Whitley disappointed – but remains optimistic.
By: Randy Bando (ttproleague).
"The coach’s decision is final." Those were the words of World Cup and San Juan Jabloteh midfielder Aurtis Whitley when asked about his omission from the national team for the upcoming friendly internationals against St Vincent and Panama on October 7th and 11th at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
The World Cup midfielder was overlooked by National coach Wim Rijsbergen for the upcoming friendly internationals.
Whitley told ‘ttproleague.com’, "At the end of the day the coach’s decision is final and I’m honestly disappointed about not making the squad. I have made the World Cup Team and showed that I have what it takes to be on the national team."
When asked about his relationship with the Dutch Coach the talented midfielder said, "The coach and I have never had any disagreements and have always been on good terms. So for now I am just looking to the future and will concentrate on my game and fitness and put this all behind me."
"If they happen to recall me, I will grab the opportunity because football is my life and playing on the national team is always a great feeling. I will continue to work harder in order to regain my position on the team," said Whitley.
The midfielder also commented on his professional career, "Things are a bit shaky at Jabloteh now, after our misfortune of loosing out on reaching the First Citizens Cup Final and the team is now focusing on rebuilding from here on and looking to finish the season strong."
"The coach (Terry Fenwick) and I have had our ups and downs this season but there is no love lost there, it’s just that we have our agreements and disagreements."
"My heart is at Jabloteh, but that does not say that if there is interest from foreign clubs I will not go. I have been looking at some international offers but they are not my main focus at the moment, as the international transfer window is closed until January. Right now I’m going to take it one day at a time and keep my main focus on getting back to top fitness and maybe back on the national team." ended the Jabloteh player.
Whitley last played for the Trinidad and Tobago National team back in June when the ‘Soca Warriors’ played Paraguay in the 2006 FIFA World Cup which T&T lost 2-0.
Pro League continues its ‘Player Welfare’ series.
By: Randy Bando (ttproleague).
In the on-going effort to assist local players in their personal development and welfare, the TT Pro League will be hosting Part Two of its series on ‘Player Welfare’ on Thursday 5, October, 2006 at the Teak Room Crowne Plaza Hotel, Port of Spain.
The seminar would be conducted by Mr. Jones P. Madeira and the topic would be Media Relations.
All clubs are required to send a minimum of ten (10) players.
Chief Executive of the T&T Pro League Dexter Skeene, said "This is all part of the League’s continued emphasis on player welfare, as they are the greatest asset in the game."
He added, "The League is now attracting a huge quantity of the Media and it’s critical that the players be developed in this area as professionals. We think it is important to conduct seminars of this nature and as time goes along the players will be exposed to a lot more educational forums."
The League held the first part of this Player Welfare series back in August, 2006 and it was moderated by Attorney Dave Williams. The topics included Negotiation of Contracts, Contractual Obligations and Termination of Contracts.
