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5131

Football / Shaka is waiting for the call

« on: March 12, 2005, 08:18:31 AM »

The Pompey Pages

SHAKA HISLOP is ready to leap to Pompey's rescue – and save his Fratton career.

Supporters are clamouring for Hislop to be restored to Pompey's goal at the expense of Kostas Chalkias.

But the Greek keeper today told Velimir Zajec: Stick with me.

Hislop is hoping for a dramatic return against former side Newcastle in eight days.

It would be an extraordinary turnaround after he was frozen out of the side by boss Zajec.

But Pompey's precarious position just six points above the relegation zone has heightened pressure for change.

Their fortunes have tumbled since regular keeper Hislop was axed in January.

Chalkias has conceded 13 goals in six games since his arrival from Panathinaikos.

Hislop said: 'I would be delighted to get back into the team. I've always kept myself prepared to play again.

'But I don't make these decisions and am prepared for whatever happens. The manager hasn't spoken to me.'

Chalkias is standing defiantly in the face of criticism and vowed he was strong enough to continue in goal.

He said: 'I've played two games against difficult sides – Arsenal and Manchester United.

'I think there were things to take from the way we all performed. We played well for 90 minutes against United and well for 40 minutes against Arsenal.'

5132

Football / Marlon Rojas eager to join his teammates.

« on: March 11, 2005, 02:19:30 PM »

Marlon Rojas eager to join his teammates.
By: Peter Richins - Salt Lake Tribune.

Because Portugal did not want him, Real Salt Lake's newest defender, Marlon Rojas, decided to settle for Salt Lake City.
Rojas, the team's recent 25-year-old acquisition and a regular on the Trinidad and Tobago national team, intended to join Real during the team's practice sessions in Monte Gordo, Portugal, last week. But as it turned out, his visa was good enough for about every other country in the world except Portugal.
"It has been on my mind," Rojas said. "The guys have an edge on me, training the past couple of weeks."
Rojas first arrived in Utah on Friday evening, and Saturday was at the team's three-on-three youth soccer event. His first impressions of Utah, mixed with the action at the University of Utah's indoor football practice facility, were positive.
"It's going to be great; the people here seem really interested in what we are going to do here," Rojas said.
While the rest of the team practices in Portugal, Rojas will bide his time in Utah looking for a house and otherwise getting settled. He also is resting a hamstring he pulled recently in a game against Jamaica. He is looking forward to when Real returns to the United States for its practice sessions in Redlands, Calif.
His training with Real may be short-lived, however. Chances are, he will be recalled to Trinidad for national team training.West Ham, Leeds, Coventry look at Carlos Edwards.
By: fleX.

Wrexham winger Carlos Edwards has played down speculation linking him with a move away from the Racecourse. The 26-year-old talented Trinidad & Tobago international has reportedly been watched by championship sides West Ham United, Leeds United and Coventry City.
However, Edwards maintains that the media interest surrounding his future does not affect him.
"In the past I've been told there are clubs interested in me and sniffing around but it doesn't affect me," said Edwards.
"As one of the better-known players at the club it's something that I've had to get used to, but I've never let it get on top of me. "If I have to leave Wrexham, then fine but until then I'm concentrating on Wrexham and trying to keep us up," he added.
Meanwhile, Dundee have just been granted dispensation to sign former Motherwell and Kilmarnock goalkeeper Francois Dubourdeau following injury to Trinidad & Tobago international Kelvin Jack. The Scottish based Jack has been jinx by injury since joining Dundee.
Cornell Glen who is currently in Spain on pre-season training with his new club FC Dallas is also nursing an ankle sprain. Unfortunately, Cornell has been injured for the most part of his stay with us in Spain. Like I said before, we will be looking to add a couple more bodies to strengthen our look at the forward position, added head coach Colin Clarke." Despite being injured Glen still had the chance to meet up with his international team-mate Derek Phillips during his time in Spain. FC Dallas defeated Phillip's new club Shamrock Rovers of Ireland's First Division by a 1-0 score line last Monday.
More news, young inspirational midfielder Denzil Theobald is also out injured and could miss Trinidad and Tobago’s next World Cup qualifier against Guatemala on March 26th and possible the home game against Costa Rica 4 days later. The talented midfielder has fractured his left instep and his foot will be in a cast for 10-12 days. “Yes I am disappointed, but I am always one to look at things in a positive light, but yes I would have certainly liked to play against Guatemala especially after having a good game against the USA, but I guess that’s how it is sometimes, ended Theobald.” After getting better though, Theobald is expected to jet off to England to pursue a trial spell after being invited by English Championship League Division club Queens Park Rangers. He says he is enjoying his stint with Caledonia AIA Fire, but says if a overseas contract comes his way he will welcome it with open arms,” says Theobald.

5133

Football / USA to play England on May 28 in Chicago

« on: March 11, 2005, 02:06:15 PM »

U.S. Men to Face England for First Time Since 1994 With Match at Chicago's Soldier Field on May 28

5134

Football / Sancho in party vow to pal Novo

« on: March 11, 2005, 08:18:06 AM »

By Euan Mcarthur (Daily Record)

BRENT SANCHO last night told Nacho Novo his birthday bash won't begin in earnest until after he snuffs out the threat of the Rangers striker.

Dundee defender Sancho is preparing to celebrate his 28th birthday on Sunday, when the little Spaniard returns to face his former club in the live TV clash at Dens Park.

Then he will meet up with close pal Novo after the final whistle to savour his special day.

But Sancho warned him not to expect any extra goodwill. He said: 'I'll probably hang out with Nacho as he might be staying on. We're good friends but we won't be doing any talking until after the match.

'It would be the icing on my cake for us to keep a clean sheet and get a victory.

'Nacho has done brilliantly since going to Rangers and I never had any doubts he'd succeed.'

Sancho missed last weekend's 1-0 defeat by Livingston which infuriated boss Jim Duffy.

But the Trinidad and Tobago star is poised to be brought back into action in a bid to avoid a fourth straight defeat and the prospect of Livi overtaking them in the table.

Sancho hopes Duffy's ban on all joking in the build-up to this weekend acts as a wake-up call in their fight for SPL survival.

He said: 'This is a massive game for us after what happened last week. We'll have to fight and scratch like dogs.

'Even if the gaffer hadn't said what he said this week,the players would know themselves that it's not acceptable.'

Sancho's form could also win him a move to bigger things once his deal expires in the summer.

But he would have no qualms about committing his future to the Dark Blues for a while longer.

He said: 'It's still too early to say what will happen but I've really enjoyed my time at Dundee under Jim Duffy - he has taught me so much.'

Duffy could be set to hand Scott Robertson his first SPL start against Rangers.

The 19-year-old midfielder made his debut against Hibs in the Scottish Cup in January.

Duffy said: 'We have high hopes for Scott and he's in the frame to be involved in this game.'

5135

Football / 'Star boy' football not working

« on: March 10, 2005, 09:36:57 AM »

Letter to the Trinidad Express

I state the obvious when I say that football is a team sport. It is a sport that is played by 11 players that have to be molded into a cohesive unit where players develop a "sixth" sense with the other players on the team ... they can pass the ball knowing that another player will be there to receive it.

This unit/team plays and trains together and then the big day comes and some of these players are dropped from the team because Dwight and Stern and a few others who are professionals in other countries are flying down to play in the big games and the ones who have been training and are part of the team are made to sit on the bench!

What St Clair and coaches before are doing is destroying and demoralising the group by bringing in the "star boys". It has not worked and this will continue.

What player will put his heart into a position when he knows that he will be replaced by a "star boy"?

I say build a team and then let them play as a team and leave the "star boys" out.

Gordon Dalla Costa

via e-mail

5136

Football / Edwards vows to get back in swing

« on: March 10, 2005, 09:28:00 AM »

Wrexham Mail

CARLOS Edwards has vowed to make up for lost time as Wrexham's bid for league survival and cup glory heats up.

The wing-back has returned to the side after a lengthy spell out with a knee ligament injury.

And now Edwards, who remains keen to sign a new contract once the club's ownership is resolved, is determined to help Wrexham to League One safety and victory in the LDV Vans Trophy and FAW Premier Cup.

He said: 'I try to give my all every game. I'll always do that for Wrexham but it's not been easy coming back after going such a long time without even kicking a ball.

'The fans know what I've been through and I want to come back and start playing well for them.

'I know I'm not back to my best yet but it takes time to get over the kind of injury I've had.' nWrexham will not take part in this summer's Steam Packet International Football Festival in the Isle of Man.

Despite their being regular visitors over the past 15 years, organisers have not been able to find a place for Denis Smith's men this year.

Wrexham secretary Geraint Parry said: 'The organisers have a responsibility to generate interest in the games each year and it's understandable for them to want to look for new teams.'

5137

Football / Djorkaeff and Agoos Coming To Test Jabloteh and W-Connection

« on: March 10, 2005, 07:02:51 AM »

By Joel Villafana (ttproleague.com)

Former French International Youri Djorkaeff and former US International Jeff Agoos will line up with the New York Metrostars when they visit Trinidad and Tobago on the invitation of San Juan Jabloteh.

The US Major League outfit will be here for a one-week pre-season tour from March 13th to 18th—and will tackle CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh on March 15th at the Hasley Crawford Stadium and then take on Vibe CT 105 W Connection on the 18th down at the Manny Ramjohn.

Local football fans will be able to see Djorkaeff—the World Cup winner in the flesh. The 37 year old Frenchman comes with a lot of experience behind him, outside of his exploits with France’s national team, he played with French giants Paris St Germain, Italian giants Inter Milan as well as English Premiership teams Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers.

Jeff Agoos, a long standing US International will also be one of the big names coming with Metrostars—Agoos won the MLS Championship five times and was one of the USA’s best ever defenders.

Jabloteh board member Wilfred Espinet made a plea to the public to come out and support both local clubs.

“Metrostars will not be coming here on a vacation trip, they will be coming to play as if it’s a league fixture in the MLS.”

“W are also not going to be taking them lightly, because we feel that our level in the T&T Pro League is not far off from the MLS and what better way to prove that by beating a MLS team.”

“The match will also provide an opportunity for the local fans to see the quality players the Pro League has to offer and hopefully it will encourage them to come out and support the clubs when the 2005 season starts, said Espinet.

5138

Football / CONCACAF confirms World Cup Qualifying Final Round Fixtures for Match Dates 4-8

« on: March 09, 2005, 04:10:28 PM »

CONCACAF has confirmed today, with the participating six National Associations, the fixtures for the CONCACAF Final Round of World Cup Qualification Match Dates 4 through 8.

The fixtures (below) will run from 4 June – 7 September 2005, while Match Dates 2 and 3 will take place during the final week of this month.

Match Day 2 will have Costa Rica (0-1-0, 0 Points) greeting Panama (0-0-1, 1 Point) at San José’s Estadio Ricardo Saprissa on 26 March, and then Trinidad & Tobago (0-1-0, 0 Points) visits Guatemala (0-0-1, 1 Point) at the Estadio Mateo Flores in Ciudad de Guatemala. The Match Day 2 encounters conclude on 27 March when Mexico (1-0-0, 3 Points) host the USA (1-0-0, 3 Points) at the Estadio Azteca in Ciudad de México.

Match Day 3 on 30 March has Costa Rica visiting Trinidad & Tobago at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, while the USA greets Guatemala at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama, and then Panama host Mexico at the Estadio Rommel Fernández.

Details on the final fixtures, Match Dates 9 & 10 that are scheduled for 8 & 12 October 2005, respectively, in which all games have to be played simultaneously, will be announced later this year.

The top three finishers from the CONCACAF Final Round will advance directly to the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ in Germany, while the fourth-place finisher will compete in a home-and-away playoff against fifth-place finisher of the Asian Football Confederation, for one of the last berths into the FIFA event. These games will take place in November 2005.

2006 CONCACAF WORLD CUP QUALIFYING – FINAL ROUND
Match Day 2
26.03.2005: San José, COSTA RICA; Estadio Ricardo Saprissa (18:00)
COSTA RICA – PANAMA

26.03.2005: Ciudad de Guatemala, GUATEMALA; Estadio Mateo Flores (20:00)
GUATEMALA – TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

27.03.2005: Ciudad de México, MEXICO; Estadio Azteca (12:00)
MEXICO – USA

Match Day 3
30.03.2005: Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO; Hasely Crawford Stadium (16:30)
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO – COSTA RICA

30.03.2005: Birmingham, Alabama USA; Legion Field (19:00)
USA – GUATEMALA

30.03.2005: Ciudad de Panamá, PANAMA; Estadio Rommel Fernández (20:30)
PANAMA – MEXICO

Match Day 4
04.06.2005: Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO; Hasely Crawford Stadium (16:30)
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO – PANAMA

04.06.2005: Ciudad de Guatemala, GUATEMALA; Estadio Mateo Flores (19:00)
GUATEMALA – MEXICO

04.06.2005: Salt Lake City, Utah USA; Rice-Eccles Stadium (17:30)
USA – COSTA RICA

Match Day 5
08.06.2005: Ciudad de Panama, PANAMA; Estadio Rommel Fernández (20:30)
PANAMA – USA

08.06.2005: San José, COSTA RICA; Estadio Ricardo Saprissa (20:00)
COSTA RICA – GUATEMALA

08.06.2005: Monterrey, Nuevo Leon MEXICO; Estadio Universitario (19:00)
MEXICO – TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Match Day 6
17.08.2005: Ciudad de Guatemala, GUATEMALA; Estadio Mateo Flores (20:00)
GUATEMALA – PANAMA

17.08.2005: Ciudad de México, MEXICO; Estadio Azteca (21:00)
MEXICO – COSTA RICA

17.08.2005: Hartford, Connecticut USA; Rentschler Field (20:00)
USA – TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Match Day 7
03.09.2005: Ciudad de Panamá, PANAMA; Estadio Rommel Fernández (20:00)
PANAMA – COSTA RICA

03.09.2005: Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO; Hasely Crawford Stadium (16:30)
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO – GUATEMALA

03.09.2005: Columbus, Ohio USA; Crew Stadium (19:30)
USA – MEXICO

Match Day 8
07.09.2005: Ciudad de México, MEXICO; Estadio Azteca (21:00)
MEXICO – PANAMA

07.09.2005: Ciudad de Guatemala, GUATEMALA; Estadio Mateo Flores (20:00)
GUATEMALA – USA

07.09.2005: San José, COSTA RICA; Estadio Ricardo Saprissa (20:00)
COSTA RICA – TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

For more information on the 2006 FIFA World Cup Qualifying: CLICK HERE

5139

Football / Football: Germany or bust

« on: March 09, 2005, 07:50:48 AM »

By Bukka Rennie (Trinidad Guardian)

I desire, in this campaign to get to Germany in 2006, a collective effort towards devising a clear-cut “strategic plan.”

I always cuss these Dookeran-esque terms that have suddenly become quite popular—“strategic plan,” “directional plan,” “transformational plan,” etc, the point being that if it is a “plan” at all then there ought to be inherent a strategy and a direction; the concept of a “plan” presumes strategy and development towards specific coherent goals.

The choice of language certainly indicates where our deep problems dwell, even with our so-called intellectuals. Nevertheless, our intention at all times in discussing football is to make a plug for intelligent and purposeful functioning that would ensure we pay regard to process.

In all my pieces I called first and foremost for “structural coherency in our football from cradle to grave” and a “board of coaches” to implement this process.

I demanded that coaches at all levels of the game be made to work in unison and not at cross-purposes in order to produce the national product we desire and that the erratic approach to the management of football be curtailed forthwith.

I have even gone as far as to identify the most likely source of this erratic approach and postulated that even though this very source is the greatest asset to our football, we must have the “testicular fortitude” to demand the curtailment in football of what Jamaicans in their culture have for years described as “one-man-ism,” precisely because it is addictive and like a disease spread and filter down to very last bitch and his brother.

I warned that we will go nowhere in football without our full comprehension of what “process” and “collectivisation” mean.

Both Gally Cummings and Bertille St Clair in the past have exhibited the negative attributes of listening to no one, of failing to consult, and as a result failed after some initial success. Nevertheless they have proven to have been the best of the crop, but now that Bertille is once again in charge will he ever seek assistance from Gally?

Since the Digicel Cup debacle, I have read in the newspapers that the Technical Committee of Lincoln Phillips, Alvin Corneal, Mohammed Issa and others will be meeting with Bertille to discuss and come up with ways and means to deal with the obvious deficiencies. That’s a good and timely start.

And if the little magician, Latapy, is offering his services as a coach, we should welcome that. He will bring fresh ideas. After all, he is the only person to represent T&T from a tender age to adulthood and was captain of the team at each stage. I do not know anybody else in the world who has such a track record.

I suggested before that our problems lie in two main areas, ie technical incompetence and poor marketing. The technical matters we saw as revolving around the following:

The need to perfect a structure to suit the players we have. It is foolhardy, for instance, to attempt a structure that demands two wing-backs when in fact we do not have any consistently competent ones available to us.

The key to the game is about possession of the ball and capable passing of the ball in which the question of timing and judgment is of the utmost, yet to date there are few players in the present teams who can do this, even some of those who are professionals abroad.

Defence of territory and spatial off-the-ball running and positioning are crucial basics that we lack. However, these aspects of our game must become instinctive in order to guarantee forward movement and the competent switching from attack to defence when we lose possession. All this comes to the fore if and only if an appropriate structure is working.

Our players must develop first-touch control of the ball. Reaching the World Cup is not a possibility without this capability and any national coach who proves unable to accomplish this requirement will be a failure. If however this requirement is fashioned from very early at the lower levels, the national coach will not be so burdened.

Football is about chemistry; the players need time to work together and to gel as a team. In that sense the professionals cannot be the backbone of the team. A locally-based team has to be built over time with the professionals playing their roles as time permits. Even so the professionals themselves will perform much better when placed in context of a team that is truly a team.

The other question is marketing. We are yet to intelligently work out a marketing plan. We need about $50 million to properly prepare the team. We cannot depend solely on government; neither can we depend solely on inputs from the private sector. In addition to these sources we must create an international plan to “sell” our team.

Back in that 1999, I suggested the mass production of a video highlighting our football history; the great clubs of the past; the travesty that took place in Haiti; the building and preparation of the Strike Squad, replete with music clips and performance clips. To this we can add Bertille’s handling of the team in the Gold Cup, and Portafield’s first round in which we defeated Mexico.

We also recommended the marketing of our well-known professionals; we suggested the images of Latapy, Yorke, Shaka and Stern and their accomplishments on 500,000 jerseys to be sold at $100.

We have to market the team and we have to start now to coincide with the technical decisions that we all hope will be made shortly. Enough said.

5140

Football / Marvin Andrews: The iron man

« on: March 09, 2005, 07:49:56 AM »

By Stephen Kerr (Glasgow Rangers FC)

ALMOST 20 years ago, film fans around the globe were rushing to cinemas for the latest movie featuring Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa character.

Rocky IV was the imaginatively titled 1985 release and the enemy of choice on this occasion was Russian boxer Ivan Drago, played by Dolph Lundgren.

Drago, for those who don't remember and those who simply don't care, kills Rocky's former foe and new best pal Apollo Creed during a charity match early on giving Balboa the excuse he needs to come out of retirement for one last fight to avenge his friend's death.

Naturally, after taking the obligatory pounding in Moscow on Christmas Day, he stages a comeback Frank Bruno could only dream about and beats his rival to a veritable pulp!

During one of the treatment breaks late in the bout, the battered and bruised Drago utters the immortal line 'he's like a piece of iron' and I just bet there are a host of SPL attackers who use these words to describe Light Blues powerhouse Marvin Andrews following 90 minutes of whole-hearted action.

Since his start against Kilmarnock last September, the Trinidadian has been a permanent fixture at the heart of Alex McLeish's backline and his performances have been of the highest quality.

Andrews, who remarkably has amassed just one booking all season, is a real cult hero with the supporters these days and a special cheer is always reserved for the big man when he makes his latest bone-crushing challenge or clears yet another high ball that is thrust into Rangers' penalty box.

Now, as we approach the business end of the season, the former Livingston star hopes to cap a tremendous debut campaign in Glasgow by getting his hands on the SPL championship trophy and the CIS Cup later this month.

The 29-year-old won the cup with Livi last term, of course, and is gunning for another glory day with the Light Blues.

Marv told Rangers World: "I am having a good time, most of the results have gone our way and I am enjoying my football. This is a big month for Rangers with so many big games ahead to look forward to, but every match will be important between now and the end of the season.

"I am really looking forward to the CIS Cup Final. It will be great to go back to Hampden again and I have the chance to win the trophy two years in a row so that is tremendous.

"If we could win the cup it would give everyone at the club a terrific boost for the SPL championship.

"Our confidence is already high but it would increase if we managed to win the first trophy of the season.

"It would be a tremendous achievement to overcome Motherwell on March 20 and everyone at Rangers Football Club will be working hard to do that.

"It would be a tremendous personal achievement to win the SPL and the CIS Cup in my first season at the club.

"My desire was always to win trophies here and we have a real chance of doing it."

Marvin, who notched his 32nd appearance of the season in last weekend's 1-1 draw with Inverness Caledonian thistle, was not expected to feature so heavily in the first-team.

He has won the support of the Light Blue legions and the Ibrox management, however, and is one of the first names on Alex McLeish's team sheet.

Marv, man-of-the-match last Saturday, said: "The fans have been tremendous with me and I always try to play the game with a smile on my face.

"Football is a game you have to enjoy. It is important to enjoy any job you do and I love playing for this club.

"Rangers are one of the biggest club's in Europe and it is a pleasure to wear the jersey.

"I have started every game since Kilmarnock in September and that means a lot to me.

"Not many people would have expected that but I trust in the almighty God and he has given me the strength to play here.

"God has made me what I am and I have to thank him for putting me in the team."

Andrews partnered Zurab Khizanishvili, Bob Malcolm and Jean-Alain Boumsong in the early part of the season and now Sotirios Kyrgiakos is alongside him in the back four.

Rangers remain unbeaten since Greek star Soti signed in January and Marv loves working with the former Panathinakos hardman.

He continued: "I am really enjoying playing alongside Soti. He is a very good, steady defender and we have worked well together so far.

"He doesn't know that much English yet but he is learning and we are getting better all the time.

"He is very aggressive and likes to attack the ball. I think he has settled in very well since joining in January and we have not lost too many goals.

"I think we have a good understanding on the pitch and there are no problems at all."

Rangers head to Dundee this Sunday for another vital SPL encounter, looking to bounce back from last weekend's draw with Caley Thistle.

Recent away victories over Hearts, Aberdeen and Celtic have given the Light Blues a real shot at the title and Marvin, who received the brunt of the criticism following the Scottish Cup defeat at Parkhead in January, knows winning on the road helps secure championships.

He said: "It is important to win away from home if you want to win the title and we have beaten a lot of good teams recently.
"You have to go to club's like Aberdeen, Hearts and Celtic and get three points and we have done that.

"We will have to continue to do that between now and the end of the season and it will be hard for us but we have the players to do it.

"The management team and supporters are all behind us and we will do our best to get the points we need to be champions.

"It was nice to win at Parkhead and keep a clean sheet but that is in the past now and we have so many important matches to look forward to.

"What happened in the Scottish Cup is behind me and I was just looking forward to playing Celtic there in the league.

"I just went out and gave it 110 percent and the whole played really well that day, especially in the second-half."

Marvin is totally focussed on his Rangers role but admits he is saddened by the decline of former club Livi.

The West Lothian outfit, who secured a top six finish and even featured in the UEFA Cup during Andrews' time at the club, are currently flirting with relegation and Richard Gough faces a real battle to keep them in the top flight.

Marv, as you would expect of the man, is keeping close tabs on their progress.

He lamented: "I really feel for Livingston. They helped me be a success in Scotland and I will always wish them well.

"They are at the wrong end of the table at the moment but Goughie has them fighting again and I hope they have enough talent to stay in the SPL.

"It would be a dream for me to win two trophies in my first season, hopefully God will make it possible, but I also hope Livingston can stay up."

5141

Football / Our Warriors can handle US women

« on: March 09, 2005, 07:40:19 AM »

Letter to the Trinidad Express

Let's be positive and look at the bright side of our national football team's situation and yet be realistic. The strategies and tactics that our team use on the field really and truly can make it beat the US, Cuban or the Jamaican national football team or, to be more accurate, the US, Cuban or Jamaican national women's football team or, if push comes to shove, the US, Cuban or Jamaican national women's Under-12 team.

Of this last one, I am absolutely sure. I would even bet money on it!

Optimistic Trini

via e-mail

5142

Football / Warner to be T&T Cup patron of honour

« on: March 08, 2005, 03:01:04 PM »

By Nigel Simon (Trinidad Guardian)

JACK WARNER, FIFA vice-president and Concacaf boss, will be the patron of honour at the fourth edition of the T&T Cup World Youth Club Championships which kicks off on March 19 and concludes March 26.

This was announced by Alvin Corneal, the tournament’s director at the launch of the competition at the Carib Brewery Hospitality Suite, Champs Fleurs, yesterday.

Among the list of 64 teams registered to compete to date is a women’s side from St Kitts/Nevis while another team from Barbados has made enquires.

This year’s competition is being sponsored by Malta Carib and the Dion la Foucade Football Academy.

The one-week tournament will be played throughout Trinidad at the various stadia, and for the first time will not include teams from Tobago.

In his brief address, Corneal explained that the Tobago venues are currently being repaired and will not be available in time.

“We looked at the possibility of the Tobago teams travelling to Trinidad to compete, but this will be impossible because the Carifta Games is being staged in Tobago at the same time and space on air and sea transport will be difficult to get for that period.

“So far, we have 64 clubs, but already we are anticipating more teams to register before the March 11 deadline.

“We would like to accommodate as many as we can, but we also have to put in perspective the venues and their availability,” he said.

Corneal was full of praise for officials of the Ministry of Sports and Youths Affairs, who he said played a big part in getting the venues for the competition.

“It’s not every day a young player will get the chance to play at these stadiums, so hats off to Minister Roger Boynes because without him in our corner it would have been difficult to get the venues.

Anton Corneal, son of Alvin and coach of the national Under-20 team, hinted that some of the national youth team players in training will compete as part of pool teams.

The younger Corneal added: “Some of the players in the Under-15 and Under-17 talent pool are not attached to clubs and they, together with the players whose clubs are not participating, will compete with the national teams.

Among the clubs to compete the Under-15 and Under-17 Divisions are reigning Under-17 champion side Superstar Rangers, La Foucade Football Academy, Trinpro, Black Box, Cunupia Government School, defending Under-15 champion side W Connection, St Mary's College, Palo Seco Youths, Spitfire and Arima Ball Masters.

5143

Football / It was done before, minister

« on: March 08, 2005, 02:48:53 PM »

Trinidad Guardian Letter

I read the article in the Sports Guardian where Minister Boynes advised that Brazilian-born midfielder Jose Luis Seabra cannot have a faster route to T&T citizenship because it would open up a flood of similar cases.

The good minister should note that there is precedence for this type of action where the UNC government expedited the naturalisation process for a certain English legal adviser to the Attorney General.

Jose Luis should be granted special leave for one simple reason—the national football team needs all the help it can get.

Jon Rosse

Via e-mail

5144

Football / Edwards injury hits Final bid

« on: March 08, 2005, 08:06:22 AM »

By Mark Currie (Wrexham Daily Post)

WREXHAM could be without influential Trinidad international Carlos Edwards this evening as they bid to clinch a place in the final of the LDV Vans Trophy.

The wing-back picked up a hamstring strain during Saturday's 6-4 win at Hartlepool United and will have a fitness test shortly before the kick-off against Oldham Athletic, who arrive at the Racecourse trailing by two goals following the Dragons' 5-3 victory at Boundary Park last month in the first leg of the northern area final.

If Edwards misses out, Race-course manager Denis Smith will have to choose between teenager Simon Spender or veteran defender Scott Green to fill the gap and must also decide whether to recall defender Craig Morgan, who sat out the weekend trip to Victoria Park through suspension.

"Carlos did not train this morning because of a tight hamstring and we'll find out tomorrow what the situation is," said the Dragons boss.

" Fortunately Dennis Lawrence and Andy Holt, who had neck and hip problems respectively after Saturday, are both okay."

5145

Football / The jury remains out on Boucaud

« on: March 08, 2005, 08:00:56 AM »

Peterborough Today

Andre Boucaud - Posh 1, Barnsley 3

THE jury remains out on Boucaud, but with Posh looking certainties for the drop they may as well persevere with a midfielder young enough to improve.

The Trinidad and Tobago international showed one or two neat touches, but the key pass or shot was absent from a match Posh needed to win.

Boucaud also missed the best opportunity of a terrible first half by mis-hitting a 10-yard shot from a central position.

Shots on target: 1
Shots off target: 1
Defence-splitting passes: 1.
Accurate passes: 9
Inaccurate passes: 6.
Headers won: 2
Headers lost: 5.
Fouls won: 3.
Fouls conceded: 2.
Good crosses: 1.
Poor crosses: 2.
Caught in possession: 5.

5146

Football / A statement from Russell Latapy

« on: March 07, 2005, 03:23:53 PM »

Issued by Shaun Fuentes

Following a telephone conversation with Former National Captain Russell Latapy on Friday night, the following statement was submitted to TTFF Media.

To the people of Trinidad and Tobago:

The time has come for me to both state my position and clear the air on various issues. There has been speculation regarding my intent to re-join the senior national team; my past and current commitment to the success and continued development of Trinidad and Tobago football; and my discipline while I was a member of the Trinidad and Tobago senior team.

The recent interest in the possibilities of me re-joining the national team has served as a double edged sword for me. In the first instance, it is very flattering (especially at my age) for such interests to be paid towards me; particularly by the public of Trinidad and Tobago. In the second instance, I have come under rigorous scrutiny from past and present members of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) administration, and colleagues; both of which I have and will always hold in high regard.

Firstly, it is great to feel so accepted and missed by the people of Trinidad and Tobago. I have done my best to be an exemplary member of the sporting fraternity and an asset to Trinidad and Tobago football. As such, it gives me great elation to know I have done this in such a manner that my efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Secondly, the history records stand to disagree with what has been and continue to be broadcasted to the public. I have represented my country from the tender age of eleven until my retirement at the age of thirty-three, and I have done this whole-heartedly for this period with no consideration to my professional career.

People have been making remarks that I am currently playing in a “Mickey Mouse” league(s), however, I would like to point out some of my accomplishments. I have won two League Championships and one Super Cup with F.C. Porto (Portugal); won the First Division and “Player of the Year” with Hibernian F.C. (Scotland); won the League and League Cup with Rangers F.C. (Scotland); and with continued perseverance and a bit of luck I stand to win the First Division with Falkirk F.C. (Scotland) at the age of thirty-six. I am by no means attempting to point any fingers, but I do ask that my criticizers look at their accomplishments both nationally (as representatives of Trinidad and Tobago) and internationally (as it pertains to the worldwide recognition of the Leagues and accolades they have received).

I have also read the column of an ex-member of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) now called the TTFF. I do not know who has given this gentleman (and I use the term loosely) the right to talk about me based on the fact that I have had very little (if any) association with him. As such, I do not know what he has done for the development of football in Trinidad and Tobago besides following the orders of his boss. Additionally, I am a standout in comparison to this gentleman based on the fact that I have been objective, creative, and an instrumental player in the recognition of Trinidad and Tobago as a great source of Caribbean football talent. Therefore, I recommend that this gentleman keeps listening to his boss, and if he has to keep criticizing me feel free to do so, because I have done all that I have to do without having to receive orders, ask any favours, and have done it all my way.

My intention at this point, as far as it pertains to re-joining the national team, is very straight forward. I believe that I would best serve my country as a coach. This is not an attack on the current head coach (Mr. St Clair) or his staff, but the reality is that my eventual retirement from playing is definitely approaching. With this said, I know that Mr. St Clair  has had great successes as a national coach both at the junior (Youth World Cup) and senior (Semi-Finals Gold Cup) levels. Evidently, his experience as a coach is different to mine, but rest assured that he was once in my seat (i.e. as a beginner), as well as were many other world renowned coaches, craving an opportunity and destine to succeed. Additionally, as a prospective coach I am aware that there are times that I may need to utilize the player/coach umbrella from a tactical stand point, but I believe that we currently have the talent whereby my playing services would not be needed.

With my intention stated, I do wish the technical staff, head coach, and the national team best of luck and God Speed. I have been in the game for a long time and since my retirement from Trinidad and Tobago football I have stayed away and never meddled; however, the wrong impression is being given to the public as it pertains to team selection and player commitment. In the past, if the technical staff is interested in a player communication began with that staff and it is up to the player to accept or decline the invitation. This was done to minimize the unnecessary proposals from any person who believes that he should represent Trinidad and Tobago. This is the format that I have been accustomed to and it is the most professional manner in which to solicit your player base. It has been said that I never contacted the current coach; this is true. I have never had to do this in the past as this was not my perception of the format of the TTFF.

I will always be available to help Trinidad and Tobago in my entire capacity as a national of my beautiful twin island Republic, but at the present point this entails the use of my other capabilities as my intentions state above.

As far as the other suggestions about my commitment, if my unwavering involvement of twenty-two years (22) does not count I do not know what will.

Finally, I would like to address the statements made about my indiscipline. I have been very professional in my decorum as a citizen and representative of Trinidad and Tobago. As such, there are no major incidents that I believe I may need to address. However, the fact remains that I am a public figure, and consequently mountains the size of Mt. Everest are being made out of mole hills.

I hope that this statement clears the air on all the comments that have been made about me, and I thank the public for not jumping to any conclusions without hearing what I have to say.


I love my country,
and I wish you all God’s continued Blessings.

Russell Latapy.

5147

Football / James girls top women's football awards

« on: March 06, 2005, 05:08:33 PM »

Joe Public sweep honours

5148

Football / W Connection duo impress at Oldham.

« on: March 06, 2005, 05:03:01 PM »

W Connection duo impress at Oldham.
By: Joel Villafana -ttproleague.com

The W Connection duo of Atiba Charles and Andre Toussaint are generally pleased with their recent stint at English League One club Oldham Athletic.
Both players were invited to a 2 week trial at the club—after impressing the scouts.
The two local players played in a reserve game in which Oldham lost 2-1 to a Manchester United outfit, and according to reports there is a possibility that both Charles and Toussaint, may get a pre-contract with the club, since the international transfer window is currently closed.
However, having done well in the game against Manchester United, there are reports that other clubs are now expressing interest in the T&T players.
National under-23 striker Andre Toussaint told ‘ttproleague.com’ that it was a pretty good experience, citing the only downside being the coach of Oldham was fired while they were there and the newly appointed coach did not see much of the local striker.
Toussaint however, described the practice game he played as challenging—saying, “out there you have to fight and get the ball when you can—your own teammates just do not pass the ball to you—so when you get the ball you have to ensure you make the best of it.”
The 24 year old W Connection striker admitted his ambition is to secure a contract in Europe and he is anxiously working towards that goal.
As for national defender Atiba Charles—he also believed that it was a good stint, and was happy with his performance over the two-week trial.
Atiba is determined to continue to impress at the international level with Trinidad and Tobago and is hopeful on also securing a contract in Europe.

5149

Football / Latapy: I'm better as a coach

« on: March 06, 2005, 04:54:03 PM »

Latapy speaks out

5150

Football / Scotland wants goals to count

« on: March 06, 2005, 04:42:05 PM »

Scotland wants goals to count

5151

Football / Should Bertille St. Clair be replaced as head coach?

« on: March 04, 2005, 12:10:50 PM »

Is Bertille's job in jeopardy?

5152

Entertainment & Culture Discussion / Top 10 Soca Hits

« on: March 03, 2005, 12:23:04 PM »

UPDATED FRIDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2006[/color]

Music links compliments of http://www.toronto-lime.com

 1. Band of D' Year - Patrice feat Machel
 2. Ting 4 De Road - Mista Vybe
 3. Scandal - Machel Montano
 4. 3 Miles - KMC
 5. Can't wait (Release de riddim)  - Shurwayne Winchester
 6. Fighter - Maximus Dan
 7. Big Bottom Gal - Russell Cadogan
 8. Don't Stop - Shurwayne Winchester
 9. Always Be - Patrice Roberts ft. Zan
10. The Season is Mine - KMC