Connection boss makes giant step towards TTFA presidency.
By Inshan “Flex” Mohammed.
Laughs off Stephan Hart critic tag.
“Come on Flex, why in the world would I dislike Stephen Hart? In-fact, I am quite amazed with the good job that he has been doing with the national team with so little at his disposal added W Connection's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David John Williams.”
“Like everyone else, we are all entitled to our own opinions and I did say, we could have rested some of our regulars against Mexico at the 2015 Gold Cup group match and keep them fresh for the more relevant semi-final match, now I get called a Stephen Hart hater?, added Williams.”
Here is a little synopsis about W Connection, they are by far the most successful club team from Trinidad and Tobago that ever exist. They have won the most domestic titles than any other clubs and brought pride to this country's football on the international circuit over the years.
The club was founded in 1986 by brothers David and Patrick John Williams as a “fete match” team before becoming an official professional unit in 1999. Ever since they have dominated almost every single cup tournament and swept titles local clubs could only dream off and, to an extent, the Caribbean.
The Savonetta Boys as known, have toured many countries in search of talents and also taking part in mini tournaments in countries such as; Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, USA, Scotland and even as far as Italy.
They are currently one of the few local clubs with the youngest team and are responsible for unearthing many young talents that have graced the game at a high level whether it's a foreign club or national teams, W Connection talent-pool certainly leads the way.
One of the main reasons for such success are the men behind the wheels (David and Patrick). While, David takes up a more hands on approach with the club daily activities, his brother Patrick lies in the background also playing a pivotal role.
Now with the news officially out in the open about David John Williams throwing his hat into the ring to run for Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) President it has sparked a lot of interest from the Soca Warriors Online (SWO) who were all to eager to hear from the man himself.
This is how it went down.
1. Mr David, I heard the news about you deciding to run for the TTFA head job. Can you tell us what urged you to run, what different do you feel you can bring to the table and how good your chances are of winning? Tell us a bit about your physiology and believe.
DJW: - Apart from being approached by several persons in the football fraternity, I have a strong desire and passion to accelerate positive change in National football. My team and I believe it is incumbent on all of us with a passion for the advancement of Trinidad & Tobago football to step up, to embrace the challenge and put our ideas to the test.
We need to dispassionately assess the current state of every level of the game in Trinidad & Tobago, retain what has worked well and introduce fundamental changes where necessary, including re-energizing the grass roots.
I have confidence in being selected and thereby receiving a mandate from the stakeholders in Trinidad & Tobago football to set in train programme of activities that will transform local football and significantly improve our international ranking. I will further spell out the team's philosophy when we formally launch our campaign.
2. From a business aspect, do you feel you can help the TTFA be more self-efficient, manageable and more transparent? Not saying the current TTFA is not and, to be fair they have not had the support from cooperate T&T and still managed some success on the field, so credit to them. Anyways, do you feel you will be more successful in some departments that has lacking?
DJW: - The answer is yes to all three parts of your question. Being able to partner with the corporate sector is critical to our medium and long-term success. This mirrors the approach adopted by football administrations worldwide, and has to be adopted in Trinidad & Tobago if we are to be competitive. It will be my priority, by adopting the best practice, to ensure that the TTFA demonstrates good governance and transparency, at every level of the game. I honestly believe there is a willingness in the corporate sector to support the game, not unreasonably, they will expect the Football administration to demonstrate good corporate governance by conducting our business properly.
3. How do you feel about our current head coach Mr Stephen Hart? I heard that you were not pleased with his 2015 Gold Cup team, is there any truth in this? Tell us a bit about your views on him, his staff and how our players are performing under him?
DJW: - I admire and have great respect for Mr. Hart and what he has achieved, in terms of results, bearing in mind the limited resources he has had to work with. Just to be clear, I never expressed that I was not “pleased with his 2015 Gold Cup team”. I believe there was an opportunity for better team selection and management over the course of the later games during the Gold Cup and its impact was evident based on Trinidad & Tobago's performance in the game against Panama. Just like any other local fan, I can express an opinion, but at the end of the day it is the Head Coach’s decision.
4. And finally, seeing that you are currently the CEO of W Connection. If you win the head post won't it be a conflict of interest? Will you be able to judge fair and not interfere with coaches selection and so forth?
DJW: - The appearance of a conflict of interest needs to addressed directly, so thank you for the opportunity to clarify this matter. Firstly, Direct-TV W Connection plays in the TT Pro League which is run by a separate body from the TTFA. Secondly, currently, the administration of the Pro League is completely independent of the administration of the TTFA. I believe with the right organisational structure and a properly functional TTFA Technical team, such perceptions can be abated. Notwithstanding the foregoing this issue will be kept under review.
Copyrights of the Soca Warriors Online - Any press using the following article written by Inshan Mohammed are welcome to do so providing they reveal the source and writer. Furthermore, no portion of this article may be copied without proper credit as well.
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