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31

Football / The forgotten ones

« on: September 16, 2008, 05:02:22 PM »

Palos "What if?" post made me think about something.

Every coach have a few men who does get pick for a game or a couple games and then completely disappear off the National Team Radar. Sometimes, they get pick because they hit a rich vein of form/peak at the right time and then pop back down, sometimes injuries clear out the competition at their position for a particular game or tournament. Sometimes they ware blackmailing the coach (in our untrained opinions)., sometimes they were calledup after they had peaked or close to retirement age. (The only players for whom this rule doesn't apply are goalkeepers, since goalkeeper rotation is extremely limited... ) A few of them were genuine prospects and never get they head fix or just didn't have the discipline, but most of them are destined to be older versions of Maturana's Michael Edwards (no disrespect to the guy)... NB I purposely left out Hardest, Norville, Johnson, Sam etc ...and any of the guys who get pick since Corneal/Mats in charge since we have bout 15 thread about them.

Anyway, I trying to find out how some of these guys made the national team in the last 10 years and what happen to them after. As fars as I could tell, none of them were household names, even on a local level. If anyone have any information on any of them, post it and I will update the initial post. If you think that it is unfair to post anyone, or that I jumping the gun to put them into the "never was" category let me know because I only know most of these guys by name. Any input is welcome.

This is NOT a bashing thread. I genuinely want to know what went on with some of these fellas

Name              Caps   Pos.   Team (Current or X Last) (Coach* and Date of first cap)
Adams, Claude   1   D   Defence Force      Porters   10/05/2001
Aleong, Rickardo   1   M   QPCC          ?           04/04/1997 - Local Minor Leagues
Armstrong, Odelle   2   F   Defence Force      BSC           24/11/2004
Austin, Marlon   1      X ?                 ?           04/04/1997
Belfon, Addison   9   D   Defence Force      ?           04/04/1997
Benito, Keeron   1   M   Uni. South Florida      Wim           12/01/2007
Bailey, Joel         4       F      X Carolina Railhawks     Wim           15/01/2007
Borde, Marc   1   F   St. François            ?           04/04/1997 - In activity (SL)
Caseman, Devon   2   M   United Petrotrin      Wim           31/07/2003 - In activity (PFL)
Cayonne, Marlon   2   M   X Defence Force           Simoes   03/04/2001
Celestine, Michael7   M   Joe Public         BSC           13/07/2004 - In activity (PFL)
Clarence, Abiola   1   F   Rangers         Wim           24/03/2007 - In activity (PFL)
Clement, Kevon   2   M   X United Petrotrin           Wim           31/07/2003
Cruickshank, S.   3   F   Cleveland City Stars   BSC           24/11/2004
David, Shawn   1   M   X ?                        ?           23/01/1998
Davids, Kendall   1   F   Joe Public         Wim           03/07/2003
Dennis, Rodney   2   M   X ?                      ?           09/05/1998
Felicien, Lester   3   F   X L.V. Steam      ?              09/08/1999 - Retired after injury (05)
Fitzwilliams, H.   5   M   Toronto Croatia      Najar, BSC   26/03/2003
George, David    1   M   X ?                 Najar           02/01/2003
George, Selwyn   4   GK   X Defence Force           Najar           29/01/2003
Gorgeon, Marvin   1      X ?                 ?           04/04/1998
Graham, Kevin   2   GK   Defence Force      RLF           10/02/2004
Grant, Marlon   1   D   X ?                 ?           04/04/1997
Gray, Ian           4   D   SJ Jabloteh                   Najar/SCF/Wim15/11/2002 - In activity (PFL)
James, Rolston   2   F   RIP (26) W Connection   Porters   04/07/2000 - Passed Away
John, Addaryl   2   D   Joe Public         ?           04/04/1997
Knights, I            7   F   X Toronto Lynx           ?           09/05/1998 - Foreign Minor Leagues
Leacock, Devon   1   M   Joe Public         ?           06/02/2005
Leggerton, A.   1   F   X Tobago United           Najar           15/11/2002
Lewis, Bevon   1   F   X W Connection           SCF           19/11/2003
Lewis, Darin    1   F   Wasa                 ?           04/04/1997 - In activity (SL)
Manswell, H.    1   F   Tobago United      Najar           29/01/2003
Matthews, O.    1   M   X ?                 Najar           29/01/2003
Mauge, Ronald   8   M   X Aldershot Town   BSC,  Porters       08/01/2000
Mitchell, Devon   3   F   Joe Public         Najar            28/03/2003
Narine, Adrian   5   M   Arima Fire         Porters, Simoes15/11/2000
Neaves, Kevon    1       F      Univ. South Florida       Beenie         28/02/2006 - In activity (Uni)
Nottingham, T   1   GK   North East Stars      SCF            02/08/2003
Nunez, Adrian   1   F   X Starworld Strikers   Najar            29/01/2003
Phillip, Sherman   6   F   Defence Force      Porters, Simoes29/06/2000 - In activity (PFL)
Ramon Fortune, P1    ?       ? ?            Vranes       30/04/2003
Rique, Addae    1   M   Tobago United      ?           04/04/1997
Rivers, Corey   1   M   Defence Force      Morris           25/07/2002 - In activity (PFL)
Seabra, José Luis 6   M   W Connection      BSC           21/01/2005
Smith, Kwesi   4   M   X ?                 Morris      25/07/2002
Stewart, Ryan    2   M   Cleveland City Stars   SCF           31/07/2003
Taylor, U           2   D   Tobago United      Najar           15/11/2002 - In activity (PFL)
Thomas, Sheldon   3   F   O.C. Wave (LA Galaxy)   ?           22/07/1998
Titus, R.            2   D   Tor. Lynx (Toronto FC)   Najar           15/11/2002
Webb, Wesley   2   D   X Starworld Strikers      ?           01/05/1997
Williams, Kurt   6   M   Defence Force           Najar, SCF   29/01/2003 - In activity (PFL)
Wiltshire, Kwame   5   M   Joe Public         Wim          12/01/2007

*some were called up by two or more coaches but barely managed 10 caps despite this.

As far as I can tell Najar did a whole heap of experimenting in the 4 months he was last at the helm. Was this during the Blacklist 1 or was he just off his head? He gave about half the team their first caps in a friendly against Finland, and added a couple more for good measure in our gold cup qualifying (we ultimately failed to make it)

You also have a few guys who rack up caps without either really being fixtures per se on the national team or shining lights abroad as well:

Demmin, Craig   13   D   X VB Mariners         29/11/1995
Hutchinson,  C   10   M   X                    04/07/1997
King, Derek           33   D   X Joe Public            06/05/1999 - Coaching Staff (PFL)
Rahim, Brent   49   M   X IF Sylvia                 08/01/2000 - Civil Life
Rojas, M.            23   D   X Apex                 12/10/1999 - Civil Life
Smith, Conrad    18   F      Caledonia AIA         03/08/2001 - In activity (PFL)

Away we go.

32

Football / Late goals lift PR Islanders past Alajuela 2-1, into Group Stage (Jaggie Score)

« on: September 04, 2008, 04:53:31 AM »

http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/274094.html

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

BAYAMON, PR – The Puerto Rico Islanders joined fellow USL-1 side Montreal in the next stage of the CONCACAF Champions League, shocking Costa Rican powerhouse Alajuelense in a stunning rally late for a 2-1 win at home and 3-2 series aggregate result.

Islanders celebrate as they strengthen first place standingHaving trailed for over 80 minutes on a waterlogged pitch, the Islanders never gave up, increasing their control of the match as it wore on before finally finding the back of the net in the final minutes of play.

Puerto Rico advanced to join Group D along with Santos Laguna (Mexico), Municipal (Guatemala) and Tauro (Panama), who knocked off Chivas USA of Major League Soccer 3-1 on aggregate in their Preliminary Round series. The Montreal Impact are part of Group C with Atlante (Mexico), Olimpia (Honduras) and Joe Public (T&T), who finished their series 6-1 victors on aggregate against New England with a 4-0 win in Foxboro Tuesday.

A counter in the fifth minute led to the opening strike for the visitors as Costa Rican international Carlos Castro streaked down the left flank before sending the ball into the box. A failed clearance left the ball in prime position position just outside the box that Eithel Rodriguez fired through a crowded box from 19 yards for the opening strike.
----
A mistake by Alfaro gave Puerto Rico life in the 87th minute. A slow rolling ball into the box was dived on by the goalkeeper at the corner with his momentum carrying him over the line. Kendall Jagdeosingh charged at the play and as the netminder tried to take his hand off the ball so as to not handle it outside the box, the striker stole it, turned and fired it into the far side netting from the right flank of the box.

Less than two minutes later a lofted free kick from Steele was met inside the box by the head of an Alajuelense defender, but the deflection sent the ball backwards toward goal and into the chest of Atieno, who made sure to bury this attempt as it dropped to his feet, giving the USL-1 side the shocking victory as they held on to down the 2004 CONCACAF Champions Cup winners.

33

Football / So now that the transfer window close...

« on: September 02, 2008, 05:55:08 PM »

What is the deal with the following T&T players clubwise?

I know the answer for some of these, but i not sure about some others

Barring loans...

Andrews, Marvin - free agent pending return from injury
Chris Birchall - doomed to rot in the reserves until January ?
Kevaughn Connell - free agent ?
Keon Daniel -
Jamal Gay - (he with Public or not?)
Khaleem Hyland - free agent?
Kerwyn Jemmott -
Kelvin Jack -
Jason Norville -
Hector Sam - free agent
Silvio Spann - doomed to rot in the reserves until January ?
Anthony Warner - doomed to rot in the reserves until January ?

any others?

34

Football / Fewer eligible players in the main European leagues

« on: August 20, 2008, 09:05:19 PM »

I knowthis will get ignore in the aftermath of the qualifiers but check it out
Fewer eligible players in the main Euroopean Leagues

The Professional Football Players Observatory, created with the support of FIFA and born out of a partnership between the International Center for Sports Studies (CIES) and the University of Franche-Comte (France), today (Thursday, 14 August) published the third edition of the 'Annual Review of the European Football Players' Labour Market'. It reveals that the percentage of foreign players with clubs in the top flight of each of the five main European leagues (Germany, England, Spain, France and Italy) continues to increase.

The research by the Professional Football Players Observatory shows that foreign players made up 42.4 per cent of all players employed by English, Spanish, Italian, German and French clubs during the 2007-08 season. This represents a 3.5 per cent increase over the previous season. The figure reached 59.5 per cent in the English Premier League, 52.6 per cent among the top five clubs in each league and 50.5 per cent among strikers. For the first time, foreign players scored more than half of the total number of goals (51.9 per cent).

The number of Latin Americans among the foreign players rose by 2 per cent against players from other parts of the world. Non-European players now represent 50 per cent of the total number of foreign players. This percentage was only around 30 per cent before the introduction of freedom of movement in European football. By far the greatest number of foreign players came from Brazil, which exported 158 players. Their contingent has increased by 12.9 per cent compared to the previous season (+18 players).

Here's their site..
http://www.eurofootplayers.org/

nice for stats fanatics

35

Football / Recommendations : For a better administration of a sport and a team we all love

« on: July 01, 2008, 07:28:21 PM »

Following on from the Today is the most important day in T&T football thread

Nothing in here ent going to be revolutionary, and chances are they have all been suggested by various individuals in one form or another, or are at worst hopelessly naive But i will try my best, and hope that it serves to stimulate useful thought, and more importantly, action

Assumptions :
1)The TTFF cannot be replaced. If it is, we will have an Arthur Suite situation all over again, and Jack will be quick to get Fifa to pull the rug out from any competing organisation he cannot
 be a part of/control
2)Jack Warner's passive acceptance, to avoid active opposition, for all his flaws is necessary for T&T football. If he must leave, he has to do so of his own volition. If he has to be given some kind of award to flatter his ego and hasten his departure so be it. This man's appetite for destruction is unprecedented, and you do not want him as your enemy
3) Things (performance wise) will get worse before they get better. The support of all parties must be engages with the knowledge that they are going to have to oversee one of the worst periods in Trinidad and Tobago football history before any meaningful reform can be done.

Phase A
"The Brushcutting"

1) the TTFF statutes and laws must be made public, (even if restricted to a select group of individuals outside of this organisation to avoid any legal problems). I recommend the members of the watchdog committee to be outlined later on. Most importantly must be ascertained the NATURE of the TTFF (joint stock company, non governmental organisation, member's club etc)
2) Pursuant to A1, the mandates of several positions within the TTFF must be clarified, detailed and displayed. Most notably, the positions of President, General Secretary and Special Advisor. For the last position, it has to be discovered or revealed the historical emergence of this position and the hierarchical lines of command that exist between it and the other sensitive hierarchical positions
3) The mechanisms for renewal and replacement of members of the TTFF hierarchy must be made clear for all interested parties. Such mechanisms as exist (nominations, elections etc) should be tested against the legal, ethical and financial constraints that exist for similar organisations like the TTFF in Trinidad and Tobago. Any inconsistencies discovered should be signalled and pressure brought to bear on the TTFF by means of the watchdog committee.

Phase B
"The Encirclement"
1) An INDEPENDENT watchdog committee of stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago football must be created. Suggested members of this committee should include a)representative of the SPONSORING business community. Any corporation not sponsoring the team, the sport etc and with no history of contribution in this domain, should not be represented until a moral committment of some sort is signed and validated. b)representative of the players association(s) be it FPATT or others c)representative of the Coaches/Manager's/Auxiliary staff association d) representative of the fans associations (Warrior Nation et al) e)representative of the Pro League/Clubs f)representative of the Media ?
The TTFF itself can have a  designated representative who is NOT a member of the TTFF hierarchy. However, in exchange, the TTFF must allow a government/Ministry of Sport representative to sit on the committee as well, with the understanding that the independence of the committee is in no way compromised by the presence of either representative, and the committee cannot be referred to FIFA as an organ of "government interference for these reasons".

2) A pro active fans lobby must be mobilised demanding transparency, coherence and effeciency in all football dealings. Any happenings to the contrary must be met with voiced (and worded) disapproval, menaces if necessary and executable, and in the case of flagrant disregard, action, in the form of symbolic statements, pressure on sponsors and government and in the last recourse boycotts.
The other groups will be free to organise their own lobbies, it is not my place to suggest how they go about it.

PHASE C
The Fencing

1)After determination of the nature of the TTFF, all financial obligations in terms of transparency, auditting etc must be met and shown to be met. Any failings in this domain must be underlined by the fans lobbies, but more importantly the sponsors and the government arms who are the investors in this arrangement and to whom the TTFF should be the most accountable

2)FCOTT, SPORTT and all other para-federation entities should undergo similar processes, if possible. If these are indeed private companies, everything legally possible should be done to ascertain, even enforce their effective separation from the federation.

PHASE D
Umbilical Scission

None of the aforementioned processes are sure to acheive the separation of Jack Warner from T&T football. How to go about it?

Blackmail?
Organise a concerted awareness campaign of all of Jack's KNOWN dubious, unethical and illegal activities in concert with the Jenning's, the Liburds and the Brennan's, as well as anyone in the local fraternity willing to voice their disaffection after previous run ins with him. Obviously few will get involved locally at first, but as they see the direction that everything else is taking, a few dogs might just decide to pee on the old lion as the vultures descend on his slowing carcass.
A tacit agreement can be reached that whatever pressure is brought to bear on the Special advisor will be lessened the further he keeps his claws away from T&T football. This is not to say that his advice, connections and suggestions are to be completely done away with; a man of his experience has much to offer. However, we insist that that he stays away from the business end of the enerprise, meaning the money and the on the field action. If this sounds unfair, let him stay to himself and sulk and refuse to contribute. Its a price i for one i'm willing to tale.

Note that I am not particularly a partisan of this method. I don't believe you can beat the devil when it comes to jooking fire.

Freezing out?
I haven't thought it out completely, but it involves bypassing the special advice and shortcircuiting the chain of command. Of course, any such action would need a renewed TTFF staff and hierarchy of competent knowledgeable, and most of all integral men and women hence the importance of step A1. Warner comes off as a genius and a great leader because he has learnt how to identify fools and yes men and surround himself with them. This whole process need to be undone.

Patience?
Just simply hope that Warner moves on to bigger and better things (father help us) or that nature takes its course and like so many dictators, health succeeds where revolutionaries fail, or that a change of heart arrives with age and he asks himself really what memory he wants to leave.
*Dat and god face*

To be continued, by men and women with plans and ideas...

36

Football / Season Review - 2007 Soca Warriors

« on: June 25, 2008, 05:34:26 PM »

Overseas Soca Warriors Club Performances 2007-2008

Player	Position	Division	Team	Picks	Min	Starts	FG	P	W	D	L	Goals	Assists	CS	YC	RC
Andrews,M	D	S3	Raith	24/25	2160	24	24	24	14	2	8	4	0	10	1	0
Austin,K	D	E3	Swansea	48/60	2415	26	22	30	14	19	7	0	0	7	4	0
Bartholomew,M	F	B3	WoluweWS	24/26	1001	11	5	16	12	0	4	5	1	5	3	1
Birchall,C	M	E2/S1	Coventry/St.Mirren	15/37	606	6	3	12	2	2	8	0	2	2	0	0
Boucaud,A	M	E4	Wycombe	30/50	292	3	2	11	5	1	5	0	0	4	3	0
Connell,K	F	F3	L’EntenteSSG	19/19	681	10	3	15	6	2	6	2	?	1	1	0
Cox,I	D	E3	Gillingham	22/41	1761	22	18	22	6	5	11	1	0	4	1	1
Edwards,C	M	E1	Sunderland	13/14	850	11	4	13	6	2	5	0	0	4	0	0
Ince,C	G	E3	Walsall	53/53	4590	53	53	53	19	18	16	1	0	18	0	0
Jack,K	G	E3	Gillingham	12/12	990	11	11	11	5	0	6	0	0	2	0	0
John,S	F	E1/E2	Sunlun/South	47/50	3170	36	20	43	12	14	17	20	4	10	1	1
Johnson,J	M	E4	Wrexham	16/47	102	0	0	9	3	2	4	0	0	3	0	0
Jones,K	F	E2/E1	South/Sunlun	34/35	2597	35	29	35	9	5	20	8	10	5	1	0
Latapy,R	M	S1	Falkirk	40/41	1443	12	4	33	12	7	14	2	5	12	0	0
Lawrence,D	D	E3	Swansea	48/53	3879	44	41	45	25	11	9	1	0	14	3	0
Norville,J	M	E4/E5	Barnet/Woking	27/35	1559	20	5	26	9	8	9	6	3	4	1	0
Roberts,D	M	N1	SpartaRotterdam	32/36	1525	17	5	30	2	6	17	7	0	2	1	0
Sam,H	F	E4	NottsCounty	29/38	827	9	1	23	5	4	14	2	1	5	1	0
Samuel,C	F	US1	TorontoFC	19/20	1603	19	13	13	2	6	11	3	0	3	2	0
Sancho,B	D	E3/S3	Millwall/Ross	2/11	180	2	2	2	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0
Scotland,J	F	E3	Swansea	56/59	2827	48	28	54	31	12	11	29	6	18	1	0
Shakes,R	M	E4	Brentford	45/45	2663	27	14	36	16	7	19	4	3	7	0	0
Spann,S	M	E4	Wrexham	13/38	734	9	5	11	0	2	9	1	0	1	1	1
Theobald,D	M	H1	UjpestFC	17/24	933	12	4	17	7	4	6	0	?	4	0	0
Warner,A	G	E1/E2	Fulham/Barnsley	31/45	720	8	8	8	4	1	3	0	0	3	0	0
Yorke,D	M	E1	Sunderland	31/36	2070	23	13	27	14	3	10	1	0	4	5	1

See also Season Review - 2006 Soca Warriors

37

Football / Today is the most important day in T&T football

« on: June 22, 2008, 07:19:43 AM »

I was planning something special for mih 4000th post, but I guess this rant will have to do.

I spend most of the last six months being very quiet, just observing what going on around me, watching how people moving. I notice how blatant the politics in our football come to the fore and how as a group we let it divide us.

Wim get fire. All de men who was convince is he was a shitpot from the start jump up and say hooray. Who de hell he feel he is to go and cuff down we beloved technical director? They glad de grumpy racist wimp gone so we could continue with business as usual under the coconut trees...Months afterwards, the TTFF admit that the "assault" wasn't a physical one. Months after that, one of the self same ones who was leading the charge with the bucket of tar and the bag full of feathers come out bold bold bold and say that is the beloved TD who buss a cuff in Wim ass for being a shitpot... The self same TD we ent hear a word from since the events in question and you does be wondering if he still have a work...

I see frustration build up and overflow with the blacklist issue. Men (and women) make suggestions, other men fight them down. Some say dat sink or float, we stuck with the JackAus federation and the way it run things. Some say that without we sugar daddy crapaud go smoke we pipe. Some say is disrespectful to the young fellas out there to say they're not real Warriors, and we discouraging them before they even kick a ball. Some say Jack is Big Brother and he will retaliate expeditiously on who ever try to stand up to him, fans included. Some just know what side they bread butter on, and some just interested in being entertained. I hear all kinda spin but who too old, too young, too shitty, too injured, too unfit, to confrontational, too foreign (too white) to play for we again, how we building for the future and we cyah keep looking in the past.
Now we ketching we tail to beat Bermuda, and the same men who hiding with they throat in they mouth go come back after we get through and say we was worrying for nothing...

Hunt come out to beat Jackula at his own game - moving like a amateur sometimes cos you cyah play truth or dare with de devil and win, but being brave about it all de same. I see men eating up Warner chain up and blaming the government for not supporting football, for being confrontational, for being on kicks. I see men eating whole anchor and thing and glad that T&T might play its home game overseas because they go see more games. That is de same men who didn't care bout blacklist when they boys was getting sweat, but now ready to criticise team selection...

I hear men with all kinda positive vibes with we new coach. Say how he is a big time coach, ent he take Colombia to the WC in 1994, doh mind Costa Rica run him they country a couple years ago. Man cyah understand why you go hire a man to start from scratch for a 6 month job, when the 6th month is the one where the World Cup jouney is supposed to begin. Man say how we have a problem with him because he black...Man glad he "bleeding" the youths and go make us play a attractive south american brand. We beat up on a couple small side without they stars and men swelling they chest. Simoes feel sorry for us in the office and let us back in the match after we thoroughly outplayed, and we applaud de youths spunk. All dem youths gone back to do they CAPE, or lying bloodless somewhere in the dressing room, now and we attractive South American brand like you swear we learn it in Bolivia first we struggling to play a full 90 minutes of football. All dem players who too old and the ones that Wim play with reluctantly like they lost in the Bermuda triangle, and now our World Cup aspirations threatening to take the same road. Men calling for the head of the puppet that the say being controlled by Alvin and the chipmunk...

But yesterday is yesterday and today is today

Today is the most important day in Trinidad and Tobago football. Not for the result; in fact the result is completely secondary, but it might just determine if we go ahead and "continue to do what we normally does" - fire and hire coaches at the drop of a hat with no consultation, choose teams based on friends, personal advantages, favours and other non sporting criteria, lack long term vision and planning, continuously bend over to pay the one piper in T&T football, support a federation that always intellectually and financially bankrupt, bankrole non transparent buiness practices, refuse to stand up for what is right, or sell we soul for rum and a Rooney.

I have no illusions about what will happen if we don't progress. In a couple of months time, the same waggonists who was at the England match will want to come asking you for ticket when we playing the US, completely oblivious to the fact that we already eliminated. Jack will blame Hunt because we didn't get the biggest support for the first leg, say the government doh like poor black men, and he go pick up he ball(ers) and go wherever he feel he could make more money with it. A lot of teams go be glad to play friendlies with us since we no longer a potential opponent so Jack will make he money all the same and we boys will go back to what they normally do in their clubs, and 3/4 of us will go back to supporting Arsenal, Liverpool, ManUre, Chelsea, Real, Barca, Inter, Milan and whatever else). Maturana go get fire and Anton go get a salary raise, and you won't hear bout Soca Warriors until the next Gold Cup. or later.

But if we do and things continue to be done "as we normally does it" crapaud smoke we pipe. Whether Maturana stay on or not, whether we get we tail blaze from the US guat and cuba  or not, whether Jack make money playing we home games in NY or not, if it continue this way, we dogs dead...Not only will we never see a world cup again, but imo, football will become a third or fourth rate sport in this country. It hard enough to support as it is, but we getting plenty reasons to give it up altogether, and become all waggonists...cause this "T&T football thing" way too stressful and decisive to be healthy. And once the fans gone, that is it.

Today is the day as a fan base, and as a people we need to decide what we want.
Because, if better isn't done, the worse WILL continue. No doubt about that. And if we think losing a match is the worst that can happen, we really ent see nothing yet...

38

Football / 2007-2008 Actim index

« on: May 23, 2008, 07:50:52 AM »

Barclays Premier League
1 Cristiano Ronaldo Man Utd 838
2 El Adebayor Arsenal 730
3 Fernando Torres Liverpool 682
4 Roque Santa Cruz Blackburn 652
5 Ashley Young Aston Villa 640
6 Carlos Tevez Man Utd 598
7 Gareth Barry Aston Villa 575
8 Francesc Fabregas Arsenal 573
9 Steven Gerrard Liverpool 568
10 Gael Clichy Arsenal 565
11 Wayne Rooney Man Utd 561
12 David Bentley Blackburn 555
13 Joleon Lescott Everton 549
14 Rio Ferdinand Man Utd 540
15 Gabriel Agbonlahor Aston Villa 538
16 Dimitar Berbatov Tottenham 519
17 Wes Brown Man Utd 518
18 Benjani Mwaruwari Man City 517
19 Robbie Keane Tottenham 511
20 Salomon Kalou Chelsea 497
21 Jose Reina Liverpool 492
22 Nicolas Anelka Chelsea 479
23 Joe Cole Chelsea 475
24 Brad Friedel Blackburn 468
25 Martin Petrov Man City 467
26 Martin Laursen Aston Villa 466
27 David James Portsmouth 456
28 Jamie Carragher Liverpool 455
29 Tim Howard Everton 449
30 Frank Lampard Chelsea 448
31 Alexander Hleb Arsenal 442
32 Simon Davies Fulham 440
33 Patrice Evra Man Utd 439
34 Ayegbeni Yakubu Everton 437
35 William Gallas Arsenal 436
36 Nicky Shorey Reading 436
37 Mathieu Flamini Arsenal 429
38 Phil Neville Everton 425
39 Stephen Warnock Blackburn 422
40 Edwin Van der Sar Man Utd 419
41 Wilfred Bouma Aston Villa 418
42 Richard Dunne Man City 411
43 Scott Carson Aston Villa 410
44 Mikel Arteta Everton 407
45 Stewart Downing Middlesbrough 405
46 Robert Green West Ham 399
47 Olof Mellberg Aston Villa 397
48 Nemanja Vidic Man Utd 397
49 Glen Johnson Portsmouth 394
50 M Hahnemann Reading 394
51 Christopher Samba Blackburn 391
52 Michael Carrick Man Utd 389
53 Bacary Sagna Arsenal 389
54 Manuel Almunia Arsenal 385
55 Nigel Reo-Coker Aston Villa 384
56 James Harper Reading 384
57 Sebastian Larsson Birmingham 381
58 Kolo Toure Arsenal 377
59 John Carew Aston Villa 375
60 Sol Campbell Portsmouth 373
61 Pascal Chimbonda Tottenham 371
62 Phil Jagielka Everton 371
63 Sylvain Distin Portsmouth 370
64 Chris Kirkland Wigan 369
65 Michael Essien Chelsea 364
66 Ashley Cole Chelsea 363
67 Stephen Hunt Reading 359
68 Petr Cech Chelsea 359
69 Michael Owen Newcastle 351
70 George McCartney West Ham 349
71 Luke Young Middlesbrough 348
72 Steven Taylor Newcastle 348
73 Blumer Elano Man City 346
74 Mark Schwarzer Middlesbrough 345
75 Juliano Belletti Chelsea 342
76 Vedran Corluka Man City 341
77 Jermaine Jenas Tottenham 341
78 Ryan Giggs Man Utd 339
79 Kenwyne Jones Sunderland 339
80 Lucas Neill West Ham 336
81 Joseph Yobo Everton 335
82 Zat Knight Aston Villa 332
83 Maik Taylor Birmingham 331
84 El-Hadji Diouf Bolton 326
85 Ricardo Carvalho Chelsea 324
86 Stephen Ireland Man City 324
87 H Hreidarsson Portsmouth 323
88 Andrew Johnson Everton 321
89 Alvaro Arbeloa Liverpool 321
90 Antonio Valencia Wigan 319
91 Nicky Butt Newcastle 318
92 John Terry Chelsea 316
93 Jeremie Aliadiere Middlesbrough 315
94 Paul Scharner Wigan 315
95 Lee Carsley Everton 312
96 Craig Gordon Sunderland 312
97 Aaron Lennon Tottenham 312
98 Steed Malbranque Tottenham 311
99 Liam Ridgewell Birmingham 310
100 David Wheater Middlesbrough 309

Football League Championship
1 Liam Lawrence Stoke 687
2 Kevin Phillips West Brom 656
3 S Ebanks-Blake Wolverhampton 648
4 Paul Robinson West Brom 624
5 Paul Parry Cardiff 623
6 Fraizer Campbell Hull 606
7 Jonathan Walters Ipswich 592
8 Wayne Hennessey Wolverhampton 585
9 Michael McIndoe Bristol City 583
10 Adriano Basso Bristol City 577
11 Samuel Ricketts Hull 574
12 Wade Elliott Burnley 574
13 Leon Cort Stoke 571
14 Michael Turner Hull 563
15 Ryan Shawcross Stoke 561
16 Joe Ledley Cardiff 560
17 Ricardo Fuller Stoke 558
18 Tommy Smith Watford 551
19 Richard Cresswell Stoke 549
20 Zheng Zhi Charlton 549
21 Clinton Morrison Crystal Palace 548
22 David Marshall Norwich 546
23 Julian Speroni Crystal Palace 540
24 Alan Lee Ipswich 533
25 Boaz Myhill Hull 532
26 Lee Camp QPR 529
27 James Beattie Sheff Utd 523
28 Dean Kiely West Brom 514
29 Peter Halmosi Plymouth 513
30 Graham Alexander Burnley 508
31 Andy Lonergan Preston 508
32 Jason De Vos Ipswich 504
33 Zoltan Gera West Brom 503
34 Paul Rachubka Blackpool 503
35 Jonathan Greening West Brom 503
36 Roger Johnson Cardiff 500
37 Carl Hoefkens West Brom 499
38 Kevin Foley Wolverhampton 497
39 Jamie McAllister Bristol City 489
40 Marvin Elliott Bristol City 484
41 Robbie Blake Burnley 484
42 Lee Grant Sheff Wed 484
43 Mark Hudson Crystal Palace 482
44 Gareth McAuley Leicester 479
45 Andy Gray Charlton 478
46 Stern John Southampton 472
47 Ben Watson Crystal Palace 471
48 Bradley Orr Bristol City 470
49 Robert Koren West Brom 469
50 Matthew Kilgallon Sheff Utd 467
51 Shaun Barker Blackpool 465
52 Akos Buzsaky QPR 462
53 Johnnie Jackson Colchester 461
54 Darius Henderson Watford 454
55 Patrick Kisnorbo Leicester 454
56 Ian Ashbee Hull 452
57 Rory Delap Stoke 449
58 Dennis Souza Barnsley 448
59 Lee Johnson Bristol City 448
60 Martin Paterson Sc**thorpe 447
61 Joe Murphy Sc**thorpe 444
62 Owen Garvan Ipswich 444
63 Stephen McPhail Cardiff 443
64 Nicky Weaver Charlton 443
65 Kevin Lisbie Colchester 442
66 Damion Stewart QPR 442
67 Youl Mawene Preston 441
68 Patrick Kenny Sheff Utd 440
69 Paul Connolly Plymouth 439
70 David Wright Ipswich 438
71 Stephen Crainey Blackpool 438
72 James Scowcroft Crystal Palace 437
73 Wesley Hoolahan Blackpool 437
74 Elliott Ward Coventry 437
75 Gary Naysmith Sheff Utd 435
76 Brian Howard Barnsley 434
77 Patrick Agyemang QPR 432
78 Jay Tabb Coventry 432
79 Richard Stearman Leicester 431
80 Kaspars Gorkss Blackpool 431
81 Jordan Stewart Watford 428
82 Jon Otsemobor Norwich 428
83 Pablo Counago Ipswich 427
84 Wayne Brown Hull 426
85 Krisztian Timar Plymouth 425
86 Tommy Spurr Sheff Wed 424
87 Ishmael Miller West Brom 423
88 Steve Simonsen Stoke 422
89 Lewin Nyatanga Barnsley 421
90 Andrew Keogh Wolverhampton 420
91 Lloyd Doyley Watford 419
92 Dan Shittu Watford 418
93 Tom Soares Crystal Palace 416
94 Dean Marney Hull 414
95 Karl Henry Wolverhampton 414
96 Jamie McCombe Bristol City 413
97 Michael Doyle Coventry 412
98 David Norris Ipswich 412
99 Iain Hume Leicester 410
100 Martin Rowlands QPR 405

For information on how the Actim index is created

39

Football / Anybody else have trouble viewing the site?

« on: May 15, 2008, 08:03:31 PM »

For the last few days, I notice I having issues with the fonts and colour scheme of the site.

All the red disappear and I say Tallman preparing for the England game  , but quote boxes and so on disappearing as well.

Am I the only one?

40

Football / TT stroll past Bajans.

« on: May 12, 2008, 04:40:25 AM »

T&T put three past Barbados.
By: Jerome Peters.[/size]

Trinidad and Tobago finished strongly to take its unbeaten run to eight matches with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Barbados at the Marvin Lee Stadium on Sunday evening.

Goals by Jamal Gay (41st), Devon Jorsling (87th) and substitute Akile Edwards (90th) did the job for the “Soca Warriors” against a Barbados team that used some new faces as well as they prepare for their upcoming 2010 World Cup qualifier against United States.

The 2,500 odd fans at the venue would have been anticipating more excitement for much of the second half after the buzz set about by the half time announcement of the England 31-man squad named by Fabio Capello for the upcoming friendly international. But they had to wait a while before  cheering further after T&T didn’t set the stadium alight until the closing stages.

T&T looked the better of the two teams in the first half, enjoying the majority of possession and stroking the ball around confidently and purposely. Gay had the first try at goal in the 13th minute when his low left footer went inches wide. Two minutes later Khaleem Hyland’s shot was deflected wide and then Makan Hislop headed over. Kern Cupid also had his effort pushed out by custodian Adrian Chase as T&T pressed for the opener.

On the half hour mark Jerol Forbes also sent a powerful left footer goalwards from the edge of the box but Chase was up to the task.

The “Bajans” hustled around but there was hardly a threat on the T&T goal line until Jonathon Straker brought the best out of Marvin Phillip in the 31st minute. Straker rushed down the right and cut inside before unleashing a left footer which seemed heading for the left corner of the net only for a lunging Phillip to push out for a corner.

Gay then separated the teams four minutes before the interval. He followed up on an initial effort and had the goal all to his mercy, running closer to make sure with a tap in as Barbados were caught napping at the back. A minute later, Gay stole possession and almost added a second as he cut in from the left, beating Rondelle Vaughn in the process before firing a low effort towards Chase.

The second half didn’t offer much for either teams in the early stages with Barbados coming closer to hitting the mark after Anton Pierre missed an incoming left side ball but Marvin Phillip advance to stop the incoming shot by the Bajan forward. Walton Burrowes also went close but could only direct his effort wide of the right post from the centre of the box.

Some of the T&T legs were now evidently weary and Francisco Maturana made three changes on 65 minutes. The backline which included debutant Ancil Farrier, held steady but were allowing Barbados to get closer on goal as the minutes ticked on.

Down the stretch T&T came to life again. Gay whipped one over from the by line on the right and Jorsling met it well to head into the far corner for a 2-0 lead. And then Edwards, in the squad as a last minute replacement for the injured Akeem Adams, was on spot to nail a rebound after Jorsling’s effort came back out.

Teams

T&T:[/b] – 21.Marvin Phillip, 2.Kern Cupid (13.Kareem Smith 65th), 4.Makan Hislop (5.Keyeno Thomas 65th), 6.Anton Pierre (capt), 7.Khaleem Hyland, 12.Stephan David, 14.Jamal Gay (18.Akile Edwards 89th), 15.Ancil Farrier, 16.Kevon Carter (17.Ataullah Guerra), 18.Jerol Forbes (11.Devon Jorsling 65th), 19.Keon Daniel.

Subs not used: – Glenroy Samuel, Romauld Aguillera.

Barbados: – 1.Adrian Chase, 2.Dyson James, 3.Jonathon Straker, 7.Rondelle Vaughn, 8.Malcolm Marshall (15.Arantees Lawrence 75th), 10.Norman Forde (capt), 11.Kieran Crichlow, 12.Greg Belle, 13.Bryan Neblett, 14.Walton Burrowes (9.Madalitso Mkoloma 66th), 17.John Parris.

Subs not used: – 4.Brent Carrington, 5.Omar Archer, 6.Barry Skeete, 18.Omari Eastmond.Maturana's children cruise.
But will they grow up in time?
By: Lasana Liburd (Express).

Francisco Maturana should be speaking English by now. In January, the Colombian coach promised to learn enough to communicate directly with the players in a matter of weeks.

Four months later, the Spanish-speaking dental professor no longer bothers to attend the post-game press conferences as his translator and assistant coach Anton Corneal represents the technical staff.

Arguably, Maturana's record speaks for him. The new Trinidad and Tobago coach is now unbeaten in five matches with three wins and four clean sheets to boot.

Sunday's 3-0 triumph over Barbados at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya was, Corneal explained, another step towards the finished product.

"Today's match gave us a clear idea of where we are," he said.

Corneal's confidence and the Colombian's CV should be enough to silence the jitters. And, yet, watching Maturana rebuild the "Soca Warriors" is like the terrorist group throwing an eye on a captive Tony Stark's work in the blockbuster movie, "Iron Man".

It looks quite interesting, they thought, but is it our missile?

Maturana must be going somewhere with this. Surely the regular appearance of so many teenagers and amateurs in a successful line-up must count for something.

But is this really the way to construct a World Cup team? Will "la casa del Maturana" be completed in time to withstand the tempestuous 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign? And could matters not be improved with tried and proven material?

Maturana's foundations and philosophy will be severely tested on June 1 when his promising nursery is visited by a combative English team that should include the snarling duo of Wayne Rooney and John Terry.

One has to look beyond the superficial individual match-ups, such as El Dorado schoolboy Jamal Gay versus Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, to get to the heart of the matter.

England's Italian boss Fabio Capello has a similar deadline to Maturana. In fact, Trinidad and Tobago's qualifying games start earlier. But the English team named to stop over in Port of Spain include 15 players from their 2006 World Cup squad and 11 players featured for the "Three Lions" when they edged the Warriors 2-0 in Nuremberg, two years ago.

Maturana, barring a miraculous recovery by Sunderland star Kenwyne Jones, is likely to select just five World Cup players in his squad.

Capello, despite having a significantly larger professional pool to choose from, seems to be building on an inherited foundation as did Dutchman Leo Beenhakker when he replaced Bertille St Clair in 2005.

Maturana prefers to start from scratch. It is a brave and revolutionary approach, if it works. It would be remembered as foolhardy if it does not. These are the absolute terms by which success is measured in sport.

There were more signs of progress by "Maturana's tots" on Sunday as Barbados were put to the sword by the gangly and unlikely figure of Gay.

The La Horquetta resident stands at roughly six foot two but looks as menacing as a pillow in a gun fight. He has none of a teenaged Stern John's swagger, a youthful Dwight Yorke's balance, or the pubescent Russell Latapy's charm.

Yet, Gay gave his most productive showing yet with a well-taken goal and clever assist for the evening's second item, which came from substitute Devon Jorsling. He was a willing runner too and most of his passes and flicks found their intended targets.

"I have been dreaming about this moment for years," said Gay, of his first international goal in only his third cap.

The warm applause from the Macoya crowd showed their appreciation for his efforts and Maturana's controversial selection.

But the Warriors seemed to lack leadership, particularly in midfield where injured skipper Aurtis Whitley was absent. Eighteen-year-old former CLICO San Juan Jabloteh midfielder Khaleem Hyland strode about as though he had the keys to the CONCACAF facility but he did his best work when trying to regain possession rather than on the ball.

Like his present teammates, Hyland is better toiling within the system rather than attempting to stamp his personality on the match. Maturana's tots are high on tactical discipline but, without Whitley, short on individual presence.

It is a curious concoction for local fans reared on the tantalising talents of players like Latapy, Jerren Nixon and Clint Marcelle. Beenhakker's legacy was to drive home the importance of graft, unity and heart to his Trinidad and Tobago audience.

It is more than passing strange then that Maturana has seemingly rejected the majority of Beenhakker's pupils.

His experiment has gone well so far, though, and Mother's Day offered another steady performance from the boys in red, white and black.

But the next few months would give a better indication of whether Maturana can complete the task of a thriving 2010 qualifying squad or whether, like Stark, he is constructing something altogether different.

The Spanish-speaking coach is giving little away so far.Warriors win 3-0.
By: Kendall Garcia (Guardian).

T&T came away with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Barbados in their friendly international at the Marvin Lee stadium at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya yesterday. Young Jamal Gay, Devon Jorsling and Akile Edwards were on target for the home team who now look ahead to their match against England on June 1st full of confidence.

Jamal Gay opened his senior team account with a well taken goal in the 41st minute to give T&T the lead at the end of the first half. The former El Dorado striker worked hard throughout the first half, switching sides and coming from deep in T&T’s half of the field to initiate plays. Gay had seen his left side effort whistle just wide of the upright in the 14th minute as T&T pushed forward. Keon Daniel played an excellent pass late in the half to release the lanky youngster. Gay rounded the advancing ’keeper and calmly walked the ball into the net.

The local team however suffered from a lack of leadership on the field with the absence of midfield general, Aurtis Whitley—due to injury. Khaleem Hyland and others could not provide regular service to the strikers.

The Barbadians were unable to create much of their own; only Jonathan Straker’s long range curling effort forced Phillips to make a fine diving save to his right in the 30th. The visitors did little else in the first 45 minutes.

In the second half the Bajans pushed hard and forced several good saves out of Marvin Phillip in goal for T&T. The local team soaked up the pressure but kept the opponents at bay. Gay turned provider in the 87th minute, working against two defenders on the right touch-line; the striker wriggled free and floated a pass across the six yard box. Substitute Devon Jorsling rose above the defense to head home and double T&T’s advantage, 2-0.

Another substitute, Akile Edwards saw his shot rebound off the upright in stoppage time. But he was able to head in the goal while on his belly to seal the win for the Soca Warriors, 3-0.

In the Eastern Football Association’s season opening match, WASA FC demolished Malabar FC 4-0 to take the Vernon Bain Challenge Trophy. A hat-trick from Mervyn Brooks and another goal from Stevon Stoute powered the St Joseph-based team to the resounding victory. The match was however, marred by indiscipline and some questionable refereeing. Rashby Mc Fie sent off three Malabar FC players and gave two penalties against the Arima team, which drew sharp protests from fans and players.

Up-Close with Touches

Click Here.

Videos

T&T vs Barbados highlights.

Highlights of T&T vs Barbados

41

Football / Young Warriors prove their worth

« on: May 04, 2008, 06:48:20 PM »

http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,78269.html
Young Warriors prove their worth

By PETER O’CONNOR Sunday, May 4 2008

IF YOU WERE one of the many who missed the TT Football match against Grenada last week — and they were many who missed it, then it was your loss. Those who did attend saw a fast-paced and exciting, if not necessarily a classy game.

I had missed the earlier home match against El Salvador, and although I watched the away game in Jamaica on TV, I was anxious to see what new coach Maturana was achieving with the team which, let us admit, had been disappointing in recent months.

What I saw, in terms of pride, commitment and “verve” on the field impressed me more than the eventual 2-0 score, and I must commend the coaches and staff for infusing these traits into the team in a relatively short period.

Regardless of the score, and the fact that a lack of experience sometimes showed through, there was an obvious keenness in the steps of the players, and the off-the-ball support through the ninety minutes was impressive.

There is young talent, also blessed with commitment, in the TT football pipeline. Obviously, coach Maturana has been able to inspire and lift these players in a way which the previous coach could not.

It was puzzling therefore, given the performances against El Salvador, Jamaica, and now Grenada, that CCN TV-6 should question the inclusion of “so many youngsters” in preference to some of the older players.

The youngsters have already proven their worth, and as we set off, beginning in June, on our two-year qualifying run for South Africa 2010, is it not better that we have youngsters with promise able to step up to the standard required, rather than having to depend upon older, admittedly more experienced players who have not shown results over the past two years?

Of course, the performances of the home-based youngsters give the coach additional problems with selection — first for England in four week’s time, and then for World Cup Qualifying, starting in mid-June.

But “who to select”? from a large and varied pool is always preferable than being confined to a “known” squad, and wondering what to do if a player became injured. Additionally, the competition for selection now being created is very good for our football. Next Sunday, Mothers’ Day — will you bring your Mum to football when TT play Barbados, again at the Marvin Lee Stadium?

Check the danger. Read between the lines people...

42

Football / 'Nashy' men who could handle theyself in world football

« on: April 25, 2008, 11:23:22 AM »

I was reflecting on the talk about the local players who we consider need to go and pump some iron to stop looking so 'nashy' and be better able to handle theyself on the ball and shrug off opposing defenders., and so forth.

Anybody could think of any nashy players who are better than mediocre players on the word stage?

Might make for some interesting reading.

43

Football / Football Wars : History of Football Administration in T&T 1981-1998

« on: April 16, 2008, 10:14:32 AM »

Episode 1 : The ASL Menace

Businessman Arthur Suite who owned the Aviation Services Limited (ASL) introduced ‘the professional footballer’ to Trinidad and Tobago, forming the ASL Sports Club which became the first organisation to pay its players, despite the fact they were campaigning in the lower division of the north zone.
Suite recruited the best players in the country including the national captain Leroy Spann, Ron La Forest, Noel Sammy LLewelyn, Vaughn Alexander, Earl Carter, John Granville and Trevor Fredericks. Inspired by good crowd support, Suite launched his league in March 1981, offering some $160,000 in prize money. The body was called the Trinidad and Tobago Premier Soccer League (TTPSL)

The TTPSL then applied to the TTFA for associate membership which was promptly denied.
(The Secretary of the TTFA) Warner suggested that the organisation was turning back the clock by centralizing the sport in Port of Spain. He stated that the League’s constitution was unacceptable and argued that under FIFA rules, it was a proprietary league and could not be entertained. He immediately banned all players, officials and others associated with the league from any relatiohsip with the governing body.

The following year, the TTPSL amended its constitution to come in line with the requirements of FIFA and were granted affiliate status by the TTFA.
And on December 8, 1983, an agreement was reached for one body - the Trinidad and Tobago Football league (TTFL) to replace the two rival leagues.

The TTFA’s constitution was changed to permit Suite to become first vice-president of the association.The agreement gave ASL Properties Limited a franchise to run the Trinidad and Tobago Football League (TTFL) on a day to day basis while the TTFA continued to run football in the lower divisions.
ASL won both the league and FA Trophy but the year proved to be disastrous as far as club football was concerned. Excessive rain disrupted the fixtures and attendences at matches were poor. By the year end, Suite announced the League was folding.

At the beginning of the year, Warner was appointed to the FIFA executive after Andre Kamperveen, the CFU representative was killed in Suriname during an uprising in that country.

But any smiles that came to his face as a result of his promotions, were wiped off his face by the end of the season in December when a group calling itself the ‘Interim Committee’ headed by St Elmo Gopaul called for an extra ordinary general meeting of the TAFA to debate a motion of noconfidence in the body.
Letters were sent to the President, the Minister of Sport and following an avalanche of letters which were published in the newspapers, the TTFA agreed to the meeting.
On February 12, 1984, at a seven-hour meeting in Central, Trinidad rejected the motion 70-43 with two abstentions.

Episode 2 : The Federation Wars

In spite of the folding of the joint league and the motion of no confidence in the Association Suite’s ASL was among the 12 teams in the National Football league for the 1984 seasonASL again won the league ... [and] were among qualifiers for the ‘Big Four’ series later in the year, a series that was expected to attract crowd support and therefore income for the Association.But Suite told the TTFA that the club was not be taking part.
However, after the Association found a replacement, Suite changed his mind and decided to play. But the TTFA refused to the change its position and ASL was not allowed in the series.
Suite promptly announced that ASL would not be taking part in the TTFA competition the
following season.

On January 14, 1985, Suite launched the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF).
He had in his corner some of the top names in local football.
These included former national player and coach Alvin Corneal, Edgar Vidale, Ken Butcher, Ken Bartolo and Suite’s brother Cecil. The Association responded by declaring the organisers persona non grata with its president Peter O Connor stating: “They can do it but they will not be part of international football.’

The TTFF was a direct rival to the Association and attempted to compete with it by playing a zonal competition instead of the national league.
But the 1985 confrontation between the two bodies led to difficult times for the sport.
The game had already suffered from the PSL conflict, losing public confidence which ultimately had a negative effect on the revenues of the association.
With two organisation competing in a diminishing market, none could do well.
This TTFA incurred major debts, forcing the secretary to dip into his pocket to prop up the association financially. Despite this, the TTFA soldiered on.
They had the advantage of being the FIFA representatives where members could play international competition.

The Federation, however, thanks to Ken Butcher, a Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Sport whose team Ebonites was among its members, was able to get an investigation into the TTFA’s constitution.

Sports Minister Jennifer Johnson appointed former High Court judge Ralph Narine to review the constitution but Narine reported that contrary to allegations, clubs did have a controlling vote as there were 117 registered clubs whereas members of the general council constituted just 47 persons.This meant that clubs had the power to remove the general council.
Whereas Justice Narine’s report had no direct impact on the sport, it indirectly served as a stepping stone to constitutional reform.
In the face of unsurmountable odds, the TTFF realised that change could not come from outside and hence initiated talks with its opponents resulting in the reunification in 1988.
The eventual reconciliation between Suite’s group and the TTFA came on the eve of Trinidad and Tobago’s campaign in the World Cup of 1990 where the success of the team temporarily removed the focus from the constitutional question and also served to concretise the oligarchy’s position of dominance.

The aftershocks of Trinidad and Tobago’s failure to qualify for the World Cup in Italy 1990, were far and wide.The unrelenting pressure over the overcrowding of the stadium and the overselling of tickets, left Warner with no choice but to resign.Warner announced his resignation from the TTFA at the annual prize giving function in December and immediately started his campaign to head CONCACAF.
After a most volatile campaign and a hostile meeting in Guatemala City on April 28, 1990, he became the first Caribbean man to be elected president of the organisation, replacing Mexican Soria Joaquin Terrazzas.

Episode 3 : The Revenge of the Jack

Peter O’ Connor, the president since 1985, made way for Major Ralph Brown who lasted just one year before he was replaced by chief of Immigration Joe Bodkyn, who lasted even less time, before being replaced by Oliver Camps.

During Bodkyn’s term, a tripartite committee was set up to manage the sport.
This committee comprised Bodkyn, Terrence O Neal Lewis, Peter Rampersad, Lennox Sirjuesingh (TTFA), Richard Brathwaite, Sedley Joseph, Neville Chance and Alvin Henderson (Ministry of Sport) and Ken Attale, Anthony Salloum, Peter Knaggs, Dave Francois (business).

Their mission to save the country’s football started with the knowledge the that Association had a $2.65 million debt. Part of this was $55,000 Swiss Francs which was owed to FIFA and which had to be paid before the country could play football under FIFA.Another $100,000 was owed to Concacaf. The Association reported that it had accepted an offer from an anonymous ‘Godfather’ to pay the FIFA debt and Trinidad and Tobago resumed competition.

After a series of false starts, clubs and administrators came together and agreed on a plan in
November 1993. A new constitution expressed the ideals of one club, one vote which helped to ease much of the tension.And there were some developments in the early part of 1994 to offer some optimism. Richard Jackman, a reputable businessman who was appointed to head the TTFA’s finance committee announced that several creditors had agreed to write off their debts. This amounted to just around $1 million.

And later in the year, the Football Company of Trinidad and Tobago (FCOTT) was born.
This organisation included some of the top men in the business fraternity with Warner as technical advisor and Peter O Connor, manager.
The company was responsible for funding and administrating and was to have a judicious marriage with the TTFA which was responsible for the development and technical aspects of the game. FCOTT was further given the responsibility of managing and promoting the national team for the France World Cup in 1998 and the Olympic team for 1996.

As part of its restructuring process, the TTFA relieved all technical staff, including Everald Cummings who was on secondment from the Ministry of Sport, of their posts and a foreigner, Germany’s Jochem Figge was made technical director. But Figge’s stay did not last long. After four months, he packed his bags and left, claiming that his recommendation continuously got stuck on the desk of Dwight Day, the TTFA secretary.
He was replaced by Yugoslavian Zoran Vranes. Vranes would make way for Brazilian Sebastiao Perera de Arajuo in 1996.

But there was more controversy as the Association of Football Supporters (AFSOTT) and a group calling themselves the Concerned Clubs (CC) filed objections against FCOTT which had applied to the President to have the company declared a charitable and/or non profit organisation.
The objectors claimed that the aims and objectives of FCCOT were generally the same of the TTFA. The company later legitimized its status under the Companies Ordinance, Chapter 31, No. I, making it a limited liability company.
Some six months later, FCOTT would blame its failure to acquire charitable status which would have allowed contributors to gain tax concessions, as one of the reasons why it went broke and the organisation went dormant for sometime.

Following the failure to get past the first round for the France World Cup in 1996, the TTFA appointed an interim technical advisory committee (TAC) to help run the game in 1997.
This commitee comprised: Jimmy Blanc, Richard Brathwaite, Peter Granville, Sedley Joseph, Dr Alvin Henderson, Keith Look Loy and Ken Henry.
In addition, following a retreat in Mayaro which was attended by all TTFA officials, a task force was set up to draft a revise strategic plan for football. This group included Tim Nafziger, Rawle Jeffery, Robert Dumas, Edgar Vidale, Dwight Day and Trevor Murray.

In early January 1997, Warner was named as one of the FIFA Vice-presidents.
Almost immediately, he announced that a decision to give Trinidad and Tobago the rights to host the Junior World Cup in 2001 was being rescinded.
Warner had announced since 1994 that Trinidad and Tobago would host the tournament.
A pained Warner reported in 1997: “Although most countries are given four years in which to prepare for a World championships, Trinidad and Tobago was given seven. In a nutshell, nothing has been done, not a single thing, not a meeting nor a feasibility study conducted”
However, following a meeting with Government officials later in the year, Trinidad and Tobago went ahead with preparations for hosting its first World Cup tournament.

Warner’s FIFA affiliation had spin-off effects that could hardly have happened without his
influence.
For example, Warner announced that FIFA had approved $39 million for the Centre of Excellence in Macoya, east Trinidad, bringing the total funds for the massive sporting complex to $101 million.
Warner also gave the Association, which changed to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation in 1998, its own home, complete with secretarial staff.
And the Concacaf headquarters was moved to Edward Street, Port of Spain.

Extracted from History of Football in Trinidad and Tobago by Valentino Singh

44

Football / Trinis in Action, 12 April, 2008

« on: April 11, 2008, 08:31:40 PM »

Europe

Player	Team	Opponent	Result	Notes
Austin, Kevin	Swansea City	Gillingham	2-1	Bench
Bartholomew,Matthew,	White Star	Comblain Spr
Birchall, Chris	Coventry	Stoke	1-2	Not Selected
Connell, Kevaughn	l'Entente SSG	Cherbourg	1-1	82'
Edwards, Carlos	Sunderland	Man City	1-2	62'
Ince, Clayton	Walsall	Cheltenham	2-1	Full Game, 7 saves
John, Stern	Southampton	Charlton	1-1	asst. 11', 79'
Jones, Kenwyne	Sunderland	Man City	1-2	Full Game
Lawrence, Dennis	Swansea City	Gillingham	2-1	Full Game
Norville, Jason	Woking FC	York	3-2	42', 45'
Sancho, Brent	Ross County	Alloa	0-2	Full Game
Scotland, Jason	Swansea City	Gillingham	2-1	77'
Shakes, Ricky	Brentford	Bradford	2-2	83'
Warner, Anthony	Fulham	Reading	2-0	Bench
Yorke, Dwight	Sunderland	Man City	1-2	Out (knee)

North America

Player	Team	Opponent	Result	Notes
Patterson, Randi	Charleston Battery	Miami FC	2-2	Full Game
Sealy, Scott	KC Wizards	Houston Dynamo	0-0	Full Game

Trinidad & Tobago

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Scorers
Tobago United	Joe Public	0-3	G. Richardson, K. Baptiste, T. Benjamin
W-Connection	Ma Pau SC	4-1	J Frias 15', O. Torijanos 31', W Oliviere 61', C Leon 82' - S. Freitas 39'
Caledonia AIA	United Petrotirn	1-4	K. Jacobs 75' - S. Augustus 1', J. Forbes 18', K Daniel 69', 90'
St. Ann's Rangers	Defence Force	1-2	K. Edwards 16' - D. Jorsling 54', 81'
San Juan Jabloteh	North East Stars	6:00pm	Hasely Crawford Stadium

45

Football / Carlisle vs Swansea

« on: April 08, 2008, 01:47:30 PM »

Swansea (first in League 1 82 points) is playing at Carlisle (2nd in league 1 78 points). Swansea wins and they are assured of automatic promotion (3rd placed Doncaster would have to win all 4 of its matches, hope that Swansea lose its last 4 matches and make up at least a 16 goal goal difference.

Its 0-0 at halftime. All 3 trinis starting.

46

General Discussion / Explosion!!!

« on: April 03, 2008, 05:49:21 AM »

EXPLOSION!
Bystander injured in George Street blast
Gyasi Gonzales ggonzales@trinidadexpress.com

Thursday, April 3rd 2008

ONE man was seriously injured last night when a bomb was thrown at several people awaiting transport at the Morvant/Trou Macaque taxi stands on lower George Street in downtown Port of Spain.

Reminiscent of the bombings of 2005, the device was not targeted at anyone in particular, sources said.

It happened at 10.15 p.m. and, according to an eyewitness, Callistes Nicholls, the presumed bomber was in the yard of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He had two bags in his hand and he looked like a vagrant.

The bombing occurred just hours after Prime Minister Patrick Manning delivered a televised address to the nation in which he outlined measures being undertaken to deal with crime.

Nicholls said that the man pulled the device out of one of the bags, flung it across the wall of the church in the direction of the people waiting for taxis and then ran off.

Within seconds, the device exploded after landing in a drain on the Morvant side of the taxi stand.

"The explosion was real big," said Nicholls. "It sound like a bomb. No smoke...just bow!"

The lone man injured, who remains unidentified, was taken to the Port of Spain General Hospital.

According to Nicholls the victim "just stood and breathed hard and had a large wound on his right (abdomen)".

Officers from the Besson Street Police, including Insp Sahadeo Singh as well as officers from the Special Anti Crime Unit, quickly arrived on the scene and cordoned off the area from the corner of lower Nelson Street to Express House on Independence Square.

Police Commissioner Trevor Paul visited the scene around midnight.

When asked about security for the Caricom special security meetings taking place at the Hilton Trinidad, Paul said, "Even without the explosion we would have had adequate security at our meeting place...let us not speculate."

Last night's explosion occurred as the National Security Ministers within the Caricom begin their meeting today at the Hilton, St Ann's, on regional crime and security.

That meeting precedes the special two-day Caricom Heads of Government Conference on crime and security at the hotel that begins tomorrow.

Back in 2005, a total of 25 people were injured between July and October when four bombs were detonated in downtown Port of Spain and St James.

The first was in July 2005, when a bomb, which was placed in a bin outside Maraj Jewellers, Frederick Street, exploded injuring one woman, Yvonne McIvor. One of her legs was amputated.

In August 2005, another bomb exploded along George Street, Port of Spain, in a pile of rubbish. No one was injured in that attack.

In September that year another bomb exploded, this time in a dumpster at the back of the KFC restaurant, Independence Square, Port of Spain. There were minor injuries in that incident.

The final explosion was in October 2005 outside the Smokey and Bunty bar, St James. Ten people were injured in that incident.

The person/persons responsible for those attacks remain at large.

47

Football / France will not be playing in Euro 2008

« on: April 01, 2008, 03:19:31 PM »

http://www.fff.fr/bleus/videos/432551.shtml

Dans sa chronique vidéo hebdomadaire, Raymond Domenech (photo) annonce que l'Equipe de France ne participera finalement pas à la phase finale du Championnat d'Europe 2008 en Suisse et en Autriche en juin prochain ! Explication détaillée du sélectionneur national...

Translation:
In his weekly videoblog, Raymond Domenech announced that the French National Team will not be participating in the 2008 European Championships in Switzerland and in Austria next June.
Detailed explanation from the national manager...

48

Football / Collin Samuel joins absentees.

« on: March 28, 2008, 08:48:22 AM »

Collin Samuel joins absentees.
By: Lasana Liburd (Express).

Missing Warriors

Trinidad and Tobago interim head coach Francisco Maturana is likely to have enjoyed his international assignment in Jamaica as much as the players who celebrated a 2-2 draw against the "Reggae Boyz" with much gusto. But Maturana might wonder when the feel good factor would spread to the country's more experienced and famous players.

The Colombian coach was understood to be fuming, even in the wake of Wednesday's result, at the non-appearance of "Soca Warriors" winger Collin Samuel. Samuel was summoned for international duty and e-mailed a travel itinerary but never showed although his Toronto FC teammate Tyronne Marshall played for Jamaica.

The versatile winger, who started in Trinidad and Tobago's famous goalless draw against Sweden at the 2006 World Cup, claimed-according to the national technical staff-to be the victim of miscommunication when he missed his flight to Jamaica on Monday.

However, Samuel did not show up on Tuesday either leaving Maturana with just 15 players to choose from against Jamaica. The coach, who guided Colombia to two World Cup finals in 1990 and 1994, will contemplate further action against the player over the coming days.

The Express failed to track down the industrious winger for comment. If Samuel was reluctant to don national colours, he did not seem to be in the minority as far as Trinidad and Tobago's World Cup heroes go.

Six World Cup players were sounded out, some informally, and declined the chance to play against their nation's most bitter rival on Wednesday and only two of those can claim to be seriously injured-goalkeeper Kelvin Jack and defender Marvin Andrews. This list does not include midfielder Densill Theobald, who is in parts unknown, and striker Stern John, who asked to be excused.

It meant that, two years after the World Cup, midfielder and stand-in captain Aurtis Whitley was the sole representative on Wednesday from the showcase tournament in Germany. Maturana led a youthful, inexperienced squad-that included schoolboys Akeem Adams and Jamaal Gay-to a creditable result in the "Office".

Panama are next and Maturana will be eager to build on his run-a win over El Salvador and draws against Guadeloupe and Jamaica. He will hope that the country's top players share his enthusiasm long before England's visit on June 1.

49

Football / Trinis in action Easter Weekend March 22-24, 2008

« on: March 22, 2008, 08:09:31 AM »

Didn't see  it posted so I just take up the slack - no offense to the mods.

Saturday 22nd March, 2008
Europe

Player	Team	Opponent	Result	Notes
Andrews, Marvin	Raith Rovers	Ross County	3-2	Out injured
Birchall, Chris	Coventry	Southampton	0-0	Not Selected
Boucaud, Andre	Wycombe Wanderers	Morecambe	1-0	Not Selected
Connell, Kevaughn	l'Entente SSG	Vannes OC	0-1	74'
Cox, Ian	Gillingham	Bournemouth	2-1	Not Selected
Edwards, Carlos	Sunderland	Aston Villa	1-0	67'
Ince, Clayton	Walsall	Leeds	0-2	Full Game, 16 saves
John, Stern	Southampton	Coventry	0-0	Full Game
Jones, Kenwyne	Sunderland	Aston Villa	1-0	Out (flu)
Latapy, Russell	Falkirk	Hearts	0-0	Bench
Shakes, Ricky	Brentford	Wrexham	2-0	Full Game, 31', 81'
Spann, Silvio	Wrexham	Brentford	0-2	Not Selected
Yorke, Dwight	Sunderland	Aston Villa	1-0	87'

North America

Player	Team	Opponent	Result	Notes
James, Julius	Toronto FC	Charleston Battery	0-2	Out injured
Patterson, Randi	Charleston Battery	Toronto FC	2-0	38', 50' 84'
Jagdeosingh, Kendall	Charleston Battery	Toronto FC	2-0	84'
Samuel, Colin	Toronto FC	Charleston Battery	0-2	Full Game
Smith, Conrad	SJ Earthquakes	NY Red Bulls	2-0	75'

Sunday 23rd March, 2008

Player	Team	Opponent	Result	Notes
Roberts, Darryl	Sparta Rotterdam	Feyenoord	3-2	46'

Monday 24th March, 2008

Player	Team	Opponent	Result	Notes
Austin,  Kevin	Swansea City	Bristol Rovers	2-2	Full Game
Boucaud, Andre	Wycombe Wanderers	Morecambe	1-0	Not Selected
Cox, Ian	Gillingham	Port Vale	1-2	Not Selected
Ince, Clayton	Walsall	Crewe	1-1	Full Game, 4 saves
Lawrence, Dennis	Swansea City	Bristol Rovers	2-2	Full Game
Norville, Jason	Woking	Salisbury	3-2	72', 90'
Shakes, Ricky	Brentford	Grimsby	2-1	76',
Scotland,  Jason	Swansea City	Bristol Rovers	2-2	Full Game, 50', 84'
Spann, Silvio	Wrexham	Dag & Red	0-0	Not Selected

50

Football / Sunderland vs Everton 09/03

« on: March 09, 2008, 07:46:42 AM »

Sunderland v Everton

Stadium of Light
Sunday, 9 March
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
BBC coverage: Live on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day.

Sunderland welcome back defender Danny Collins from suspension for Sunday's Premier League clash with Everton.

Liam Miller could miss out after being transfer-listed for poor time-keeping, while winger Carlos Edwards is close to making a comeback from a broken leg.

Everton manager David Moyes is likely to change his side after fielding the same team for the previous four games.

Leon Osman limped out of the Uefa Cup defeat by Fiorentina yesterday with a groin injury and could be rested.

#
Sunderland manager Roy Keane:

"It's a tough game against Everton. We got a good hiding there earlier in the season.
"But this is a game we're looking forward to. We've got one or two lads coming back looking sharp.
"Hopefully it will not be the same scoreline on Sunday."

#
Everton manager David Moyes on Mikel Arteta's return:

"Mikel had 35 minutes of the game against Fiorentina so hopefully that will help him.
"But what he's missed is that he's had no training for two weeks, so we had to take a bit of a risk, but we thought it was the right risk to take at the time.
"Hopefully we can get him back fit and get him up and running again."

Sunderland (from): Gordon, Fulop, Bardsley, Collins, McShane, Evans, Higginbotham, Harte, Whitehead, Etuhu, Reid, Leadbitter, Miller, Richardson, O'Donovan, Jones, Waghorn, Murphy, Stokes, Chopra, Prica.

Everton (from): Howard, Neville, Hibbert, Yobo, Lescott, Jagielka, Baines, Cahill, Arteta, Osman, Pienaar, Gravesen, Yakubu, Johnson, Anichebe, Gosling, Wessels.

BIG-MATCH FACTS
Everton put their unbeaten league run of eight matches in 2008 on the line against a Sunderland side enjoying a renaissance as far as their home form is concerned.
Roy Keane's Blacks Cats have won the last four home Premier League fixtures, which has lifted them out of the bottom three to two points above the relegation zone.
Sunderland have never won five successive home Premier League matches, but the last time they managed four, seven seasons ago, Everton were the first to be beaten in the sequence.

The Merseysiders, who lost 2-0 away to Fiorentina in the Uefa Cup on Thursday, go into the weekend with the joint best current winning touch in the highest league, and cross the Pennines in search of a fourth straight victory. Liverpool have also won the last three.

Sunderland have won seven Premier League games at home this season and Everton have won seven on the road. The Toffees also recorded their biggest win of the campaign when thrashing the Wearsiders 7-1 at Goodison Park on 24 November.
Victory would give Everton their fifth double of the season, and match Manchester United's unequalled total.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

SUNDERLAND
Kenwyne JONES is Sunderland's top scorer with five Premier League goals.
Michael CHOPRA is a double shy of 50 career league goals (Newcastle, Watford, Barnsley, Cardiff and Sunderland).
Last season's top scorer David CONNOLLY needs one goal to total 100 in his league career (Watford, Wolves, Wimbledon, West Ham, Leicester, Wigan and Sunderland).

If selected:-
Dwight YORKE will be making his 450th English league appearance (Aston Villa, Manchester United, Blackburn, Birmingham and Sunderland).
YORKE will also be making his 50th league appearance for the Black Cats.
Danny COLLINS and Nyron NOSWORHY will be making their 50th career Premier League appearances - all for Sunderland in both cases.

If on the field from the outset:-
Grant LEADBITTER will be making his 50th league start.

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
Everton 7-1 Sunderland
24 November 2007 - Ref: Phil Dowd
Everton scorers: Yakubu 12, Cahill 17, Pienaar 43, Cahill 62, Yakubu 73, Johnson 80, Osman 85
Sunderland scorer: Yorke 45

51

Football / Breaking news - Spann gets a sweat...

« on: February 26, 2008, 02:19:23 PM »

Wrexham vs Peterborough 0-0 27th minute

Spann taking most of the free kicks and corners...

Josh Johnson nowhere to be found

Burnley 1 Coventry 0 30th minute
Me Mum on de bench, will hopefully get a half...

52

Football / Same damn thing ah say...

« on: January 29, 2008, 01:48:49 PM »

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/7201942.stm

Last Updated: Tuesday, 29 January 2008, 18:14 GMT 

Fifa stops Cousin move to Fulham 
 

Cousin joined Rangers from French outfit Lens last summer
Daniel Cousin's £3m move from Rangers to Fulham has collapsed after Fifa refused to sanction the transfer.
World football's governing body forbids a player from appearing for more than two clubs in one season.

The 30-year-old striker appeared for 20 minutes for Lens before his summer switch to the Ibrox outfit.

Fulham had had an initial £2m offer for the 30-year-old Cousin rejected, but their improved bid was accepted by the Ibrox club on Tuesday.

 MY SPORT: DEBATE
Have your say on this story

Cousin, who signed from Lens for around £1m in the summer, has scored nine goals in 26 appearances for Rangers.

A three-club precedent appeared to have been set by Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano, who played for Corinthians and West Ham United before moving to Liverpool last season.

So when Kenwyne going Liverpool again ?
 

53

Football / Keeping tabs on the competition (AKA the Concacaf macco thread)

« on: January 16, 2008, 06:26:00 PM »

I notice men posting all kind ah story, on Antigua over seasbased contingent, and the Bajan football federation website and all kinda thing we would never even bat a eyelid at if WCQ wasn't around the corner.

Ah came across another story and figure it might be interesting to chart the progress that we neighbours making while we taking we hop skip and jumps backwards...

Feel free to contribute and try not to forget the sources/links please. Spanish speakers are welcome...:

http://www.stabroeknews.com/index.pl/article_sports?id=56537041

Footballer with Guyanese roots in record signing
By Donald Duff
Tuesday, January 15th 2008

Leon Cort, a footballer of Guyanese parentage, who plays for Crystal Palace has been signed by Stoke City for a record 1.2m pounds (US$2.4m) Sky Sports website reported yesterday.

Cort, a defender, was signed in a record move and completed a permanent switch to the Brittania Stadium after an initial loan of two months to Stoke City.

During his loan to Stoke City which saw him at the Britannia Stadium since November, Cort made 15 appearances and scored four goals which helped the club reach the play-offs, SkySport reported.

Cort, named Eagles' player of the year last season, ends his 18-month association with the club after signing a three-and-a-half year deal with Stoke.

According to Sky Sports, Potters chief executive, Tony Scholes, feels that the deal proves the ambition the club has to make the Premier League. If promotion is achieved, then Cort's fee will rise by a further £200,000 due to a clause added by Palace.

"This club record signing shows the club's determination to build a team strong enough to challenge for promotion," Scholes told the Stoke's official website.

"He's a vastly experienced defender who's done extremely well for us while he's been on loan," he added.

Stoke's boss Tony Pulis has also expressed satisfaction at the signing of Cort.

"I'm delighted we've signed Leon permanently," he said.

"Since he's come in he's been a smashing lad on and off the pitch who's a real danger at set-pieces."

Faizal Khan, Marketing Director of Temptation Promotions Ltd. said yesterday Cort is of Guyanese parentage and has made himself available to represent Guyana for the upcoming World Cup campaign after meeting with Temptation Promotions Ltd.

Temptation Promotions is working on behalf of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in Europe.

"I personally sent a text to Leon to congratulate him," Khan told Stabroek Sport yesterday.

Cort told Khan, "hopefully it will be a successful year for me at club and International level"

"With a central defender of Leon's height and quality at the back for Guyana. We will be both rock solid at the back, and very dangerous in set pieces," Khan added.

"Leon stands 192cm tall and last week marked Michael Owen out of the game between Stoke City V Newcastle Utd in the FA CUP," said Khan.

Leon Cort's brother Carl is expected to accompany his brother home for Guyana's World Cup campaign.

54

Football / Sunderland - Bolton

« on: December 29, 2007, 09:00:27 AM »

    * 01 Gordon
    * 08 Whitehead
    * 06 McShane
    * 14 Higginbotham
    * 15 Collins
    * 12 Miller
    * 10 Richardson
    * 04 Etuhu
    * 16 Chopra
    * 20 Cole
    * 17 Jones

Substitutes

    * 13 Ward,
    * 11 Murphy,
    * 18 Leadbitter,
    * 23 O'Donovan,
    * 39 Waghorn

Dwight get leave out

55

Football / Who's going down ?

« on: December 26, 2007, 11:41:14 AM »

Here we go. Put yuh head on a  block and name the three teams you see going down. You have until the 11th of January. By that time, the christmas programme will be over and we will see who know football.
Results will be revealed at that time

If yuh feel yuh brave, name your three picks when you vote...

56

Football / Sunderland - ManUre

« on: December 26, 2007, 08:54:46 AM »

Starting Line Up
    * 01 Gordon
    * 08 Whitehead
    * 06 McShane
    * 14 Higginbotham
    * 15 Collins
    * 33 Wallace
    * 04 Etuhu
    * 19 Yorke
    * 39 Waghorn
    * 17 Jones
    * 16 Chopra

Bench
    * 13 Ward,
    * 10 Richardson,
    * 20 Cole,
    * 18 Leadbitter,
    * 23 O'Donovan

Waghorn is a youth from the acadaemy , 17 years old, sound like Keane taking a serious gamble...
Nice to see Richardson back on the field...though, he might get 10-20 minutes at the end

57

Football / Sunderland AFC - Aston Villa

« on: December 15, 2007, 09:08:48 AM »

Gamesstarted

Lineup
    * 13 Ward
    * 08 Whitehead
    * 06 McShane
    * 14 Higginbotham
    * 15 Collins
    * 33 Wallace
    * 04 Etuhu
    * 19 Yorke
    * 11 Murphy
    * 17 Jones
    * 09 Stokes

58

Football / Qui ne saute pas n'est pas lyonnnaaaaaiiiiiiis

« on: December 12, 2007, 03:54:26 PM »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2xHHhQMtZc

"Who's not jumping isn't from Lyon"

Only 4 or 5 teams have come back from 2 games to qualify for the knockout stage of the CL

OL joins the club 

Rangers 0 - Olympique Lyon 3

edit : they also came back from a 0-6 goal difference to finish with a positive goal difference

59

Football / Soca Warriors stronger than ever

« on: December 02, 2007, 03:38:45 PM »

http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,69092.html

Soca Warriors stronger than ever

By PETER O’CONNOR Sunday, December 2 2007

WELL the draw has been made, and the die is cast. Trinidad and Tobago now know their opponents through the semi-final stage of CONCACAF qualifying for the next Football World Cup.

As a participant at Germany ’06, we were given a preliminary round bye, and start our safari in June 2008, against the winner of the Bermuda-Cayman Islands clash.

Assuming Bermuda comes through, we need to remember that they are one of our “nemesis” teams, always difficult for us to beat, from way back in the Strike Squad days.

However, the current Soca Warrior line-up is the strongest we have had since the France 1998 team, which won their semi-final round with a match in hand, only to collapse completely in the CONCACAF Final round, allowing Jamaica to take “our” place in France.

With the retirement of Marvin Andrews and Dennis Lawrence, we may be a bit inexperienced in the centre of defence, but we do have strong young contenders, who with experienced wing backs and mid-fielders, should do the job for us.

We will be without the experience of Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy in mid-field, but will be at our strongest up front and on the wings, where we have choices and support.

Kenwyne Jones is rapidly developing into a major international icon. If he moves to Liverpool as is being suggested, his UEFA Champions League participation will develop him even more. He is strong and quick, and can head the ball with the best. With other in-form strikers, Stern John, Jason Scotland, Darryl Roberts in Holland and Scott Sealy in the States scoring regularly for their clubs, we should be scoring more goals than we did four years ago.

With the natural wing play of Carlos Edwards on the right, and the speed of Colin Samuel or Cornell Glen on the left, our strikers will be well-fed.

I would like to see Silvio Spann take over the role of midfield general. I know he was used as a wingback/midfielder before he got injured before Germany, but I think he has developed into the kind of thinker we will need in the absence of Dwight and “Latas.”

With supporting roles coming from Theobald, Whitley, Birchall, and the possibility of challenges from the Pro-League and the younger players, I believe we can prevail through the semi-final round.

Our semi-final round will see us up against a far stronger trio than we faced in 2004 when we began the Journey to Germany. USA, Guate-mala and Cuba are a formidable trio for us to play and, at worst, finish second.

Our semi-final round in 2004 was Mexico — indeed formidable — but then St Kitts and St Vincent. Coming second should have been a “walk through,” but we were not playing well, and our squad was unsettled, and we barely got through. This time, while we play three strong opponents, we are also potentially a much stronger, and indeed following Germany, a far more experienced squad.

At this point, we need not think about the CONCACAF Final round of six teams, to be played during 2009, other than working to eliminate the USA from that group!

You can bet that Cuba will help and play their best ever in their Home and Away against the Americans! However, we must beat Cuba and Guatemala on our own, and while they will be tough, they are teams we have beaten before. And they have beaten us!
However, while we may be a potentially better squad than we were in 2004, we are, compared to our opponents, less prepared at this stage than they are.

Self-inflicted wounds — in the form of an administration/player dispute — have seen us without a squad for over a year. We did place second in the Digicel Cup, behind Haiti, in January, using a mostly reserve squad.

But our top players have not worn the Red White and Black for over a year.
However, with the dispute referred to arbitration, and all parties re-committed to the cause of being part of the Soca Safari to South Africa, I expect that the TTFF will be announcing a programme of warm-up matches for every FIFA “off-day” between now and our first matches in June. The “critics” clique has been quick to spell out their gloom, stating that the federation must get itself organised to start their warm-ups.

But it neglects to acknowledge that the first step has already been taken, and the players are available, awaiting their first fifa “window”. It would be better if these critics would begin to appeal for the Government and the corporate community to rally around this team, and this mission.

The 3 highlighted bits got me thinking.

1) How in the name of this green earth can someone who is supposed to be aware and involved in TNT football can make such a blatant mistake of confusing the events of 2 different campaigns that took place less than 10 years ago and worse yet, a national newspaper lets him print these mistakes

2) Is there any merit behind the thinking that wants to put Spann as our midfield general ? I have a hard time seeing it.

3) Does O connor even realise how deep the 'self inflicted' wounds that the TTFF has created go? He conveniently mentioned the Digicel Cup, but not the Gold Cup Does he think everyone is just going to forget what happened and throw their emotional and financial support behind the team ? He neglected to mention that the 'first fifa window' has already come and gone (November).
What is his real story ? Wasn't he a part of the TTFF sometime ago (or is he still ?) Can anyone hear the axe grinding ?

60

Football / Turning the Stadium into the Port of Pain

« on: November 19, 2007, 07:39:05 PM »

Fellas, everybody know that the TTFFing up the team preparations big time, but they still have time to turn things around.

However we as fans, member of the WN, of sw.net and both have to do our part to prepare as well.

Every good World Cup qualification reposes on having a strong home field advantage. Last time around, if you count every single match of the campaign (prelims semis, hex and playoff) you will realise we got 23 of 30 points at home (one loss to Mexico in the semis, one draw with Costa Rica and with Bahrain).
We will probably need to better that performance to qualify in which case we should work on making the Stadium a real Port of Pain for our opponents.

Now most teams that have home stadiums which are particularly difficult to have some particular characteristic : Russia and Costa Rica have the 'plastic pitches', Ukraine has snow and ice, Jamaica have ah motorcross ground disguise as a football field, Uruguay has fans that throw bags of urine, Mexico has pollution and Ecuador have altitude etc etc

The only real atmospheric advantage we might have is the hot sun against the Canadians and the Yankees, but seeing where most of we senior players plying their trade that would probably end up hurting us as well : the match in the oval against the US show that.
The Stadium pitch in a bad condition, but I really doh think diggin it up more than that is any kind of solution.
So the other option is for us the fans to get on bad. Now i know it not in Trini character to do dutty things like throw batteries at players (and i not advocating it) and i know that we eh like to make noise unless we score or a man hit another man a spanner on the touchline, but we really have to get with the program.

I ent know if it allowed by FIFA, but whoever that donkey that was braying repeatedly in Bahrain was, he can't beat back Spalk for being loud and annoying if we leave him on the PA system. In Mexico, they had a thing they use to do, that sounded like a million mosquitos buzzing - the thing to annoy the most harden man who ent accustom to it - just wait till he about to control a cross and buss it out - maybe we could make a collective fart A particularly high pitch pan might be all we need to do the job of perturbing a opposing attacker, of if Sat Maharaj want to complain, we could get the gyul who use to sing the Indian chant on Brother Marvin Jahaji Bhai. Whatever,

Simple things like figuring out who is the man under pressure on the opposing team and booing him everytime he touch the ball, not whole match, but at crucial points.
I remember in a NBA playoff match once, Pacers versus Orlando, ah fella had set up these two huge pinwheels in the pacers colours on either side of the basket Orlando was shooting to, and everytime a free throw had to be taken by somebody (usually poor shaq who done couldn't shoot) they would start spinning in opposite directions. Poor shaq get cokey eyed and miss about 10 throws before the officials bfigure out the rake and get them to take down the pinwheels.

I not saying we have to be dirty, but we really need to learn what it is to be a 12th man and boost you team, and if necessary, make the opposing team tremble.

All feedback would be welcome.