King removed as head coach of Joe Public

[Trini _2026]

King removed as head coach of Joe Public
ttproleague.com

Derek King has been reduced in rank from Head Coach to assistant Coach at Joe Public, the club he led to a historic five titles last season.

This was confirmed by the Macoya based Pro League club on Tuesday morning, less than a week after finishing third in this season’s Digicel Pro League Championship—one of the titles they captured in 2009.

The club also confirmed that 26 year-old Rajesh Latchoo, assistant coach to King, will now hold the post of interim Head Coach.

Also back in the fold is former team captain and assistant coach Dale Saunders. Saunders re-joins the staff as an assistant coach.

Last Friday, Joe Public finished the League Championship with 35 points, not only failing to defend the title this season but also failed to qualify for Caribbean Football Union Club Championship and a chance of next season’s CONCACAF Champions’ League.

The Lions needed a win against DIRECTV North East Stars on Friday at the Larry Gomes Stadium in their final League match to finish second and qualify for the CFU tournament. But after going ahead in the 3rd minute with a goal from Marcus Joseph, Joe Public suffered a 93rd minute Anthony Wolfe penalty to end in a 1-1 draw.

Meantime Caledonia AIA enjoyed a 3-2 win over San Juan Jabloteh at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium in their final match on Friday and finished one point ahead of Joe Public for second. Caledonia joined 2010-2011 League Champions Defence Force in the CFU Club Championship.

When quizzed if the change had anything to do with the club’s failure to defend the League Championship or qualify for the CFU tournament and by extension the CONCACAF Champions’ League, Joe Public General Manager, Sam Phillip simply responded, “The club decided on making a technical change.

“Like everything in football and just as everything in life, changes happen.

“And it was an administration decision to swing around the technical staff,” Phillip concluded.

This season Joe Public captured the First Citizens Cup(a title that evaded them last season), but failed to defend the FA Trophy and League Championship thus far.

The Lions now led by Latchoo, who now has the title of the youngest Head Coach in the Pro League is left with the Toyota Classic (in February) and Digicel Pro Bowl (in March) titles to defend.

“I accept the new role professionally,” said Latchoo over his appointment as interim Head Coach. “This is the instruction set down by the directors and I’m going to do the best of my ability.”

Latchoo looks forward to the Toyota Classic and Digicel Pro Bowl and hopes to do well.

“We hope to do well in the next two competitions,” he said. “Based on the players we have remaining which is a very young bunch and we will work on being best prepared. We will like to win both competitions but we will move forward one game at a time.”

[Tenorsaw]

Anyone know bout this Latchoo?

[fitzinho]

I find it odd that the head coach get demoted and the assistant get promoted to head coach...is that normal? Is either ur fired or something not so?

[davyjenny1]

Lota La

[mukumsplau]

I find it odd that the head coach get demoted and the assistant get promoted to head coach...is that normal? Is either ur fired or something not so?

mus be reshmi cousin

[injunchile]

Well it's chutney season so he got a play until we get serious after Carnival. Jack looking to bring a big name coach and then translate him to the senior team.

[grimm01]

I find it odd that the head coach get demoted and the assistant get promoted to head coach...is that normal? Is either ur fired or something not so?

Could be the way his contract is structured it may be cheaper to keep him as they may have to pay him off to leave. However, if yuh humiliate him enough he might leave on his own accord without necessitating a pay-off...

[Touches]

Dais a real diss dey.

But it ent have plenty coaching wuk around so he might have to hold on to he end.

In life you must always have options...so you could tell people use Vicks.

[Coop's]

Dais a real diss dey.

But it ent have plenty coaching wuk around so he might have to hold on to he end.

In life you must always have options...so you could tell people use Vicks.

        What options it have in T&T?

[Touches]

Exactly coops.

It ent have so dais why he hadda take dat.

But telling people to use Vicks is one of the most relieving feelings you can have...especially if the anger and frustration pent up.

[pardners]

I find it odd that the head coach get demoted and the assistant get promoted to head coach...is that normal? Is either ur fired or something not so?

mus be reshmi cousin

Boy so long I ent come on the forum and this is the kinda kicks I get to greet me ?
I did really hear in some circles that King woulda get the axe soon....but after 5 titles last year...hmmm.

[Brownsugar]

I find it odd that the head coach get demoted and the assistant get promoted to head coach...is that normal? Is either ur fired or something not so?

mus be reshmi cousin

Boy so long I ent come on the forum and this is the kinda kicks I get to greet me ?
I did really hear in some circles that King woulda get the axe soon....but after 5 titles last year...hmmm.

I now coming to say long time no see.......Happy New Year, Merry Christmas, Happy Easter....everything.    How yuh going boss??

[weary1969]

I find it odd that the head coach get demoted and the assistant get promoted to head coach...is that normal? Is either ur fired or something not so?

mus be reshmi cousin

Boy so long I ent come on the forum and this is the kinda kicks I get to greet me ?
I did really hear in some circles that King woulda get the axe soon....but after 5 titles last year...hmmm.

I now coming to say long time no see.......Happy New Year, Merry Christmas, Happy Easter....everything.    How yuh going boss??

ENT he eh know yet we betta than Comedy Central in these parts.

[coachman]

Keep your head up young coach you have already done what almost all the coaches in Trinidad and Tobago have never done,you will be can now to apply for a coaching position in the U.S.A,your resume will look good so you can continue your coaching profession like me.