I've been watching the usual mix of panic, defeatism, namecalling and a little bit of hope.
In my opinion you could blame the players if you wish. Maybe the individuals are not good enough, but saying that, the 2006 squad was mainly English lower league players or Pro League players. Those that weren't were not exactly household names. Kenwyne was fairly unknown, Latapy was unknown outside Scotland and T&T, same as Marvin. Yorke had passed his best. The biggest name was Shaka. Stern had a good rep as a Championship goalscorer and Carlos was known as a good potential for smaller Premiership clubs.
So, todays squad isn't really much different. Yes, Stern and Carlos may be past their best, but Kenwyne is a better player and Birchall has matured nicely. Given the right preperation, coach and momentum, these players are good enough.
So, maybe we should blame the coach? Yes, he's 73, but he's not senile. He now has more experience and knowledge than ever before. He's the most experienced coach T&T have ever had with the best track record. Maybe he has lost some of the hunger and passion? It's possible, but this will probably be his last national position and I believe he wants to succeed. People say he did nothing for 3 months. First, he has to acclimatise to the culture. He had no Pro League to watch. He began gathering the players for training sessions and scouted overseas talent. He was probably promised some warm up games. By the time August came and he realised he was getting no warm ups, he probably spit out his dummy and the India game was arranged. Then, BANG, first qualifier. What were his options? Resign? That would be a failure. Instead he continued to observe the training, pull players in and push some out. He watches every Pro League match as well as Pro League friendlies. His aim is probably to get through this round and put pressure on TTFF to get him some serious friendlies.
Blame TTFF? Well, actually, yes. It is their key role to project T&T football via international competition. They have failed miserably. From not paying players and staff to mismanaging their budget, to failing to develop a strong youth programme, TTFF have failed at every level. It is disgusting that the same people are still in place. TTFF should be completely dismantled and replaced, using some of the useful TTFF staff if required. (Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater). TTFF appoint the coach, and they have made some poor decisions. Latapy would have been an excellent asst coach and could have been groomed for the top spot in 5-7 years. He should also take some responsibility for stepping up before he was ready and effectively smash his coaching career. It is only TTFF who can arrange and fund friendly matches, and without reasonable opposition, there is no way to blood youngsters or gauge the teams standard. TTFF have repeatedly let down this country since September 2006.
And, of course, we have to consider our Jack in the Box, Mr Warner. Singlehandedly, Mr Warners dishonesty has led us to this situation. Had he adhered to his deal with the players, we may have performed better in the 2010 qualifiers and hopefully the Gold Cups. A gradual handover would have occurred between the old school and the new young bucks. A structured rebuilding would have taken place. Instead, his petulance led to the smashing up of T&T's most successful ever squad. For 5 years Mr Warner (according to Mr Camps affidavit) has witheld a large amount of TTFF funds. Funds that could have been used for youth development and to help the new squad mature and develop. He appears in court on tuesday and its a shame he can't be tried for crimes against the state, for his constant involvement in international football scandals have brought shame upon the shores of T&T. Through his controversies, including the blacklisting of players, he has overseen the transition of T&T football from proud warriors to untouchables. How many nations have blankly refused to play T&T in friendlies? We don't know, but it seems very strange that teams like Honduras get quality opposition. Nations are looking for friendlies, but the lack of quality opposition over the last few years points to Federations not willing to be tarnished by associating with Mr Warner. And what demands did he make? We don't know if approaches were made but Warners demands were too high or just not acceptable. Remember the allegation by the Scottish F.A. that Warner asked for the match fee to be paid to his personal account?
2014 may not be possible, but its looking good for 2018 (and we should always be planning two world cups in advance a la Canada). Hopefully, this court case will finally cut the ties between Camps, Warner and the other jokers and our national football. We have an exciting crop of youngsters coming through, and although it may be ambitious for the Olympic squad to reach London, some of those boys will blend into the senior team. By 2015, that team will be blooded and ready for the 2018 qualifiers.
Providing we have a nice handover from Pfister to his replacement (who should already be in place as assistant coach so he can learn Pfisters secrets) and the new TTFF can arrange friendlies with the likes of Mexico, Canada etc and we reach a Gold Cup finals, the future looks bright.
