Boucaud still hopes of a T&T call-up.
By: Inshan "Flex" Mohammed.Forgotten Trinidad and Tobago combative midfielder Andre Boucaud still hopes for a Soca Warriors call up and would cherish the day he gets to don the Red, White and Black again.
Born on October 10, 1984 in Enfield, England, Andre as a youngster was part of the youth systems at English Premiership side Tottenham Hotspur. Eventually he moved to Queens Park Rangers, before joining English Football League Championship side Reading. He is currently playing for Conference National side Kettering Town.
Up-close with Andre.1. Andre, we have not been hearing any news on you lately. Can you update us on your current status and what you have been up to as far as off field activities?AB: I just signed a two year extension on my contract with Kettering Town. As far as off the field activities go I'm working hard in the gym and just about to have my first child.
2. Now, you showed so much promise in the early stages of your career, but you went from the higher league teams such as Reading, Wycombe Wanderers and Peterborough United to conference teams such as Aldershot Town and Kettering Town. Why the sudden decline?AB: It's all very well being at these big teams but if you're not getting regular first team football and there is a lack of opportunities it’s not easy, no one likes to sit on the bench game after game, it doesn't help your confidence.
3. You are only 25 and obviously you still have many years to put in. What is your main aim as far as your career goes?AB: Right now just trying to work hard in training and at games and concentrating on doing well for my team, my family and my career.
4. While you were at Reading. Arsenal were always keen on signing you but were blocked by Reading because they also loved you as a youngster. Do you feel that it affected you as a player for not being given the chance to play for a top flight team?AB: I couldn't really say, I may have gone there and still not got a game, I can only hope that I get the opportunity again.
5. Andre, how were you first discovered by Trinidad and Tobago. Gives us a full run down on how it happened.AB: Well Ronnie Mojet (Mauge) mentioned my name to the T&T manager who was Bertille St Clair at that time and they invited me to a training camp in England shortly after and from that Mr. St Clair took a liking to me and called me up to make my debut against Iraq.
6. Did you have second thoughts about representing T&T as you were only 19 when you made your debut for T&T and probably could have still shoot for a chance to play for the Three Lions one day?AB: Not really, opportunities for me in the England set up were nil, and I wanted to play international football.
7. How did the Trinidad and Tobago players accept you on the team when you first joined us?AB: They were all welcoming and overall it was a good experience.
8. Are both your parents from Trinidad and Tobago. And what part of Trinidad are they from?A: Yes, my mum is from Princess Town and my dad from Belmont.
9. Were you disappointed for not getting the chance to go to Germany with T&T at the 2006 World Cup; as you were one of the original players from the 2005 campaign that started the journey for the Soca Warriors?AB: Yes I was very upset, I thought I'd done enough to at least make the squad, but this is life and I have to get on with it.
10. Assuming you saw us at the 2006 World Cup, what were your thoughts on T&T’s performance?AB: Yes, I thought they played very well. They made the T&T people very proud. I just wish I was a part of their efforts though.
11. Will we ever see Boucaud on the T&T team in the near future? Do you keep in touch with the TTFF, letting them know you are still eager to play for T&T?AB: Yes, of course I would like to think so. It’s always an honour to represent your country. I haven't really been in touch as much as I should have been, but I kind of lost hope because I never heard from them in such a long time.
12. What were the proudest moments in your careers.AB: Representing T&T in the World Cup qualifiers, because it was something I never imagined. The experience was amazing and I hope to get that feeling back one day before my career ends.
13. Who is your favorite T&T footballer (past or present)?AB: Dwight Yorke.
14. Honestly, I remember you when you played for T&T, as a matter of fact I still have tapes with you in T&T colors. I remember versus Mexico in Trinidad when we lost 3-1 you came on as a sub and was very impressive, your work rate and fight were superb and to me you were the best midfielder on the pitch that day. If given the chance to represent T&T again, what can we expect from you?AB: I think I have matured as a player since then, but saying that I am still eager and learning I think my all round game is better than it was back then. I feel myself improving all the time and I am sure I will be an asset to T&T if given the chance to play for my beloved country. I will cherish the day I get a T&T call up. I can also play both defensive and attacking roles from the midfield it's just what suites the team I'm playing for.
15. What are your favorite Trini dishes?AB: Callaloo, roti, doubles, aloe pie, pholourie, coconut bake, everything. I love Trini food, it’s the best thing ever.
16. Do you still keep in touch with any of the T&T players, and do you visit Trinidad & Tobago?AB: Yes, I speak to Silvio Spann now and then, but other than him no one really. I visit my family and stuff when I get the time, but haven't been to T&T in about three years.
17. Have you ever visited the Soca Warriors Online (SWO - www.socawarriors.net) and the Warrior Nation website as well (www.thewarriornation.com) and if so, what are your thoughts?AB: No I haven't had internet access till recently so I haven't had the chance to visit those websites, but now you've mentioned them I'll check them out for sure.
18. Who would you say is responsible for making Andre Boucaud the player he is today? In other words, who took you under their wing and taught you the game?AB: In the area growing up where I am from, football was a big activity so everyone learnt from each other.
19. Who were some of the best players you've played with and against?AB: The best player I have played against would have to be Dennis Bergkamp, his skill and movement was a different class. I could not get near him.
20. Knowing that you should have been on the T&T team, how did you feel when you saw foreign born players like Christopher Birchall and Jake Thomson representing Trinidad and Tobago in World Cup qualifiers?AB: I can't really blame any player for me not playing, because at the end of the day they’re just trying to play for T&T just the same as me.
21. Would you ever consider playing in the T&T Pro League?AB: Not at the moment, but you never know what tomorrow brings because at the moment I am just trying to climb back up the leagues in England.
22. If given the chance to play for T&T, will you be available for the 2010 Digicel Cup in November and/or the friendlies leading up to the Caribbean tournament (against Belize, Antigua and Jamaica)?AB: Yes !!!! I am available, I would love to get back into the international fold for my country.
Personal InformationFull name André Christopher Boucaud
Date of birth 10 October 1984 (1984-10-10) (age 25)
Place of birth Enfield, London, England
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Playing position Midfielder
Club information Current club Kettering Town
Number 8
Youth careerQueens Park Rangers
Tottenham Hotspur
Senior career* Years Team Apps† (Gls)†
2002–2004 Reading 0 (0)
2003 → Peterborough United (loan) 14 (1)
2004–2006 Peterborough United 25 (1)
2005 → Aldershot Town (loan) 9 (0)
2006–2007 Kettering Town 39 (4)
2007–2008 Wycombe Wanderers 10 (0)
2008– Kettering Town 79 (0)
National team‡2004– Trinidad and Tobago 6 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 12:38, 11 July 2010 (UTC).
† Appearances (Goals)
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 13 December 2009
Note: Special thanks to Soca Warrors Online and Warrior Nation member Anthony "FireBrand" Valley.
