Brent Rahim aims to get back in under Beenhakker.
Issued By: Shaun Fuentes.[/size]
Trinidad and Tobago’s Scottish-based midfielder Brent Rahim is setting his mind on forcing his way back into the National Team under new coach Leo Beenhakker.
That was the indication given by the talented Falkirk player on Friday as he explained the ups and downs of his current season which saw him slip to the bench for Falkirk and out of the National team which he last played for in a 3-0 loss to Mexico in Puebla City.
The 26-year-old celebrated Falkirk’s winning of the Scottish First Division last week alongside countryman Russell Latapy. The win also booked their place into the Premier League for next season but Rahim could be left considering other options as his contract runs out at the end of the season.
“Honestly speaking, this has been a very difficult year for me in terms of playing time. I have been in and out of the Falkirk team and then I got dropped from the national team during the latter part of last year. I have been training and playing regularly with the reserves and getting short runs with the first team but it just hasn’t been good enough,” Rahim told TTFF Media on Friday.
His agent is carded to hold talks with Falkirk next week and Rahim is hoping that there will be some resolution regarding his playing time. Possible moves to Belgium or the German Bundesliga are in the pipeline but Rahim said that the chance of playing in the Premier League with Falkirk could also lead to him signing a new contract once an offer comes through.
“There are possible options but they have said here that new contracts will be on the table for some of the guys and obviously new faces will be coming in for next season. The main thing is I will be better off at a club where I’m getting playing time. Last year turned out tough because I gave a lot of my time to the national team and at the same time the club team was flying high in the League which meant it was always going to be difficult for me to get back into the first team. And then just like that I didn’t get recalled to the National team which came like a kick in the chest for me,” added Rahim, who has been used mostly in a right midfield and wingback position at Falkirk.
“Once there is some sort of compromise which could see me getting back into the first team then I will be happy but if not then I’ll obviously have to move on because the main thing for me now is to get back into first team action.”
The former West Ham United player is hoping to touch base with Beenhakker this month when the Dutchman visits Scotland to meet with T&T’s overseas pros and then possibly return home to get in a few sessions with the team once the chance arises in May. Dundee United striker Jason Scotland is also hoping to get back into the mix. Rahim's return could give Beenhakker options to consider with Silvio Spann, Carlos Edwards, Leslie Fitzpatrick, Arnold Dwarika, Angus Eve, Dwight Yorke and David Nakhid at his disposal.
“I’m thankful for (Bertille) St Clair for giving me the chance to get in the team but it was also disappointing to just get shelved last year,” said Rahim. “Now I’m hoping that I can come back and add something positive to the team under the new coach. I’ve kept on training and I am still willing to come back and give whatever I can in my capacity as a player for the team.”
Rahim, who rose to the spotlight when he made his senior debut in 2000 in a team which included Stern John, Dwight Yorke, Russell Latapy, David Nakhid, Angus Eve, Anthony Rougier, Marvin Andrews and others, is hopeful of having similar impact this time around, stating also that Latapy’s appointment as assistant coach was big news at Falkirk.
“From my understanding, he’s looking forward to coming back home and getting involved in the national team again and it’s been big news at the club here. The new coach obviously is a plus at the moment and I think all of the guys are just waiting on the chance to start working under him and I think Russell is just as enthusiastic as everyone else,” ended Rahim who netted for Falkirk’s Reserves in a 1-1 draw with Greenock Morton on Tuesday.
News from the 14th of April 2005.
Densill Theobald fit and waiting on Beenhakker.
By: Shaun Fuentes.[/size]
National midfielder Densill “Bleeder” Theobald is making himself fit and ready for the return of Head coach Leo Beenhakker in the first week of May.
Theobald suffered an instep injury during the Digicel Caribbean Cup in February and has been ruled out of action since, missing the two 2006 World Cup Qualifying matches against Guatemala and Costa Rica. He earlier impressed in the 2-1 loss to the United States.
His foot had been in a cast but he has since resumed training with Caledonia Fire following a rehab treatment with National Team physiotherapist Zeph Nicholas. Midfielder Arnold Dwarika has also recovered from an ankle strain along with Derek King but Glasgow Rangers defender Marvin Andrews continues to be plagued by his cruciate ligament injury. He’s currently wearing a brace and undergoing rehab but is firm on his decision to avoid surgery. English-born defender Ian Cox has also recovered from a hamstring pull which ruled him out of the Guatemala match.
Theobald should make a return to action in Tuesday’s Pro league fixture between Fire and Vibe CT 105 W Connection.
“I think I have paid my dues with regards to getting over this injury which came at a very bad time for me. Daily rehab and a lot of rest brought me back to where I am now and I feel pretty good. I’m just looking forward to getting back on the pitch in time for when the new coach arrives,” Theobald told TTFF Media on Wednesday.
The former Malick Senior Comprehensive player has been one of the emerging players of recent and he thinks that the introduction of Beenhakker will spark a revival by the “Warriors”.
“I think we were in the process of getting it together as a team but maybe something was missing and I feel that the coming of the new coach could be the turning point. He’s bringing a lot to the team and I think it’s an exciting period for all of us going into the next set of games. Everyone will be anxious to do well especially with the new coach and the fact that we must get a victory against Panama,” Theobald said. He also feels the fans have a pivotal role to play in the team’s drive for success.
“I was in the stands for the Costa Rica game and you could have sensed that there are people who really want to see the team do well but yet you don’t really get that feeling. The people here are too shy or something when it comes to supporting,” Theobald said with a laugh. “They sit there and they don’t urge you on as you see in other countries and as players that extra push from the fans does make a difference in how we feel out there on the field.”
Apart from the ‘Warriors’ experience, Theobald is also anticipating a move to the overseas professional circuit. With English side Queen’s Park Rangers expressing interest, American MLS side Kansas City Wizards has also joined the teams following him. The Wizards, same side of local striker Scott Sealy, wanted Theobald on trial but had to delay because of his injury. They have maintained their interest and according to the player, they are likely to have him over following the 2005 Gold Cup in July.
Beenhakker would obviously please to have as many of the regular fit players at his disposal come May.
“It’s important that I have access to most if not all because it’s an important process leading up to the game and with me now taking over the team. Apart from getting feedback and seeing what the players have done before, it would be a plus to have everyone around,” Beenhakker said.
Meantime, midfielder Leslie Fitzpatrick returned to Atlanta on Friday and is expected to tie up a new deal in the MLS this week.
News from the 12th of April 2005.
‘Warriors’ mindful of World Cup goal.
By: Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer[/size]
With training expected to resume in the first week of May, several of this country’s senior footballers have expressed enthusiasm in beginning work under recently appointed head coach Leo Beenhakker.
But several have also moved in to ensure that the camaraderie in the team remains in light of the current change up in management of the team.
Beenhakker, an experienced professional by all means, said it was important that he and his new staff be able to maintain an understanding throughout the team pointing out that at no time should those concerned lose sight of the ultimate goal which is getting to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
”We are all here to get a job done and to accomplish that goal and I am certain that we are all professional enough to know what is required to achieve this,” Beenhakker said last week.
Coventry City striker Stern John realizes that his on-field form is most important to him at this time but he is also aware that team spirit is a main factor for the “Warriors”.
“Right now we must be careful about how these new developments come into play. The results in this round so far was not what any of us hoped for and maybe because of that, changes have been made and we must live with that and see how best we can use it to our advantage,” John said. “It’s sad anytime you have to see your old coach (Bertille St Clair) and Manager (Richard Braithwaite) getting the axe because over a period you develop something with them outside of just football. But at the end of the day, changes are made for betterment and we have a coach now with a good track record and hopefully we can all make this work under him.
Like John, Dwight Yorke, Marvin Andrews, David Nakhid and Shaka Hislop who have all worn the captain’s armband, all feel the same over the current scenario.
Andrews, currently nursing a knee injury received support from Glasgow Rangers manager Alex McLeish who said on the weekend that he would not count on playing Andrews again despite his refusal to undergo surgery. Andrews couldn’t comment but maintained high hopes for the “Warriors”.
Yorke meantime, in the midst of contract discussions, said that he still wants to see T&T to Germany in 2006.
“I’m sure my future will be revealed soon. There are a lot of things in the pipeline and it’s no secret that I’ve wanted to play in the middle east. There are a few offers there on the table and I just have to consider which direction I really want to go for the remainder of my career. I feel strong at the moment and I’m looking to have another two years. I’ve also certainly dedicated the next year or so to Trinidad and Tobago’s football and try to get this team to the next World Cup,” Yorke told TTFF Media.
And while Russell Latapy tasted Scottish First Division success with Falkirk on the weekend, he’s still having fun as a player. "My body will determine how long I’m able to keep playing. I still enjoy playing, I love it. I love getting up and going in for training every day, so as long as I can handle it physically I’ll play. In saying that I don’t want to get to the stage where I’m not doing the team or myself any justice. If it got to that point I would just chuck it, but I’m having fun at this present time,” Latapy told Scottish reporters on Thursday.
Beenhakker is expected to begin his meetings with this country’s European-based pros this month before returning to take up duties here in the first week of May.
Jack Warner chairs CONCACAF Ex-Co meeting.
By: Shaun Fuentes.[/size]
The CONCACAF Executive Committee met for the first time in 2005 at the offices of the CONCACAF General Secretariat in New York City on Friday.
The meeting began with a presentation of New York City’s bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games by members of the bidding committee including Donna De Verona. The presentation was well received by the CONCACAF Executive Committee, which unanimously supported New York City’s candidacy for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Under the Chairmanship of CONCACAF President, Jack Warner, the Committee then received reports on all past, current and future competitions in addition to departmental reports covering all aspects of the Confederation’s activities.
Following reports of projectiles being thrown by spectators onto the field of play and toward officials and players, most recently during the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup match between Deportivo Saprissa (CRC) and CF Monterrey (MEX) on Wednesday (7 April), the CONCACAF Executive Committee affirmed its determination that clubs be held responsible for the actions of their supporters within stadiums. The Committee further emphasized the intention of CONCACAF to make full use of the penalties and sanctions at its disposal in dealing with such incidents.
The Committee was advised that the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) plans to hold a CFU Congress at the time of the next FIFA Congress, which is being held in Marrakech, Morocco from 9-11 September 2005. The CFU Congress will deal specifically with a proposal from the Jamaican Football Federation to go it alone in terms of the negotiation of TV rights associated with key events.
The Committee also heard that CONCACAF had been approached by UNICEF to form an alliance between the two organizations aiming to use the potential of the sport of football to promote the work of UNICEF and encourage the effective involvement of football in the delivery of UNICEF’s programs with children across the CONCACAF region. The Committee unanimously supported a proposal to work with UNICEF on an exclusive basis, as CONCACAF’s nominated partner, to provide more focused activities in pursuit of good causes.
The Committee also unanimously supported a proposal for the recently appointed CONCACAF Technical Director, Keith Look Loy, and the Director of Development, Richard Braithwaite, to coordinate efforts and work closely to produce a realistic and focused development program for CONCACAF for further consideration.
Finally the CONCACAF Executive Committee welcomed the news that Ms. Kerri Ann Alleyne has been appointed to the position of Deputy General Secretary of CONCACAF for the Caribbean Zone. Ms. Alleyne, who spent four years as the CFU Events Coordinator before being appointed as the CFU General Secretary, becomes the first woman ever to hold this or any similar such position within the CONCACAF family. The position of CONCACAF Deputy General Secretary (Caribbean Zone) was previously held by Mr. Harold Taylor, who has now been appointed as FIFA’s Development Officer for the Caribbean. The Committee thanked Mr. Taylor for his tireless and ongoing work and his lifelong commitment to football.
