old Ruiz, who is from Guatemala, led the Galaxy in scoring each of the past three seasons and was Major League Soccer's most valuable player in 2002.

Donovan, a 23-year-old midfielder who is the reigning U.S. player of the year, spent the past four seasons playing for the San Jose Earthquakes in an arrangement with Bayer Leverkusen, which owned his rights.

A Kicker magazine article published Thursday in Germany reported Donovan was returning to MLS, and the Los Angeles Times quoted sources in its Friday editions as saying Donovan could be in a Galaxy uniform in time for the team's season opener at Columbus on April 2.

Donovan refused to discuss his club status when he arrived with the U.S. national team for Sunday's World Cup qualifier against Mexico.

"I think it's very exciting for the league," U.S. Soccer Federation president Bob Contiguglia said, cautioning that he had no knowledge the deal was complete. "If he's not going to play in Europe on a regular basis, he should come (back). I think it's great for L.A."

Galaxy president and general manager Doug Hamilton wouldn't give any insight.

"We just don't comment on rumors or speculation," he said. "Our roster is our roster, we're very proud of it, that's who we're talking about, that's who we're promoting. We have no comment on what's been written or speculated about this transaction. We don't comment on any speculation or rumors.

"We're looking forward to the season in front of us. We're looking forward to a big game April 2."

Leverkusen's officials could not be contacted Friday. Richard Motzkin, Donovan's agent, declined comment through an associate.

Donovan returned to Europe for a second stint with Bayer Leverkusen, which holds his contract. Since rejoining the German team in January, Donovan has appeared in nine of 11 Bundesliga and European Champions League games, but only two of them were starts. He has not scored any goals.

Bayer Leverkusen signed Donovan six years ago, when he was a 16-year-old student at Redlands, Calif., East Valley High. He spent two years with the German team before playing the last four in MLS. He said last November he wanted to return to play for Bayer Leverkusen.

155

Football / Friendlies

« on: March 24, 2005, 10:32:08 AM »

I see Guatemala has played 6 matches since the last WCQ, one against Haiti and 5 in the UNCAF tournament.  They won 4 (haiti, belize, nicaragua, panama), drew 1 (honduras), and lost to Costa Rica.  My question is did they use their full side in that UNCAF tournament or a second 11?  I know most of their squad is based at home so they have been training together much more than we, but I just wondering if their full side has had any match practice against quality opposition?

Doh forget the USA in the same boat as us, plenty of their key players just reach from Europe this week and they will not be playing any friendlies before Mexico.  Plenty men that played against Honduras and Columbia will not be in their WC squad.  And doh forget we played 3 digicel matches with quite a few of our world cup players there.

156

Football / Warriors respond to 'Sunrise' call..win warm-up game 2-1

« on: March 22, 2005, 10:44:48 PM »

The absence of experienced Glasgow Rangers defender Marvin Andrews from Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Guatemala should not be a major worry for Trinidad and Tobago's senior footballers.

That is the opinion of head coach Bertille St Clair after he received confirmation of Andrews' knee injury yesterday as he took charge of the T&T Warriors in their Fort Lauderdale, Florida training camp ahead of the second match of the final qualifying round. It's not certain whether the big defender will also miss the March 30 match against Costa Rica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain.

Added to Andrews' missing in action status, English-born stopper Ian Cox also turned unavailable after suffering a hamstring pull last weekend which resulted in a late call for Wrexham defender Dennis Lawrence, who last appeared against Mexico last year and was a regular member of the 2002 World Cup squad.

"Marvin has grown into becoming one of the more important players in the team and is now one of the recognised defenders in Scotland, but I don't think his absence will have any major effect on the team," St Clair told Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) media officer Shaun Fuentes yesterday.

"Of course, there's always a concern when you are missing a key player, especially in defence, but we have guys who can step up to the call and this simply means that one of the other guys will now get a chance to take up that responsibility."

Over the past two days St Clair has focused on getting the players reacquainted with each other and the spirit on and off the pitch has been a lively one at the Sunrise Hilton. Training each day from 9 a.m. and then at 4 p.m., along with the excellent facilities at the LA Fitness Center being part of the all-access package has been the schedule for the Warriors.

"It's always important to ensure that the guys are comfortable together when you are preparing for a game and this goes on to have a positive effect on what takes place on the pitch. So far I think things have gone well and we should be able to get on even better as the match date gets closer," a focused-looking Dwight Yorke said shortly before the training match with the Atlanta Silverbacks yesterday afternoon.

T&T won the warm-up game against the Silverbacks 2-1, with goals from Angus Eve and Nigel Pierre.

Off the pitch, some followers of the team back home and even those who have showed up at the team base in Ft Lauderdale questioned whether the overseas-based pros would actually report to camp on time and those here have seen the committment for themselves, which has left St Clair a pleased boss.

"I always advocate that if you are going to represent Trinidad and Tobago, then you have to do the things that the country deserves from you. As the coach, I have stressed the importance of this and we have observed  that each of the guys who have come on board have adapted quickly and have been doing the right things. Rules are made to be followed and you tend to gain once you follow it correctly," St Clair stressed.

"We are doing as much on the field to try and gel as a unit and we are working on getting as mentally prepared as we can for this game in Guatemala, which is our first match of the round away from our stadium," he concluded.

157

Football / Silverbacks To Take On Trinidad & Tobago National Squad

« on: March 22, 2005, 05:20:13 PM »

The Atlanta Silverbacks men have been called into action against the Trinidad and Tobago National Team for a closed door scrimmage on Tuesday, March 22 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Silverbacks were chosen to replace the Honduran National Team after the originally scheduled match between Honduras and TNT was cancelled after both teams were placed in the same group for the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
In a unique twist, the Silverbacks will face off against current teammate and TNT National Leslie Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick was called to the TNT squad in January 2005 and played his way into the starting lineup against the United States in a World Cup qualifier on February 9, 2005. Fitzpatrick is scheduled to report to the Silverbacks in early April.
Prior to departing for Fort Lauderdale, Silverbacks Coach David Vaudreuil noted "This is a great opportunity for us as a team and as an organization. While it is early for us in preparation for the 2005 season, this will give us a chance to evaluate the players we have in camp against the highest level of talent. It's rare to have this type opportunity this early in the season"

TNT is in Miami to prepare for their March 26 2006 World Cup qualifying encounter against Guatemala at the Mateo Flores Stadium in Guatemala City. The TNT roster is expected to feature several European-based professionals including Birmingham City's Dwight Yorke and Conventry City striker Stern John.

158

Football / St Clair calls up Dennis Lawrence - Guardian Report.

« on: March 21, 2005, 08:55:25 PM »

St Clair calls up Dennis Lawrence.
By: Nigel Simon.[/size]

Wrexham defender Dennis Lawrence has been drafted into the T&T side as a replacement for injured Scottish-based professional Marvin Andrews of Rangers.
This was the latest call up by coach Bertille St Clair who conducted two training sessions for two hours each with the “Warriors”at the Sunrise Boulevard Hilton training pitch in Ft Lauderdale, yesterday.
The 30 year-old Lawrence last played for T&T in a 3-1 home defeat against Mexico in the semi-final round of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers and is expected to fill the gap left by Andrews, who is likely to miss the match due to a thigh injury.
Gillingham defender Ian Cox is also uncertain for Saturday’s qualifier away to Guatemala with a harmstring injury.
“We used today’s session to really get the guys back into the run of things as a team again. This bunch really has not been together since the last qualifying match against the USA and so it was important to have them with each other again,”St Clair said.
“I was particularly impressed with the efforts of the guys who travelled from the UK yesterday. It shows that the commitment is there and then having the locally-based guys in there working just as hard was an even bigger plus.
“I think the drive to do well and get in the best shape possible is there and it shall pay off when the matches come around.”
Clayton Ince’s broken finger is healing and the former Defence Force goalkeeper has reported no further pain and was fully active on the day.
“It hasn’t been a bother and even though it’s heavily strapped and needs icing, I am not experiencing pain or discomfort and all should be well for the weekend,” Ince said.
Japan-base Silvio Spann is also coming off three consecutive appearances for Yokohama FC and is fully recovered from a niggling knee injury.
“The trip to get here was a long one but it’s always worth it when it comes to being able to join up with the rest of the team. I’m feeling good at the moment because I now have three games under my belt and the pace of the game there is amazing which has me in good touch. I’m just really looking forward to settling back with the players on this current team and getting it right for the two upcoming games,” Spann added.
In their lone warm-up match before taking on Guatemala, T&T will meet American A-League side Atlanta Silverbacks at the Hotel training ground today while training sessions will resume tomorrow until the team’s departure for Guatemala on Thursday.

159

Football / U.S. prepares for Mexico

« on: March 21, 2005, 05:35:07 PM »

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The U.S. national team heads to Mexico City this week to face Mexico in a World Cup qualifier with depth, momentum and a rising rookie star in Eddie Johnson.
Whether that's enough to get the Americans their first win on Mexican soil -- they're 0-21-1 all-time -- remains to be seen. "You don't play on a level playing field in Mexico,'' U.S. coach Bruce Arena said Saturday after the Americans beat Honduras 1-0 in an exhibition match that served as the final tuneup for the qualifier next Sunday at Azteca Stadium.

"The biggest advantage the Mexico team has is its home field in Mexico City,'' Arena said. "You're playing at 7,000 feet. They have a great tradition at home because of the altitude. That's a big factor, plus they have a very good team.''

While the United States has never won south of the border, it has had good success in recent years against Mexico. America has not allowed a goal to Mexico in the last four matches, including a 2-0 win in the World Cup in 2002 in Korea and a 1-0 win in April 2004 in Dallas. The U.S. is 6-1-1 in the last eight games against Mexico.

Three days after the United States plays Mexico, it meets Guatemala in another qualifier. "I don't get all hung up on the Mexico-U.S. rivalry,'' Arena said. "Anytime we play a game in World Cup qualifying in our region, that opponent is our biggest opponent then. I don't place Mexico ahead of anybody else.''

The win over Honduras gives the U.S. team a 3-0 record this year and a 16-game unbeaten streak since a 1-0 loss to the Netherlands on Feb. 18, 2004. The Americans are undefeated in 31 games against teams in soccer's North and Central American and Caribbean region since a 2-0 loss at Costa Rica on Sept. 5, 2001.

The Americans, who won 2-1 last month at Trinidad and Tobago in their final-round opener, will spend this week training in Colorado Springs, joined by 10 to 12 Europe-based players who have finished up play overseas. Those players are expected to dominate the starting lineup in Mexico City and include international stars such as midfielder Landon Donovan, forward Brian McBride and goalie Kasey Keller.

"We will have a different team in Mexico,'' Arena said. "Perhaps we'll have different teams for the games against Mexico and Guatemala. We'll have about 24 players in camp and from there we'll make decisions.''

While Arena sidestepped a question on whether this will be the strongest team the Americans take to the smog and altitude of Mexico City, midfielder Pablo Mastroeni likes the team's chances.

"It's going to be a great challenge in a great environment,'' Mastroeni said. "This is what we live to do, to play in front of 100,000 people. With the decent camp we've had and the effort the guys have put out and the results we've gotten ... I think we're ready.''

No one, it seems, more so than Johnson. The 20-year-old first-year member of the national team scored late in the first half Saturday for his seventh goal in six games. "It's all about putting yourself in good spots to score,'' he said.

In January, Major League Soccer turned down a $5 million offer for Johnson from Portugal's Benfica, and Johnson, who turns 21 on March 31, remains with Dallas.

Johnson will likely get plenty of playing time in Mexico City and a chance to learn more, Arena said. "He's got a big learning curve ahead,'' Arena said. " Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman preserved the shutout of Honduras when he smothered a kick from Wilmer Velasquez from in front of the goal in the 88th minute.

The "friendly'' match against Honduras gave the U.S. team a chance to play at a high altitude, a significant part of their preparation for Mexico City's 7,300-foot elevation. Albuquerque's elevation is approximately 5,300 feet.

The game marked Arena's 100th game as coach of the national team and improved his record to 55-23-22.

160

Football / RSL salvages draw with Rapids - Rojas set up a goal

« on: March 21, 2005, 10:16:28 AM »

Looks like they have Rojas playing left midfield

SALT LAKE CITY - Real Salt Lake FW Jason Kreis scored his fifth and sixth preseason goals, in the 54th and 70th minutes, to lead an RSL rally from behind as the team settled for a 2-2 draw against Rocky Mountain rivals the Colorado Rapids during an exhibition game Saturday night at LaPorte High School Stadium in LaPorte, Texas. Real Salt Lake concludes its preseason tour with a game on Friday night at the University of Tulsa Track and Soccer Stadium in Tulsa, Okla., against the 2004 Western Conference Champion Kansas City Wizards.
Real Salt Lake's inaugural game is two weeks from tonight at 5:00 p.m. MT in East Rutherford, New Jersey, at Giants Stadium against the MetroStars. Four weeks from today, Real Salt Lake officially brings Major League Soccer to Utah with a home-opening first regular-season encounter versus Colorado at Rice-Eccles Stadium on April 16, live at 1:00 p.m. MT.

"We showed good character and quality coming back from two goals down," said RSL Head Coach John Ellinger. "Rallying from behind isn't something I prefer, but it is good to know that the team is capable of accomplishing such a task."

Colorado began the first half with two early goals, as Rapids DF Eric Denton scored the first goal from a free kick 25 yards out just 4 minutes in. In the game's 8th minute, Rapids FW Chris Henderson broke down the left sideline, dishing off to FW Jeff Cunningham, who one-timed it past RSL 'keeper DJ Countess to give Colorado a 2-0 lead. Both teams battled for possession throughout the remainder of the first half with RSL almost striking on target several times.

At halftime Ellinger made one substitution, bringing on MF Leighton O'Brien for MF Chris Brown. Early in the second half, Major League Soccer's All-Time leading scorer, Jason Kreis, tallied preseason goal No. 5, finding a loose ball in the box and striking a shot sharply past the 'keeper on the right side in the 54th minute.

Just 14 minutes later, Real Salt Lake's combination play and extended possession set up the equalizer. DF Rusty Pierce played the ball up the right sideline to MF Dipsy Selolwane, who quickly fed a ball to the middle for O'Brien. O'Brien then played a ball out to the left for Trinidadian National Team MF Marlon Rojas, who served a ball from the wing into the box for Kreis, who finished off the chance with a successful, game-tying header in the 70th minute to complete the game's scoring.

Real Salt Lake vs. Colorado Rapids (March 19, 2005 - LaPorte HS, LaPorte, Texas)

                 1st  2nd  Total
Real Salt Lake    0    2     2                                     
Colorado Rapids   2    0     2
Scoring Summary:
COL - Denton 3'
COL - Cunningham (Henderson, Beckerman) 8'
RSL - Kreis 54'
RSL - Kreis (Rojas) 70'

Today's lineups were as follows:

REAL SALT LAKE
GK - Countess; DF - Behncke, Dunseth, Akwari, Pierce; MF - Rojas (Kreamalmeyer 76), Kamler, Williams, Selolwane (Whitfield 76); FW - Kreis, Brown (O'Brien 46)

COLORADO RAPIDS
GK - Foss: DF - Denton, Lowery, Cullen, Gargan; MF - Henderson (Morales 46), Beckerman, Nkong, Cooke (Guillaume 72); FW - Peguero (Gonzalez 16), Cunningham(Harris 59)

161

Football / Doubt over Andrews for Guatemala game.

« on: March 21, 2005, 05:42:05 AM »

Doubt over Andrews as ‘Warriors’ check into Sunrise Hilton.
By: Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Press Officer in Ft Lauderdale.[/color]

English-based striker Dwight Yorke was among the list of the Trinidad and Tobago footballers checking in at the Sunrise Boulevard Hilton Hotel in Ft Lauderdale, Miami on Sunday afternoon for the start of a four-day training camp ahead of Saturday’s 2006 World Cup qualifier against Guatemala.
The contingent of locally-based pros along with head coach Bertille St Clair and other members of the staff arrived in Miami at midday and the UK-based pros arrived a couple hours later with Yorke, Stern John, Brent Sancho, Shaka Hislop and Kenwyne Jones settling in. Scheduled to arrive later that evening were Clayton Ince and Carlos Edwards as well as Silvio Spann. Nigel Henry and Marlon Rojas will join the team on Monday along with Cornell Glen. The home-based pros in Miami at the moment are Angus Eve, Keyeno Thomas, Nigel Pierre, Leslie Fitzpatrick, Anton Pierre and Atiba Charles.
But there was some worrying news as defender Marvin Andrews failed a late fitness test before Glasgow Rangers win over Motherwell on Sunday and is now doubtful for the Guatemala match while Gillingham defender Ian Cox has suffered a hamstring injury which may force St Clair to make two other calls.
The luxurious hotel is also equipped with top of the line fitness facilities with the T&T players having all access to a fully equipped fitness centre and there are two playing fields within the hotel area.
“Things are in place for a good build up before we leave for Guatemala because the facilities here are very impressive. I expect that the guys will settle in and get down to business this week because come Saturday we have everything to play for against the Guatemalans,” St Clair told TTFF Media.
Following the cancellation of the friendly against Honduras, The “Warriors” have opted to play American A-League side Atlanta Silverbacks in a closed door training match on Tuesday at the Hotel Ground.

162

Cricket Anyone / Lara's Letter to the Board

« on: March 20, 2005, 07:28:33 PM »

Trinidad Guardian

Brian Lara’s “primary consideration” is “to ensure the survival of West Indies cricket.”

He said so in a letter on Saturday night, responding to an invitation the day before from the board’s CEO Roger Brathwaite to join the squad for the First Test match against South Africa in Guyana.

Lara’s letter was faxed to news rooms yesterday.

Lara said he was “ready, willing and able to continue participating in West Indies cricket, providing....that the best team will be selected, with an assurance from all the parties that the outstanding issues would be brought to the table and discussed.”

The board ignored the suggestion, leaving Lara out of the 14-man team and naming Guyanese left-handed batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul as captain for the Test series which begins on March 31.

The letter from Lara is the latest twist in a four-month imbroglio that has plagued West Indies cricket.

The conflict has involved players’ contracts (WICB and WIPA), sponsorship contracts (current team sponsor Digicel and Cable & Wireless, sponsors of Lara and six others left out of consideration) and players’ fees.

Following is the full text of Lara’s letter.

To: Roger Braithwaite,

Chief Executive Officer,

West Indies Cricket Board Inc.

Dear Mr Braithwaite,

I refer to your letter of invitation dated March 19, 2005, and would like to express my gratitude for your kind invitation which permits me the opportunity, again, to join the West Indies team.

As you are aware, I have devoted my whole life to all aspects of West Indies cricket. It is in these circumstances that I am bound to say that I have found extreme difficulty in formulating an appropriate response to your invitation.

On the one hand, if I were to accept the invitation, then I would feel that I have abandoned part of the core of players who have represented the West Indies with me over recent years and all of whom are teammates.

On the other hand, if I were to decline, then I feel I would be repudiating my deep feelings for the West Indian supporters and the furtherance of the game.

What I would like to see is the best team selected to compete in the forthcoming series.

I would also like to see an amicable resolution to the outstanding issues in an atmosphere of mutual compromise and respect, which would all redound to uplifting the morale and pride of the West Indian people who are so passionate about the sport.

I do not wish to be put in a position where I consider that my response to your invitation would be indicative of a selection of one option and the rejection of another.

In circumstances where neither my loyalty to the players nor my loyalty to West Indies cricket can be denied, I confirm that I am ready, willing and able to continue participating in West Indies cricket, provided that, even at this late stage, the best team will be selected with an assurance from all of the parties that the outstanding issues would be brought to the table and discussed.

I wish to state unequivocally that it is my intention to ensure the survival of West Indies cricket. That is my primary consideration.

Sincerely,

Brian Charles Lara

163

Football / Wrexham match report

« on: March 20, 2005, 09:00:58 AM »

It is often too easy to slag off match officials, but the less we say about Mr Drysdale the better - or the Football League will come chasing after us!
There was another hurdle for Denis Smith's men to get over before the game had even kicked off, as Steve Roberts had to be withdrawn following a injury picked up in the warm-up.He was replaced by Shaun Pejic in a direct swap, with 17th -man Kieran Quinn stepping up to the bench.
All the early pressure was applied by the home side and sam Parkin was cmbining wel with Lwee Holmes down the left flank and on a few occasions the ball flew across the Wrexham goalmouth.
It took 14 minutes for the Dragons to creaqte their first concerted attack, which came from an Andy Holt that Dennis Lawrence knocked down for Chris Llewellyn to lift over the top and while Ugarte forced young keeper Steve Book into a mistake he was
Then against the run of play that man uan Ugarte claimed the game's opening goal, when he raced through the centre to benefit from great work by Hector Sam, who had made ground down the left to chase a pass from Crowell, before looking up and sliding in a nice pass to the Basque to score from six-yards.Minutes later Crowell almost added a second with a neat curling effort from the side of the box, that the keeper did well to het down to claim the effort.
Ther was another half chance for the visitors on 25 minutes when Llewellyn flicked a loose ball over Book, but while the keeper was lost, his defence came to the rescue with two red shirts covering back to clear off the line.
Another spell of pressure for Swindon was ended on 32 minutes, when Ugarte flicked a ball over the keeper and the retrieve the ball by the touchline to cross into the middle for Hector Sam to beat his markers and crash the ball home from close range.
The home side showed that they were still a force to eal with, when Duke's cross was headed on by Parkin and the crowd held its collective breath as the ball flashed past Foster's left hand post and behind for a goalkick!
Then as the minutes counted down to the interval, a long throw in by Duke arrived at the Wrexham near post where two players missed the ball and when it bounced on Sam Parkin made good use of his large frame to head home from close-range.
Wonderful play by Sam on the left side of the box should have seen the Reds score a third, when he turned Jenkins inside out to lay the ball back into the feet of Llewellyn, but from 15-yards out the Welsh international comletely failed to hit the target as his effort spun away towards the far corner flag.
Lifted by their good fortune Swindon went in search of a leveller before the break and another cross from the Wrexham right was met by the head of Miglioranzi, who from the edge of the box put his effort on target, but Foster covered across to make a good save.
No changes for either side at the break, as Swindon started the second period in the same lively manaer they did the first.
Manager Andy King made his first change on 59 minutes with the talanted Sammy Igoe being replaced by Brian Howard. A minute later Jerel Ifil appeared from Duke, with Swindon changing their line-up to match the visitors.
A long ball over the top caused us problems as Foster's clearance went straight to Roberts, who twisted and turned into the box before firing a low shot that the Wrexham keeper did well to hold onto as it bounced awkwardly in front of him.
Carlos Edwards broke on the right and took pass from Sam, but as he battled to bring the ball under control the keeper raced from his line to deny the Trindiadian a shot at goal from the angle. King sent on his last substitute as Andy Caton appeared for Welshman Christan Roberts, who was just back from a long-term injury.
Wrexham were caught out on 76 minutes when Jenkins chased a long ball down the right and although Foster raced from his line, he was able to chip it into the mddle where Sam Parkin had another easy chance to draw his team level.
Two minutes later Howard went down very easily on the edge of the Wrexham box and up stepped Grant Smith to hammer a firece drive through the wall, and slight deflectionensured it flew past Foster.
The introduction of Chris Armstrong immediately caused problems to the home defence and as the striker headed a ball into the goalmouth Sam jumped at the back post but headed wide from close range. Soon afterwards Wrexham players were furious when Sam was fouled by Heywood, who had both hands on his shoulders, but the official flattly refused to accept it was a foul. Lawrence eventually got booked for arguing the point!. Then first year referee Mr. Drysdale took the mickey out of the visitors by pointing to the spot for Swindon's first penalty of the season, as Jenkins went down in stages under a challenge from substitute Mackin. Sam Parkin converted from 12-yards!
While we managed to throw away a two-goal lead in the second half, the match official then contributed with an amazing succession of decisions which finally cost us even a vital point - it was a real sickner and the referee even stayed 50-yards away on the far side of the pitch at the final whistle.
Swindon: Steve Book, Steve Jenkins, Matt Heywood, Sean O'Hanlon, David Duke, Christian Roberts (Andy Caton 74), Grant Smith, Stefani Miglioranzi, Lee Holmes, Sammy Igoe (Brian Howard 59), Sam Parkin. Subs:Rhys Evans, Matthew Hewlett, Jerel Ifil.
Wrexham: Ben Foster, Shaun Foster, Criag Morgan, Dennis Lawrence, Carlos Edwards, Andy Holt, Scott Green (Levi Mackin 90), Matt Crowell, Chris Llewellyn, Hector Sam, Juan Ugarte (Chris Armstrong 76). Subs: Andy Dibble, Simon Spender, Kieron Quinn.
Referee: D, Drysdale () Attendance: 5,123
Bookings Wrexham: Lawrence (84, dissent)

164

Football / Warriors assemble in Miami today.

« on: March 20, 2005, 06:28:55 AM »

‘Warriors’ to assemble in Miami on Sunday afternoon.
By: Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Press Officer.

Trinidad and Tobago’s senior footballers will assemble in Miami at around 3pm on Sunday as the local contingents departs Piarco International Airport in the morning and will be joined the quota of overseas-based professionals scheduled to arrive from London in the afternoon.
Head coach Bertille St Clair had his final session at the Larry Gomes Stadium on Friday morning and was satisfied with the progress of the home-based pros which he hopes will compliment the ones flying in to Miami from London.
The list of players leaving from home  includes midfielder Angus Eve, defender Atiba Charles just back from impressing in trials and is reported to have impressed in his stint with  Oldham Athletic, Keyeno Thomas and Nigel Pierre of CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh, Defence Force’s Anton Pierre, Leslie Fitzpatrick and Nigel Henry.
Arriving from London will be Portsmouth goalie Shaka Hislop, Crewe Alexandra’s Clayton Ince, Wrexham’s Carlos Edwards, Stoke City striker Kenwyne Jones, Yokohama FC midfielder Silvio Spann, Scottish-based duo Marvin Andrews and Brent Sancho, Gillingham’s Ian Cox, Birmingham City striker Dwight Yorke and Coventry City’s Stern John. Wrexham striker Hector Sam will arrive on Tuesday while United States-based duo Cornell Glen and Marlon Rojas will meet the team in Miami. Assistant coach David Nakhid will also link up with the team in Miami, coming in from Lebanon. The rest of the staff includes team administrator Peter Rampersad, trainers Wayne Cumberbatch and Zeph Nicholas, goalkeeper coach Michael Maurice and team doctor Terrance Babwah. The team will be in a live in camp in Miami before departing for Guatemala on Thursday.
Eve, who was in action mid week against New York/New Jersey MetroStars, said he expected the “Warriors” would be ready for Guatemala  despite the team not being together since February.
“The majority of the team hasn’t been together since the last qualifying match but I think that because we have been playing for a while now, it shouldn’t be a headache to gel as a team again. It’s something that we have had to deal with before and the few days in Miami should come in well for us at this stage. Some of the guys faced Guatemala last year so we will not be going in there as any strangers. We are going after three points in this one,” Eve told TTFF Media on Saturday.
Midfielder Edwards is also hoping to make a valuable input in the matches coming up which includes a home qualifier against Costa Rica on March 30 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
“I haven’t played against Guatemala in their home field but this is chance for us to go and show that we have the kind of steel to overcome such a stiff challenge. They will be gunning because they are at home but I have no fears about us being able to rise to the challenge,” Edwards said.
Originally carded to play Honduras in a friendly at the Ted Hendricks Stadium next Tuesday, T&T will now play a local club team on the same day as the clash with the Hondurans had to be cancelled because of the fact that both teams are in the same CONCACAF Gold Cup group.

165

Football / UK games today

« on: March 19, 2005, 09:33:25 AM »

Hector Sam got the start today for Wrexham
Shaka is not even on the bench today - Ashdown in goal.  Wonder what happen there?

166

Football / Hector Sam called up for World Cup squad

« on: March 17, 2005, 04:45:10 AM »

This could mean they not expecting Glen to be ready in time....

DENIS SMITH today revealed he will be calling off Wrexham’s League One double-header over Easter -but that decision leaves skipper Darren Ferguson playing an anxious waiting game.
The Reds’ boss has been left with no choice but to postpone matches at home to Brentford (March 25) and at Port Vale (March 29) because four of his players have received international call-ups. Football League rules state that games can be called off if a club has three or more players called-up.
Hector Sam was the latest Reds’ player to be named in a squad just last night. Sam joins Carlos Edwards in the Trinidad and Tobago squad for World Cup qualifying matches against Guatemala and Costa Rica. And Mark Jones and Craig Morgan were yesterday selected for Wales under 21s’ double header against Austria.
But the double cancellation of Wrexham’s league matches leaves Ferguson facing a nervous wait.
The postponements means there are just two league games before Wrexham’s dream LDV Vans Trophy final against Southend United at The Millennium Stadium on April 10 - and Ferguson is banned for both.
Ferguson sits out Saturday’s League One trip to Swindon Town because he picked up his tenth booking of the season in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Oldham Athletic.
The other match the influential midfielder will miss is the home game against Bournemouth on April 2.
Smith said today: “I had a phone call last night to say Hector is being called up, and that just caps it off. You take the four players out of the squad and what with injuries, there is just no way we can play.
“It was always going to be difficult anyway but I was hoping to have played the games. I had probably made my mind up yesterday with three call-ups to call it off, then Hector makes it four. I thought, that’s it.
“I have tried things. We looked at bringing the game against Brentford forward to the Tuesday, and asking Wales if the under 21s could join up later, but Brentford have got a game that day. I have gone through everything.
“That means it is going to be a long time until Darren Ferguson next plays. He won’t play until the LDV Vans Trophy final - if selected - and that’s not an ideal situation.
“I just hope he is allowed to play in reserve matches.”
Smith now has to fit the two postponed matches, as well as the match at Barnsley which was due to be played on the day before the final, and the FAW Premier Cup semi-final against Bangor City, into a hectic shedule.
“That’s four matches to re-arrange and after the Easter break we have five midweeks before the end of the season,” said Smith.
“From April 4 until the last game on May 7 we will have to play ten games. That’s a silly schedule and not what I wanted.
“These international call-ups are killing us and other clubs in our league don’t have this problem.”
Another Trinidadian, centre-back Dennis Lawrence, missed training yesterday with a foot injury.
Smith already has six first team players on the sidelines with injuries - Chris Armstrong, Brian Carey, Danny Williams, Jim Whitley, Dean Bennett and Alex Smith - and Ferguson serving a suspension.
Wrexham reserves travel to Rochdale tomorrow but fit members of the first team squad will not be risked.
Smith said: “We’ll have to find a team for the reserves but Andy Dibble needs games and will probably play.”

167

Cricket Anyone / Lara to know fate at noon

« on: March 16, 2005, 09:26:25 PM »

Trinidad Guardian

Former West Indies captain Brian Lara and his ex vice-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan could well find themselves being recalled to join the squad of 22 players whom the West Indies Cricket Board have invited to make themselves available for the home series against South Africa.

A release from the board late yesterday stated that its executive would make a determination on the review by its lawyers of the personal endorsement contracts signed by Lara and the other six players with Cable and Wireless by noon today.

If the contracts are determined to not be infringing on the board’s contract with Digicel, the players are likely to be invited to join the camp which starts next Wednesday.

The other players with Cable and Wireless contracts are: Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Dwayne Smith, Fidel Edwards and Ravi Rampaul.

Both Gayle and Bravo, along with Lara and Sarwan, were expected to be among the top players against the South Africans.

But they were ruled ineligible, according to the WICB because their contracts with C&W were not made available to the board. They have since provided copies of the document.

According to the release, the board will be in a position to advise the selectors with respect to the eligibility of the group of players by noon.

The selectors will meet today to decide on the squad for the First Test match which begins in Guyana on March 31.

The selected players will participate in a team camp in Barbados commencing next Wednesday.

The board said the team would be announced tomorrow.

168

Football / Jabloteh - Metrostars Guardian Report

« on: March 16, 2005, 09:24:14 PM »

BY NIGEL SIMON
Trinidad Guardian

Forward Mark Lisi and his New York/New Jersey MetroStars teammates capitalised on the sending off of three CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh players to record a come-from-behind 3-2 win.
The match, the second of a double-header at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, was supposed to be a friendly, but from early on it was evident that international referee Ramesh Ramdan would be in for a torrid time and by the end of the 90 minutes Ramdan had dished out eight yellow and three red cards.
Unluckily for Jabloteh, three of their players were the ones who saw red—defender Charles Pollard, midfielder Trent Noel and second-half substitute Michael Celestine.
Despite the fast-paced start to the match, the teams were each limited to one real attempt at goal—Jabloteh through Otis Seaton on the 15-minute mark, and the MetroStars seven minutes later through striker John Wolyniec.
Jabloteh eventually went ahead 1-0 in the 26th minute through an alert Kerry Baptiste, who was one of their best players that night, together with Seaton.
Baptiste fired home a low shot past Wells, after defender Tim Ward failed to clear a Nigel Pierre centre from the left side.
Wolyniec answered with the equaliser just three minutes later, hammering a Gilberto Flores rebound past goalie Daurance Williams. Flores was sent through down the right side by Amado Guevara before Williams denied him.
Sergio Galvin Rey had a chance to give MetroStars the lead on the half-hour mark but his volley from a Wolyniec left-sided centre, was kept out by the feet of Williams.
Two minutes into the second-half, Jabloteh regained the lead when a Pierre flick-on from a right side throw-in just over the half-line, put the ball into the path of Nicholas Addlery, the home team’ speedy Jamaican forward.
Addlery held of the challenge of two retreating defenders and slipped the ball into the far corner of the net for a 2-1 lead.
Jabloteh coach Michael Grayson then made a number of substitutions which seemed to upset the chemistry of his team while the MetroStars coach Bob Bradley also introduced fresh-legs into the match.
Josh Johnson, one of Jabloteh’s substitutes, got the ball into the net in the 57th minute, but the play was ruled off-side.
Wolyniec then almost tied the score for the second time, but his left-footed shot from an acute angle was bravely put around the post for a corner kick by a diving Keyeno Thomas, who needed treatment afterwards for taking the ball on his stomach.
The burly Wolyniec made no mistake with his next chance at goal, as he skilfully glanced an angled pass from Galvan Rey over the outstretched Williams, into the top left of the goal in the 61st minute.
The match then turned extremely physical, with Pollard and Guevara being cautioned in the 73rd minute after a minor scrimmage.
Pollard soon got marching orders for a second offence—a brutal sliding tackle on MetroStars defender Ademir Dos Santos—and he was joined by teammate Trent Noel, who drew the wrath of Ramdan for verbal dissent.
The visitors capitalised on their two-man advantage minutes later as Mark Lisi, a 64th-minute replacement for Michael Bradley, blasted home the match winner from 25 yards, leaving Williams with no chance.
Soon after, a frustrated Celestine picked up his second yellow card, which left Jabloteh to finish the match with eight players.
In the night’s opener, Jabloteh’s Under-16s crushed the national women’s team 9-0.
MetroStars will end their two-match friendly series in Trinidad with a match against VIBE CT 105 W Connection at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella tomorrow from 7 pm.

Teams

MetroStars: Zach Wells, Tim Ward (Chris Corcoran 59th), Carlos Mendes, Jeff Parke, Chris Leitch (Ademir Dos Santos 69th), Amado Guevara capt. (Pierre Bazie 76th), Michael Bradley (Mark Lisi 64th), Gilberto (Tim Regan 45th), Mahktar N'Diaye (Osni Neto 59th), John Wolyniec, Sergio Galvan Rey.

Subs not used: Jason Hernandez, Seth Stammler, Ramon Bailey, TJ Tomasson,

San Juan Jabloteh: Daurance Williams, Charles Pollard, Trent Noel, Keyeno Thomas, Angus Eve (Travis Mulraine 64th), Kerry Baptiste (Michael Celestine 59th), Nicholas Addlery (Josh Johnson 59th), Nigel Daniel (Devin Mitchell 59th), Ansil Elcock, Nigel Pierre, Aurtis Whitley (Nigel Codrington 78th, Marcelle Francois 86th).

Subs not used: Brian James, Vernon Bailey, Dexter Franklyn

169

Football / FC Dallas Update

« on: March 15, 2005, 06:31:05 AM »

FC DALLAS RETURNS TO TRAINING AT BLUE SKY: After spending 12 days in La Manga, Spain, FC Dallas returned to Texas and will train this week at Blue Sky in The Colony. The team will have one two-a-day training session on Tuesday (10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.), one day off on Wednesday and two single training sessions at 10 a.m. on both Thursday and Friday. The team also has scheduled a scrimmage with the University of Southwest Missouri at the University of Texas at Dallas on Saturday at 10 a.m. Admission is free and fans are encouraged to attend the exhibition.
TRAINING SCHEDULE*:
Tuesday, March 15: Two-A-Day - 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. @ Blue Sky
Wednesday, March 16: DAY OFF
Thursday, March 17: 10 a.m. @ Blue Sky
Friday, March 18: 10 a.m. @ Blue Sky
Saturday, March 19: Scrimmage vs. University of Southwest Missouri @ UTD at 10 a.m.
* Schedule is subject to change.

INJURY UPDATES: The team received good news on the injury front from their six injured players, including two of the players returning to full training with their teammates today.

FC Dallas had left Spain with six players injured and unable to participate in the final workouts. Two of those players, Steve Jolley and Abe Thompson, did not visit Spain. However, the prognosis at training today was good for the six players:

Ronnie O'Brien - Was back training today at full speed.

Arturo Alvarez - Was back training today at full speed.

Eric Quill - Had tests run on his calf injury and the tests found nothing besides what the team originally thought. He should be 7-10 days away from getting back on the field.

Cornell Glen - Is week-to-week with his ankle injury. (no real news here...steups)

Steve Jolley - Is beginning to work back after having knee surgery and should be 1-2 weeks away from training with team.

Abe Thompson - Is still 3-4 weeks away from coming back after fracturing his cheek bone, but is progressing nicely.

170

Football / Stern on the board for Coventry

« on: March 12, 2005, 09:34:49 AM »

Coca-Cola Championship strugglers Coventry and Cardiff were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at Highfield Road - a result which does neither side any favours.

Trinidad international Stern John gave Coventry the lead with the game's first attempt at goal in the 16th minute, only for Lee Bullock to level for Cardiff within three minutes.

Cardiff, whose fight against relegation has not been helped by the financial crisis which has rocked the club, played some neat football without really creating too many chances.

Coventry, meanwhile, continued their mini-revival under new manager Micky Adams as they have now lost only one of their last five games.

Coventry, beaten just once in their previous four games, took the lead in the 16th minute. Cardiff failed to clear Gary McSheffrey's corner and John was on hand to scramble the ball home for his eighth goal of the season.

But Cardiff were level within three minutes as Bullock, making his first league start since the end of November, glanced in Richard Langley's quickly-taken corner - his first league goal since mid-October.

Striker Trevor Benjamin, a recent free-transfer signing from League Two Northampton, nearly restored Coventry's advantage in the 24th minute, but directed his header from Richard Duffy's cross wide.

Moments later Cardiff's Junichi Inamoto fired in a shot from the edge of the box which Sky Blues goalkeeper Ian Bennett - back following suspension - was equal to.

Duffy had the first attempt after the break, the on-loan Portsmouth player firing wide from 20 yards, and John lifted his opportunity over the bar as Coventry tried to regain the lead.

Adams, knowing his side really need the three points, made a double substitution on the hour, bringing on Graham Barrett and Andrew Morrell for John and Claus Jorgensen.

Within minutes Morrell was cautioned for a foul on Jobi McAnuff before Inamoto and Langley fired wide for Cardiff.

Chances were few and far between by McSheffrey - one of Coventry's best performers - forced visiting goalkeeper Neil Alexander into a save with 21 minutes left.

Coventry had another chance six minutes later, but Benjamin could only direct his header from Stephen Hughes' free-kick over the bar.

171

Football / T&T Honduras friendly posted on Fifa.com

« on: March 07, 2005, 02:45:25 PM »

March 22nd in  Ft. Lauderdale (I presume Lockhart stadium)
Hopefully this means it confirmed

172

Football / Some nice UK results today

« on: March 05, 2005, 11:03:55 AM »

Much needed wins for Coventry, Stoke, Wrexham (6-4!), Gillingham.
Losing were Portsmouth, Crewe (dey get 4 without Ince), Peterborough, West Ham (Zamora came on and score one)