Messages

121

Football / Re: Scotland's jet lag a worry for Martinez

« on: February 08, 2008, 09:55:48 AM »

I agree with RF (ah know, it's a strange feeling) but the players should fly back out the same night.
They should also ask Dwight about hooking them up with his anti-jet-lag program also known as first-class air hostesses.

 

122

Football / Re: Hi & Carlos still injured.

« on: February 08, 2008, 09:53:54 AM »

"We have to help with the travel arrangements. If we left it to them [the T&T FA], I think he'd be on a ferry. Him and Stern [John] are paddling at the moment. We make sure Kenwyne is upgraded and that he's got a bed to sleep on."

I take it this means they flew economy. If thats the case, I'd like to know if TTFF fly everywhere on economy. I'd guess they don't, which means they totally have no respect for atheletes or the commitments to their clubs. If Kenwyne is refused permission for Jamaica, one of the main reasons will be the lack of respect shown by TTFF towards the players club. They should have flown him First Class.  Its not about being pampered, its about maintaining freshness.

123

Football / Ref beaten up by players- police fire gunshots!!

« on: February 08, 2008, 09:45:10 AM »

BANGKOK (Reuters) - A Thai soccer referee was beaten up by an entire team after sending off three of their players during a match to decide promotion to country's second division, local media reported on Friday.

Referee Prakong Sukguamala needed 50 stitches and also broke a finger after being attacked by the Kuiburi FC squad, furious at being shown three red cards during a 4-1 loss to Kasem Bundit on Thursday, the Thai-language Thai Rath newspaper said.

The angry players charged into Prakong's dressing room at the stadium in Ayutthaya, north of Bangkok, and started to kick and punch him. They dispersed after police fired gunshots into the air.

The players then chased Prakong into the stadium's office, where the hapless official ran into a mirror, leaving him with cuts all over his body.

Prakong told Channel 3 television he was forced to lock himself in the room to escape his attackers.

In the same interview, Kuiburi's coach accused Prakong of biased refereeing but said he had urged his players to show restraint when tempers flared.

Prakong, covered in bruises, insisted he had refereed the game fairly and had been told by Thailand's soccer federation to press charges against the Kuiburi team

124

Football / Re: Just say no to Mr Warner. (FA-T&T friendly)

« on: February 08, 2008, 09:34:59 AM »

From afar, ir certainly seems that Mr Mohammed is still suffering from "Almost two hundred years after the end of slavery and more than a hundred years since indentureship ceased, the mental ties that bind are stronger than any chains. "

Because when I read the comment about low pressure environment, this is what I thought:

Away from UK and Europe and the scrutiny of the press hyped up about Euro 2008.
The relaxed, chilled atmosphere of the Caribbean.
Sunshine and beaches.

This is why the Caribbean is such a popular holiday destination. The purpose of a friendly at this time is to bond the team and build team spirit. This is why many club teams choose holiday destination for pre season training.

Even better, England can play a 2006 World Cup finalist and gain brownie points for their 2018 bid. Even the journos will be more relaxed and less critical.

So, in my opinion, and offence to T&T is purely imaginary. Yes, I admit, if England wanted a testing workout, they may have chosen Mexico or USA, but thats a fair comment, isn't it. Brazil played Rep of Ireland on weds while England played the Swiss. Why do you think that was? Brazil and England didn't want a heavy match at this stage of the season. T&T are at least as good as Swiss and Rep of Ireland.

I beg to differ...How about T&T are at least as good as Puerto Rico and Guadelopue.

I don't think agree that Capello want to come here because the Caribbean is a popular destination for pre season training.  I can't recall any of the powerhouses coming here for pre-season training within recent times.  Asia is the more popular destination.  Brazil and England played lesser teams the other day because NOW is building time...not so in four months time.

Added to that, why would he want to face a testing team in May and then cool down against T&T right after, to do team building...in preseason ?? 
June is campaign season where man have to be sharp. Not in England, mate. June is when players begin pre season. They probably won't even touc a ball in first few weeks of June. Then there'll be friendlies in early July (usually somewhere warm such as Spain) Englands first WC cup match is 6th September vs Andorra, so I don't think they want to focus on being sharp in June!

I feel he chose T&T because they looking to get Jack votes for they campaign and playing against Jack shit side, they cyah lose...is a win win situation....is just that they could afford to squeeze Jack arm lil bit to get an apology...hollow as it may be.

125

Football / Re: Just say no to Mr Warner. (FA-T&T friendly)

« on: February 08, 2008, 03:51:14 AM »

From afar, ir certainly seems that Mr Mohammed is  still suffering from "Almost two hundred years after the end of slavery and more than a hundred years since indentureship ceased, the mental ties that bind are stronger than any chains. "

Because when I read the comment about low pressure environment, this is what I thought:

Away from UK and Europe and the scrutiny of the press hyped up about Euro 2008.
The relaxed, chilled atmosphere of the Caribbean.
Sunshine and beaches.

This is why the Caribbean is such a popular holiday destination. The purpose of a friendly at this time is to bond the team and build team spirit. This is why many club teams choose holiday destination for pre season training.

Even better, England can play a 2006 World Cup finalist and gain brownie points for their 2018 bid. Even the journos will be more relaxed and less critical.

So, in my opinion, and offence to T&T is purely imaginary. Yes, I admit, if England wanted a testing workout, they may have chosen Mexico or USA, but thats a fair comment, isn't it. Brazil played Rep of Ireland on weds while England played the Swiss. Why do you think that was? Brazil and England didn't want a heavy match at this stage of the season. T&T are at least as good as Swiss and Rep of Ireland.

126

Football / Re: England vs Switzerland Thread

« on: February 07, 2008, 04:24:02 AM »

I was in DC for the Game at Lucky Shoe Bar and heard them mentioning too many black players on the team. I guess they were Owen and Nugent fans but was glad to see the new faces of England... I'm not saying they are favoured but in the 80's and 90's far less selected... Its good to see more faces of that reflect the diaspora of Europe in their national teams... thats all. Was at Northumbria and heard some racist $hit when defoe was playing under their last Steve...

Its also welcoming as a football fan to see players being disciplined and not being selected from some media pressure. I was glad to see that Becks was given a rest and more of their younger players given a chance. This is the favouritsm that I was talking about..

Kicker btw Madrid does hang Confederate Flags in dey stadium, I know I was in there for a Barca game....

Yow forget that talk nah dread, BC it go lead to ppl calling yuh a racist and ah hater! mind you , i think you're spot on! cause i watching english football since some ah dem men was in their mother's belly , in strollers , and in their father testicles , and i remember the only black faces you saw in the prem was garth crocks and another jamaican born player can't recall his name right now, but english football has came a long way. to me the first black player i've ever seen in an english shirt was john barnes, not sure if that's correct, but i stop watch english football in the mid 80ies , and started watching seria, so i don't know for sure if there were others before him . france is a perfect example of how bias english selection is when it come down to race. BTW jennas is black dude! one drop of black blood make's you black, doh matter how white yuh feel you are, or how white you may look.

I think Viv Anderson was the first black player to be capped and was quickly followed by Fashanu and Regis, if I remember correctly. First black footballer I ever saw playing in England was Clyde Best of West Ham, and that was around 1972.  I wonder if there were earlier players who were mixed race, but so light skinned that no one noticed in those days. I remember people who may have been quarter black were referred to as having "a touch of the tan" which meant they had "foreign blood such as African, Asian etc".

Maybe there were some great mixed/black players but the British were too stupid to notice??

127

Football / Re: Forever Remembered- R.I.P Munich Victims

« on: February 06, 2008, 07:12:30 PM »

Neva new about that incident

Always remembered every year, but this is 50th anniversary.  Unfortunately, Man Utd are playing Man City on saturday and there are big worries-particularly from respectable Man City fans. They expect City fans to disrespect the minutes silence. City-Utd rivalry is intense and bitter and if City don't respect the minutes silence, there will be trouble.  City fans should behave, as one of the City legends, keeper Frank Swift died in the accident (he was covering the Utd match as a journalist)

Tonite at Wembley there was a minutes silence and out of 86,000 supporters, only one or two shouted out and were soon quietened. It was nice to see the Swiss fans respect the memory of the dead.

Theres an interesting fact surrounding the crash. A stewardess who survived the crash was actually pregnant at the time and eventually gave birth to a girl who supposedly was goalkeeper John Lucics mother. Don't know if its true, but its a classic football quiz question. Mathmatically, it doesn't add up, as Lucic must be around 40 by now!

128

Football / Re: England vs Switzerland Thread

« on: February 06, 2008, 06:50:16 PM »

Just back from Wembley. SWPs goal was very good. Excellent run and pass by Gerrard, good vision and run by SWP. Don't agree that Gerrard was man of the match though. To be fair, none of the England players stood out.

Its interesting to note all this talk about black players and favouritism. I don't hear any of my black/mixed/white friends in England saying this. In fact, I haven't heard talk like that in the UK for a long time.

I must admit, I've heard a few white muppets complaining about too many black guys, but the only complaints I hear from black guys is that there seems to be a negetive vibe about black coaches.

129

Football / Re: Just say no to Mr Warner

« on: February 04, 2008, 05:28:35 AM »

I guess the choice of words was poor, but look at it this way. T&T were chosen above Australia, USA and Mexico, so at least be proud of that.

The timing is probably to coincide with the 2008 Euros (although I haven't checked the dates.)  At least Warners influence will bring a good match and the FA are insisting that the Trini players get paid!

130

Football / Arsenal buy Gillinghams 15 year old striker

« on: January 31, 2008, 03:56:55 AM »

Thought this may be of interest, especially in light of Brittos possible link to Portsmouth.




Gillingham striker Luke Freeman has officially completed his protracted move to Arsenal for an undisclosed fee.

Freeman, 15, had been in negotiations with the Premier League side over the past few weeks and has now signed an initial student registration, which will turn into a professional contract when he turns 17.

The teenager - who has made three senior appearances for the League One side - hit the headlines back in November when he became the youngest player to feature in the FA Cup after coming off the bench to face Barnet in the first round.

Freeman is now relishing the prospect of joining the Gunners.

"This is a great opportunity for me," he said.

"I thank Gillingham for everything they did but I am now hoping to be a success with Arsenal.

"They play good attractive football and the manager has a good history of nurturing and developing young talent."

Newcastle and West Ham were also among the clubs reportedly interested in signing Freeman and he moves to the Emirates with the best wishes of Gills boss Mark Stimson and chairman Paul Scally.

"We are sorry to see Luke go because we know he will be a big talent in years to come," said Stimson.

"Arsenal are a great side and working with those top players will only develop his game.

"I'm pleased for Luke because he is a lovely boy and we will always remember that he made his first appearances for Gillingham."

Scally added: "We reluctantly agreed to let Luke leave because it would have been unfair to stand in the way of a player's development.

"We have agreed an undisclosed fee for his services and that fee could be quite lucrative if he develops to the extent we believe is possible."

131

Football / Re: Kelvin Jack promises appeal.

« on: January 27, 2008, 06:54:06 PM »

What you'll think about Imps ?

I don't think it's our place to be taking sides against Ince...calling him "Imps" and what not.  Whatever disagreement there is, it's a personal matter between Jack and Ince.

You may decide its personal and shouldn't be an issue, but have you considered the impact on the national team?

Ince broke the code that exists between team mates, and indeed, any work colleagues.

Whether or not a player feels his team mate has acted incorrectly, players do not go public, and especially do not give evidence in a court of law against their team mates. (However, I imagine that would not be the case in a situation involving a major crime such as rae or serious assault).

Where is this 'code' written? 
You are, of course, right. There is no written code.

Do you have any idea as to how the law works and it's regard of such 'codes'?
You are, of course, right. There is no written code.

Do you know the nature and extent of the testimony provided?
No

Was it 'against' Jack...or a simple description as to the nature of his personal dealings with Berry...or in other words, testimony to help establish Berry's character?
No idea.

Are you aware of the power of subpoena?  Should Ince have waited until subpoenaed to testify?
Yes, because then he would not be voluntarily testing against a team mate.

How will the other squad members feel about having a "grass" in their team? Someone who's prepaed to give evidence against a team mate? Will Ince now go running to the Coach and tell tales on his other teammates?.

Whats also concerning is that Ince appears to have made up his evidence. This is even more outrageous.

Justice Walker said he "did not find Ince a convincing witness" and "was not satisfied that he had a clear recollection of events which occurred more than three years ago".


Apparently you have more information than do the rest of us.  If that be the case then by all means, please do share.

In all these cases concerning Ronaldo and prostitutes and, even, the alleged Man Utd rape case, the team did not speak out against their team mates. In fact the whole team got a £1 million fine. They closed ranks.
I would like to state that if the player had raped the girl, personally, I would like to think that other players would give evidence against him, as this is a truly heinous crime. 

...and this is relevant, how?  If the entire Man. U team jumps off a bridge, is that in anyway indicative as to how Ince should act under similar circumstances?
Perhaps a poor example, but the principle remains. A team sticks together.

I think Ince has now lost the trust of the players and team morale will suffer because of this. Imagine the players decide to go out for a drink together. They won't want Ince there to rush back and tell tales the next day. He turned against one of his own and the players will be thinking it may be one of them next.

So your position is one of circle the wagon regardless, right?  Now consider the scenario you presented above...the rape of a girl.   Suppose Ince was testifying about that incident and his testimony carried possible negative implications for Jack.  The team's morale could similarly be affected, no?  Suppose under that scenario the team was against Ince for having testified (even though you yourself concede it would be the proper thing to do)..would we still be justified in taking sides and disparaging Ince?  Or is such disparagement justified on the basis of whichever side of the issue we find ourselves aligned?

No, we should applaud Ince for telling the truth, despite risking being shunned by his team mates. And, yes, this would have a devestating effect on morale

Bakes, I thought, for some reason, that you had some working knowledge of the legal world? I may be incorrect, but I thought from your posts that this may be the case. Either way, I think you should consider what we know.

Berry sued Jack and won his case. Ince didn't testify.
Jack appealed and the decision was overturned. Ince didn't testify.
Jack sued Berry and won. The judge "did not find Ince a convincing witness"

At the first hearing, Berry had no idea if he was going to win, so why not call his key witness at that stage?

From the information in the public domain, it looks like Ince was there to support Berry and at best, couldn't really remember whatever incident he was there to testify to.

I personally feel that if you cannot remember the incident clearly, why testify against your team mate?

Like it or not, there is a code that virtually everyone adheres to. You cover for your mates, you don't tell tales, you don't break ranks. These are not my rules, and each person will decide to draw the line where they see fit. Its easy to take the moral high ground, but this is reality. For instance, should Maradonas team mates have approached the referee in the England World Cup match and point out that Maradona did, indeed, handle the ball?

If Ince had relevent and accurate testimony, then he had a moral duty to testify, regardless of the effect it would have on team morale. Whether he went ahead and testified is his decision. You have to live by your decisions. Considering the judges comments, which are very damning sentiments in a court of law, Ince made the wrong decision. He didn't help Berrys case and has placed himself in a dubious situation with his colleagues.

Be honest , Bakes, if Jack and Ince were friends of yours, how would you now feel about Ince?

132

Football / Re: Thread for the T&T vs Puerto Rico Game.

« on: January 27, 2008, 06:11:58 AM »

I don't think you should feel so depressed.

You were fielding a second string team.

I you had added Kenwyne, Carlos, Cyd Gray, Avery John, Stern & Scottie, the result would have been completely different. Add to that Birchall, Sancho and Jack .

Thats 9 first team players!! Also, you never know if Tallest may come back, and Marvin Andrews is still playing well. Thats 11. So I think you should be positive and look forward to a much better performance versus Guadaloupe. 

133

Football / Re: Kelvin Jack promises appeal.

« on: January 27, 2008, 06:05:18 AM »

What you'll think about Imps ?

I don't think it's our place to be taking sides against Ince...calling him "Imps" and what not.  Whatever disagreement there is, it's a personal matter between Jack and Ince.

You may decide its personal and shouldn't be an issue, but have you considered the impact on the national team?

Ince broke the code that exists between team mates, and indeed, any work colleagues.

Whether or not a player feels his team mate has acted incorrectly, players do not go public, and especially do not give evidence in a court of law against their team mates. (However, I imagine that would not be the case in a situation involving a major crime such as rae or serious assault).

How will the other squad members feel about having a "grass" in their team? Someone who's prepaed to give evidence against a team mate? Will Ince now go running to the Coach and tell tales on his other teammates?.

Whats also concerning is that Ince appears to have made up his evidence. This is even more outrageous.

In all these cases concerning Ronaldo and prostitutes and, even, the alleged Man Utd rape case, the team did not speak out against their team mates. In fact the whole team got a £1 million fine. They closed ranks.
I would like to state that if the player had raped the girl, personally, I would like to think that other players would give evidence against him, as this is a truly heinous crime. 

I think Ince has now lost the trust of the players and team morale will suffer because of this. Imagine the players decide to go out for a drink together. They won't want Ince there to rush back and tell tales the next day. He turned against one of his own and the players will be thinking it may be one of them next.

134

Football / Re: Jack in a box: parliamentary agenda kicking out FIFA work

« on: January 27, 2008, 05:47:04 AM »

Surely, FIFA, or at least CONCACAF would be paying this airfare?

If Mr Warner can use a FIFA private jet to visit Mandella as part of his election campaign, why doesn't he use this to go directly to Croatia after the debate on weds? Then he can do both?

I wonder how many other MPs are bothered that the date has changed? I should imagine that most are pleased to be able to attend the carnival on friday.

135

Football / Re: Andrew Jennings advice to the Forum on situation with Soca Warriors

« on: January 13, 2008, 11:31:20 PM »

If I remember correctly, the Govt agreed to match the funds raised by TTFF for the WC. That must mean the Govt paid over $80 million. Now you may not call this an investment, you could say it was a donation. But if I had given someone $80m and then they say they're broke, I'd expect to have the right to ask where the money went.

Presumably, TTFF will want more Govt money in the future? In which case, the Govt should say "we'll give you more bucks once you show us where the last lot went". This is not "intervention", it is accountability. If the funds were misused in any way, the Govt have the right to begin legal investigations. Especially since they showed that minister a set of false accounts.

I can't see why the Govt can't write directly to FIFA and express their concerns and invite FIFA personell to take part in the inquiry. 

Finally, TTFF said that a third of the world cup money was to be set aside for the 2010 campaign. Therefore the money is an investment for the future. Also, if some of the money went towards youth development, again, that is an investment.

But I think we shuld stop being pedantic about wordplay and accept the fact that the Govt paid TTFF alot of taxpayers money and you guys have the right to know how it was spent.

136

Football / Re: Andrew Jennings advice to the Forum on situation with Soca Warriors

« on: January 13, 2008, 07:45:13 AM »

Guys, I don't know the answer to this. If the T&T government have invested money in football via TTFF, there would be a document from TTFF stating their request for funds and what it should be spent on. Therefore, the govt have every right to request overssight on that spending. They can investigate individuals. Those individuals should then be suspended pending investigation. If they have acted illegally, they can be fined or imprisoned.

The election process to TTFF can be investigated by a government appointed lawyer. If the process is not open and democratic, the TTFF can be suspended and an interim committee put in place until new elections take place.

FIFA may well suspend T&T. But they would have no legal right to do this. FIFA is a load of blokes running a game-football. It cannot overturn court cases or support illegal activity. If FIFA suspend a country, then FIFA can be sued and they can be investigated.

The whole FIFA situation is based on bullying and corruption. You can sit by and let it happen and take your bribes or attack it.

No nation has had the balls to attack it. It would take a lot of money and a lot of time.

If you read about Antigua below you will see that FIFA do not care about supporting the crooks and would rather damage football in a nation. This is because if they don't support their corrupt friends, these people may well spill the beans on FIFA.

Remember the FIFA guy who was sacked because he lied in court about the Mastercard case? As soon as the case was over and FIFA were fined $100 million, he was reinstated at a higher position and salary. Thats how they keep people quiet.

But someday, somebody will stand up to FIFA.

The question you must ask yourselves is do you want to risk missing out on a World Cup, or do you want football in T&T cleaned up for the future?

This is easy for me to say, cause I'm in England. But, trust me, missing out on World Cup finals isn't the end of the world if your game will improve in the future.

Read this piece by Jennings in todays paper.


http://www.transparencyinsport.org/downloads/files/antigua.pdf

137

Football / Re: Andrew Jennings advice to the Forum on situation with Soca Warriors

« on: January 12, 2008, 09:02:48 PM »

Forumites, its easy for me living safely in England to critisice, but I have to say, that if this information related to someone in England, I would write a letter to the newspapers letters page and ask those questions about those two ladies.

We have just had a similar case in England, where 2 working class people allegedly donated £1million to the Labour Party. After very brief investigations, it become apparent that identity fraud had taken place and these people were not aware that their names had been used.

You could write anonymously to the papers. But you must try to get this out in the open. Also, if government funding is involved, you have the right as a citizen to demand transparency.

Finally, Mr Jennings has said that he personally visited the ladies house. He's back in England now. He cannot visit the street, but you can. Its not his fight. He just believes in justice. Its your fight, and therefore, to protect your football, its down to Trinis to take action. Jennings and Lasana can expose certain information, but its your country and your football. Write to the papers and get the truth into the open.

Sorry I am so aggresive, but its not everyday that Gillingham score 3 goals away from home!!   

138

Football / Re: Shaka touched by tributes.

« on: December 05, 2007, 07:13:11 PM »

Shaka Hislop: 26 caps = Tribute Cup

Russell Latapy: 116 caps = ? ? ?

Clayton JB Morris = 120 caps......and had brain surgery after a being knocked out in an international game

139

Football / Re: John Barnes scouts the Caribbean for talent.

« on: December 05, 2007, 07:09:12 PM »

"and of course someone as powerful as Jack Warner will ensure that the players and the associations of this region who may have been exploited once upon a time will now not be exploited and they will benefit from having Jack on board,” Barnes added.
 
Unless Mr Warner has confided in John Barnes that he's about to recognise FPATT, this is an unbelievably naive statement to make. If John Barnes is so switched on and hip to Caribbean football, he must be aware that the player he is praising as an example of Trinidads quality, Kenwyne Jones, has been blacklisted by the man he is applauding.

So now the blacklist is removed, will John Barnes be encouraging Jack to support a players association. After all, he was a member of the PFA all of his career. 

Its good that a high profile figure can offer encouragement to young players. However, a little prior research may avoid later embarrassment.

140

Football / Re: NEW Oliver camps Interview TODAY on 95.5fm I-Sports

« on: November 26, 2007, 09:30:20 PM »

Nothings going to be resolved until March. Thats when the decision is made. Still much quicker than court.

If Warners gonna "leave no stone unturned", theres no reason not to pick players from the 16.

He can't be that stupid to ignore at least 5 of T&Ts best players......can he?

141

Football / Re: Sancho has second trial

« on: November 26, 2007, 09:27:36 PM »

Y alyuh does highlight everything ppl say we done read what they say we doh wah re read it just write yuh dam post and we go ketchup like myonares and how ah man could get a second tryout on a team he on or was on that don't make n e sense but good luck sancho I hope u make it

Brent was training under Willie Donachie, who liked him but probably didn't want to wait for the work permit to be sorted. That kind of decision cost him his job.

Now Kenny Jackett is in charge. Kenny wants to sign Brent, but they need to reach an agreement. Ordinarily, at this stage of the season, a manager may look to sign someone short term to take him up to the January transfer window. This is done for two reasons.

1 Because there may not be any funds available to commit long term, but if they can offload some deadwood in January, the funds will be freed up and a long term contract can be offered.

2 To see how the player shapes up before commiting long term.

Problem is that you can't get a one month work permit. So this works with EU players, but not for Brent.

This means that Millwall must commit for longer than they initially want. Hence the negotiations. 

Brent left Gilingham at the end of his contract. I think there was bad blood between him and the chairman. Brent had several good offers from other clubs but Gillingham wouldn't let him go on trial. This is crazy because they would have got a transfer fee for him. This leads to rumours and bad mouthing behind a players back and damages his reputation.

142

Football / Re: FIFA vice-president Warner: It’s really hard to like England

« on: November 26, 2007, 11:58:13 AM »

Ok, being English, of course I'm on the defensive (you know our defenders - big lumbering clots without skill, but very brave and hard).

As I see it, why on earth would England commit to a friendly with T&T at the start of their football season. Presumably, the FA were assuming we would be playing in the Euros, so the English players would only have a 3 or 4 week break before pre season.

 Now we know that we'll only be watching the Euros, maybe we could play T&T in May/June.

143

Football / Re: No challenge

« on: November 20, 2007, 03:01:45 AM »

It doesn't say which other Associations were there. As the most important meeting in four years every member should attend, yet no mentiuon is made. There is no mention of the vote..was it unanimous, if so, who voted?

The media realy need to interview the Associations so we can understand their reasons for voting for an incompetant committee.

Yes, they oversaw WC qualyfication.

But they also have received $173 million TT, yet are broke. They've failed to arrange a viable set of matches for the senior team. They've illegally blacklisted their senior players. They've lost respect of all in T&T football. They've failed to assist local boys moving abroad. They've provided a false set of accounts to players and a govt minister. They face possible legal action if they lose the arbitration case and individual members could be imprisoned. They've failed to honour contracts. They've failed to recognise the players association, which could lead to T&T being barre from the WC qualifiers (this was Sepp Blatters threat to Russia when they denied recognition of their players association)

I'm sorry, but how the hell can these people have the confidence of the associations?

I want to know what exactly was the reason that these incompetents received an unopposed re election. 

144

Football / Re: 20 Questions with Shaun Fuentes

« on: November 20, 2007, 02:50:40 AM »

My God, it must be absoloutely devastating for Shaun to go to work every day. Our sympathy should go out to the poor boy.


13. Your pet peeve?
Dishonest people, those who lack passion and the others who fight down something good especially if they're not part of it.

145

Football / Re: Football Funds Probe!

« on: November 11, 2007, 07:50:21 AM »

I should imagine that the 16 players who are awaiting the arbitration decision would be delighted to learn that TTFF has $250 million in its accounts.

However, I have a feeling that this is not the case. I imagine that the govt has estimated that this is the amount that should be there, but I expect it will be the case that TTFF is virtually broke. Otherwise, why have they not arranged friendly matches for next week? If I had been Jack Warner, I would have paid a fortune to bring Brazil or Argentina to Trini for a match. It would have been great propaganda for his election campaign.

Also, if we assume that TTFF and Mr Warner have not misappropriated funds in any way, the way that the funds are managed causes confusion and suspicion. If McBeths allegations that Mr Warner asked for funds to be paid into his personal account are true, that could of been a method to refund money that Mr Warner had paid out  to fund the match initially. Mr Warners problems may be no more than poor accounting, and the lack of an accurate audit trail could result in innocent actions being viewed as illegal misappropriation of funds.

With money, apparently, flowing through Mr Warners various companies, any inquiry could take years and cost a fortune. Maybe the govt will feel its not worth the trouble.

However, if the arbitrator for the players case decides to view TTFFs accounts, he may also deem it necessary to view the accounts of others named in the case, such as Mr Warner, Mr Camps and Mr Roden, their families and businesses. Therefore, much of the work will already be done for the govt.

146

Football / Re: Fenwick denies racist abuse.

« on: November 06, 2007, 08:59:51 PM »

I know I'm at risk of being accused of defending a fellow Englishman, but here goes...

I don't know much about McComies playing career, but exactly how many world cup finals did he play in? How many games did he play in the major leagues (with all respect to the ProLeague) i.e. Germany, Italy, Spain or England? Under how many truly good coaches did he learn the game under (yes I know that some of the English coaches in the 70's/80's were suspect, but, honestly, did McComie learn the game from coaches better than those that Fenwick played under?)

Fenwick will never be remembered in the same way that Bobby Moore, Phil Thompson, Tony Adams, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand will be, but he was better than average (if only in the traditional English centre back way).

So I can only assume McComie has a huge inferiority complex involving Fenwick.

Thats his business.

 However, in my view, if he is lying about the racist remark, he should be banned from football at all levels. Racism has no place in any situation, and football should set standards that people take into their working and personal lives. To lie about such a thing is twice as bad. Not only is it a form of racism in itself (you wouldn't accuse somebody of your race of being a racist towards you-at least I don't think that would be classed as racism- so therefore, by lying about a person from another race of racism, must therefore be racism). Secondly, you are encouraging other people to play the race card without good reason. Its almost inciting racism.

And people will always wonder if Fenwick did do it. Sometimes its more difficult to prove you didn't do something.

Maybe you won't agree with my logic.

Then again, maybe Fenwick did make a racist remark and he should then be punished.  I don't know how we can find the truth.   

147

Football / Re: liming in London with Kenwyne and the guys

« on: November 04, 2007, 11:15:38 AM »

To be fair, if Diambars intention was to somehow disrupt the arbitration process, he would have tried to provoke players or the legal team. I can comment as much as anybody else on this site about the court case because it has nothing to do with myself personally or FPATT, and neither of us are subject to the "no media statement" agreement.

But, Diambars, I don't understand why you say you know more than we can imagine and then keep a secret identity, whilst campaigning for transparency.

We know this site is often read by TTFF allies, and thats good, because an administration should be interested in its clients (the supporters) views. Football in any nation is as strong as its fan base, without whom nobody who earns a living i football could survive.

I personally would welcome a representative of TTFF to openly post on this site. It may well be hostile at first, but once fans understand TTFFs perspectiv and aims, a worthwhile relationship could develop.

Most supporters frustrations come from the "glass ceiling" that is in place within T&T football. We can observe TTFFs actions, but nobody can get a voice in the limited company that is TTFF. Football is the peoples game, yet the people have no mandate.

It would be a huge step forward if TTFF had a fans forum and offered a representative to sit in on TTFF meetings. There is absoloutely no reason for secrets.

So, Diambars, if you are so close to the facts, why not begin again with a clean sheet on this site and introduce yourself properly. And if you are close to TTFF, this would be a worthwhile excercise. As you have said in your posts, we need to understand the situation from the TTFF perspective.

Far too often we have had "infiltraitors" on this site who stir up a hornets nest and then disapear. Lets hope that you're not one of them, but rather an interested party who's concern is a fair debate.

This post was started to celebrate a fantastic occasion but has become instead a reflection of what has happened to T&T football in that past two years. Lets get back to the Lime and concentrate on celebrating all that is good about T&T football.

Wow.
Hey FPATT are you suggesting Diambars is TTFF because of the questions he is asking ?
And even if he is then by his words he will be judged here.
Whilst TTFF may have had a lot of freebie people on the Germany trip I still maintain that there were some people there outside of the players and coaching staff that deserved the trip.
Anyway nobody in TTFF could say who went or did not go that was Jack's sole preserve, lets get this right TTFF is Jack Warner's personal fief dom and he does whatever he feels to do without having to anwer to anybody .
He paid all the full time salaries and the offices these people worked out of belongs to him. I remember somebody saying to me some years ago that the debt TTFF owes Jack will take a lifetime to repay. In the mean time he collects money from Concacaf, from the South Korean FA, from Japan FA to run programsm build facilities that he only accounts for how the money is spent not to mention buying TV rights for 1$ and shafting mih buddy Selby Browne etc.
All that said the players salary for playing for the national team is not the same as the money they make for their day jobs playing with the clubs.It might be illegal to reveal players salaries from the clubs in the UK but I am not sure that you can apply the same reasons for not revealing the salary when playing for the national team especially if it is paid for or subsidised from public funds.
But even miore to the point what does it hurt to say what the average pay of a player was ? By doing that it could make more kids aspire to make the big time.
As far as I'm concerned the players could have made 5million a game and I would say good for them , they know how to negotiate. Like any other job you should ask for as much as you can get from your employer because the employer will try to pay you as little as he can.

The GOTT is supposed to be paying the salaries of the coaching staff and they must disclose what that is regardless of what contract the coachs sign.
Parlaimentary privilege will allow them to reveal it.

I am no TTFF supporter but I find your last post to be off taste and not to the normal standard you set, almost as if Diambars hit a nerve.

The allegation by McBeth that Warner asked for money to be paid into his personal account made me think about Warners ability to move funds around in his best interest.

If that were true and TTFF money did go into his account, this would give him total control of TTFF money and how its spent. I wonder if the same thing happened with FIFA and CONCACAF funds. I'm not suggesting he used this money to make himself richer. But we see a lot of press about Jack personally paying for coaches wages etc. So if the money comes from his account, it makes him politically stronger, yet that money may originally be TTFF funds. The money is still reaching its intended target, but via Jack to give him this hero status. This may not be wrong from Jacks point of view, just "doing business" and he may never have benefitted financially. This may be how he's gained so much power, and thereby, as far as Jacks concerned, a ligitimate way of achieving more for Trinidad football.

When you consider the $173 million that was supposedly received, if some of that was paid into Jacks accounts, then he could make the great gesture of "personally" funding flights for people, obtaining tickets, paying for peoples food and hotel bills and generally buying favours.

The interesting thing is that when the case reaches arbitration, TTFFs income will be scrutinised minutely. So if, for instance, KFC paid money to TTFF, the arbitrator will want to see the money enter TTFFs accounts. If it doesn't, as I understand it, the arbitrator can access all bank accounts of Warner, Camps, Roden, their familes and businesses to trace the money.

If it shows that TTFF were paid $173 million, but only $100 million actually went through TTFF accounts, I would imagine the Trinidad Govt or Trinidad fraud police will automatically become involved. Particularly if there was an agreement whereby the govt matched all sponsorship and therefore public funds are involved.

I don't know how things work in Trinidad, but in England, this would be the biggest story of the year. Look at the recent coverage over Peter Risdales accusation over the Rio bung. Questions would be asked in Parliament and a public inquiry would be put in place. This would culminate in prison sentances for any wrongdoing and certain barring from football administration. In the UK, MPs have gone to prison for their wrongdoings. Multi millionaire author and MP Jeffery Archer went to prison for (I think) 4 years for perjury! How many lies have been told so far to cover up financial irregularities? Didn't TTFF present two different sets of accounts to the sports minister and they still didn't come close to the truth.

I think this will run for years, and anybody who even took a Carib from Warner and friends will be investigated.

Out of interest, how are fraud cases investigated in T&T. Are the processes thorough and robust and are the police able to stay focused? 

148

Football / Re: The Cancer that is Jack Warner. Searching for info, hope & strategy

« on: November 04, 2007, 11:09:55 AM »

Which, no doubt, i the reason the players lawyer was happy for the arbitration to take place in London.

149

Football / Re: The Cancer that is Jack Warner. Searching for info, hope & strategy

« on: November 04, 2007, 09:01:38 AM »

West Coast/Dreamer, this thread should be maintained and brought back every few months as a history lesson to new members and a reminder to the others. I just read through this again and in light of the recent Panorama programme, have a question to ask.

The allegation by McBeth that Warner asked for money to be paid into his personal account made me think about Warners ability to move funds around in his best interest.

If that were true and TTFF money did go into his account, this would give him total control of TTFF money and how its spent. I wonder if the same thing happened with FIFA and CONCACAF funds. I'm not suggesting he used this money to make himself richer. But we see a lot of press about Jack personally paying for coaches wages etc. So if the money comes from his account, it makes him politically stronger, yet that money may originally be TTFF funds. The money is still reaching its intended target, but via Jack to give him this hero status. This may not be wrong from Jacks point of view, just "doing business" and he may never have benefitted financially. This may be how he's gained so much power, and thereby, as far as Jacks concerned, a ligitimate way of achieving more for Trinidad football.

When you consider the $173 million that was supposedly received, if some of that was paid into Jacks accounts, then he could make the great gesture of "personally" funding flights for people, obtaining tickets, paying for peoples food and hotel bills and generally buying favours.

The interesting thing is that when the case reaches arbitration, TTFFs income will be scrutinised minutely. So if, for instance, KFC paid money to TTFF, the arbitrator will want to see the money enter TTFFs accounts. If it doesn't, as I understand it, the arbitrator can access all bank accounts of Warner, Camps, Roden, their familes and businesses to trace the money.

If it shows that TTFF were paid $173 million, but only $100 million actually went through TTFF accounts, I would imagine the Trinidad Govt or Trinidad fraud police will automatically become involved. Particularly if there was an agreement whereby the govt matched all sponsorship and therefore public funds are involved.

I don't know how things work in Trinidad, but in England, this would be the biggest story of the year. Look at the recent coverage over Peter Risdales accusation over the Rio bung. Questions would be asked in Parliament and a public inquiry would be put in place. This would culminate in prison sentances for any wrongdoing and certain barring from football administration. In the UK, MPs have gone to prison for their wrongdoings. Multi millionaire author and MP Jeffery Archer went to prison for (I think) 4 years for perjury! How many lies have been told so far to cover up financial irregularities? Didn't TTFF present two different sets of accounts to the sports minister and they still didn't come close to the truth.

I think this will run for years, and anybody who even took a Carib from Warner and friends will be investigated.

Out of interest, how are fraud cases investigated in T&T. Are the processes thorough and robust and are the police able to stay focused? 

150

Football / Re: Jack and he lies again

« on: October 29, 2007, 09:20:46 PM »

When I saw Warners first press release saying how he went to visit Mandela and making out like they're great buddies, I was really really p*ssed off.

I was in the London march  back in the 80's to free Mandela. I couldn't believe the injustice still allowed to continue in South Africa, with those guys holding all the power, corrupt to the core and ignoring the wishes of the South African people.

I know that football cannot be compared to these political wrongdoings, but Warner, in many ways, is treating the Trini people with the same contempt. I felt let down by Mandela, that he would sell his soul to get the world cup for SA, no matter how much it would achieve for the country.

I felt Mandela, as the peoples champion, had sold out.

I am so pleased this was not the case. Obviously, Mandela needs to pay lip service to Warner, but I'm so glad he came out and denied Warners lies.

Its unbelievable. How much did it cost Warner to hire that jet, just to make himself look even more of a liar?