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23851

Football / The BIG Interview - Stern John

« on: September 19, 2005, 06:03:18 AM »

The BIG Interview - Stern John
By The Rambler (Derby Mad)

The Rams loan striker on coming to Derby and the chance of playing in the World Cup finals.

DerbyMad: Was it a difficult decision to come here?
Stern John: It was difficult because I was away on international duty and they wanted to get me before the transfer deadline but I’m here now. As soon as I got here I could see that the entire organisation was geared to the Premiership. I’m here now and hopefully I can do what I do best and that is score goals.

DM: You must know all about Derby because you used to play down the road at a team we are not allowed to mention.
SJ: Yes there is a big rivalry, but hopefully the fans will not be mad at me. I have to get on with my life and my job now I am a Derby player. I hope I can get my head down and start to do the business.

DM: Have you seen Derby play much recently?
SJ: No, not recently. I played against them last season. From what I have heard about the team they are playing some good football. And it’s attractive football. They just need someone to put the ball in the net. That’s why I came to Derby to play football, and I want to be part of that too. So hopefully I can come and make a difference to the team.

DM: Presumably now we have got you we have to get used to you leaving to go and play for Trinidad and Tobago.
SJ: Well there are 2 more games to go. It’s not that I don’t want to be here but if we win those 2 games we have a great chance of getting to the World Cup. It’s a players’ dream in their career so I hope that the fans understand.

DM: Knowing the fans here they will be delighted, and cheering you on if you get through. Do you have a real chance of achieving that then?
SJ: Yes there are three teams fighting for third place and there are two games to go. It would be great when you get older to say that it is something that you played in. Especially for me and my country.

DM: Presumably there can’t be that large a population there?
SJ: There are about 1.3million people there. And we have a great chance to go to the World Cup. The country is behind us and the team is doing ok so far. So like I say if we get to the World Cup it is going to be unbelievable.

DM: So what sort of a goalscorer are you?
SJ: I think I’m a box goalscorer. I like to get in the box and finish moves off. I can also hold up the ball and my link play with the midfield is good. And that is important for the team, because if you don’t have someone to hold the ball up and bring other guys into the play you will never get the ball into the box. Hopefully that is something I can bring to the table at Derby. Work hard and be a team player.

DM: Presumably you are not going to have much chance to train and practice with these guys.
SJ: Today (Friday) is my first session and from what I have seen I am really happy to be here. All the lads accept me really well. It’s like a team. There is togetherness. There are no big time guys. Everyone is playing like a team, which is really important also. I’m really happy to be part of it.

DM: Anyone that you knew here before coming?
SJ: Yes I knew Michael Johnson and Jeff Kenna and they welcomed me, which made things a lot easier for me.

DM: Looking forward to playing on Sunday?
SJ: Yes very much so.

23852

Football / Re: Theobald off to Latapy’s club for a trial.

« on: September 18, 2005, 05:21:35 PM »

What ever happen tuh de trial he was supposed to have wit Queen's Park Rangers?

23853

Football / Stern delighted to make debut

« on: September 18, 2005, 05:00:19 PM »

Stern delighted to make debut
Derby County FC

Debut-boy Stern John was delighted to get his first Derby County appearance out of the way.

The Trinidad and Tobago international signed for the Rams on Friday morning on a three-month loan spell from Coventry City.

He couldn't keep his record of scoring on his debut for every English club going, but felt happy with his performance before being replaced by Paul Peschisolido in the second half.

"I was happy with my performance, and that of the team," John said after the 2-2 draw with Southampton.

"It was disappointing though that I didn't score on my debut and keep the run going.

"But I still think there is more to come from myself and the team."

23854

Football / Beenhakker taking no chances against Panama

« on: September 18, 2005, 10:20:37 AM »

Beenhakker taking no chances against Panama
By Ian Prescott (Trinidad Express)

THE significance of Trinidad and Tobago's World Cup qualifier against Panama on October 8 can be seen by the urgency with which national coach Leo Beenhakker is treating it.

The Dutchman has requested that the T&T Warriors arrive in Panama a full five days before the important qualifier, which they must win.

Beenhakker, who is in Barbados, has also requested that in case of injury, his squad should include three goalkeepers. England-based Clayton Ince has since been informed that he may very well be in the touring party.

Most of Beenhakker's players, including the British-based professionals, are due in Panama on October 3. The coach will carry 20 players to Panama for the clash at the Rommel Fernandez Stadium in Panama City.

The Warriors will be in Panama for a week, returning home just two days prior to the final CONCACAF World Cup qualifier against Mexico on October 12 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.

The national team will prepare for both games in Central America, before rounding off preparation for the Mexico match in Trinidad.

Apparently, coach Beenhakker, who is expected to name his team next week, is trying to avoid some of the problems of the Costa Rica trip, where the team had to travel an entire day, train the next day and then play against the Costa Ricans, who beat T&T 2-0.

It proved to be all too rushed, coming after playing against Guatemala at home five days earlier.

Manager Bruce Aanensen said because they do not have a game before, like when T&T played Costa Rica, they can leave early and put in more thorough preparation.

"The coach said that rather than do part preparation here (Trinidad) and part over there, we will do all the preparation in Panama. We will probably also carry over 20 players, so that if there is an injury we don't want to have to send for a player to fly all the way to Panama."

Trinidad and Tobago fans will not see their Warriors prior to the final CONCACAF qualifier in Port of Spain on October 12.

Most, including the British-based professionals, will assemble in Miami, USA on Monday October 3. The foreign pros will play English and Scottish football on the previous Saturday, with the exception of midfielder Russell Latapy and Australian-based captain Dwight Yorke, who have games on Sunday October 2.

"Only Yorke and Latapy are playing on the Sunday. Latapy can still leave the next day and meet us because we have a long lay over in Miami. But because of where Dwight is coming from, he will probably only get to Miami in the night and will probably leave for Panama on the Tuesday (October 4).

Yesterday, T&T assistant manager George Joseph said he had a request from Beenhakker to make early arrangements for the trip.

Joseph was also currently liaising with Panama officials to book suitable hotel arrangements as they are having some difficulty making bookings in Panama.

The hotel they had initially secured has informed them it is fully booked. They were referred to three other hotels, but those are also booked because of a big convention taking place in Panama City.

However, manager Aanensen is confident that everything will work out next week.

Trinidad and Tobago and Guatemala are battling for CONCACAF's fourth and final qualifying spot to the 2006 World Cup in Germany, behind the USA, Mexico and Costa Rica.

With Guatemala unlikely to get any points from their next game against Mexico, a victory over Panama will give T&T a distinct advantage going into their final qualifying match against Mexico.

The fourth CONCACAF qualifier will meet the winner of an Asian Zone playoff between Uzbekistan and Bahrain for a place in next year's World Cup.

23855

Football / Big Marv steals stage, Abu Bakr visits Gillingham

« on: September 18, 2005, 10:18:12 AM »

Big Marv steals stage, Abu Bakr visits Gillingham
By Lasana Liburd (Trinidad Express)

Trinidad and Tobago central defender Marvin Andrews might be a squad player to Glasgow Rangers' manager Alex McLeish but he is huge hit with fans at the Ibrox Stadium.

The international player came off the bench yesterday evening for his first appearance since being displaced from the starting line-up, a month ago, as Rangers cruised past visiting Kilmarnock 3-0.

The match was a lacklustre affair. Rangers, who beat Portuguese giants Porto 3-2 in midweek European Champions League action, went ahead in the eighth minute after Dado Prso was gifted a penalty but there was little else for the home fans to cheer.

Rangers doubled their lead in the 67th minute as captain Barry Ferguson finished off some clever inter-passing with a composed strike to earn choruses of "Barry-Barry-Barry-Barry Fer-gu-son".

Andrews got a standing ovation just for showing up.

Last season's club MVP lost his starting jersey after arguably suffering a dip in form but there was no shortage of belief in the born-again Christian from Rangers' faithful.

And, as Greek international and 2004 European Championship winner Stelios Kyrgiakos suffered badly from concentration deficiency, McLeish swapped his long-haired central defender for "Big Marv" in the 71st minute.

Eleven minutes later, Rangers completed the job as Kilmarnock defender Gordon Greer turned into his own net after a Ferguson shot.

The win moved Rangers to joint second along with Celtic, Hibernian and Kilmarnock on 13 points although Celtic and Hibernian face each other today.

At present, Hearts are eight points clear of the pack on top the table.

Elsewhere, in England League One football, international defender Brent Sancho had some colourful local support in the stands as Jamaat-al-Muslimeen leader, Yasin Abu-Bakr, turned up along with his two sons for Gillingham's fixture at home to Oldham.

Bakr, who led the 1990 attempted coup against the then NAR government, was in England to visit sons, Suad and Radansah, who are students at London's Kingston University.

Suad, a Queen's Royal College alumni, is a law student, while ex-St Anthony's College and national under-20 defender Radansah is studying business management.

English agent Mike Berry, who represents several Trinidad and Tobago players including Sancho, explained that Bakr and his family were guests of Gillingham chairman Paul Scally as well as family friends of Sancho.

Berry said Radansah is committed to his studies for the foreseeable future, although he could help him train with a professional club in London.

Their presence did not sufficiently inspire Gillingham, though.

A 1-0 home defeat saw them slip to 20th in the 24-team table although Sancho played for 81 minutes at right back, while compatriot Ian Cox hit the bar in the second half.

23856

Football / Oilmen too slick for AIA/Fire.

« on: September 18, 2005, 09:53:29 AM »

Oilmen too slick for AIA/Fire.
By Nigel Simon (Guardian)

United Petrotrin pulled off the shock result of the First Citizens Bank Cup quarterfinal round, coming from a 2-0 deficit to slip past the fancied Caledonia AIA/Fire 4-2 on penalty-kicks, at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella, on Friday night.
The “Oilmen” were joined in the last four by 2002 champions and last year’s beaten finalist Defence Force and three-time winners CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh.
At Marabella, facing a 2-0 score with 35 minutes left and all looking lost for former national defender Brian Willians and his United Petrotrin club,the turn around began.
Densill Theobold with a 37th minute strike and Nigel Hart, 20 minutes into the second-half had given AIA/Fire a 2-0 cushion and hopes of erasing last year’s 5-1 first- round drubbing from Starworld Strikers.
But United Petrotrin had its own ambitions, and were ready to play the role of spoilers.
With $35,000 at stake for the winner of the Cup and $30,000 for second, the “Oil-men” dug deep and mounted a comeback, beginning in the 67th minute through former national youth striker Jerol Forbes, through a pass from Kevon Clement.
Still with only seconds left in the match and the score at 2-1, the odds were stack against Petrotrin advancing. However, a poor decision by Stokely Mason to hold on to the ball in his own half proved to be critical.
Clement got a pass from Kennedy Hinkson and with his team-mates on the bench on their feet he buried the ball into the net, sparking off celebrations among supporters.
More tension was to come in the penalty shoot, as Mason made up for his earlier mistake by putting away his kick, while Kayode Mc Kinnon also converted his for AIA/Fire.
Petrotrin was also perfect from the spot, with Brent Garcia and Dwayne Ellis, one of three recent signings from W Connection, both scoring.
Stephen David, playing in his first match for AIA/Fire after his move from Indiana FC in the USA, then missed his attempt for AIA/Fire, while Jamal Ayers scored to put the oilmen ahead 3-2.
AIA/Fire’s Dale Simon then had his attempt blocked by goalkeeper Perry Martin, which left Hinkson with the chance to win the match for Petrotrin, which he did.
The success could not have come at a better time for coach Williams, in addition to avenging two league defeats, 2-0 and 3-0, by AIA/Fire.
In a match that was over two minutes into the second-half, Jabloteh got goals from five players to rack up a fourth straight win against the Tobagonians at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar.
Kerry Noray, a threat to the Tobagonians all night, opened the scoring midway through the first-half and Trent Noel double the lead in the 43rd minute.
Two minutes into the second-half, Jabloteh, three-time winner of the Cup (1999, 2000 & 2003) put the match out of Tobagonian’s reach when Whitley slammed home a rebound inside the 18-yard box.
Three minutes later, Eve beat goalkeeper Shean Warner from the penalty spot after Warner had brought down Noray in the area.
Warner give away a second penalty in the 55th minute, this time for a foul on Josh Johnson, however Whitley made a mess of the attempt, kicking high and wide to the right of the target.
Tobago, who showed little signs of resistance finally scored in the 75th minute.
Captain Dwayne Jack’s header from inside the area hit the bottom right post and with goalkeeper Duarance Williams beaten, it rebounded to Williams, who guided it over the line.
Johnson then capped off a good effort by blasting a 35-yard right foot shot past the lunging right hand of Warner and into the top right corner of the goal to seal his team’s win.

Defence Force-North East Stars

Defence Force set up a re-match of last year’s final with Cup holders VIBE CT 105 W Connection after a hard-fought 2-1 win over National Quarries North East Stars in the second match at Malabar.
Christon “Paw Boy” Baptiste (26th) and Anton Pierre (37th) both finished clinically with left foot volleys from right side looping crosses, to beat goalkeeper Michel Peters for the 2002 winner to lead 2-0 at the interval.
Stars had their chances through lively captain Anthony Wolfe and striker Fabian Garcia, but their attempts were turned away by Defence Force custodian Cleon John. In the second-half, both Defence Force and Stars continued to create chances, but failed to find the mark, until Wolfe converted from the penalty spot in the 78th minute, beating substitute custodian Kevin Graham.

First Citizens Cup quarterfinal results:

UNITED PETROTRIN 2 (Jerol Forbes 65th, Kevon Clement 90th) vs CALEDONIA AIA/FIRE 2 (Densill Theobold, Nigel Hart 65th). United Petrotrin won 4-2 on penalty-kicks.

SAN JUAN JABLOTEH 5 (Kerry Noray, Trent Noel 43rd, Aurtis Whitley 47th, Angus Eve 51st, Josh Johnson 84th) vs TOBAGO UNITED 1 (Noel Williams 75th).

DEFENCE FORCE 2 (Christon Baptiste 26th, Anton Pierre 37th) vs NORTH EAST STARS 1 (Anthony Wolfe 78th).

23857

Football / Trinis in action (Sept 18, 2005)

« on: September 18, 2005, 06:59:29 AM »

Player	Team	Opponent	Result	Goals	Notes
Fitzpatrick, Leslie	Real Salt Lake	FC Dallas	1-2	0	Bench, did not play
Jeffrey, Kevin	Richmond Kickers	Vancouver Whitecaps	0-0 (5-4 on pen.)	0	90'
John, Stern	Derby County	Southampton	2-2	0	76'
Jones, Kenwyne	Southampton	Derby County	2-2	0	81'
Rahim, Brent	IF Sylvia	Visby IF Gute	0-1	0

23858

Football / Re: Trini Musings

« on: September 18, 2005, 06:43:18 AM »

8 ) Club Zen is the best club I have ever been to (worldwide) in terms of club classiness. T&T should be proud.

Me eh know bout dat. Ah went dey in July on ah Friday and it was too much drama. First ting dey say is dat meh shirt had too much buttons open (three buttons were open), so ah button up two. Den dey give meh ah setta chat about if dey see meh in de club wit meh shirt unbutton or if ah take off meh shirt, security go throw meh out. De final straw was when dey tell meh tuh take off meh crown and leave it by de door. Ah tell dem is alright, me eh bong tuh go inside allyuh place. So ah went by Jenny's on de Boulevard (same ting happen). Steups. Ah end up cooling out by de Crobar instead. Ah know is people private place and dey could institute whatever rules dey want, but oh gawd man, dis kinda fight down dey does want tuh perpetrate is de worse. Ah guess ah could only go Zen when Capleton, Sizzla and Buju and dem performing.

23859

Football / Re: When the Olympic U-23 Qualifiers starting???

« on: September 17, 2005, 08:39:28 AM »

Based on de calendar fuh de 2004 qualifiers:
Dates set for qualifying for 2004 Olympic Football Tournaments
CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2004

I'm guessing dat de qualifiers fuh 2008 will be held in late 2007

23860

Football / Friends, footballers and countrymen

« on: September 17, 2005, 07:14:13 AM »

Friends, footballers and countrymen
By Ian Roache (Dundee Courier)

JASON SCOTLAND and Kelvin Jack helped each other through the trauma of a mid-air scare as they battled their way back from international duty for Trinidad and Tobago.

However, today they will be thinking only of themselves and their respective clubs when St Johnstone and Dundee meet in a crucial Division One encounter at McDiarmid Park.

The Saints striker and Dark Blues goalkeeper are good pals and together endured the chaos of a cockpit fire and emergency landing on Costa Rica nine days ago as they tried to fly back from a World Cup qualifier.

Now, though, it will be every man for himself in Perth this afternoon.

“Kelvin and I get on great, we socialise and visit each other a lot,” said Scotland.

“We have been speaking nearly every day since that journey and we both think it took a lot out of us.

“He told me he was still feeling the effects of the trip this week, and I wasn’t doing that well myself.

“But we have to put it behind us and it is nice to have this big match to look forward to now.

“I know the two clubs are from different cities but this is still a derby for us because Dundee are seen as St Johnstone’s main rivals.

“So I will be looking to score goals against Kelvin and he understands that, just as I understand that he will do everything in his power to keep a clean sheet for his team.

“We will shake hands and wish each other good luck at the start but after that all I will be thinking about is helping St Johnstone.”

Jack, too, won’t be letting friendship get in the way of the task in hand.

“Jason and I go way back to when we were both playing in Trinidad,” said the Dens goalie.

“But that is all forgotten when you have a job to do.”

Saints go into today’s fixture in fine fettle, having followed up a decent display against league leaders Ross County last weekend with a powerful performance against Raith Rovers in the Bell’s Cup.

Scotland missed the County game because of his travel troubles but was back in action on Tuesday night and bagged a well-taken goal in that 5-1 win.

“If we can beat Dundee then it will have been a very good week for the club,” added Scotland.

“We have a lot of quality players here and we feel we should be moving up the league table.

“If we get a victory then we can then push on from there and go on to have a successful season.”

Scotland won’t want to be reminded of this but he was involved for Dundee United when Dundee last won an away game, coming on as a sub to replace James Grady during a 2-1 Tannadice triumph for the Dens men.

That was all of 13 months ago, though, and you have to back even further to a May 2004 trip to Aberdeen to find the Dark Blues’ last success outside their own city.

Therefore, new boss Alan Kernaghan will be hoping he is blessed by a change in fortune on his return to his former club.

23861

Football / Stern John: Under pressure

« on: September 17, 2005, 07:08:02 AM »

Stern John: Under pressure
By Steve Nicholson (Derby Evening Telegraph)

Stern John accepts he is under pressure to deliver the goals for Derby County following the departure of Grzegorz Rasiak.

John is expected to lead the attack against Southampton tomorrow after completing a three-month loan move from Coventry City.

But as he looks forward to making his debut, he knows there will be comparisons with last season's 17-goal striker, Rasiak.

"People will see me as a replacement and obviously there will be some pressure on me but I'll just get my head down, work hard and try to do what I do best - score goals," he said.

"I'm not Grzegorz Rasiak, I can only be myself, and hopefully by the end of my loan spell the Derby fans will be smiling and happy with my performances."

The Trinidad and Tobago international has hit 53 goals in 198 games with Nottingham Forest, Birmingham City and Coventry.

Rams boss Phil Brown admits John has big boots to fill now Rasiak has gone to Tottenham Hotspur but is confident his new signing can provide goals.

"Grzegorz was a one goal in every two games striker but they are difficult to find and cost big money," said Brown.

"Stern is a one-in-three man and is in our market. He is strong, has a good touch, can play with his back to goal, hold the ball up and turn defenders. He'll have the number nine shirt recently worn by Rasiak.

"I'll be demanding goals from Stern and I see no reason why he can't deliver given the service we can provide from the likes of Tommy Smith and Morten Bisgaard, as well as Inigo Idiakez's set-pieces."

John has struggled to hold down a regular place at Coventry this season and is looking for a fresh start with Derby.

The two clubs had agreed to make the move permanent when the transfer window reopens in January, with the Rams paying a fee of around £150,000, but they do not now have to buy the player.

John is hoping to impress enough to stay permanently.

"It was frustrating and difficult for me at Coventry," he said. "With no disrespect to the other strikers there, I know I can score goals in this division, I've done it before.

"I think Derby's style of play will suit me better. They like to pass the ball and get it into feet.

"Now I just want to start playing and scoring goals."

John has scored on his debut at all his previous clubs and says he feels at home at Derby having played with Michael Johnson and Jeff Kenna at Birmingham City.

The 28-year-old hit seven goals in 15 League games to help Birmingham win promotion through the play-offs in 2001-02.

Like John, Peter Whittingham is relishing a new challenge.

The 21-year-old left-sided player - he can play midfield or left-back - is also here for three months and is a little surprised he has been frozen out at Aston Villa.

He started Villa's first three Premiership games of the season before being dropped.

"I know there are good quality players in front of me at Villa and it was time to get out and hopefully play some first-team football," said Whittingham.

"I'd like to think I still have a future at Villa but you never know what will happen. I'm here to help Derby and that's what I am fully focused on."

The England Under-21 international has played 52 Premier League games for Villa and had a loan spell at Burnley last season.

Stern can still be a Sky Blues hit
By Andy Turner (Coventry Evening Telegraph)
 
Micky Adams insists the door is still open for Stern John to make a return to the Ricoh Arena.

The Trinidad and Tobago international completed a three month loan deal to Derby County today, with a view to a permanent move, but the Sky Blues boss has not ruled out the club's highest paid player pulling on a City shirt again.

"I have never had a problem with Stern," said Adams who insists the move is more to do with finances than anything else.

"In fact, I think people were saying that was the best they had seen him play at the end of last season. But going away on international duty and losing his place, and let's not kid ourselves, he is one of the highest paid play-ers at the club.

"He initially joins on a loan deal until December 17 with a view to a permanent move but I don't know if that would involve a fee."

But what if John suddenly sparks into form or City are short of strikers come Christmas.

"The door is not closed on Stern John as far as I am concerned," he said.

And Adams is not convinced that just because he is significantly lightening the club's wage bill that the money will be made available to bring in fresh faces.

"The finances at the club are tight and will remain so regardless of Stern's move, so it will not dictate whether I can bring new players in," he said.

23862

Football / Jason Scotland in a kilt

« on: September 17, 2005, 06:51:34 AM »

Photo: Saints players Jason Scotland, Steven Milne and Jim Weir donned the kilts today to launch the St Johnstone F.C Hogmanay Ball, which will be held at the Quality Station Hotel in Perth on 31st December 2005. Entertainment will be provided by top Perth band Face to Face and Gazza’s Disco.


Photo: Jason Scotland flies the Trinidad and Tobago flag – he’s has been called up to the T&T squad again for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Panama and Mexico. If you would like to help make Jason feel at home, the T&T flags are available from the Saints Souvenir Shop tomorrow at a cost of £4.

23863

Football / Andre Boucaud joins Aldershot Town on a 3-month loan

« on: September 17, 2005, 06:46:23 AM »

Andre Boucaud joins Aldershot Town on a 3-month loan
Aldershot Town FC

Terry Brown's talks with Peterborough United starlet Andre Boucaud bore fruit on Friday afternoon as the young midfielder put pen to paper on a three month loan deal.

Andre has been unable to secure a regular place this season despite some fine performances since Barry Fry lured him from Reading. Current Posh manager Mark Wright has been looking to make room in his squad for the signing of more cover and Andre seems to be one of the men making way.

It is thought that Andre may be seen as providing the creative flair missing from the midfield. With Gary Holloway - who can also play an orthordox midfield role - out injured, Andre could provide the support to the front two that has been missing from a central position.

The signing was completed in time to allow Andre to be available for the Conference fixture at home to Stevenage. The deal also means Andre will also be available for cup competitions during his stay at the Recreation Ground.

23864

Football / Trinis in action (Sept 17, 2005)

« on: September 16, 2005, 10:09:57 PM »

Player	Team	Opponent	Result	Goals	Notes
Andrews, Marvin	Glasgow Rangers	Kilmarnock	3-0	0	70'
Austin, Kevin	Swansea	Hartlepool	2-2	0	Bench, did not play
Birchall, Chris	Port Vale	Colchester	0-1	0
Boucaud, Andre	Aldershot Town	Stevenage Borough	2-2	0	45'
Cox, Ian	Gillingham	Oldham	0-1	0
Edwards, Carlos	Luton Town	Hull City	1-0	0
Glen, Cornell	Columbus Crew	Chicago Fire	1-2	0
Hislop, Shaka	West Ham	Fulham	1-2	0	Bench, did not play
Ince, Clayton	Coventry City	Brighton	2-2	0	Bench, did not play
Jack, Kelvin	Dundee FC	St. Johnstone	1-1	0
John, Avery	NE Revolution	NY/NJ Metrostars	4-5	0	Not selected
Latapy, Russell	Falkirk	Motherwell	0-5	0	58'
Lawrence, Dennis	Wrexham	Leyton Orient	1-1	0
Norville, Jason	Barnet	Wycombe	0-1	0	Bench, did not play
Samuel, Collin	Dundee United	Livingston	2-0	0	Out, hamstring injury
Sancho, Brent	Gillingham	Oldham	0-1	0	81'
Scotland, Jason	St. Johnstone	Dundee	1-1	0	75'
Sealy, Scott	KC Wizards	L.A. Galaxy	2-2	0
Shakes, Ricky	Swindon Town	Bournemouth	1-2	0	Bench, did not play
Spann, Silvio	Yokohama FC	Tokushima Vortis	2-3	0	73'
Wise, Evans	Waldhof Mannheim	FC Normannia Gmünd	0-3	0

23865

Football / Foreign-born T&T players

« on: September 16, 2005, 03:50:36 PM »

BTW, Chris Birchall wasnt born in Trinidad. Neither was Seabra. Nor Was Ronnie Mauge, Nor Ian Cox, Nor Boucaud, nor Shakes, nor Zamora, nor the guy from Villa. etc etc. no point in flogging that dead horse.

Jlloyd Samuel of Aston Villa is the exception, he was born in T&T.

23866

Football / Yorke's goal and assist goes unrewarded

« on: September 16, 2005, 02:44:31 PM »

Yorke's goal and assist goes unrewarded
By Michael Cockerill (Sydney Herald)

Sydney FC 2 Central Coast Mariners 3

Video Highlights

Dwight Yorke did everything possible to get Sydney FC over the line but the home side was undone at the other end of the park as fortune favoured the Central Coast Mariners in a five-goal thriller at a rainswept Aussie Stadium last night.

As the match headed for a face-saving draw, Sydney coach Pierre Littbarski could scarcely believe his eyes when Mariners skipper Noel Spencer snatched a last-gasp winner for the visitors with a goal that summed up the home team's night.

Adam Kwasnik was upended on the edge of the box by Iain Fyfe, and as Spencer hit the free-kick Alvin Ceccoli broke from the wall and fell to the ground. The ball looped off the prostrate Ceccoli and, with goalkeeper Clint Bolton heading the other way, dropped under the crossbar and into the net. With 60 seconds left on the clock, there was no way back for Sydney from there.

After two defeats in a row, Littbarski will clearly have to take stock. Last week he left Yorke on the bench, last night it was the turn of another international - Socceroos striker Sasho Petrovski - to start the game on the sideline as David Zdrilic partnered Yorke up front. The case to include all three of his strikers in the same side is building. Somehow, Sydney need to get all their best players on the park.

Yorke is certainly doing his bit. He laid on one goal and scored another against the Mariners, his equaliser after 70 minutes coming at the end of Sydney's best move of the game. David Carney released Ufuk Talay down the right, and his early ball into the box was a peach. Yorke used the pace of the cross to do the rest.

It seemed the goal would be enough to give the home team a share of the spoils, and a surprisingly good crowd of 15,614 reason for satisfaction. But Central Coast did what they do best - they chased, they ran down lost causes, they put their bodies on the line. The reward came late, but it was worth it. The Mariners have a share of the competition lead, at least until tonight. Few can argued they haven't deserved it.

Certainly, the Mariners are a team written off at peril and again they showed their gritty determination to come from a goal down to lead at half-time. Both goals came from set-pieces and were aided by a Sydney defence as leaky as the skies.

But full credit to the Central Coast for capitalising on their chances. With the words of coach Lawrie McKinna ringing in their ears, the players were clearly determined to seize their opportunities. Last week's wasteful finishing against New Zealand Knights was not to be repeated here.

This was always destined to be a game that would hinge on mistakes, and so it proved. A surface as slick as an ice rink made the first touch so important, and only a few players were good enough to master the ball. After an opening 10 minutes of brawn and little brain, Sydney started to find some cohesion. Unsurprisingly, it was Yorke who was dictating the revival. And this time a player accustomed to applying the finishing touch was happy to play the role of provider.

A pass into the corner of the penalty area favoured Mariners fullback Dean Heffernan, but Yorke used his body expertly to force his opponent off the ball. Riding the challenge, he danced along the byline before his low cross skimmed across the goalmouth and found an alert Andrew Packer, who reacted first to stab the ball home from close range.

McKinna reacted swiftly, and cleverly, to the setback. Wayne O'Sullivan was pushed further forward to add numbers to the midfield, and suddenly the ball was spending more time in the Sydney half of the field. Six minutes later Central Coast were back on level terms.

After a tangle of arms and legs between Sydney skipper Mark Rudan and Tom Pondeljak, referee Peter O'Leary pointed unhesitatingly to the spot. Whether by accident or design, Bolton didn't know who was going to take the penalty - Andre Gumprecht and Stewart Petrie were both positioned on either side of the arc. Petrie suddenly sprinted towards the ball, and Bolton could barely react before his shot was in the back of the net.

If there was an element of misfortune about the first goal, the Mariners' second was inexcusable from Littbarski's perspective. From a throw-in, the Sydney defence stood in a line like Easter Island statues. Pondeljak looped the ball up, O'Sullivan got a touch with his head, and Gumprecht was in space with only Bolton to beat. A firm volley did the rest.


Another hurdle … Dwight Yorke evades the tackle of the Mariners' Andrew Clark
Photo: Tim Clayton

23867

Football / A Stern Word

« on: September 16, 2005, 02:05:53 PM »

A Stern Word
Derby County FC

Stern John is looking forward to enjoying his football again and banging in the goals that will take Derby up the Championship table.

Trinidad and Tobago international striker John, 28, completed a three-month loan from Coventry City on Friday morning.

And he immediately set his sights on getting his head down and the ball in the back of the net.

"I have come to play my football and enjoy the game, as before I was losing my killer-instinct," he says in an interview now showing on RamsWorld.

"I am going to get my head down and hopefully start banging some goals in again.

"I'm just happy to be here, and have the chance to come here and play some football.

"Just seeing the facilities, organisation and how they do things, makes you see that this club is really geared for the Premiership.

"Hopefully they can help me, I can come here and bang in some goals, and hopefully we can get back up to the Premiership."

John trained with his new team-mates for the first time on Friday up at Moor Farm, and was impressed with what he found.

That was his second look at the squad in action, having been present on Wednesday when the Rams recorded a 1-1 draw - against his previous employers.

"I saw the team on Wednesday and the way they play is the way I want to play football - they pass it and keep it - and when they don't have the ball they work hard as a team to get it back," the former Nottingham Forest and Birmingham City man added.

"I'm just waiting for my chance, if I start or come off the bench I just want to do what I can for the team.

"I've trained with them for the first time today and you can see the players who like to get on the ball.

"They will supply me with the right service so hopefully I can get in the positions and put the ball in the back of the net.

"I know Michael Johnson and Jeff Kenna from when I was at Birmingham, and that has made it a lot easier for me to settle in.

"I feel like I've been a part of the team for the last couple of weeks.

"At Derby there is a real togetherness, there is a great team spirit and everyone plays for each other."

23868

Football / Re: Annual fete match - the return leg

« on: September 16, 2005, 01:48:17 PM »

Dey beat we 6-4 when dey came down tuh Miami fuh de recent Gold Cup. Dey only win because ah didn't play in dat match  .

23869

Football / Photos from Intercol 2004

« on: September 16, 2005, 10:03:34 AM »

Game reports and photographs

23870

Football / TnT’s football shortcomings

« on: September 16, 2005, 08:01:03 AM »

TnT’s football shortcomings
By David Maynard (T&T Mirror)

I AM sorry for everyone who plays football in and for Trinidad and Tobago but the senior players in their present dilemma have my deepest sympathy and ongoing respect (even if they don’t always demand to be treated with such).

Right now, they are being made scapegoats in TnT’s failing effort to qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.

As patriotic and as hopeful as they might be, as available as they may make themselves at a moment’s notice, as hard as they push beyond their limits, they are not being met on the half by administrators to enable them to blend as a team.

I am talking here about failure to provide (1) adequate warm-up matches in terms of quantity and quality of opposition, not to mention opposition relevant to the style of those the team is preparing to meet; (2) a thorough technical analysis of the imminent opponent; and, most importantly, (3) the introduction of a psychologist or team motivator of some sort.

The absence of these three key elements is the reason we are not seeing substantial improvement or consistency in spite of a change in coach and the reintroduction of David Nakhid, Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy.

I am not saying there has been no improvement whatsoever, but no “substantial improvement”.

And even where there has been a hint of progress it has not been permanent, just fleeting.

I have seen enough failed World Cup campaigns to envision what will follow the next match in Panama City: None other than the players would be blamed for their (a) mere functional grasp of the fundamentals of ball control, (b) inconsistency, (c) lack of cohesion, (d) insipidness, (e) low self-esteem/self-worth, (f) susceptibility, and (g) deficiency in purpose.

Yet, all seven of these faults are the result of the absence of the three key elements mentioned earlier; but the majority of us would never see that.

Let’s look closer at these faults.

FUNCTIONAL GRASP

Although employed for their skill in the game, the majority of TnT’s players (overseas and locally-based alike) have difficulty with basic ball control.

Their skill is not at the level where first-touch control puts the opponents under immediate pressure.

Usually, they would miss-trap the ball, lose it outright or chase it in another direction after the first touch, thereby giving the rivals chance to recover.

INCONSISTENCY

There is improvement to one or more of the other six faults in one match followed by a reversion in the very next game.

LACK OF COHESION

It remains clear throughout any 90-minute game that TnT players do not know each other well.

They play in separate leagues spread over four continents (Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania) under different living conditions, different match conditions and with different functions in clubs of varying quality, finance and philosophy re football.

They come together for a FIFA-stipulated four days before an A-class international match, to be prepared by a coach who may or may not be able to grasp all of this in context of his game plan.

INSIPIDNESS

It is quite common to see long periods of non-creativity or, bluntly put, dullness in TnT’s game.

It is a time of bad passes, aimless back passes, no one running off the ball for passes, and nearly everyone ducking the responsibility of being inventive by getting rid of the ball too quickly.

LOW SELF-ESTEEM/SELF WORTH

They give away the ball too easily.

They allow opponents’ dirty tactics to throw off their game, yet on another day would take pressure like gentlemen without resorting to the same ruse. Also, they play with certain machismo against some teams (though not consistently) but with indifference against certain others (consistently!).

Be it colour, name, superpower status or football pedigree, some countries are allowed to feel they are guaranteed points against TnT.

For example, many people in this country started talking about fourth place since FIFA announced the draw, as if to admit we expect nothing better.

SUSCEPTIBILITY

Lameness in attack and the porous nature of our midfield and defence find a conduit in functional grasp, lack of cohesion, insipidness and low self-esteem.

DEFICIENCY IN PURPOSE

It is never clear, after a 90-minute game, what was the team’s plan in attack and of attack, in defence and of defence; what strength they capitalised on with careful planning, what opposition weakness they either knew of, detected or gnawed at that helped limit their own worries, if not get a result.

I can go on and on about these seven areas of deficiency, except, the point is already overstated. Admittedly, these deficiencies lie within the players.

The development programme that took them to this stage with so many flaws is therefore at fault.

Football’s managers and directors of that flawed development programme are therefore at fault.

But let’s not digress.

There were ways to work around these flaws for this current campaign, namely (as mentioned before): adequate warm-ups, technical analyses and team motivation.

This would have given them a second chance, denial of which constitutes negligence, considering their failed development.

The purpose of warm-ups is known worldwide.

What is the use of summoning Nakhid, Yorke and Latapy out of retirement along with bringing a plethora of players from four corners of the globe without giving them an opportunity to gel?

Hutson Charles credits the time spent living together for the Strike Squad’s comparative success.

FIFA’s four-day allowance is too tight to fit in strenuous activity, while to call players for a non-World Cup match would exhaust the players’ reasonable quota of breaks from the club in one season.

It beats me how someone would decide that no warm-ups are the answer.

Similarly, in spite of having limitations that cause concern, intimate knowledge of the opponent can turn even a coward into a victor.

For instance, George Bush was fully aware that Saddam Hussein had no weapons of mass destruction, no blueprints for weapons of mass destruction and no capability for weapons of mass destruction.

All his country’s long-time friend-cum-dad’s-nemesis had was a strong surface-to-air arsenal which war-hungry generals knew could be taken out from hundreds of miles away in the Gulf and neighbouring friendly states, followed by carpet bombing air raids, then the advance of troops to run the “bayonet” through anything that still moves, a la “This one’s still alive!” Bang! “Not anymore.”

He sanctioned war more on the premise that well ... “Saddam (must have) thought about weapons of mass destruction” anyway; but the point here is, whatever his country’s insecurities, he was fully aware of the true limits of the opponents, internal religious differences included.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t support blood for oil; this is mere reference to support my belief that TnT football will achieve better results despite limitations, once we study the opponents diligently.

We are clearly bound for failure when our coach can admit to not having an opportunity to look at or study opponents.

I hope that we so far observe how the absence of warm-ups and intelligence-gathering impact on the team’s functional grasp, inconsistency, cohesion, insipidness, self-esteem/self-worth, susceptibility and purpose.

The third and final key element, team motivation, can positively impact upon the seven faults in the absence of the other two elements.

We must never be without a team psychologist because the mental well-being of players needs to be looked after.

He or she will grill players of the importance of each match so as to build the right hype and mindset.

In the course of this, he or she might even detect other problems affecting the players.

We continue to make the mistake of wholesale importation of foreign-based players under the assumption that their “big club” would handle all their individual quirks, fitness concerns, game flaws and tactical development.

So, we put nothing into these areas.

Nobody knows what the player’s true worth to his club is or how the reality of it affects him.

We simply put them on the field; call out the crowds and say, “play”!

It is clear from the failures of the current campaign that we need to shift the balance to have a fully-trained local team as the nucleus and use select foreign-based as supplemental.

I fear the very same stumbling blocks lie in wait for future generations if we continue like this.

23871

Football / Dennis Lawrence's World Cup dream

« on: September 16, 2005, 07:20:17 AM »

Dennis Lawrence's World Cup dream
Wrexham Evening Leader

DENNIS LAWRENCE is setting his sights on a place in next year’s World Cup finals.

The Wrexham centre-back has been called into the Trinidad and Tobago squad for his country’s two final group qualifying matches.

The Soca Warriors are away at Panama (October 8^th) and host Mexico (October 12^th) and need favourable results to hoist themselves up into fourth place in the six-team group.

That would set-up a play-off with an Asian qualifier with the winners going to Germany next summer for the finals and though Trinidad, currently fifth, have still got work to do, Lawrence admitted reaching football's most prestigious event would be special.

“I am very proud to play for my country and I would love to go to the World Cup finals with Trinidad,” Lawrence said today.

“These are two important games for us and we still have got a chance of reaching the play-off going into the matches. Fourth place is between us and Guatemala, who are one point ahead but hopefully we can go out and do enough to reach the play-off.

“For someone like Trinidad and Tobago, who have been competing against the likes of Mexico who are much bigger in stature, to get to the World Cup finals would be some achievement.”

Despite talk of a dream finals place, Lawrence, who encountered a nightmare return journey back to the United Kingdom the last time he was on international duty, is firmly focused on Wrexham returning to winning ways at Leyton Orient on Saturday.

Wrexham were beaten 2-0 at Lincoln on Tuesday after two successive home victories and Lawrence said the Reds have to bounce back.

“After the result on Tuesday, we have to put that behind us and go and get a result at Leyton Orient,” said Lawrence.

“If we stick together, play as a team and to our capability, we can do something at Orient because the experience and ability is there. We know it won’t be easy because Orient are up there and a good team. We just have to play our own game.

“I only realised yesterday that we had still not won away this season. That is really surprising because we have always had a good away record.”

Lawrence will line up at Leyton Orient, but his co-defender Andy Holt won’t.

“Andy’s out,” said Reds’ boss Denis Smith today.

Holt limped off two minutes before the break at Sincil Bank with a thigh strain.

Goalkeeper Michael Ingham also took a knock, injuring his calf.

“I’ll know more about Mike’s injury later today,” added Smith, who already has enough injury problems to contend with.

“It’s the usual suspects who will be out on Saturday and I can’t believe our luck.

“All the reports I get on teams show them using the same 111, week in, week out. We’re just throwing teams together.

“Last season was ridiculous with the amount of injuries we had. But the same thing is happening this time.”

23872

Football / Craig Demmin named to Rhinos all-time team

« on: September 16, 2005, 07:13:41 AM »

Rhinos unveil all-time team
By Jeff DiVeronica (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)

It's no surprise that the nucleus of players who led the Rhinos to four championships in consecutive seasons from 1998-2001 dominated the franchise's first ever all-time team.

The squad, determined through voting by fans, was revealed before Saturday night's regular-season finale at Frontier Field. With this being Rochester's 10th season, it's essentially a "Team of the Decade."

Twelve players, including eight current Rhinos, were named to the team and former midfielder Tommy Tanner served as honorary captain. The Syracuse native wore the captain's armband for most of his seven seasons with Rochester and was the only non-active member to attend the pregame ceremony. All-time team goalie Pat Onstad, who plays for San Jose (MLS), sent a videotaped message of thanks that was shown on the videoboard.

Current Rhinos on the team are defenders Scott Schweitzer, Craig Demmin, Bill Sedgewick and Rene Rivas, midfielders Lenin Steenkamp, Kirk Wilson and Stoian Mladenov and forward Doug Miller, the franchise's all-time leading scorer.

Others were Onstad, forward Darren Tilley, midfielder Yari Allnutt and defender Mali Walton.

Most of that group won league crowns in 1998, '00 and '01 and were on the Rhinos' squad that made national news by beating four straight Major League Soccer teams in '99 to win the U.S. Open Cup. From 1998-2001, Rochester went 79-25-6 in regular-season play, 20-5 in playoff matches and 7-3 in Cup action (106-33-6 overall).

"That first team went 30-4 (including playoffs). We bonded so quickly because we started on a two-week road trip and we didn't lose," Tanner said of the squad that opened with 13 straight wins and outscored opponents 72-15. "We never thought we were going to lose. That started it all."

No. 19 retired: As part of pre-game ceremonies, the Rhinos also retired Miller's No. 19 jersey. He is retiring after the season.

"I never expected to go this far," said Miller, 36, who holds team records for goals (75) and points (166) in league play.

While introducing Miller, team general manager Chris Economides called the New Jersey native, who since 1996 has made Rochester his home, "the man that opened Frontier Field," referring to Miller's second-half hat trick that toppled Montreal, 3-2, in the first sporting event at the stadium on July 12, 1996.

Wilson named MVP: Wilson was named the Rhinos' 2005 MVP to highlight the annual team awards, which are voted on by the players. In his fifth season with the team, he has career and team-highs in goals (nine) and points (23). His team-leading five assists are one off his career high.

"It means a lot. I'm flattered," he said. "I thought it could go to a number of guys, so I was surprised."

More awards: Winner of the first Rhinos "Rookie of the Year" award was Scott Palguta, the former Cornell University defender.

Sedgewick won the Iacovangelo Community Service Award for a team-record fourth time and Schweitzer won the Leadership Award.

All-time team
Forwards: Doug Miller, Darren Tilley.
Midfielders: Lenin Steenkamp, Yari Allnutt, Stoian Mladenov, Kirk Wilson.
Defenders: Craig Demmin, Scott Schweitzer, Bill Sedgewick, Rene Rivas, Mali Walton.
Goalkeeper: Pat Onstad.
Team captain: Tommy Tanner.

23873

Football / Ticos lead race for third place

« on: September 15, 2005, 07:59:48 PM »

FIFAworldcup.com

With regional heavyweights the United States and Mexico already assured of their tickets to Germany next summer, the third and final automatic qualifying spot from the CONCACAF region is still not decided.

However, Central American giants Costa Rica look like a safe bet given they hold a five-point lead over Guatemala - their only remaining competition for third place – ahead of their next match at home against the United States on 8 October.

First into the finals following a tasty home win over Mexico on 3 September, US head coach Bruce Arena is now more concerned with experimentation than points. With Arena giving chances to younger and less experienced players, the Ticos can expect to meet a far weaker team in San Jose than the one that thumped them 3-0 back on 5 June in Salt Lake City.

That said, Costa Rica head coach Alexandre Guimaraes – who played for the country on their finals debut in Italy back in 1990 – is taking nothing for granted. He still considers his team a long way back from the region’s top two and considering his side’s inconsistency over the course of the Germany 2006 qualifying campaign, he has good reason to be pensive.

“Any team, especially a national team like ours, requires time to work,” Guimaraes said to Costa Rica's La Nación newspaper. “We need to continue growing football-wise, not only to obtain the (FIFA World Cup) ticket but to become a better team …We are not where we want to be at the moment.”

In their final match, they will have to travel to Guatemala City and the intimidating Estadio Mateo Flores – a venue where the Costa Ricans have had only spotty success in recent years. It will be their first trip back to the ground since losing 2-1 last September in the penultimate round of regional qualifying.

Guatemala debut dream lives on
Despite Costa Rica’s greater pedigree and the fact that they are looking to become four-time finalists, would-be debutants Guatemala are not ready to throw in the towel just yet. And with the added motivation of the fourth-place play-off spot making every point crucial, the Ticos will do well to beware their highly ambitious pursuers.

Up next for coach Ramon Maradiaga’s Chapines is a trip to Mexico. Though usually a daunting trek for any team in the region, Guatemalan hopes will be pinned on Mexico fielding a weakened side after having qualified already for the finals with a rout of Panama last week.

However, the fact that they could not manage to beat a decidedly under-strength US team in a similar set of circumstances at home on 7 September should mean they will probably not have their hopes too high. At least the Central Americans will pose a greater scoring threat as they welcome back top scorer Carlos Ruiz after missing the US game through suspension.

Caribbean outsiders Trinidad and Tobago were only just stripped of their outside shot at third place by their loss to Costa Rica last time out. Though they can still catch the Ticos on points, their head-to-head record of one loss and one draw will leave them out in the cold. But fourth-place still remains a possibility for the islanders who have undergone a dramatic turnaround since the arrival of new boss Leo Beenhakker. With Panama officially eliminated, the battle for fourth looks like being a tight one at the wire.

Since the Dutchman took over from Bertille St Clair back in April, T&T – who came closest to qualifying for the finals way back in 1989 – have been playing with a new level of confidence and organisation. “We must go and win our next two games against Panama and Mexico. But our fate is still in our hands and that is the most important thing for us right now,” Beenhakker said.

Led by old campaigners Dwight Yorke and the recently restored Russell Lattapy, the Soca Warriors will need all the motivation they can muster before their road trip to Panama on 8 October and the home date with Mexico on their final matchday. “We’re definitely still in with a chance. We will need to play well in our next two games but we are still very much into it,” added the 37-year-old Lattapy.

A play-off with either Bahrain or Uzbekistan awaits whichever side does end up finishing fourth – and then, perhaps, a first-ever appearance on the world’s biggest stage.

23874

Football / Re: Rules question???

« on: September 15, 2005, 07:56:19 PM »

Law 3 – The Number of Players
A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than eleven players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start if either team consists of fewer than seven players.

23875

General Discussion / Re: Global relief effort to help survivors of Katrina...but where TNT in dis Pic

« on: September 15, 2005, 02:38:44 PM »

T&T gives US$2m in aid for Katrina victims

23876

Football / Littbarski backs Yorke

« on: September 15, 2005, 01:14:29 PM »

Littbarski backs Yorke
By David Lewis (The Daily Telegraph)

SYDNEY coach Pierre Littbarski has vowed not to repeat the cardinal sin of leaving Dwight Yorke on the bench again - which could be bad news for the Central Coast at Aussie Stadium tonight.

A smile more luminous than a Caribbean sunset was replaced by a thunderous scowl after Yorke was told to take a seat on the bench for last week's shock 2-1 loss at Newcastle.

After communicating his displeasure to Littbarski with a few choice words, Yorke came on to score his second successive goal for his club to leave contrite Littbarksi admitting: "Dwight was angry and that's the reaction you want from players when they are not picked in the starting team.

"It should be that way always.

"I actually feared he might pick up an injury after his 30-hour flight [back from international duty with Trinidad and Tobago]. That's why I left him out but when he came on he showed what he's all about and I won't be making the error of putting him on the bench again the next time he plays for his country [in October].

"You can also be sure he will start against the Central Coast."

The same assurance cannot be made to fellow strikers David Zdrilic and Sasho Petrovski, who have scored one goal between them so far this season. "One of them will drop out, I haven't decided which yet," added Littbarski. "It's the job of strikers to score goals and it hasn't been happening for them."

The match, Sydney's second league outing at Aussie Stadium, is expected to attract a crowd of around 13,000.

"You can expect a close game because there isn't much between any of the teams in this competition," added Littbarski.

23877

Football / Never say die

« on: September 15, 2005, 12:18:52 PM »

Never say die
By Keith Smith (Trinidad Express)

Well, I don't know about you but not supporting the national team over the rest of the World Cup qualifying campaign is not an option for me so for "Latas" to ask for our support is, to me, like preaching to the converted.

Look, it is not that the loss against Costa Rica was not a setback but let me be frank here and concede that the best I was hoping for was a draw, the match bound to be difficult, Costa Rica playing at home never having been an easy side and, besides, I have never been sanguine about the overall chances of this team, success here dependent more on motivation and character than on, say, the class of '73 or even '89.

But who don't know this? Certainly the sporting set with whom I watched the first half of match in Nari's, that Barataria bar where everybody seemed to know not only my name but everybody else's, turned out to be gurus of the game, the comments so studied and sensible that I couldn't help but feel a lot of heart for the bar's clientele as they took in the consummate ease with which Gomes turned Cox, making the goal that was to follow directly all but inevitable.

Looks like trouble looming, we all knew not least because the Costa Ricans were not about to give Stern, Russell, Dwight or Scotland any room if they could help it which meant that when the second goal came it would have required something special such as converting not even full but half chances for us just to get back on even terms.

Still for all that and even before I worked out or, more honestly, had somebody work out for me the permutations that would take us to Germany it never occurred to me nor, I suspect, the lads I had left on their own at Nari's to negotiate the second half, to give up on what, after all, remains the national team, beating Panama, even away, more possible than not and beating Mexico here not all that improbable all, and I mean all, things considered.

Recently I read a report on one of the international wire services (the same one actually that sent pictures of the Laventille Rhythm Section if not all around the world then certainly to many parts of it, the lads, in their usual way, beating out a supportive rhythm for 90 minutes (did you hear them?) and more, the Costa Ricans egging them to ignore the "policia", the very "policia" mind you who, much to the band's consternation, had prevented them from carrying even plastic bottles into the stadium ("anything that could possibly be thrown"), the "policia" emptying out on the ground the expensive bottle of cologne (TT$300!) that "Koro" had been carrying, the boys having gone straight to the stadium with their bags off the plane, you see.

Must be a pretty volatile people for the "policia" to have to take such strict precautions to the point of even surrounding the small Trinbago contingent with strict security although, the way I hear it, we parted as friends which was good enough as it was the test, I suppose, coming if we had won the match although, come to think of it, I can't recollect any Trini posses running into any difficulties of this kind save, of course, for the time when they gave my late lamented friend, Lancelot Layne, a hard time in some Latin American country (I can't remember which-can you?), Lance almost the lone Trinbagonian supporter-for which act of bravery as I remember it (indeed, I will never forget it) he was labelled "blight" by the late Keith Shepherd, Trinidad and Tobago having been beaten on the line in '89 as I am sure all of you -Narites most of all-remember.

So, yes, I'd be fudging if I didn't concede that the job turned harder after Costa Rica but I find that now that Latapy has laid his football bucket down more than most are prepared to go all the way with the little feller which is a heavy load to put on any footballer, but "Latas" must have known that when he called on the public for their support that support would have been forthcoming more because of him being there than on anything else. And this, win or lose I find, is another display of just his kind of personal magic which, given the odds, may well turn out not to be enough but on who else, I ask you, will you be prepared to take just a little bit of a gamble.

23878

Football / Aldershot Town FC in talks with Andre Boucaud

« on: September 15, 2005, 10:20:59 AM »

Aldershot Town FC in talks with Andre Boucaud
Aldershot Town FC

Terry Brown is in talks with Peterborough United starlet Andre Boucaud with a view to signing the young midfielder.

Posh manager Mark Wright is looking to make room in his squad for the signing of more midfield cover and Boucaud, who has failed to secure a run in the first team this season despite some fine performances since Barry Fry lured him from Reading, seems to be the man making way.

It is thought that Boucaud may be seen as providing the creative flair missing from the midfield. With Gary Holloway - who can also play an orthordox midfield role - out injured, Boucaud could provide the support to the front two that has been missing from a central position.Andre Boucaud in talks with Aldershot
Peterborough United

United manager Mark Wright revealed to theposh.com on Thursday morning that midfielder Andre Boucaud has travelled to Aldershot to have talks with the Nationwide Conference outfit.

The teenager, who moved to London Road on a free transfer from Reading in May of last year, has only featured in one league game this season and Wright said that Boucaud might not be the only departure.

Wright said: 'Andre is in talks with Aldershot over a move and that will give us some space in the squad to bring in cover in the midfield area where I believe we are a bit light. I have got my eye on a few players who could be an option, but we have to get a few people out before we can bring some in.

23879

Football / Collin Samuel sick of hearing about UEFA Cup

« on: September 15, 2005, 08:12:34 AM »

Collin Samuel sick of hearing about UEFA Cup
By Graeme Dey (Dundee Courier)

Dundee United’s Collin Samuel admits he and his Tannadice team-mates will be green with envy when Hibs kick off their UEFA Cup campaign against Dnipro tonight.

Gordon Chisholm’s charges crashed out of the tournament at the qualifying stage last month after tossing away a two-goal second leg lead against MyPa-47.

Samuel still can’t believe what happened and revealed he’ll avoid hearing the result of the Finns’ first round fixture against Grasshoppers.

“The fact we’re already out of the tournament still hurts,” he said.

“Watching Hibs and the other teams prepare for their games makes it worse because we know we were so close to being in this round.

“The way we threw away the MyPa game was very bad and what was looking like one of the best nights of my career quickly became one of the worst.

“I was pleased with my performance and that I scored a goal, but the result overshadowed all that.

“MyPa are playing in Switzerland and I don’t want to even know their score.”

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Football / Ian Cox - Playing in the World Cup is every player's dream.

« on: September 15, 2005, 07:59:48 AM »

Ian Cox - Playing in the World Cup is every player's dream.
Gillingham FC.

Gillingham defender Ian Cox reflects on a busy last few weeks for him playing for both Club and Country. Speaking briefly about last weekend's defeat to Rotherham, he said: "We didn't really deserve too much out of the game at Rotherham. From start to finish we didn't play well, we didn't apply ourselves from the first minute and I think we got what we deserved, which was nothing.
"Losing the game on Tuesday was a bitter pill to swallow though because for the first 35 minutes we didn't do too badly. We got the ball down and created numerous chances, but as defenders we have to keep the ball out and if you don't do that you're always going to be up against it."
Gills left the field of play to a chorus of boos from a small section of the crowd, and Cox was asked what effect this has on the team.
He replied: "It's difficult to take because we have got a lot of youngsters in the team and they, we, all need the help we can get, especially now that we are going through a bad patch.
"The supporters act as the twelfth man and we need them to get behind us. Fair play to those who have got behind us over the past few weeks, because, to a certain extent, we have let them down."
Cox's international teammate Brent Sancho has joined the club and Cox believes that he will add a little extra to the team. He explained: "Brent's a good player. He's good with the football and will add quality to the team.
"He's a robust, no nonsense defender. When things aren't going too well he'll give us that extra physical presence, which you need at certain times, especially when you are playing teams that like to beat you up a little bit."
Cox spent 10 days with his country, Trinidad & Tobago, appearing in both their games against Guatemala and Costa Rica.
There is no better honour than playing for your county as he explains: "It's an honour and I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity to play the games.
"I'm on my last legs so to speak and any opportunity that comes my way I have got to take. It's been a wonderful experience.
"We could still qualify for the World Cup, the third place looks a little bit out of our reach but the fourth spot, which puts you in a qualifier, is between us and Guatemala, Panama have got a slight chance but it's really between us and Guatemala.
"So we have a chance and if we get the fourth spot we'll go into a play off against the 5th place qualifier from Asia. We'll just have to remain focused over the next two games. "Playing in the World Cup is every player's dream - the pinnacle - I'm no different really even at 34.
"If we were to get there it would be a wonderful achievement not just on a personal level but also for the country, Trinidad & Tobago. They really need this chance to get to the World Cup to give them something to look forward to."