Outside of the days of Benedicts players and Gally and then Yorke, Latapy, Leonson generation.....most of them didn't do much playing for T&T
palos, you right about that. When the NASLfell about around 84, the outlet for TT players were stymied. The ASL was around, but I can't remember much Trinis in it. Simmonds(Fatima/Howard) played for the Washinton team for a short period. Chinapoo went indoors. Other players who stayed in the game, played for regional and city leagues(especially NY and NE US) sponsored by small businesses. Under the table pro-leagues.There were no other incentives or outlets for Trinis to hone their skill abroad. The Euro first divisions were closed to most lower tiered countries like TT. Many TT players who played college had very few options. Like Chinapoo, some went indoors or played in a east coast regional league. If they come back home, is TTFA football. Remember Jack had kill the Arthur Suite inspired pro-league. What then for them.
But when the English leagues(Div 1) opened up to foreigners in the late 80s and early 90s, then we got the break. Dwight and Latas were at the right time. Latas getting his break in Portugal. They were talented diamonds in the rough. Plus They were mentally ready for the journey. Dwight was a huge success. Surpassing the legends of the 60s. Then Stern, Marcelle, Latas, Nakid, etc followed. Then the MLS opened and naturally TT players gravitated to the US again. It was easier to move to the US because many of the players played college ball there. That is my take on this topic.