http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Central-FC-sign-Quintero-216690501.htmlCentral FC sign QuinteroExpress Jul 23, 2013
New Central FC signing, Dwight Quintero is finally ready for his shot at professional football and believes he can make a smooth transition into the top flight. Quintero has represented Trinidad and Tobago at the Under-17 and Under-20 levels.
“I was always looking forward to playing pro football and I was preparing myself,” he said. “The difference now is being more professional and the game is a bit faster. But I believe I can make a smooth transition.”
Quintero, who represented North East Stars reserves during the last two seasons, explained that he repeated CSEC exams at El Dorado Secondary East to improve himself academically, hence his late entry into professional football.
The 19-year-old Blanchisseuse footballer signed a two-year contract with Central, last week, and has already set his sights on a T&T senior team pick.
“Although I’m delighted that T&T have performed well at the (Concacaf) Gold Cup, it is clear to me that there will be changes in the squad in preparation for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers,” said Quintero. “(T&T head coach) Stephen Hart has a reputation for selecting young players and building a squad (which) will stay together for several years. I will be 24 when the 2018 World Cup is played so I feel this is the perfect season for me to break through to the senior national team.”
Central FC managing director and former T&T international, Brent Sancho believes Quintero “is on the cusp of the senior national team”.
“I would expect Stephen Hart to take a close look at him this season,” said Sancho, a former European-based footballer.
“(Quintero is) strong, fast and has a great first touch. We’re very excited to have him at (our) club.”
Head coach Terry Fenwick’s new signings also include 17-year-olds Nicholas Dillon (promoted from the Central Under-18s) and Rangers youth player Kevon Goddard, as well as 19-year-olds Dwight Pope (Shiva Boys College) and Javon Sample (St Anthony’s College). Defender Jamal Jack, 25, and midfielders Shem Alexander, 23, and Julio Noel, 20, have joined Central from the St Ann’s-based Rangers.
And Central have retained the services of Marvin Oliver, Darryl Trim, Carey Harris, Keion Goodridge, goalkeeper Marvin Phillip, the Tobago quartet of Rundell Winchester, Omar Charles, Darren Mitchell and Dario Holmes, as well as Jason Marcano, Johan Peltier and Hector Sam.