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31
Football / Warriors wait - Blacklisted players want to end standoff
« on: May 23, 2007, 11:10:17 PM »
Blacklisted players want end to standoff.
By: Ian Prescott (Express).


Warriors wait

While they wait on a Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) decision to reinstate them to active duty, the estranged members of the national team have re-stated their desire to play for T&T again.
Speaking with the Express yesterday on the condition on anonymity a member of the "Soca Warriors" declared that the players are ready to represent the country at the Gold Cup from June 6-24 in the United States.
"But, we have heard nothing yet from the T&TFF," said the player who added that normal protocol would have seen the T&TFF contacting them about a month before the tournament and also sending a letter to their clubs.
"None of that has been done for us, the blacklisted 16 this time around," the source said. "But, at the end of the day we are ready to play in the Gold Cup. We are looking forward to be called up. We are serious about establishing the FPA (Football Players Association), which is something that should have been done a long time now."
And the player said further: "From the players point of view, we would like to see this over and done, so we can get back on the field and do our jobs. It has been a difficult past few months, but I think certain things needed to be addressed. It was a case where certain protocol must be established between players and administration. But, more importantly, we would like to get back unto the field and do our jobs."
Meanwhile, the blacklisted group will keep active with a second friendly match, this time in Tobago from 7.30 p.m tomorrow at Dwight Yorke Stadium.
The match is the second such one to promote the formation of the Trinidad & Tobago Football Players Association (T&TFPA) and follows up Sunday's 'Funday' at the Hasely Crawford stadium which saw the Soca Warriors meeting a celebrity eleven.
And today, Kevin Harrison, a financial adviser to the English Professional Football Players Association (FPA), flies into the country to further assist the players in their attempts to properly establish the T&TFPA, which will in the future negotiate on behalf of players.
Friday's match in Tobago will see the majority of the Soca Warriors in action, with the exception of goalkeeper Clayton Ince, who is still England.
Stern John is due to fly back into the country from Miami, while defender Dennis Lawrence comes in from London, making almost everyone available at a moment's notice should the T&TFF call them up for Gold Cup action. Among the Warriors already here are Carlos Edwards, Jason Scotland, Marvin Andrews, Kelvin Jack, Chris Birchall, Kenwyne Jones, Brent Sancho, Cornell Glen, Aurtis Whitley and Cyd Gray.
Meanwhile, Harrison has been a big help in advising the group about how to establish T&TFPA, which is the 43rd players association in the world. While here, Harrison will conduct workshops with local clubs and players and explain the importance of having a representative body. The T&TFPA will also be going on a recruitment drive among local players.
"First of all, we want them to know that the Football Players Association is not here to fight down the T&TFF.
We are just seeking representation which will ensure that certain protocol are established and that there is a smooth relationship between players and the administration. At the end of the day, none of us overseas players will benefit from this in any significant way," the player stated. "It is the local boys who will receive the benefits of having a players association in the future."

32
Football / Dwight Yorke - Sydney's over
« on: May 20, 2007, 12:56:14 AM »
Dwight Yorke - Sydney's over
By Cameron Bell
The Sunday Telegraph



Not one to hold a grudge ... Dwight Yorke on the golf course this week. Photograph: Rohan Kelly / The Sunday Telegraph


DWIGHT Yorke is running an hour late. Roaring down the M5 in a little blue Audi hatchback, he's missed the turnoff to the Macquarie Links golf course and ended up in Campbelltown.

Then he's missed it again on the way back and almost ended up in Liverpool.

Due on course at 9.30am, he arrives at 10.35am, drags his set of Callaways out of the boot and saunters towards the first tee to be special guest at a corporate golf day.

But he's not flustered. His face has that trademark grin.

His only worry is a slight stomach muscle strain, which makes him nervous about how he's going to swing a club.

Other than that, he's the happiest he's been in months. And why wouldn't he be.

Two weeks earlier he had helped Sunderland win promotion to the English Premiership. He joined Sunderland after Sydney FC effectively booted him out when they accepted more than $500,000 for his transfer last September.

It remains the lowest period of Yorke's career.

But he has moved on.

Sydney will always be a part of him, as evidenced by his return to the Harbour City for a holiday as soon as his Coca-Cola Championship commitments had finished. He can't get enough of the Sydney nightlife, the Sydney women and Sydney's golf courses.

But holidays are where it ends.

Yorke has effectively ruled out returning to Sydney to play.

In fact, he's all but ruled out a return to the A-League, saying it would take something extraordinary for him to play in the competition he helped to ignite in its inaugural season.

"You know, I don't hold any grudges,'' he said of his treatment by Sydney FC. "You can't go through life like that.

"Everything is sorted for me now and, as it's worked out, I've got an opportunity to play in the Premier League again next year, this time with Sunderland. In my life, I've always learned to never say never when it comes to anything in football.

"But I'm back in the Premier League now and I feel like a little kid again. I never thought that at the age of 35 I'd get another chance in the Premier League, but I have. You never know what could happen in football and I never rule anything out.

"I can't answer the question of whether I'll be back in the A-League with 100 per cent certainty, but it would take something quite extraordinary for it to happen.''

And not just because he has a sour taste in his mouth from the way things ended with Sydney.

The big move

When Yorke joined his former Manchester United team-mate and now Sunderland coach Roy Keane last season, the northern England club was 23rd in the 24-team Championship.

"I thought 'what the hell am I doing here. I must be crazy','' he said. "I had a great set-up in Sydney, I was really enjoying my time there and then, all of a sudden, everything changed.

"It took me an initial seven, even eight weeks, to really get into my game. It took me that long to get over leaving Sydney because I loved it that much.

"But here I was, with a two-year deal at Sunderland, and I just told myself I had to make the most of it. I had to do the best I could for myself and my team.''

Yorke finished the season with seven goals to be Sunderland's second top-scorer. Keane even made him captain for a large chunk of the season.

Sydney FC

Yorke has kept in touch with plenty of people at Sydney FC. In many respects, he was looking forward to the second year of his contract with the club more than the first. He was looking forward to the challenge of defending the title.

"I've been intrigued with how Sydney went,'' Yorke said. "I always said that the first year was going to be easier than the second. It's a difficult challenge defending the title in any league.

"They had a few hiccups this year and didn't do as well as they would have liked, or could have, but that's football. I would have loved to have been there and contributing to defending the title.''

Import hunt

It's strange that Sydney got rid of a guy who was so passionate aboutthe club and the city, only to offer more money to secure another marquee signing.

On Sydney's hit list have been 41-year-old Teddy Sheringham, Dutch star Phillip Cocu, Turkey's Hakan Sukur and Nigerian Jay Jay Okocha.

The club was said to be prepared to pay $1.2million a season to sign one of them - more than Yorke was earning.

"It seems like a lot but compared to what these guys can earn on the world stage, it's really a pittance,'' Yorke said. "No offence to the A-League but you could never get a 23-year-old from another country on that sort of money because it's just not much.

"For me, it was never about the money I was earning because I've always said I could have gone to Qatar and played for a lot more. It was more about lifestyle and that's the thing I miss most of all.''

Yorke leaves Sydney on Friday to be home in London in time for his son's birthday on the 27th.
Until then he will be living the lifestyle he loves before returning to the pressure world of the English Premiership.

A world he had long thought he had left behind.


33
Football / Samuel on way out at Tannadice.
« on: May 14, 2007, 11:46:46 PM »
Collin Samuel on way out at Tannadice.
By: Graeme Dey (The Courier).


Dundee United and their Trinidad and Tobago internationalist attacker Collin Samuel are to part company after Saturday’s concluding fixture against Motherwell.
That follows Samuel’s agent being advised that any new contract that was offered him would be considerably less lucrative than the one which expires in the next few weeks.
“I don’t believe Collin has been consistent enough to warrant being offered the same terms as he is on currently,’’ revealed manager Craig Levein.
“I would have kept him on at a reduced salary, and I spoke to his agent over the weekend, but the upshot is he’ll be leaving.”
Meanwhile, the Toronto Sun reported that Toronto FC finally won on the pitch in its inaugural Major League Soccer season but suffered a loss at the hands of Canada Customs and Immigration officials.
Two days after Toronto beat Chicago, coach Mo Johnston yesterday was set to announce the signing of Dundee United star Collin Samuel. But the 25-year-old striker was denied entry to Canada.
It was the third time immigration officials have thrown an obstacle at Johnston.
Previous TFC players who had to detour around road blocks at immigration were Abbe Ibrahim, from the West Africa nation of Togo and Danny Dichio, of England.
Both eventually were allowed to play, but for Samuel -- a native of Trinidad and Tobago -- it marked the end of his quest to don the red shirt for TFC.
"We had the blessing of his club (Dundee United) and he was looking forward to playing here," Johnston said. "I'm really disappointed that immigration won't let another player in."
Johnston said he could not explain why Canadian immigration officials have taken such a hard stand in this case.
"He was just denied entry, which I don't understand," Johnston said.
"He's married to a British girl. Aren't we all supposed to be part of the Commonwealth? I could have got him into America easier."
Now Johnston must wait and watch while Samuel most likely will take his offensive skills -- he was Dundee United's leading scorer last season -- to another MLS club.
"There are six or seven (MLS) teams after him, but we were first on board," Johnston said. "We invited him here to see the game (against Houston Dynamo tomorrow at BMO Field) to see the atmosphere. It would have been an ideal situation."
“Collin had been asked over to Toronto to check out the club and see what the MLS has to offer,” confirmed the player’s agent Raymond Sparkes.
“I know Mo well and he has been raving about his team and the set-up there.
“They want to have Collin on board, although he was going there initially to have a look rather than sign.
“He has a Trinidad and Tobago passport but, having been resident in the United Kingdom for five years, we did not think he would need a full-blown visa for the visit.
“We just did not have enough time to apply for that so the result was that he could not fly out.
“I know Toronto FC are completely disappointed about that but I still believe Mo is keen to follow through with his interest.
“Collin will go back to Trinidad as soon as the season finishes then we’ll see what happens after that,” added Sparkes, who intimated there is also interest in Samuel from Scotland and England.

34
Football / Toronto FC bringing in Collin Samuel for Trial
« on: May 13, 2007, 10:18:43 AM »
Just saw it on Rogers SPortsnet

35
Football / Toronto beats Chicago 3-1 for first MLS victory
« on: May 12, 2007, 10:22:10 PM »
Toronto FC 3, Chicago Fire 1
Ctv.ca


TORONTO — The goal drought is over, as is the wait for the first win. Five games into its inaugural season, Toronto FC is officially on the board thanks to a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Fire on Saturday afternoon.


After an eventful opening 45 minutes ended at 1-1, the expansion MLS side came out blazing in the second half and put Chicago away with a pair of goals before a raucous crowd at BMO Field.


Fullback Kevin Goldthwaite gave Toronto a 2-1 lead in the 51st minute with a low left-footed shot. Rookie midfielder Maurice Edu made it 3-1 in the 75th with a glorious left-footed shot, showing nice technique in controlling the ball after substitute Andrea Lombardo found him all alone in the box.


Toronto improved to 1-4-0 while Chicago fell to 3-2-1 after its second straight loss.


Striker Danny Dichio got the ball rolling in the opening 45 minutes by notching a couple of firsts for Toronto, scoring the first goal and then earning the first red card in franchise history.


First the good news.


It took Toronto 384 minutes to score and the goal sent BMO Field into a frenzy. Commemorative white seat cushions, provided for free as part of what was dubbed the stadium's official opening weekend, doubled as Frisbees as fans tossed them out of the stands like rice at a wedding.


The white discs on the green artificial turf made BMO Field look like the site of a giant game of Twister.


The historic goal came in the 24th minute as Edson Buddle drove into the penalty box, raking a low cross across to Dichio. Parked in front of goal, the big English striker stuck out a leg and managed to tap the ball in despite falling backwards.


Pandemonium ensued.


But the joy was short-lived as Chicago equalized off a corner in the 36th minute. The ball came out to Chris Rolfe at the edge of the box and the striker scored his fourth of the season on a hard rising shot through traffic from the edge of the box.


There was trouble in the 43rd minute as Chicago goalie Matt Pickens objected to the way Dichio challenged for the ball in front of goal. An enraged Pickens picked himself off the ground and headed straight to Dichio. Shoves were exchanged, drawing a flood of players into the fracas in the Chicago goal.


When the dust settled, Dichio and feisty Fire midfielder Diego Gutierrez were ejected, with Dichio leaving to a standing ovation. Replays showed that Pickens may have had a legitimate beef with the six-foot-three striker, who was using his arms and legs to make a nuisance of himself with the goalie.

There were 25 fouls in the first half alone.

Toronto came out firing on all guns in the second, with Edu and Ronnie O'Brien forcing Pickens to stop accurate long-range efforts before Goldthwaite scored.


The game was the second straight at home for Toronto, which started with three losses on the road. Toronto hosts defending champion Houston on Wednesday and then D.C. United on Saturday to end its current four-game homestand.

36
Football / Copa del Rey and Coppa Italia today
« on: May 09, 2007, 11:38:12 AM »
Roma washing Inter Milan 5-2 in the 77th right now  :o

Sevilla vs Deportivo on at 3 PM on GOL TV, GOL TV Canada

come on Sevilla  :challenge:

37
Football / Dazzling Dwight
« on: May 07, 2007, 10:42:36 AM »
Dazzling Dwight
byFazeer Mohammed (Express)

 

Chalk up one more accomplishment for the man from Canaan.

One of his celebrated liming partners has bowed out of the limelight in less than illustrious circumstances, but Dwight Yorke's star keeps on shining in the twilight of what is already the most successful career of any footballer from Trinidad and Tobago.

It would not be surprising in the least if Brian Lara was among the first to communicate his congratulations to Yorke for his role in Sunderland's amazing transformation from incompetent cellar-dwellers after four games of the season to winners of the English Football League's Championship Division, clinching the title on the last day of the campaign with a 5-0 hammering of Luton Town yesterday.

Before the advent of the Premership 14 years ago and the more recent re-branding of the League, this level of competition went by the considerably more modest title of the Second Division. Yet whatever the name, it still doesn't take away from the enormity of the achievement, especially as the reward is a place next season in the money-spinning Premiership.

There are more than a few lessons from this experience, one of the most significant being the importance of strong, purposeful leadership in effecting a turnaround. West Indian fans have been waiting in vain for 12 years now, and while it is ludicrously simplistic to compare the complex arena of Caribbean cricket with the considerably more limited sphere of a football club, the principles remain the same.

Roy Keane may not have been everyone's favourite footballer, but the supremely successful former Manchester United captain is nothing if not intense, uncompromising and purposeful. His combative manner has sometimes run him into trouble, as when he was sent home from the 2002 World Cup finals following a fall-out with the Irish team manager, but that attitude in charge of Sunderland seems to have been the perfect elixir to resurrect their season so swiftly and effectively.

With the West Indies squad leaving tomorrow for the tour of England, it doesn't seem the worst suggestion in the world for team management to consider inviting Keane to speak to the players before the first Test at Lord's. Well, Digicel is really run by the Irish, isn't it? Maybe they can pull a few strings to help the team they have been sponsoring for more than two years now without any significant success to show for it. Keane's brusque manner could just be the sort of treatment they need after years of teddy bear treatment from a succession of apologists.

Part of developing a successful structure is getting the right personnel in place, and it is instructive that one of Keane's first signings on becoming the Sunderland manager was Yorke, who was just into his second season with Sydney FC in the Australian "A" League, having guided them to the Championship in the competition's debut season a few months earlier. As teammates in Manchester United's record-breaking treble-winning season of 1998/99, Keane would have had first-hand knowledge of Yorke's value, even in his mid-30s, amid the frenetic pace of English football.

That the former national captain has teamed up with two other well-established Trinidad and Tobago players-midfielder Carlos Edwards and striker Stern John-in playing key roles in Sunderland's remarkable transformation again puts a lie to the oft-repeated notion that sportsmen and women from this part of the world are primarily about flair and excitability, and therefore lacking in the ability to endure a punishing schedule or the hard, remorseless grind of professional sport at a high level.

Like Lara ("backlift too high") and another good friend, Russell Latapy ("too small"), Yorke has made a habit of confounding the critics in more than 20 years on the national and international stage.

He was already exciting fans on the local scene with his skill and pace in the Secondary Schools' League as the spearhead of a successful Signal Hill Senior Comprehensive side when he came on for his senior national debut as a late substitute in the World Cup qualifier against Honduras. A couple of mesmerising runs in near darkness at the Queen's Park Oval made the 16-year-old an instant celebrity, but critics had seen such rich promise fail to deliver many times before.

The possible difference between Yorke and the likes of "Gally" Cummings and Leroy de Leon is that he not only had the ability and ambition, but also the opportunities, which he took with both hands and both feet. Being signed by Aston Villa manager Graham Taylor in the midst of the "Road to Italy" campaign in 1989 might just seem to be a case of being in the right place at the right time, but those nine seasons at Villa Park also tested his resolve through prolonged lean periods when he often wondered if football officials back home really cared about him at all.

Yet he has come through that, and being described as a "cancer" to T&T football during a three-year self-imposed exile from national duty, to compile the most impressive resume of any local player ever, a list of achievements that kicked off at international level when he led this country to the Under-19 World Cup in Portugal in 1991 and climaxed with last year's appearance, also as captain, at the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.

Now the 35-year-old is set to play for his fourth club in the English Premiership, and it doesn't seem that anyone, certainly not at Sunderland, is pushing him to retire as yet.

 

38
Football / Soca Warriors cry foul.
« on: April 29, 2007, 12:12:12 AM »
Soca Warriors cry foul.
By: Ian Prescott (Express).


Trinidad and Tobago players based in Britain and the United States are seeking the advice of a lawyer on whether there is any actual statute on the books of the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) which prevents them from representing their country at the June 6-24 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
In the wake of Trinidad and Tobago's participation in the World Cup last June, the T&T Football Federation and most of the national squad became involved in a dispute over revenues generated from qualifying for football's premier tournament, after which the Soca Warriors threatened to take the matter to court following a breakdown of talks.
Subsequently, T&TFF president Oliver Camps said that FIFA statutes prevented them from selecting those players for the upcoming Gold Cup because it was contrary to their rules, which prevented a national federation from being taken to court.
Camps added that players interested in national selection had to declare themselves available by distancing themselves from any court action.
Subsequently, on Thursday, the T&TFF announced an incomplete Gold Cup training squad which left out most of the players that had threatened to sue them, including Collin Samuel, Shaka Hislop, Kelvin Jack, Aurtis Whitley, Brent Sancho, Avery John, Cornell Glen and Chris Birchall.
In the T&T squad were Dennis Lawrence, Carlos Edwards, Densil Theobald and Jason Scotland, who the T&TFF president said have made themselves available for selection.
After contacting several of the Soca Warriors in Britain and the United States yesterday, a spokesman for the players, who wished to remain anonymous, declared that the group were awaiting the solid facts before making definite statements.
"We never said we are are unavailable. In fact, we are all available to play in the Gold Cup," he said. "So far, nothing we have done has reached any court. So, that argument is not valid."
The spokesman said since October, when the dispute first arose, officials of the T&TFF have refused to take their call when they attempted to have the matter negotiated. And, in disgust, they finally put it in the hands of a lawyer to act on their behalf.
The disgruntled players have also questioned how Government allowed the T&TFF to take such drastic action, when it is the Government which is currently funding the Federation's programmes.
"How could this happen? They would have never allowed it in Jamaica. Where are the thousands of people who met us at the airport when we returned from Bahrain? Where are the persons who travelled to Germany with us? We were honoured and given national medals for making the country proud in Germany. Where are the Soca Warriors fans?"
The spokesman contended that while the world has moved on, the T&TFF has stood still, using the same intimidatory tactics which it applied eons ago to quell similar differences of opinion.
"They have to understand that things have changed. We are now full professionals. We have moved to a stage where we have been exposed to how things are when they are done properly, both at the World Cup and at our clubs. The administration should have benefitted from seeing proper administrative methods at the World Cup, because many of them were there also. But, they have now reverted to the same old thing they were accustomed to."

Edwards: The decision is mine.

"My decision will be mine. Hopefully, it will be the right decision but, at some point, everyone has to fend for themselves."
So stated Carlos Edwards, one of the stars of Trinidad and Tobago's campaign at the 2006 World Cup, on making himself available to play for the national team at the June 6-24 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Currently playing an instrumental role in leading Sunderland to the verge of promotion to the Premier League in England, Edwards has withdrawn from a planned legal action which some members of T&T's World Cup squad have threatened to take against the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) for breach of contract following a dispute over revenue derived from the Soca Warriors' participation in the World Cup last June in Germany.
Like fellow-Warriors Densill Theobald, Dennis Lawrence, Clayton Ince and Jason Scotland, Edwards is available for the Gold Cup, breaking ranks with his other World Cup teammates.
Asked if there was any fear that his decision might cause friction with his T&T colleagues, Edwards replied: "I am friends with everyone. I talk to everyone and respect everyone. But, I had my own decision to make. I am a man with a wife and family and have to make decisions based on my own personal situation. Hopefully, they won't give me the cold shoulder."
Edwards said his own philosophy about how the dispute was handled has also affected his decision. He thinks that after reaching the high of qualifying for a World Cup, T&T were now making a backward step by not having many of their top footballers for a major tournament.
"I don't think we want to be taking ten steps forward and 20 backward, because we are not doing anything positive going that way. The only way we should be going is forward. Unfortunately, both parties went about the matter in the wrong way.
"I am always available to represent my country. But, at the same time, there is a bit of tension and it is ongoing. It should have been resolved a long time now. I hope it is resolved soon. Still, I am happy to represent my country at the Gold Cup."
And the 28-year-old ex-St Anthony's College and Defence Force midfielder is still wearing a bright smile following his stunning late winner which gave League Championship front-runners Sunderland a thrilling 3-2 victory over Burnley on Friday night at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.
With his team down 1-2, Edwards first won a penalty when cut down outside the six-yard box.
The conversion pulled Sunderland level at 2-2. Then, with just ten minutes to go, Edwards ran up the right flank and struck a 'bullet' which bulged the net at the far post, to give Sunderland a valuable three points to put them in one of the two automatic promotion spots for the Premiership with one game to play this weekend, against already-relegated Luton Town, Edwards' former club before he was transferred to the Black Cats earlier this year.
Edwards' brilliant strike against Burnley was repeatedly shown on Sky Sports Television this weekend.
"It was a most spectacular goal," he admitted, "and gave us a big push in our bid for promotion. Hopefully, I will score a few more like those. We have a foot in the Premiership, but the job is far from done. We cannot depend on anyone else to do us favours, we have to do it ourselves by going to Luton with 100 per cent confidence and beat them."
When Edwards returns to Luton, he is not expecting a hostile reception, having left the club on good terms.
A victory over Luton will put Sunderland into the Premiership, but Crystal Palace could do it for them with a victory today over third-placed Derby County.
Morris, Williams bat for Soca Warriors.
By: Ian Prescott (Express).
[/color]

Former national footballers Clayton Morris and Brian Williams have come to the defence of the 16 or so Soca Warriors who have been left out of the Trinidad and Tobago football squad for the June 6-24 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Yesterday, Morris, a former national captain, and Williams, his Strike Squad teammate, agreed that the current situation is par for the course with the T&TFF and has been going on since their playing days.
"This is nothing strange," Morris said. "It is how the T&TFF has operated for years now, during and before my time. We tried taking a stance in the past and they took advantage of us. You would think by now that the T&TFF would come to a position that they would treat people who have represented the team a little better.
"It's time for us to move on man," the former T&T skipper continued. "Look, we just qualify for a World Cup and it's back to the same thing that has happened in the past. Gally and them went through it as players. We went through it as players. Now, the T&TFF is doing the same thing to the Soca Warriors. It hurts to know we can't get over this hurdle. It's something we have faced in our time. Everytime you take a stance, they put you at the back. It's not helping the football. I think solving this thing is in the hands of the T&TFF, not the players. If they want it solved, it will be solved in the morning."
Williams, a former national defender and recent coach of the national under-20 team, remembered having the same problems with the governing body during his day as a T&T footballer.
"If there is some type of contractual arrangement between the T&TFF and the players, whether it is verbal or written, it should be honoured. Whoever made it should honour it. My own experience is that certain promises are always made, but never honoured by the T&TFF. I have no problem with the brothers making a stance for something they believe in. I am not one who will see something wrong and turn a blind eye to it. This is something we have to fix."
Williams believes the likes of Kenwyne Jones, Stern John, Collin Samuel, Aurtis Whitley, Cyd Gray, Chris Birchall, Brent Sancho, Cornell Glen, Avery John and Kelvin Jack should be given a fair opportunity to vie for selection.
"As a CONCACAF team which has represented us at the World Cup, it is of the utmost importance that we give a good showing at the Gold Cup. If not, then it shows that there has been no follow-up or continuity. This has been something we have done for years. After we do well at a tournament, we abandon the team. I am totally appalled with the preparation of the team for the Gold Cup. There has been no continuity whatsoever with the senior team since the World Cup. This thing has to stop."

39
Football / Yorke, Cox and Roberts' goals from weekend (clips)
« on: April 24, 2007, 07:49:33 PM »
Vintage Dwight Yorke header, the lone goal for Sunderland vs Colchester:

http://fs03n5.sendspace.com/dl/d0e2a549cc851238486771af6238b850/462eb2f9/uqk1uv/Yorke.wmv


Ian Cox scoring and not eating beat:

http://fs03n2.sendspace.com/dl/c9fe1ff6873d05805b91b7de607babbc/462eb33a/ldr1x7/Cox.wmv


Darryl Roberts twisting up a man and unleashing a vicious strike:


http://www.attachmax.com/Roberts__1.html   :applause:


(mods, I will put it in the goals section later)

40
Football / Darryl Roberts jess score again
« on: April 13, 2007, 12:42:03 PM »
1-0 in the '41

Sparta 1, FC Utrecht 0

Well done again Darryl  :applause:

41
Football / Rijsbergen: Best team for Gold Cup
« on: April 13, 2007, 12:39:25 AM »
Rijsbergen: Best team for Gold Cup
Daily Express


-Ian Prescott
Friday, April 13th 2007

 

WIM RIJSBERGEN, Trinidad and Tobago's national senior team head coach, has reiterated that home-based players need to play alongside our footballers who play professionally in England, Scotland and the United States.

"If you want to improve the local players, you have to involve the foreign-based players, who are exposed regularly to a higher level of football," Rijsbergen said. "Of course, if we go to a Gold Cup we have to get the best team."

Rijsbergen was speaking on Wednesday night at the launch of the local Professional Football League. He hopes to see a few local players emerge from the Pro League to challenge for places on the national team. Rijsbergen will soon be resuming training for the June 6-24 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and said he will be meeting soon with the Pro League to streamline their fixtures.

"It's very important to everyone that we solve the problems, so that the best team is fielded. If we are going to win a Cup, it's important that we get the best team possible," said Rijsbergen.

The Dutchman also called on each local professional club to actively begin building a fan club, so that they can carry a few bus loads of their fans to away games. He said playing before a crowd builds the confidence of the players and makes them want to lift their standard
 

42
Football / Milan vs Bayern, PSV vs Liverpool
« on: April 11, 2007, 10:06:45 AM »
Champions League preview: AC Milan vs Bayern Munich
worldsoccer.com


Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld believes home advantage will enable his side to improve “by ten to 20 per cent” when they face Milan in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

"We go up a gear when we're at home," said Hitzfeld. "We are capable of pushing up our performance by ten to 20 per cent."

Bayern have never lost a Champions League game by more than a goal at home - though Hitzfeld is having to cope with a number of injuries. Willy Sagnol (knee) and Martín Demichelis (muscle strain) are ruled out, while Lucio and Owen Hargreaves are expected to play after coming through an training session on Tuesday.

Bastian Schweinsteiger, however, is a major doubt with a knee complaint, and Hitzfeld is grateful for the return from suspension of Oliver Kahn and Mark van Bommel.

"Van Bommel will add more presence in midfield but it won't be about individuals - the better team will win," he said.

Meanwhile, Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti, concurred with his German counteroart.

"What matters is how the teams perform," stated Ancelotti. "Bayern will look to control the game so, for us, the recipe for success is to play good football and perform. We need to have faith in our quality and remain upbeat about our chances."

Milan are without the suspended Alberto Gilardino, though in Filippo Inzaghi, Ancelotti can call upon a man who has scored more UEFA club competition goals than all but Gerd Muller, Raul González, Andriy Shevchenko and Eusebio.

"He is not yet 100 per cent fit but I'm confident he will play," added Ancelotti. "The goals he has scored in the Champions League speak volumes and he has scored against Bayern in the past."

Probable teams:
Bayern:
Oliver Kahn; Hasan Salihamidzic, Lucio, Daniel Van Buyten, Philipp Lahm; Owen Hargreaves, Mark van Bommel, Andreas Ottl, Bastian Schweinsteiger; Roy Makaay, Lukas Podolski.

Milan:
Dida; Massimo Oddo, Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Marek Jankulovski; Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Massimo Ambrosini, Clarence Seedorf; Kaká; Filippo Inzaghi
.


Preview: Liverpool vs PSV
Quarter-final second leg (First leg: 3-0)



Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insists he is taking nothing for granted, despite his side's 3-0 advantage secured in their quarter-final first leg tie against PSV Eindhoven a week ago.


Benitez was eager to point out that Liverpool themselves overhauled a three-goal deficit, against Milan in their memorable 2005 Champions League final triumph, so he has been warning his players against the dangers of complacency for the the visit to Anfield of PSV.

"Three goals is a big difference but in Istanbul we were three goals down. We must be focused because PSV have quality and they will try from the beginning," said Benitez.

The Liverpool coach says his team will adopt a high-tempo approach, adding: "They are ready. If we score the first goal it will be easier but we know from experience, you always have to keep going until the end. Of course I prefer to be in this situation, but it's strange because we must talk about 'no complacency' and being careful of things like this when we are playing the second leg."

Liverpool have Mohamed Sissoko available after a one-match ban, although the form of Javier Mascherano may keep the Mali midfielder on the bench. Dutch international Dirk Kuyt is absent through suspension and Craig Bellamy is expected to take his place up front. Left-sided attacking full-back Fabio Aurelio, meanwhile, is out for the rest of the reason after rupturing his achilles tendon in Eindhoven and Benítez says resting other players could be an option.

PSV, by contrast are struggling for form, having failed to win in their last six matches. Moreover, the Dutch champions and league leaders will be without several key players at Anfield as Alex, Ibrahim Afellay, Edison Mendez, Jan Kromkamp and Michael Reiziger are all injured. Coach Ronald Koeman has added youth team defenders Rens van Eijden and Olivier ter Horst to his squad, though they are unlikely to play.

Koeman, however, is sanguine about his team's prospects of staying in the competition.

"It's not impossible, but let's be realistic about it,” he said. “Being 3-0 behind against a team like Liverpool means pegging back three goals and it is going to be quite difficult. We are in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and that's something that we have to be pretty proud of."

Probable teams:
Liverpool:
Pepe Reina; Steve Finnan, Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger, John Arne Riise; Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano, Mark Gonzalez; Craig Bellamy, Peter Crouch.

PSV:
Heurelho Gomes; Csaba Feher, Manuel Da Costa, Dirk Marcellis, Carlos Salcido; Mika Vayrynen, Timmy Simons, Phillip Cocu, Jason Culina; Arouna Kone, Jefferson Farfan.





43
Football / Toronto FC loses MLS opener
« on: April 07, 2007, 11:44:24 PM »
Toronto FC loses MLS opener
CBC Sports


Toronto FC put in a solid effort but still came up short in its Major League Soccer debut.

Toronto dropped a 2-0 decision to Chivas USA Saturday night at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., the first contest in MLS for the expansion franchise.

Toronto FC, owned and operated by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, officially became MLS's 13th team last spring, and the first club outside the United States since the league officially kicked off in 1996.

Despite the score, Toronto coach Mo Johnston could hardly be disappointed with the effort of his players.

Goalkeeper Greg Sutton had a solid night in net, fellow Canadian Marco Reda was magnificent in defence, Miguel Canizalez (playing in place of the injured Ronnie O'Brien) ran himself ragged in midfield, and the duo of Edson Buddle and Alecko Eskandarian looked dangerous in attack.

Of note, four of the starting 11 players were Canadian: Sutton, Reda, Canizalez and Jim Brennan.

A fast-paced first half saw Chivas enjoy the bulk of possession, but it was Toronto who created the best scoring chances early on.

Buddle nearly scored in the 13th with a header off a free kick, but Chivas goalie Brad Guzan denied the Toronto forward with a fine save. Three minutes later, Guzan robbed Buddle a second time, stopping a blistering shot from close range.

Eskandarian capitalized on a defensive breakdown at the half-hour mark and fired a wicked shot on net, but Guzan again made a fantastic save to keep Toronto off the scoreboard.

Chivas broke the deadlock five minutes later when Maykel Galindo played a perfect pass into the box for Ante Razov who sidestepped the Toronto defence and slipped the ball into the empty net.
 
Razov, the league's third all-time leading scorer, now has 99 goals in his MLS career.

Sutton, who was partly to blame for the goal after coming off his line too quickly, made up for it by making two great saves late in the half.

Toronto looked tired and flat in the second half, so Johnston made a tactical change, switching from a 3-5-2 formation to a 3-4-3 lineup when he replaced Scottish winger Andy Welsh with American forward Conor Casey in the 65th minute.

The move did little to spark the offence, though, and Chivas put the game with two minutes left in regulation when Sacha Kljestan fired a bullet from 24 yards out just inside the post past Sutton.

Toronto FC's next game is April 14 against the New England Revolution and the club makes its home debut at BMO Field on April 28 against the Kansas City Wizards.

In other action Saturday, the Colorado Rapids beat D.C. United 2-1, FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake battled to a 2-2 draw, the New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew ended 0-0, and the Chicago Fire defeated the New England Revolution 1-0.

The Houston Dynamo, the reigning MLS champions, host the Los Angeles Galaxy Sunday.

44
Football / AS Roma vs AC Milan
« on: March 31, 2007, 10:15:42 AM »
AC Milan vs AS Roma

2:30 PM ET


TEAM NEWS

Roma

Aquilani and Martinez are still out. Chivu is back after the nose surgery he had three weeks ago after fracturing his beak.

Perrotta and Tonetto could be rested for the Champions League game against Manchester United. 

Probable Formation: Doni, Panucci, Mexes, Chivu, Cassetti (Tonetto), Mancini, De Rossi, Pizarro, Taddei, Vucinic (Perrotta), Totti.
 
Milan

Ancelotti will do without Kaladze, Serginho and Ambrosini while Bonera has to serve a one match ban.

Borriello is available again, as his three months suspension for failing a drug test has just finished.

Probable Formation: Dida, Oddo, Nesta, Simic, Jankuloski, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Kakà, Oliveira, Ronaldo.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
 
Mexes (Roma) – The French is establishing himself as one of Roma’s best players and possibly also as one of Europe’s most talented defenders. It would be really interesting to watch him performing against such a big star like Ronaldo.

Three years ago his very first season in the Eternal City was a bit of a nightmare, but now Mexes is highly appreciated by local fans and Italian pundits.

Will he stay at Roma or will he move to a bigger European club? In the next few weeks his agent should discuss a contract extension and a pay rise with the Giallorossi officials.

In the meantime he’ll be busy tackling Milan and Manchester United strikers.

Ronaldo (Milan) – The Fenômeno has got mixed feelings towards the Stadio Olímpico. He stated that he either scores or get seriously injured on that pitch, and he couldn’t be more correct.

Actually his most horrific injury ever came during an Italian Cup final first leg against Lazio in 2000.

Maybe the memory of many goals bagged at Roma & Lazio home just fades away, when he recalls another low of his career, the infamous May 5th 2002.

That was his last Serie A game for Inter and possibly the worst nightmare of Nerazzurri recent history, as they lost the match 4-2, wasting a massive chance to win the title as Juventus clinched the Scudetto that very day.

Ronaldo would be very happy to increase his goal tally – he has scored a couple at Siena and one in the last Milan derby. He might be slower compared to the past, but his technique is still unbelievable, so Roma defenders will have to watch out.


45
Football / Latapy the Showman must go on
« on: March 12, 2007, 07:11:29 PM »
THE SHOWMAN MUST GO ON
By Neil Cameron
The Daily Record


             

FALKIRK boss John Hughes fantasised about what Russell Latapy could bring to his team when he signed him four years ago - but never dreamed his good mate would still be playing now.

But that's nothing compared to the Trinidadian's view on his career. Latapy would have needed a lie down and a cigarette if anyone had suggested he would sign on for another year at the age of 38.

Yet the two men were at the Falkirk Stadium yesterday talking about the former Hibs and Rangers man staying on for another 12 months in the SPL.

It makes perfect sense to the duo and, for the rest of us, it's a nice to know one of the true entertainers in Scottish football will be around for a little longer.

Big Yogi loves a joke, but he is deadly serious when he talks about what Latapy has brought to Falkirk over the past four seasons and what he can continue to do for one more year, at least.

Hughes said: "It was four years and a stone-and-half ago that I signed Russell. His brain and feet are so quick that I knew he would be a great player.


"He has one or two different rules to the rest of them but you have to get the best out of him.


"I think Russell has another year in him. He always has a massive part to play at this club and I don't just mean on the playing side.


"I don't think he realises what it does for the young kids when they play against him in training. I think he has a year left but maybe we will use him more sparingly because we have slogged him this season.


"If he keeps playing with a smile and enjoying himself then he can play on. He also likes to see the development of the kids we have here.


"I spoke to Russell two weeks ago with a thank you and an apology. The first was for all he's done for this football club and the second for all we've asked of him this season.


"Football comes naturally to him and he does play with players who are inferior to him but to still have the desire to go and do it is fantastic.


"Four years ago Russell was going to retire but he has shown great commitment to Falkirk. He's moved his family through here because he sees what's happening at the club."


Latapy revealed that the idea of playing football at the age of 39 had never crossed his mind.


He said: "I would love to stay for another season. But when I signed four years ago, when I was 33, I wouldn't have thought there was a chance I would be playing now. I would have thought I would play until a maximum of 36.


"One of the reasons I can go on is that I've been fortunate in the game and haven't had a lot of injuries. I also have technical ability and have never been one to chase around the park, so if I continue to do that then I can keep playing.


"I'm having fun. The team gets the ball down and likes to pass it. The reality is that's the only way I could play. I couldn't be in a team which plays down the channels because I don't have the legs to begin with and, in my head, I have never seen football that way."


Another reason the Bairns are extra time winners is that Latapy loves this country.


He said: "Scotland has been great to me. My family loves it here, I have made friends and have a lot of feeling about this place.


"I have been here eight or nine years now and I really love Scotland. Even when I'm away, I think of Scotland as home."


Latapy does owe Hughes for taking what doesn't look like a risk now but four years ago was something of a gamble.


And he is one who isn't surprised by the manager's football philosophy.


Latapy said: "The gaffer was a strong player and winning tackles and headers is part of the game.


"But he also knows that if you get the ball down and pass it to someone in the same shirt, then you are giving yourself a chance. That's why I like being here."


Falkirk and everyone else in the SPL should be grateful that our game has not seen the last of Russell Latapy.


L A T A P Y
     1 0

46
Football / Champions League games (Feb. 20 & 21)
« on: February 20, 2007, 12:35:38 AM »
No doubt we will be raptly monitoring the Sunderland and Southampton games, but as for Champions League:

All at 2:30 p.m Eastern time. Check www.soccertv.com fuh respective tv stations.

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich

PSV vs Arsenal

AC Milan vs Celtic

Lille vs Manchester United


I find it complete arseness that Ronaldo not allowed to play in the Champions League this season because he already played in it for Madrid. Milan is his new team now, talk done. A real dotish rule.

47
General Discussion / Grandfather saves boy from 16-foot Anaconda
« on: February 09, 2007, 08:59:30 PM »
Grandfather saves boy from 16-foot Anaconda
Associated Press


         

SAO PAULO - An eight year old Brazilian boy is doing fine after his grandfather rescued him from the crushing grip of a 16 foot long anaconda.

Matheus Pereira de Araujo and his cousin, Flavio, were playing near a river on his grandfather's farm when the snake attacked.

The snake struck Matheus on the chest and began coiling around the young boy. The bite of an anaconda is not fatal; instead it allows the snake to hold on to their prey while coiling around them.

Anacondas are considered the largest snakes in the world, not necessarily for their length but their girth. They have been known to be as large around as a grown man and have been recorded at lengths up to 30 feet.

They rely on their enormous size and power to subdue their victims by asphyxiation or drowning.

As the boy's cousin ran for help, his grandfather, Joaquim Pereira was driving through the farm and heard their screams.

The 66 year old ran to the river bed and began wrestling with the snake. "I started fighting the animal and tried to loosen its grip on the boy's neck but the snake was too strong," Mr. Pereira told local reporters.

He then attacked with stones and a machete for nearly half an hour to free his grandson from the snake's grip.

The elder Pereira said the snake tried to wrap around his legs as well as his grandson's neck. "I kept hitting it with the machete but it felt like a rubber tire, it wouldn't tear," he told Bom Dia, the local newspaper.

A local snake specialist, Arif Cais, told the BBC that given the snake's incredible power "the grandfather's strength must have multiplied because of emotion." The zoologist also noted that if not for his grandfather, Matheus would have likely been drowned and eaten by the anaconda.

Eventually, Joaquim Pereira freed his grandson by killing the snake. His grandson was taken to a local hospital where he received 21 stitches to repair the bite wound on his chest that the snake inflicted.

He was released soon after and is in good condition, even venturing back to the river with his grandfather and the local news to where the dead snake lies sprawled across river rocks.

Of the giant snake coiled around his screaming grandson, Pereira told reporters "it was the most terrible scene that I've ever seen in my life." His grandson agrees and said "my grandfather is a hero."


48
General Discussion / Call to Arms (an e-mail I received)
« on: February 02, 2007, 04:20:54 PM »
I was forwarded this e-mail, fuh now I feeling de idea. What allyuh think. Besides London, I believe a few Trinis in Toronto meeting up to brainstorm and to see how to get the Canadian media involved.


The e-mail starts here:


Guys, I've included some others on this email because for one reason or the other, the idea of a vigil, a silent protest with maximum media exposure, a clear message to the Gov't home, appealed to you. I spoke to Kito who is with the Metropolitan Police here in London, and he advises that we can proceed with a coordinated and controlled protest. I am in, but of course I will need help.
We all have our own resources, so what we need are  contacts with in the media, who are willing to help. We also need a clear mission and possible slogans for placards. I can do this and circulate for approval. We also need a specific date to action this vigil. Weekends are good for supporters, but not for the embassies. So I think it will have to be a mid week, Wednesday or Thursday, very soon. Ash Wednesday?

Please let me know any ideas you may have and if you will be able to organise a small crowd in your cities. We will want to host these vigils in front of the T&T consulates.

This is the blurb I will send out, with apended details. I am ready to do this.


    "When your back is against the wall, when you no longer have a stone to crawl under, most times you will either throw your hands up in desperate surrender, excavate the last resources of will power and get creative, or you try to run and lose the battle altogether.

"Desperation leads to innovation"

We call for an international protest against the incompetency of the governing body currently controlling Trinidad & Tobago, as they are incapable of bringing the crime wave we are currently experiencing, under control. Too much is too much.

We call for the international embarrassment of that Government, in the hope that they get "innovative", in the hope that they actually answer to the screams of the people who elected them and protect them from the brutal gun fight that is engulfing our country.

We call on all Trinbagonians to come out and support this ghandian effort of non-violent protest, where we shall all hold candles in remembrance of the slain, kidnapped, raped, buggered, the children, parents and families of all those betrayed by the governing body of Trinidad & Tobago.

This will take place in front of respective trinbagonian embassies and consulates worldwide and will be internationally reported. We want the world to know how inept our government is. We're not seeking a coup, we're not seeking violence of any nature. What we seek is accountability in a nation of whispers. If regime change through the comeuppance of a snap general election is what has to happen, then the people will decide the fate of the country. We will not settle, in the event that Mr Manning and his band of talkers are re-elected, for anything short of an immediate proposal to hasten the decrease in crime levels. Whatever it takes, the responsible body should be prepared to go all out - get creative, we live in desperate times. "

--
Sean for The Progressive - A new voice for Trinidad & Tobago

http://tntprogressive.blogspot.com
de.progressive@gmail.com

49
Football / Scotland aims to do cup double over Hibs
« on: January 30, 2007, 01:13:37 AM »
Scotland aims to do cup double Hibs
The Courier



Jason Scotland lashes in the winner for Dundee United against Hibs in the 2005 Scottish Cup semi-final.

By Ian Roache
JASON SCOTLAND has already broken Hibs’ hearts in a Scottish Cup semi-final—and now he wants to repeat the feat in the CIS Cup.

With just under half-an-hour remaining of Dundee United’s last-four clash with the Easter Road side in April 2005, Scotland came off the bench to help turn the tide for the Tangerines.

He went on to score with a spectacular 25-yard strike that day to secure United’s place in the Hampden showpiece against Celtic.

Red tape forced the Trinidadian striker to leave Tannadice after that 1-0 loss to the Hoops, but he will have an opportunity to return to the national stadium with Saints if they can triumph at Tynecastle tomorrow.

“I was a bit of a super sub for United at the time,” recalled Scotland.

“When I went on to the pitch, Hibs were a goal ahead but somehow I helped to totally change the game.

“Jim McIntyre got us level, then I scored my goal and we went on to win.

“I have really good memories of that day, playing at Hampden in such a big match.

“Not only did we get into the cup final but we also qualified for the UEFA Cup.

“I think about those times a lot and it was a shame that I didn’t get to play in Europe after scoring the goal that got United there.

“Now I have the chance to get back to Hampden if we win on Wednesday.

“However, we can’t really afford to look past the Hibs game as they are a dangerous team. Any side in the SPL will tell you that.”

Saints, of course, earned their place in the last four with a thrilling 2-0 victory over Rangers at Ibrox—surely the result of the competition so far.

The night of November 8, 2006, will live long in the memory of every Perth fan privileged to witness that win.

Also, it should not be forgotten that another SPL side, Dundee United, were sent packing in the previous round.

So should the McDiarmid men make it to the final they will certainly have earned their place.

“We have had difficult draws but we have played well and deserved to win both those previous games,” argued Scotland.

“That was because we performed to such a high standard and we hope to do so again against Hibs.

“We know we have players capable of winning the tie but it depends on what happens on the night.

“At Ibrox we started off brightly and took it from there.

“I firmly believe we can do well again in what is such a big game. I am certainly looking forward to it and it should be a great occasion for the fans.”

St Johnstone got the ideal tonic for tomorrow night in the form of a fine 2-1 win over Gretna on Saturday—a result that gave them renewed hope of catching the Division One leaders.

“As the gaffer (Owen Coyle) said, everybody gave their all on Saturday and if that happens on a more consistent basis then we can have a good finish to the season,” added Scotland.

“We dominated for long periods against Gretna and should have been two or three goals up before they scored.

“The heads maybe went down at that stage but we showed character to come back and win the game.

“The guys were all buzzing afterwards and if we can carry on playing our football to that standard I am sure we can do something on Wednesday.”

It was the dynamic duo of Scotland and Steven Milne that pulled the Rangers defence apart at Ibrox but Savo’s knee operation means the Trinidadian will have a different partner this time.

“Steven and myself worked well together that night because our two different styles complemented each other,” he recalled.

“It could be Peaso (Peter MacDonald) and me this time. Although we are more alike as strikers, we combined well against Gretna and there is no reason why we can’t make it difficult for Hibs.”

MacDonald bruised his knee on Saturday but is expected to be available for the semi-final. New signing Derek Lilley is cup-tied from his time at Morton.

Manager Coyle still has hopes of adding to his squad but his main focus will be on preparing the team for the Hibs game.

“Getting to a semi-final is an achievement in itself for a club like St Johnstone but by that I don’t mean we are satisfied with just getting there,” said Coyle.

“On the contrary, we are determined to do all we can to win.”

50
General Discussion / Giant rabbits to feed N. Korea's hunger
« on: January 20, 2007, 09:15:31 PM »
Giant rabbits to feed North Korea's hunger
Asiannews.com


Karl Szmolinsky, a 67 year old, East German pensioner who has  bred rabbits the size of dogs for 47 years was asked by North Korea's ambassador whether he might be willing to sell some rabbits to set up a breeding farm in North Korea.

North Korea is a country of 23 million which have widespread food shortages and many people "struggle to feed themselves on a diet critically deficient in protein, fats and micronutrients" according  to the United Nations Food Programme.

Each of Karl's 'German Grey Monsters' weigh about 7kg and can be used to feed 8 people. He was delighted to help the North Koreans, that he gave the North Koreans a special price, €80 per rabbit instead of the usual €200 to €250.

He said that "They'll be used to help feed the population" and was happy to help solve the food shortage crisis in North Korea. He has sent 12 rabbits to Korea so far and they are being kept in a petting zoo for now. Karl will be personally going to North Korea to help advise and set up the breeding farm for his giant rabbits at April this year. He has already given a book of tips to help for now. If everything goes well the 12 rabbits sent will be able to produce 60 babies in a year. Karl feed his rabbits a wide range of food such as, grain, carrots, a lot of vegetables, but it will depend on North Korea if they will be able to get the rabbits the right quality and quantity of food. Ever since he made the deal, journalists and rabbit gourmets are coming to him from around the world.

Even China are interested in his German Grey Rabbits and may be potential buyers in the future, but Karl has said that he will not increase his production to satisfy growing demands in Asia.

 




51
Trinbago, NBA & World Basketball / Toronto based - allyuh play Pro Pools?
« on: December 29, 2006, 01:26:13 PM »
I looking to give it a try this year. I not too sure how to go about playing though, have to read up. American football, hockey and basketball are the most popular sports people play it for, but you can do it fuh football as well. I think I could make some on-de-mark predictions  ;D


52
General Discussion / What allyuh doing Old Year's night?
« on: December 29, 2006, 12:59:51 PM »
I ask people that here and dey laugh, I tend to forget Canadians call it "New Year's Eve"  ;D

What allyuh doing in whichever part of the world you in?

53
Football / Figo joins Al Ittihad
« on: December 29, 2006, 10:57:52 AM »
Source: International Herald Tribune

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Portuguese soccer star Luis Figo signed with Al Ittihad on Wednesday, and will move to Saudi Arabia next week.

Figo will play for six months for US$8 million (€6 million), said a club official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the information should be released by the club's head Mansour al-Balawi.

The 34-year-old Figo has been with Inter Milan since 2005. Before then, he'd played for Sporting Lisbon, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.

He retired from internationals after the World Cup third-place playoff against Germany in July in which he earned a record 127th cap for Portugal.

Figo is expected to stay for a few days in Dubai before arriving in Jiddah on Jan. 5, the official said.


54
Football / K. Jones and C. Samuel goals (clips)
« on: December 27, 2006, 01:08:11 PM »
Kenwyne making it seven for de season with a deft header off a corner kick:

http://www.attachmax.com/Jones__4.html

Collin Samuel at the right place for a sweet left-footed volley:

http://www.attachmax.com/Samuel__1.html

55
Football / Warriors' weekend goals (clips)
« on: December 19, 2006, 12:10:09 PM »
Kenwyne heading in his 7th goal of de season off a corner:

http://www.attachmax.com/Jones__3.html

Tallest with a classic garbage goal:

http://www.attachmax.com/Lawrence__2.html

Hector Sam with a nice header:

http://www.attachmax.com/Sam__3.html

56
Gols Galore Trinbago Style / T&T vs Guatemala highlights
« on: December 16, 2006, 12:36:15 AM »
One of the most entertaining games of the 2006 qualifiers. 5 minute highlight clip from GOL TV.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ni0Otx0SX8

57
Football / Nice report on Latapy's performance today..
« on: December 03, 2006, 09:25:44 PM »
Latapy and Twaddle put wind up weather-beaten Rangers

           
ALAN PATTULLO
 AT FALKIRK STADIUM
(apattullo@scotsman.com)


FALKIRK 1 - 0 RANGERS
Twaddle (26)


RANGERS were further blown off course yesterday at a storm-buffeted Falkirk Stadium that proved the unlikely habitat for a 38-year-old phenomenon. Paul Le Guen's side had already been left with too much to do when it comes to the title, but a fourth away defeat in nine matches is not the form of a side bearing such lofty aspirations in any case. This was a chance to make inroads into Celtic's 16-point lead at the top, but a Caribbean wind in the form of Russell Latapy left them stricken.

Check de praise here:

The veteran delivered a virtuoso performance in the sort of conditions he won't have encountered too often when growing up in downtown Port of Spain. Just like the flame flicking it out of a nearby Grangemouth chimney stack, his is a talent that won't be dimmed. Latapy was a glowing presence on a day of brutal winds and driving rain. Compounding the misery of those Rangers fans present was the knowledge that Latapy was once one of theirs. Even now he looks a more refined performer than any of Paul Le Guen's summer purchases. In comparison to him in midfield Jeremy Clement looked a very minor act, while Sasa Papac, another close-season recruit, was replaced after only an hour.

While too many in the Rangers side sought shelter in anonymity, Latapy excelled. He inspired Falkirk to a first win over the Ibrox side in the league since the opening day of 1971.

Unlike most of his team-mates the midfielder had been born by the time strikers Andy Roxburgh and Alex Ferguson combined to make it a famous day at Brockville. Now it is Marc Twaddle's name which goes into history, and like Latapy he was supplied with extra incentive yesterday. The defender was released by Rangers when a teenager and last season had the misfortune to score an own-goal against his old side.

This, then, was pay-back time, something gleefully enacted by Twaddle and his accomplice.

"It just shows it's not the end of the world when you get released," the baby-faced match-winner later said.

A corner from the Trinidad and Tobago internationalist Latapy was headed into the net by Twaddle. Falkirk not only hung on to this lead during the remaining 65 minutes but might have extended it.

The wind whistled out a mournful lament for a Rangers side who proved that recent reports of their recovery have been exaggerated. Here they seemed a disjointed lot. On a day when it was necessary for players to roll up their sleeves and endure the atrocious conditions the Ibrox side fielded too many passengers.

Their cause was not helped by the loss of Kris Boyd just a minute before half-time. The striker had been felled by a strong challenge by Kenny Milne from behind, and never recovered. On came the lumbering Filip Sebo, and although plenty of half-chances presented themselves none were taken.

Falkirk proved they are more than a one-man team. Anthony Stokes, the scorer of 13 goals in his last 13 matches, was absent through suspension, but  Latapy is Falkirk's most significant performer in any case. He made a mockery of both his advancing years and opponents who purport to be an elite group. There was not a single Rangers man you would have picked ahead of Latapy. In fact, one struggles to think of an Ibrox player who outperformed his opposite man. Rarely has a man of the match award been so clear-cut, but Latapy was joined in the list of most distinguished performers by Alan Gow, Liam Craig and Darren Barr. The last named was booked after a frantic goal-mouth melee in the second-half but later redeemed himself with a superb goal-saving challenge on Nacho Novo.

The flags of the variety of countries from which this present Falkirk squad has been assembled were almost being torn from their poles by a wind that made playing conditions border on the farcical. The one representing Trinidad and Tobago fluttered furiously but down on the pitch Latapy remained unflustered. The 38-year-old was proved the most adept when it came to mastering the driving rain and howling gale, a strange phenomenon given his origins. Unlike midfield rival Clement he had no need for a pair of gloves; just pure, thrilling talent combined with burning desire.

The midfielder remained head and shoulders above everyone else on show throughout, and nearly scored with an audacious second-half free kick from just inside the touchline. Later still his little legs carried him into the box, and, after beating Karl Svensson with ease, Latapy thundered in an effort which skimmed the bar. The rest of his team-mates had taken their time to register that simply booting the ball up into the air would only result in it landing somewhere behind them.

Latapy, however, was immediately alert to the situation, and sought to prompt his colleagues by playing short, snappy passes to their feet. Slowly they tuned into his wavelength, and played the conditions well enough to establish a one-goal interval lead. Unsurprisingly the strike had its source in Latapy. His well-taken corner kick swung viciously towards the back post, where it found the head of Twaddle. Although Clement was stationed on the line he was able only to help the ball on its way into the net.

Rangers had already almost colluded in presenting an opening goal for Falkirk. A Brahim Hemdani back-pass that had been intended for his goalkeeper had succeeded only in wrong-footing him, although Allan McGregor did well to dash back and clear the ball off his own line.

It was an early hint of the troubles to come in the kind of weather that would have sent seamen home to the hearth.

As the second-half wore on you could tell the awful conditions were deteriorating; John Hughes had put a jacket on. The sodden manager had more pressing concerns than the cold; how to keep Rangers out and, perhaps, how to convince Latapy to play on here until he's 40.

MAN OF THE MATCH
Russell Latapy (Falkirk)

How could it be anyone else? For nearly a decade the Trinidadian midfielder has lit up Scottish football, and he might even be getting better with the passing years. He played sensibly in conditions not suited to long, high balls, but even when doing the simple things he manages to make it seem artful. Pulled strings all afternoon.


58
Football / Shaka Hislop interview
« on: December 01, 2006, 12:04:53 AM »
Shaka Hislop keeping it real in a recent interview from upon signing fuh Dallas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw_k9kyB9Ig

59
Football / Does club support make you ignorant?
« on: November 25, 2006, 01:06:44 AM »
I have been wanting to explore this question fuh a while, based on some observations I made.

Most of the people I talk to about football have a certain ONE favourite club. Nuttin wrong with dat. It is curious to note, however, dat in their sometimes almost blind support for that particular club, they care less and less about other teams, and even MORE so, other leagues (that is not their club's own).

My friend is a good example. He is a Manchester United diehard. That team is football for him, and thus, the EPL is where real football is played. But at the same time he likes to talk football on a global level - and dis is where he and I does end up arguing.

He will only watch Man U games, and by extension more upper-table EPL games. I cannot help but reason that this blind EPL endorsement is why he does not care for La Liga, Serie A, Lique 1, or Bundesliga. Doh even talk about South American leagues. He is EPL through and through - evidently because his favourite team is there. He rather watch Man U play West Ham than watch Inter and Milan duke it out, or a good ole-fashioned Barca vs Real classico, or CL games that don't involve Man U, e.g. Barca vs Werder Bremen. He has become so attached to the EPL that other leagues -and big teams of other big leagues -he just shrugs off or doh care to watch.

Despite his lack of interest and viewing of these other leagues, he is adamant that the EPL is the best. Because the team he regards as the best plays there, then it have to be the best league. I just using him as an example - another pardner who is an Arsenal diehard feels the same abt the EPL. Dem cut from the same cloth that does bawl FA Cup is the most prestigous domestic competition, England is one of de world's biggest teams (despite de setta shyt they does play). Doh feel I bashin EPL supporters eh - I notice the same concept vice-versa in some La Liga or Serie A men.

Also, as a diehard club fan, yuh entitled to hate a rival club, despite de nice football it may play. Men does just hate instead of appreciate, fuh no reason (they does admit this too). So I find it ironic dat, say, Arsenal and Man U fans hate each other's teams, yet does worship de EPL as the League to end all leagues.

Will a Man U diehard ever say that La Liga or Serie A are the best leagues? Or will a Barca fan say the same about the EPL or Bundesliga? Highly doubtful.
So as a weekend of football is upon us and we watch our respective teams take de fields in their respective leagues, think about this question - does avid club support make you ignorant?

60
Football / Austria vs T&T goals on Youtube
« on: November 16, 2006, 11:11:48 PM »
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4LnsENgG9I

For those who didn't see the game. I wanted to see dem garbage goals Austria score. Still...a goal is a goal. 

Nice one by Collin Samuel....too bad it does not include Edwards' shot off the bar.

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