Silvio off to Sheffield United on trial.
By: Randy Bando (ttproleague).[/size]
Vibe CT 105 W Connection and Trinidad and Tobago national midfielder Silvio Spann has left Trinidad to pick up a two week trial with English Championship Division club Sheffield United.
Silvio departed the Piarco Airport on a 2pm flight on Monday for England where he would meet up his W Connection and national teammate Jan Michael Williams at Sheffield.
Goal keeper Williams along with national captain Densill Theobald had spent the last two weeks with Hungarian First Division team Ujpest FC on trails.
Shortly before his departure Silvio spoke with 'ttproleague.com' and the W Connection player was in a very positive mood.
He said, "I am confident of my ability and my fitness right now. I really want to land a contract with the club (Sheffield Utd) because it would mean a lot for me and my family."
Silvio represented Trinidad and Tobago in the recently concluded CONCACAF Gold Cup where he registered on of the most incredible items of the tournament with his 40 yard free kick against El Salvador in their opening match which T&T lost 2-1.
Silvio added that his 2007 Gold Cup experience has boosted his confidence ahead of the trial saying, "This trial was more or less organized before the Gold Cup and I don't know how much it has done to persuade the Sheffield managers, but now they would have a chance to see me perform up close and personal."
If he does obtain a contract, Silvio stated that it would be bitter sweet.
"Of course I would miss my teammates should a contract be obtained. At W Connection it was more than just a team, it was more of a family and I would always be a part of that family."
"I would feel sad at first but it would also mean better for me and my family. I also believe that if I earn a contract with the English club then I would be marketing my club W Connection and the Pro League," ended the former J League player.
Since his contract with Japanese club Yokoyama FC had expired before the 2006 World Cup, Silvio had been on one trial abroad with Championship club Crystal Palace which unfortunately didn't pull through forcing his return to Pro League club W Connection.
A delighted W Connection Owner/President David John Williams speaking with 'ttproleague.com' said that the trials were always in the making even before the Gold Cup in June.
Williams said, "These trials for both Silvio and Jan were in the making since late last year through our contacts in England. They(Sheffield Utd) were interested the players long before the Gold Cup," explained the W Connection boss.
According to Williams, his club and Sheffield United have a great relationship which is continuing to grow.
Earlier this year W Connection's youngsters Aaron Downing and Matthew Bartholomew joined Woluwe Whitestar FC in Belgium a club connected to Sheffield on three year contracts.
Already this season W Connection have lost a few key players on foreign contracts but Williams stated he is also about the business of football.
"I'm in the business of football and that's how it goes sometimes," ended Williams who believes it's also a stepping stone for the younger players in our programme.
Silvio hoping to team-up with Yorke, Carlos & John at Sunderland.
By: Randy Bando (ttproleague).
W Connection midfielder Silvio Spann is very optimistic over his chances of joining English Premiership club Sunderland FC.
Spann who returned to Trinidad on Monday night together with W Connection teammate Jan Michael Williams from trials in England is heavily favoring his chances to join the ‘Black Cats’.
Prior to the three days he had spent with Sunderland last week, Spann was on trial at Sheffield United for two weeks together with goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams.
Speaking with ‘ttproleague.com’ the Trinidad and Tobago international said, “I fancy my chances more with Sunderland. I feel very confident of signing a contract.”
“I received a phone call from my agents on my return telling me of how impressed they were on my performances and that negotiations are continuing between them and the Premiership Club,” he said adding, “I am just praying and waiting patiently.”
Spann is also relishing the experience gained at both English clubs adding, “Unlike many of the trials I have been on, these were well organized. I have to say that I have gained a lot on these trials.”
He went on to add further, “When I got to Sheffield they were already into their pre-season. I have to say that their facilities were second to none,” he said adding, “But when I got to Sunderland it was much more organized. I enjoyed it a lot, having sessions with our very own Dwight Yorke and Stern John.”
“It’s refreshing when you can train alongside your countrymen. I saw it as a very nice experience although I was only there for three days. I really enjoyed the company of Carlos, Stern and Yorke.”
He was also honored to work with former Manchester United captain Roy Keene saying, “It was a real honor to train with Dwight Yorke again and under the watchful eyes of Roy Keene who needs no introduction.”
Silvio also went on to explain that Carlos Edwards the third T&T player in Sunderland squad wasn’t involved in training while at the club due to an injury, but was very influential in his time at the club.
“Sunderland’s training was at a higher level,” he said. “While at Sheffield it was more of a physical one,” explained the W Connection playmaker.
“In both sessions I had with Sunderland I was able to show Manager Roy Keene and the rest of the staff that I have a lot of quality and I am capable to play at Premiership level,” said Silvio.
Silvio also said that the Sunderland Manager assured to keep in touch with him after being impressed with his performance.
