Messages

121

Football / Re: John Bostock Thread

« on: July 29, 2015, 09:11:05 AM »

Many would be surprised to discover that 23s (some of them) have been eligible for  U21 competition. This convenient rule might not be around much longer. Seems to have come under listing for scrutiny because a 23 year old was named the best player at the U21 championship.

It does not make sense to me.

I think this comes about because of the Olympic teams being U23's and it was not possible for some nations to handle a U21 and a U23 campaign. So for ease, they agreed to allow some U23's into the U21 squads so the same team could compete at both levels. At least that's my recollection!

122

Football / Re: Is the HCS stadium ready for WCQ's ? Football Supporter/Min of Sport?

« on: July 29, 2015, 07:30:49 AM »

I guess that the Central F.C. vs La Galaxy in September will be a good test of the facility. This is also likely to be the biggest television audience in history for a football match in T&T. (I'm not sure about the viewership for the T&T vs England game).

I think you on cloud 9

T&T vs Mexico
T&T vs USA
T&T vs 2006 World Cup Games
T&T vs England
T&T vs Argentina
Joe Public vs NE Revs
W Connection vs Red Bulls
W Connection vs Houston Dynamo
W Connection vs Chivas
W Connection vs Guadalajara
Defence Force vs Pachuca

Well, I don't have the facts on those games. However, Champions League has definitely increased in viewership. Couple that with the attraction of Gerrard and Dos Santos. Also, I'm not sure how accessible those other games were at the time they were played.

123

Football / Re: Is the HCS stadium ready for WCQ's ? Football Supporter/Min of Sport?

« on: July 29, 2015, 07:03:09 AM »

I guess that the Central F.C. vs La Galaxy in September will be a good test of the facility. This is also likely to be the biggest television audience in history for a football match in T&T. (I'm not sure about the viewership for the T&T vs England game).

124

Football / Re: MLS to EPL?

« on: July 29, 2015, 07:00:22 AM »

I'm just hoping that on August 6th, their defending at set pieces is woeful!!

125

Football / Re: TT Women’s Premier League (WPL) Thread.

« on: July 28, 2015, 10:57:01 AM »

What's the reason for the reported exodus of foreign players on Friday? The way Lasana's article reads, one is left with the impression that the date of departure comes as a surprise to planners. On the other hand, prior reports suggested that the foreign players had round-trip travel provided by the WPL organizers. How did matters come to this?

Quite intriguing that Kairon Serrette located his public voice at the end of the proceedings (per extensive on the record comments with L. Liburd). However, his silence at the inception of the proceedings continues in the category of 'duly noted'.

Perhaps the record could further benefit from the emergence of "being accessible" via someone clearly identifying the composition of the WPL board by name and number.

They were always booked to return on that date. The problems came from delays with fields and, of course, the cancelling of last weeks game. Also, we were told that the women national players would return on the 19th, but for some reason out of WPL control, that didn't happen.

126

Football / Re: Tim Kee refuses Sancho meeting; accused of using footballers as political pawns

« on: July 28, 2015, 08:42:43 AM »

“The whole thing started when we found out they got US$100,000 and didn’t tell us about it,” said Sancho. “They did a pie chart after that which said that US$33,000 was spent on match fees. But over the past six months, we paid every single match fee and stipend (for the TTFA).

“So where did that money really go?”

“I found it a bit strange that they didn’t ask for funding for the (Women’s) Under-20 Team because, over the course of this year, we have paid for every single team that left these shores barring the TTOC’s teams,” Sancho told Wired868. “We have paid 90 percent of the operation cost for all national teams, including travel, accommodation, coaches’ salaries and match fees.

“All of a sudden, despite saying they spent all the money they received from CONCACAF and the fact that the General Secretary said they only had TT$30,000 in their account just over a month ago, they found the money to send their team to St Vincent.

“How much money did they really receive from Concacaf?”

Very interesting quotes from Sancho.

Only one thing tough, $100,000 USD cant do much for all these national teams.

But obviously, the TTFA has a money hole somewhere and Tim Kee is hiding it or they just decide to cut ties with the MOS?? but something is not right with both the TTFA and MOS.

Sancho, is really a big let down.

And Tim Kee and Sheldon seems very sneaky.

To be fair, TTFA didn't receive US$100,000 immediately. They received US$33,000 plus US$38,000 travel grant. The balance of US$67,000 is due early August and this should also now increase by US$25,000 for reaching the quarter finals.

Sancho, is really a big let down.  In what way? He's trying to get transparency, which is what everyone has said they would like. You can't do this half hearted. You either want it or you don't. And a transparent TTFA will assist them in attracting sponsors. But I'd be interested in knowing how you feel Sancho has let you down.

127

Football / Re: Is the HCS stadium ready for WCQ's ? Football Supporter/Min of Sport?

« on: July 27, 2015, 01:00:50 PM »

In an ideal world, some of it make sense, but TT is not an ideal country. It is a country functioning on chaos. Those with money-power feel ideally at home in this settings. ThoseWC cup games are going to be played in the stadium in the exact state it is in right now. mark my word. Maybe a few here or there domestic improvements. That's it. If a club team and/or the MNT can draw 15 to 20 thousand a game, we probably may see some changes. As long as football scrunching. Here, take this piece of fray bake or palhouri.

Some of forumites have a disdain for SSFL. School football is part of TT DNA. It is no detriment to TT football. This kind of football still provide players to the MNT. Intercol still bring fun, passion and money to football.  The only people who trying to kill are the naysayers. The proleague match can't even draw crowds like some intercollegiate games. Secondly, TF is not minor.why can't they get to use the stadium. It is a multipurpose stadium. TF should be given the same rights as football. The problem with HCS is a maintenance problem. Then it a management issue.

The problem is that HCS is not a football stadium!!

128

Football / Re: Is the HCS stadium ready for WCQ's ? Football Supporter/Min of Sport?

« on: July 27, 2015, 12:30:36 PM »

I can tell you that CONCACAF have approved the stadium for Champions League! There was some approval given for major upgrades to HCS, though I'm not sure when they will begin, as it would likely mean the stadium would be out of action for many months.

World Cup qualifiers are November, March and September. Logically after the March fixtures those major upgrades should be done.

In the mean time minor upgrades such as electrical issues and facility issues such as bathrooms etc should be dealt with.

Lastly the pitch should be maintained and no school football on it this season. It should be in great condition come November and Hart's requests of pre match watering should be facilitated.

Very simple requests if you ask me.

Sounds fair enough to me too!

129

Football / Re: Tim Kee refuses Sancho meeting; accused of using footballers as political pawns

« on: July 27, 2015, 11:19:48 AM »

SP.. sponsors will want accountability for their $$. But it easier to blame cricket.

I mentioned before.. a PNM Minister Of Sport will be even tougher on Kimmy when it comes to giving out money as a PNM gov't will want to prove to the public that they are not like the previous administration - show that they care about tax payers money.

But we fickle.. if we win a few games in qualifying.. $$ will flood een! The bandwaggonist syndrome!

It's not so easy, Jumbie. Sancho was determined not to be seen as Minister of Football, yet he still gets licks for demanding accountability!!

130

Football / Re: Tim Kee refuses Sancho meeting; accused of using footballers as political pawns

« on: July 27, 2015, 11:18:24 AM »

Too many men wearing too many hats.

Tim Kee - PNM Treasurer, POS Mayor, and TTFA President.

The last two are definitely full-time jobs on their own, and the first one further complicates things with the PNM in opposition.

Brent Sancho - Minister of Sport, UNC Political Aspirant, 2006 WC Crusader against the TTFA

The first two are compatible as it's a political position, but the last one is a serious conflict of interest and it's pretty clear has interfered with his relationship with the TTFA. On top of the fact, given the PNM/UNC animosity and we have both at either end, there is little to no hope of resolution given the political agendas.

I don't see anything changing unless the PNM wins the next election.

Right. and Sancho will not be Minister of Sport after Sept 7th.  Watch and see what will happen

but how does that help our football? will 'sponsors' then jump on board? will there then be proper accounting and accountability? It's a culture of mismanagement thats killing our football. We seem to be working on the bad product we had on the field, but the back office needs drastic help. Not to mention the RELIANCE on Gov't - PNM, UNC.. whomever!

 

Simple as a, b,c. No sponsor is going to jump on board when you have a Minister of Sport beefing with a sporting body President. So I agreed with the poster I quoted when he said nothing will change unless the PNM wins. Because only then you will most likely have two men or a man and woman (MOS and TTFF Prez) working hand in hand pocket. 

Fixed it for you!

Just a little test: How many millions of dollars has Tim-Kee brought into football since 2010? Now the same question for Sancho. And you still can't see the problem is Tim-Kee?

131

Football / Re: Tim Kee refuses Sancho meeting; accused of using footballers as political pawns

« on: July 27, 2015, 11:15:18 AM »

Too many men wearing too many hats.

Tim Kee - PNM Treasurer, POS Mayor, and TTFA President.

The last two are definitely full-time jobs on their own, and the first one further complicates things with the PNM in opposition.

Brent Sancho - Minister of Sport, UNC Political Aspirant, 2006 WC Crusader against the TTFA

The first two are compatible as it's a political position, but the last one is a serious conflict of interest and it's pretty clear has interfered with his relationship with the TTFA. On top of the fact, given the PNM/UNC animosity and we have both at either end, there is little to no hope of resolution given the political agendas.

I don't see anything changing unless the PNM wins the next election.

Right. and Sancho will not be Minister of Sport after Sept 7th.  Watch and see what will happen

Ok, you may get your wish and Sancho will be gone. What then? Who can you see in the PNM camp who would make a good Minister of Sport? And bear in mind that a good Minister of Sport may not be interested in spending $25 million a year on football!

See what you fail to understand is the Minister of Sport is a managerial position of T&T Sporting affairs. You don't have to be someone popular, you dont need to be a former athlete. So when you ask "who do I see" well I see different people. Not because they never scored an own goal in a World Cup mean they are not good enough to be Minister of Sport. Talk done

Well, no, talk ain't done. So you're seeing different people who are managers, but not sportsmen or women?  Fair enough. Maybe we can get another $3 million flagpole.

What you fail to realise is that Minister of Sport is not quite a managerial position. That belongs to the P.S. who is legally responsible for spending. The Minister is like a company Chairman while the P.S. is the General Secretary. The Minister has policies he would like to see, but the P.S. will decide if they are possible. So, a "manager" would not be ideal as a Minister. You need someone with a bit of vision and someone with sporting knowledge.

For example, for the last 20 years we've been building community grounds to the same designs. (Both PNM and PP). Those designs are useless. Yet nobody bothered to look at them before work started. The Brian Lara ground in Santa Cruz is a great example. The dressing rooms were far too small. When we visited the site we couldn't believe that the builder had never even consulted an athlete. Any facility put forward by Sancho will not only be athlete driven, but also income generating.

But, yeah, let's prey we don't get another athlete (of either political party) as a Minister of Sport.

smh next thing you'll ask for a Minister of Education who can't read or a Minister of Youth and Gender who's a paedophile and hates women.

Talk done now.

132

Football / Re: Tim Kee refuses Sancho meeting; accused of using footballers as political pawns

« on: July 27, 2015, 10:08:01 AM »

Too many men wearing too many hats.

Tim Kee - PNM Treasurer, POS Mayor, and TTFA President.

The last two are definitely full-time jobs on their own, and the first one further complicates things with the PNM in opposition.

Brent Sancho - Minister of Sport, UNC Political Aspirant, 2006 WC Crusader against the TTFA

The first two are compatible as it's a political position, but the last one is a serious conflict of interest and it's pretty clear has interfered with his relationship with the TTFA. On top of the fact, given the PNM/UNC animosity and we have both at either end, there is little to no hope of resolution given the political agendas.

I don't see anything changing unless the PNM wins the next election.

Right. and Sancho will not be Minister of Sport after Sept 7th.  Watch and see what will happen

Ok, you may get your wish and Sancho will be gone. What then? Who can you see in the PNM camp who would make a good Minister of Sport? And bear in mind that a good Minister of Sport may not be interested in spending $25 million a year on football!

133

Football / Re: Tim Kee refuses Sancho meeting; accused of using footballers as political pawns

« on: July 27, 2015, 09:50:47 AM »

Sound like Tim Kee walking around in a constant state of being offended.
If he can't put aside personal feelings to do the job then just get out.

LOL. Did you see his statement on Friday concerning the prison break? Went something like: "Doh worry, I've got extra security to cover me. By the way, it will be difficult to get out of Port of Spain as it's on lock down."

134

Football / Re: Is the HCS stadium ready for WCQ's ? Football Supporter/Min of Sport?

« on: July 27, 2015, 09:48:40 AM »

I can tell you that CONCACAF have approved the stadium for Champions League! There was some approval given for major upgrades to HCS, though I'm not sure when they will begin, as it would likely mean the stadium would be out of action for many months. 

135

Football / Re: Tim Kee refuses Sancho meeting; accused of using footballers as political pawns

« on: July 27, 2015, 08:32:16 AM »

I find this a bit strange.

So he went to the Ministry to tell them that he is not going to meet with the Minister That don't sound right. Something else at play there !!!

If he was not going to meet with the Minister then why did he go there in the first place

Waiting to hare from Tim Kee.....

We only hearing one side of the story right now. I expect 'Football Supporter' to defend his boy Sancho so now I waiting to hear from Tim Kee.

Anyway what is most important to Football fans is to have the right preparation for our national men and women teams as they move forward.

Obviously I will have a bias towards Sancho. But, remember, I was there. When Tim-Kee told the PS that he wouldn't meet with Sancho, we were amazed and we met and decided that we wouldn't take the bait and the meeting would go ahead without the Minister. When the PS and I went to find Tim-Kee, Sheldon said he had left! I have no idea why he did this, but look: PS invited RTK to discuss U23 payments on July 12th. No reply. Another invite was sent. RTK rejected the meeting and requested another date. PS agreed. Then RTK actually attends the Ministry and refuses to meet with Minister. Then, when Minister ok's the meeting without him, RTK gone home.

I will add that Sancho was initially furious with RTK. As the main sponsor of TTFA, he felt he deserved more respect, whatever the political situation. 

But Phillips didn't deny Sancho's claim:

TTFA general secretary Sheldon Phillips accompanied Tim Kee to the Sport Ministry on Wednesday but did not want to discuss their meeting.
“I would rather you get those answers from Raymond,” said Phillips. “Anything regarding what took place in that meeting, I would rather come from him.”
Wired868 asked if he denied the Sport Minister’s account regarding Tim Kee’s stated refusal to meet with him.
“No,” said Phillips.

Anyway what is most important to Football fans is to have the right preparation for our national men and women teams as they move forward.  Clearly RTK isn't in agreement with you!

I was going to post the Possible scenarios for the breakdown before FS's reply....(check out 1 and 2)

1. The meeting was to be with the P.S. and the Minister invited himself so Tim Kee refused

2. The meeting was delayed and Mr. Tim Kee found that he was waiting too long

3. Something was said while waiting that offended Mr. Tim Kee

4. The agenda for the meeting was different that what Mr. Tim Kee was prepared for

As Richard Pryor would have said: None of the Above lol

136

Football / Re: Tim Kee refuses Sancho meeting; accused of using footballers as political pawns

« on: July 27, 2015, 08:20:26 AM »

I find this a bit strange.

So he went to the Ministry to tell them that he is not going to meet with the Minister That don't sound right. Something else at play there !!!

If he was not going to meet with the Minister then why did he go there in the first place

Waiting to hare from Tim Kee.....

We only hearing one side of the story right now. I expect 'Football Supporter' to defend his boy Sancho so now I waiting to hear from Tim Kee.

Anyway what is most important to Football fans is to have the right preparation for our national men and women teams as they move forward.

Obviously I will have a bias towards Sancho. But, remember, I was there. When Tim-Kee told the PS that he wouldn't meet with Sancho, we were amazed and we met and decided that we wouldn't take the bait and the meeting would go ahead without the Minister. When the PS and I went to find Tim-Kee, Sheldon said he had left! I have no idea why he did this, but look: PS invited RTK to discuss U23 payments on July 12th. No reply. Another invite was sent. RTK rejected the meeting and requested another date. PS agreed. Then RTK actually attends the Ministry and refuses to meet with Minister. Then, when Minister ok's the meeting without him, RTK gone home.

I will add that Sancho was initially furious with RTK. As the main sponsor of TTFA, he felt he deserved more respect, whatever the political situation. 

But Phillips didn't deny Sancho's claim:

TTFA general secretary Sheldon Phillips accompanied Tim Kee to the Sport Ministry on Wednesday but did not want to discuss their meeting.
“I would rather you get those answers from Raymond,” said Phillips. “Anything regarding what took place in that meeting, I would rather come from him.”
Wired868 asked if he denied the Sport Minister’s account regarding Tim Kee’s stated refusal to meet with him.
“No,” said Phillips.

Anyway what is most important to Football fans is to have the right preparation for our national men and women teams as they move forward.  Clearly RTK isn't in agreement with you!

137

Football / Re: Tim Kee refuses Sancho meeting; accused of using footballers as political pawns

« on: July 27, 2015, 07:26:34 AM »

I ent believe none ah dem. Every story have two sides and we only hearing Sancho at the minute. Two bloody imps!!

But Sheldon confirmed the facts.

Everyone here saying "stop the politics" and accusing Sancho of holding football to ransom, holding up payments etc. Now, look here. Trying to plan in advance for Russia 2018 campaign yet Tim-Kee selects his own date and time for a meeting, actually appears at the Ministry just to say he ain't meeting you? And now Sancho behaving like an imp?

Suppose he never made this press release and next thing we find there is no funding for 2018? Whose ass yuh gonna whip?  Sancho?

You're right about this having to stop. I can't realistically see Sancho inviting Tim-Kee to another meeting. At least Sheldon Phillips was man enough to sit down and discuss our world cup planning.

138

Football / Re: Yohance Marshall.

« on: July 25, 2015, 09:16:41 AM »

Top man! A true professional and a great ambassador for T&T football. And a good example of how a decent agent can get you worthwhile contracts.

139

Football / Re: Richmond Kickers sign Uriah Bentick

« on: July 25, 2015, 09:13:56 AM »

Uriah was not utilised enough at Central. IMO he's a big player and I hoped that Stephen Hart would see more of him and take him into the squad. He didn't get enough minutes on the pitch, neither did Upston Edwards the Jamaican defender or Borfor Carr.
If Central want to compete in Champions League, these are the players they should be keeping.

140

General Discussion / Re: prison break in POS

« on: July 24, 2015, 01:29:03 PM »

CNC3 News has been tracking the latest developments surrounding the prison escape of three dangerous men at about 12.30 this afternoon, from the Port of Spain Prison.

Update #1… Prison sources confirm 3 high risk prisoners have escaped from Port of Spain Prison. The perimeter has been cordoned off. A prisoner escaped in a vehicle and crashed near the Port of Spain General Hospital. We have a report of gunfire outside of the Hospital, as well.

Update #2… A police officer currently in the operating theatre in a critical condition at the Port of Spain General Hospital. He is believed to have been shot during the prison break from the Port of Spain prison.

Update #3… We have reports that a Muslim man named “Scanny” has been shot dead. He is one of the murder accused in the case concerning Vindra Naipaul Coolman. He may have been killed during the prison break effected by the high risk prisoners who escaped the Port of Spain Prison.

Update #4… There are unconfirmed reports of shootings at the Chaguanas and Fyzabad Police Stations. More information on this story will be made available as soon as it comes to hand…

Update #5… We have reports that there was a special visit to the escapees this morning. It is believed that is how they were able to acquire 2 guns, ammo and explosive devices which were used in their escape from the Port of Spain Prison today. A wide security blanket has been cast around the Prison and the Port of Spain General Hospital has been cordoned off.

Update #6… The three prisoners who escaped today from the Port of Spain Prison have been identified as Hassam “Monster” Atwell, Christopher Selby and Alan “Scanny” Martin. Scanny is one of the accused involved in the Vindra Naipaul Coolman murder trial. Reports are he has been shot dead during his escape attempt.

Update #7… One of the three escaped prisoners has been re-captured. One prisoner remains on the run. The third prisoner – Alan “Scanny” Martin – was shot dead during his escape attempt. A police constable who was involved in the shooting incident surrounding the prison break currently is in the operating theatre at the Port of Spain Hospital, and is said to be in critical condition.

Update #8... We have confirmed reports that Alan "Scanny" Martin, one of the murder accused in the Vindra Naipaul-Coolman Murder Trial has been killed during an escape attempt from the Port of Spain Prison, at about noon today. Scanny was one of three prisoners who escaped the prison in a blue Navarro truck which reportedly crashed near the Port of Spain General Hospital. In the subsequent shootout with police, Scanny is said to have been killed. One of his fellow escapees is said to have been re-captured, while the third escapee remains at large. [This is to be confirmed.]

Update #9… One of the three prison escapees has been identified as Hassam "Monster" Atwell. He is said to be the relative of Ragaee Ali, one of the 11 who were detained by police earlier this week along with Jamaat ul Muslimeen leader, Imam Yasin Abu Bakr, for questioning in the Dana Seetahal murder case. We are yet to ascertain whether he is the prisoner who has been re-captured, or whether he is the prisoner who is said to be still on the run.

Update #11... We have unconfirmed reports that one of the fugitives has been killed in the Belmont area. His identity is yet to be determined. In addition, the other fugitive is said to be headed west. Details will be forthcoming as soon as they come to hand.

141

General Discussion / Re: prison break in POS

« on: July 24, 2015, 01:10:16 PM »

It appears that 3 prisoners were smuggled guns. They took control of a prison van on the way from court to prison. The van crashed near PoS hospital and the gunmen exchanged fire with police. It appears one policeman was shot and has since died. Also, one of the prisoners was shot and killed. Two prisoners are on the run and PoS is on lockdown with police searching vehicles at roadblocks.

Rumours have been that there was a man shot at Chaguanas police station and shots fired at Fyzabad & St James police stations but these are unconfirmed.

The two schools of thought seem to be
a) The govt caused this to call an SOE to put back election
b) Police arrested Abu Bakr to stir up trouble to make govt look bad before election.
 

142

Football / Re: 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup Thread.

« on: July 23, 2015, 12:54:10 PM »

By Felipe Maldonado Garcia


The Mexico men’s soccer team beat Panama Wednesday night in Atlanta in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, on a 2-1 overtime win.

A penalty kick assigned by the referee at the 88th minute was a questionable call, and at the time, Panama was winning 1-0. The Mexican player scored the penalty kick, the match went to overtime and, on a second penalty kick, Mexico scored for a 2-1 win, making its way to the final.

It was absolutely legal for the Mexican player to score the first penalty kick. The referee assigned the penalty using his granted authority. But was scoring the kick an ethical decision?

After the referee assigned the first penalty kick, the Panamanian players complained, claiming there was no foul. The coach and his staff did the same. Even some Mexico supporters at the stadium didn't like the call. Controversy and chaos interrupted the match for almost ten minutes.

But the referee's decision stood. And therefore, from a "legal" perspective, the Mexican player was fine to score it, as he finally did.

During an after-match interview, the Mexican player admitted he knew the penalty call was a mistake. The player admitted thinking about whether or not he should score it. He finally decided, he said in the interview, that “it was not my fault if the referee made a mistake and, as a professional soccer player, I had to try my best to score.”

The Mexican coach, in his interview, said “there are instances when mistakes are assigned against my team and others take advantage of that, and there are instances when mistakes are assigned in our favor, and we should take advantage of that as well.”

The thoughtfulness and honesty were impressive.

I was impressed too with the opinions of several Mexican journalists (TV and digital media) who spoke out against scoring the penalty kick. Most agreed it wasn't the right thing to do because it wasn't "the most ethical decision," even though not scoring would have resulted in Mexico’s elimination from the competition.

I'm not judging the decisions taken on the field or the opinions expressed afterwards. I'm simply calling attention to the legal-versus-ethical dilemma that arose during the match. It was extraordinary to watch the drama play out not in business, or politics, but in sport.

And so today I'm asking: Do we all face such dilemmas more often than we might initially realize -- even in many of the casual and common situations of our lives?

- See more at: http://www.fcpablog.com/blog/2015/7/23/mexico-beats-panama-2-1-and-a-legal-versus-ethical-dilemma-l.html#sthash.3BxMKpMC.dpuf

143

Football / Re: Russell takes charge of Central FC

« on: July 23, 2015, 10:18:14 AM »

So what that means? He won't be with the Women's team who stay in Canada to prepare for Olympic qualifiers?

He has no contract with TTFA or any salary. What would you do? We actually wanted him to start with Central before PanAms but he ia a man of integrity and wanted to fulfill his duty to the women first. 

144

Football / Re: Russell takes charge of Central FC

« on: July 23, 2015, 09:47:40 AM »

Most anticipated a different sort of revolutionary announcement, and now could only conclude that Ross Russell comes cheaper than Terry Fenwick.

That he's Central's first T&T bred coach is an unfortunate tie-in with the above conclusion.

On the theory that we get what we pay for, I wish Ross well.

It's undoubtedly a great platform for him.

One has to note though ... that Central is showing an indulgent degree of composure with Pan Ams closing a few days away and kick-off v. LA mere days after that.

Congrats to Rougier.

Actually, we approached Ross before Vranes was appointed but he wanted to stay with Army to see if they could find a way to keep him on board. I always felt that if he could achieve what he did with a limited pool of players, what could he achieve with access to a wider selection? I also liked the team spirit and discipline (off the pitch) of the Army team.

145

Football / Re: The gap in CONCACAF closes.

« on: July 23, 2015, 07:27:12 AM »

Here's the reality check:

Gold Cup finalists:
Jamaica and Panama or Mexico

T&T drew with Jamaica in November (lost on penalties)
T&T drew with Mexico last week
T&T drew with Panama this week (lost on penalties)

Imagine if we could plan better (TTFA & MoS) if we could attract sponsorship to prepare better, if we could field a fully fit first choice squad.

WC18 starts in November.

I'm feeling confident!!

146

Football / Re: TTOC slams Sheldon Phillips’ ‘discourtesy’ over Pan Am U-23 football spat

« on: July 23, 2015, 07:01:29 AM »

Not taking sides, however !!!!

I dont understand the problem?

Phillips dealt with the matter and resolved the issues that were bothering the players!!! Why would Lewis need to know that? I am sure if things had gotten worst or they couldn't agree the TTFA would have let them know.

If this was a TTOC matter then they should have taken care of the T&T team in the first place, it shouldn't have to even go back to the TTFA.

Sounds like Lewis is looking for a scapegoat for the horrible medal count haul for the TTOC.

To be fair, TTOC did take care of the teams. The only matter not under their purview was match fees which aren't paid to any other T&T athlete at PanAm (appearance fees). This was effectively a free trip for TTFA and an great chance to get three decent games for each team for next to nothing. I don't necessarily believe that Sheldon decided to pay match fees to players himself, but he was left holding the baby. TTOC are very well organised. They carried 140 athletes to Canada. No disruption with travel, timing, accommodation. Very professional in what they do. I don't see how Lewis can be blamed for speaking out, It's his reputation on the line out there.

147

Football / Re: TT Women’s Premier League (WPL) Thread.

« on: July 22, 2015, 12:43:50 PM »

How many more WPL match dates or matches left to play?

3 more WPL games.

148

Football / Re: TTOC slams Sheldon Phillips’ ‘discourtesy’ over Pan Am U-23 football spat

« on: July 22, 2015, 06:45:59 AM »

The absence of measured, diplomatic language is indicative of how much BL thinks protocol and judgement was flouted. I see his point.

I also get why SP would attempt to resolve the matter quietly in-house. There's been enough bad TTFA publicity to kill all the kittens in the world.

However, as the record with previous events concerning match fees indicates, there's no keeping such matters quiet or suppressed. The information gets out.

It was inevitable that BL would be looped in. Better for him to have heard it from the TTFA first, rather than incidentally. Especially because Lewis is neither a casual nor incidental observer, but a principal with respect to Pan Am participation, he should have been alerted in deference to the TTOC's superceding role vis-a-vis Pan Ams.

A good and related question is: who is Chef de Mission for T&T at Pan Ams? One would imagine that person should have been looped in unquestionably.

(By the way, who is going to be our chef de mission in Rio? There's an upcoming meeting of chefs de mission in Rio in a couple weeks in build up to the Olympics).

There's an upcoming meeting of chefs de mission in Rio  I always find these are a bad idea. You know the saying: Too many chefs spoil the broth   

149

Football / Re: More Racism in Football: Do we really need a World Cup in Russia?

« on: July 20, 2015, 03:36:55 PM »

The kick racism out of football campaign as well as well as government and fa support  have helped the uk stamp out racism but there is still a lot more to be done not just here in the uk but world wide.

FS for me the worst place was the den / new den.

Yeah, that was bad for a long time. But I remember West Ham fans making monkey chants at black opposition players and they had several black West Ham players on the pitch. The ICF used to target Asians when they went to the Midlands.

150

Football / Re: Racism in football Thread.

« on: July 20, 2015, 02:22:26 PM »

Aye Football Supporter wha happening in UK eh? Took a look above^^ yuh want to question racism in Russia and asking why dem hosting WC.

Why are you singling out the UK?