TTFF NEWS - Sixty nine goals and counting... Stern eyes more from T&T team

Trinidad and Tobago striker Stern John is counting on the national team to pull off a greater effort both on and off the pitch as it looks ahead to the semi-final round of the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign which begins for this country away to Cuba on August 20.

 

John, speaking last week prior to his return to Southampton for preseason training after leading T&T to the next round with a 65^th minute goal in Sunday’s all important 2-0 victory over Bermuda expressed a certain amount of satisfaction with the team’s progress but feels that more is needed particularly if the “Soca Warriors” are to have any chance of defeating the United States in a competitive outing.

 

“I was a bit disappointed because over the past decade or so we would have been able to beat Bermuda by about five goals I think we took them for granted in the first game and we gave ourselves  a hard hurdle to get over. We showed character as team in Bermuda and we dug deep for it . But at the end of the day it was a professional job and we did what we had to advance to the next round,” John told TTFF Media.

 

John confessed that he was disappointment with being left on the bench for the start of Sunday’s match but he was able to put it behind him.

 

“As a player you will be disappointed when you don’t start and I was disappointed but when you are playing for your country it’s about Trinidad and Tobago and the team and not about Stern John anymore. I had to sit on the bench and wait until the manager called upon me as that was part of the tactics. That’s part of the game and right now is all about Trinidad and Tobago and qualifying for the World Cup.”

 

The former Sunderland striker, now with 69 goals in 103 internationals, gave his impression on the current state of the team and what he hopes to see regarding any improvements. T&T meets Cuba on August 20 in Havana and then has a home game scheduled for September 6 against Guatemala, an affair which could be played outside of T&T. The “Soca Warriors” then face USA in Illinois on September 10.

 

“I think we have a very young team and we will be looking to get back a couple more of the senior players. With the last team I think we had a lot more togetherness and it’s something we are working on now both on and off the pitch. Everyone was willing to work for each other back then.. When you got on the pitch everyone played for each other and that’s what we need more of. We need to believe more in ourselves as a team and believe that we can beat teams like USA and Guatemala as well as Cuba.  We just have to stay on working and become more of a unit.”

 

“I think some of the other guys deserve a second chance as they are still good enough to make the team. We will be coming up against stronger team and we need our strongest squad which also means that we may need a couple of the senior players to get involved again. Even if it means guys like Dwight coming back into the team then we have to go that way to ensure we have our best squad together. I know a couple of the guys need to start back playing for clubs if they are to get a chance with the national team again and they need to look after that as well,” John added.

 

The ex-Birmingham City hitman is also eyeing a return to the Premiership.

 

“Definitely I would love to return to the Premiership and I think the first step to that is keeping myself in good shape and scoring as much goals for my club and also doing well on the international stage for my country. When you enter the thirties as a forward they say that’s when you are in the twilight of your career and I’m just trying to keep myself in good physical condition and hopefully continue to produce the goods,” he concluded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TTFF NEWS - TTFF Statement

TTFF Statement

 

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation and its National Team Coaching Staff wishes to report on a meeting held with members and officials of the T&T Professional League and its clubs on Wednesday June 27, 2008 with an aim to simplifying the National Team’s access to local-based players for preparations for the semi-final round of the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

 

Following Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Bermuda which secured this country’s passage to the next round, the TTFF called the meeting with the Pro League which was subsequently held at the Nelson Mandela Hall, Centre of Excellence at Wednesday midday.

 

Coaches present included Ron La Forest (Ma Pau), Michael McComie (Joe Public), Terry Fenwick, Angus Eve (Clico San Juan Jabloteh), Hutson Charles (Defence Force), Peter Granville (Tobago United), Brian Williams, Philbert Jones (United Petrotrin), Stuart Charles Fevrier (W Connection), Jerry Moe (Caledonia AIA) and Clint Marcelle (North East Stars).

 

 Among the TTFF Personnel were T&T head coach Francisco Maturana, Assistant coach Anton Corneal, TTFF General Secretary Richard Groden, Keith Look Loy, technical consultant and Special Advisor Jack Warner

 

The main aim of the meeting was to reach an agreement with the clubs so as to ensure release of its players for training and international matches without a lack of cooperation.

 

National Team head coach Francisco Maturana and Assistant Coach Anton Corneal also discussed their feelings on the current state of the team and its plans for the future preparations as they look ahead to facing the United States, Cuba and  Guatemala from August 20,2008.

 

Both Maturana and Corneal were also called up to respond to matters raised by some coaches of the clubs regarding the non-selection of certain players.

 

Maturana clearly gave his reasons, citing that at no time did he overlook any player due to any off the field circumstances. He was asked about the fact that young midfielder Khaleem Hyland was selected despite being unattached and the Colombian explained that the physical state of 19-year-old player who is on the verge of signing with an English club and had been in the national team since the beginning of the year is different to that of a player in his late 20s or early 30s who had not secured a first team place at the club or international level for over a year.  Maturana also cleared the air on the absence of English-born midfielder Chris Birchall, saying that he had in fact monitored the player’s state during the past season and is hopeful that the player among others do in fact begin playing and training regularly at a level that would make them an option for his selection process.

 

Caledonia coach Jerry Moe also got involved asking what were the sacrifices the PFL clubs were willing to make to ensure the country has a well prepared team.

 

Maturana added to the table that as coaches they  all understood the value of selecting and standing by the selection of their respective squads. In  addressing why certain players are not being selected he said that those were issues that he as a coach will never discuss in the media etc, because he always believes a player can be saved and in most instances he would give a player the benefit of a doubt.

 

“But they also need to start playing and training regularly. It’s the only way a player will be considered for selection. No player earns his pick on reputation from the past,” Maturana said. “Once the players are active then the door is never closed I assure you.”

 

Corneal also took note of Stuart Charles Fevrier’s questions on the non-selection of players who were part of the 2007 Concacaf Gold Cup squad but he (Corneal) later said that Maturana had in fact observed these players prior beginning his duty as head coach and also worked with some of them during the early period of his tenure and therefore their absence from the team was due to technical reasons.

 

The TTFF and the coaching staff as well, has taken note of the interest from the local clubs shown in the use of overseas-based players and will be careful as to avoid some of the local-based national players at any time feeling that they are being looked over, even by its own League, with preference to players based outside of the country. The TTFF and its coaching staff maintained its stance that it will not bow to any pressure over the national team selection process and players will only be justifiably selected or considered. But the governing body and its staff remain open to discussions, while noting the

 

“It is interesting to note that some of the same coaches (names withheld) who in the (recent) past had been calling for use of more local players instead of a dominant number of overseas ones have really in a sense changed their calls now,” Corneal stated

 

On the issue of scouting for the right talent, Maturana, who has observed several Pro League matches here, added that the feeder for the senior team is the Pro League, the other zones and "unseen" spots are for the Pro League clubs to look at and  they should be getting these  players in their system.

 

The meeting appeared to have ended in good light as the majority stood in support of Maturana and his staff and seemed prepared to offer continuing support towards the preparation of the team towards  its qualifying bid for South Africa 2010.

 

TTFF and Ministry meet over use of Stadium

 

A Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation Contingent will meet with Sports Minister Gary Hunt at his request on Saturday to discuss matters relating to the use of local stadia for international matches as well as the hosting of the 2010 FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Championship.

 

The TTFF delegation will include President Oliver Camps, Vice President Raymond Tim Kee, Keith Look Loy as well as Local Organizing Committee members Sandra Basheer and Cheryl Abrams.

 

TTFF Special Advisor Jack Warner and General Secretary are both out of the country and will be guests of UEFA for Sunday’s Euro Cup Final between Germany and Spain in Vienna.

 

Warner revealed too that the TTFF has secured permission from FIFA and the United States Soccer Federation for use of a venue in the United States for its future World Cup qualifiers starting with the clash with Guatemala on September 6. This is pending a resolution of the matter regarding the usage of the local stadia.

 

On a final topic, the TTFF can also reveal that even prior to the two-match home and away tie with Bermuda, former national captain Dwight Yorke has expressed an interest in assisting this country’s National Team in its attempt to qualify for South Africa 2010 and he and Maturana are to hold a discussion on this. Warner confirmed that Yorke had expressed an interest in conversation with him. The Sunderland midfielder was in Warner’s company at the Marvin Lee Stadium for T&T’s 1-1 draw with Jamaica earlier this month.

 

 

 

 

Football commentary

SPORTS FOOTBALL COMMENTARY: SO WHAT IS NEXT FOR MATURANA- A BOOT OR A PIPE?

By Andre E Baptiste

 

 

So what Now?

A homecoming party perhaps?

What about some champagne and caviar?

By the way, has anyone mentioned, if the players have been paid for their two World Cup qualifying matches as yet?

Or what about the centennial celebrations , when are we going to have the next big bash to celebrate our 100 years existence( administrators that is)  in football, remember , people of Trinidad and Tobago, we still have six more months for the year to finish?

Trinidad and Tobago, a team that achieved the rare heights of World Cup Finals  appearances (three to be exact) in Germany, barely scrapes through against Bermuda to the semi Final stage of CONCACAF  World Cup 2010 qualification and already, all is forgotten.

All of the errors of omission – in not allowing more experienced players an opportunity to impress or fail – seemed to have been swept under the carpets ( no sorry , Rugs ) at the Football Federation’s offices.

Loyalty and sincerity have never been comfortable bedfellows in this beautiful twin island republic (we still have trouble in getting Trinidad politics to mesh with Tobago politics, even if the same political party runs both).

Most of us, have already forgotten the names of the Soca Warriors team from Germany, apart from maybe Captain Dwight Yorke and the magician Russell Latapy.

I put this to the test while producing Synergy Sports at the RED 96.7 Family Day at Queens Royal College, I asked six children , ages ranging from 9 to 14 years  ( four boys and two girls), if they liked football, and they all enthusiastically   said yes .

That was the easy part. When I asked them separately to name four players from the Soca Warriors team that represented Trinidad and Tobago in Germany, only one child, the 12 year old student of Fatima College could answer completely.

The other five, struggled (and that is being kind), they all knew of the name –Soca Warriors- , with two mentioning Yorke and Shaka Hislop. And one other youth finally saying Latapy and Yorke.

By the way, everyone knew who was – Jack Warner – as it relates to football.

This then is further testimony, that the Football Federation knows that they can do what they want to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and we will accept it.

Whether it is in the direct or indirect orders not to select certain players, whether it is in placing our football reputation at risk by playing on surfaces and at venues not convenient to our team. Or simply in appointing a coach, who they cannot understand, but are fully aware, that they will ensure that he understands them.

Colombian Francisco Maturana has without a doubt made a lot of errors, but when you appear not able to make adjustments until it is almost too late, even the Football Federation cannot be held accountable for this.

His close connections , whether perceived or real to the Corneal Clan, is not good for him or for the Corneals and most importantly does not impress the majority of the 1.3 million population, whose suspicious nature has long been aroused by families in sports. South Korea had it and it failed, Trinidad and Tobago some say, have the – Warners – and – the Corneals -.

As we look ahead to the next stage, nothing but honest, dedicated, determined and discipline hard work will allow this country an opportunity to move into the final qualifying round.

Cuba, Guatemala and USA will be comforted by our deficiencies against Bermuda.

Our comfort must be that we should not make the same mistakes over and over; these opponents unlike Bermuda will ensure we pay dearly.

Without much thinking, our greatest concern has to be our defense and our methods of scouting the opposition. Against Bermuda we fell down in both areas.

We can only improve our defense, with a change in personnel and with practice. Scouting though is basic, once we have intelligent and perceptive enough coaches or scouts. Let us hope while this country was busy struggling against Bermuda , some scouts were watching the USA demolish Barbados, Guatemala’s clinical assault on St Lucia and Cuba’s edgy performance against Antigua and Barbuda.

So what is NEXT? With or Without Maturana.

Unless we shine in this round, Maturana will be history sooner rather than later. I still believe, he is the wrong man for this job. I hope though I am wrong, for once in my sporting life.

 

:: AB

 

 

 

TTFF NEWS - Bermuda back down from protest action

Bermuda back down from protest action

Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, June 25, 2008

 

The Bermudan Football Association has announced that it will not file any sort of protest in relation to its defeat to Trinidad and Tobago in Sunday’s 2010 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier.

 

Initially, following the 2-0 victory by T&T there had been reports that the Bermudan FA were considering filing a protest against T&T’s second goal as well as what the home team claimed was a second yellow card received by T&T captain Aurtis Whitley.

 

But in a release from the BFA on Wednesday, they went on to state that there was insufficient evidence to warrant any protest.

 

 “The BFA has received DVD recordings of the match played on Sunday, June 22nd, which have been reviewed by the following persons:

Members of the Technical Committee, Members of the BFA Executive Committee, Technical Director, National Senior Team Coaching Staff, President and General Secretary.

 

After reviewing the DVD evidence we have concluded the following:

 

Two Yellow Cards:

The BFA can categorically deny that Trinidadian Player #9 received two yellow cards during the match.  Trinidad & Tobago had received two yellow cards during the match, which were given to players #4 and #9 in the 42th minute and 59th minute respectively.  Therefore, this is no longer an issue.

 

Substitution of Bermuda Player:

 

The DVD recording shows that the Referee stopped the match to award a free kick to Trinidad & Tobago.  At the same time, the 4th Official is seen conducting the substitution between Bermuda players Kwame Steede and Jemeiko Jennings.  Whilst this sequence of events is a contentious issue, the Bermuda FA has determined that there are no grounds to protest the outcome of the match.

 

The issue of there being 12 players on the field is of no relevance as it relates to the process of making substitutions.  The DVD shows Kwame Steede running off the field of play without hesitation and that Jemeiko Jennings enters the field of play as a natural course of action.  There is no intent by the Bermuda players or team officials to circumvent the rules by intentionally placing 12 players on the field of play.  In other words, the actions of both players would occur in the natural / normal process of making a substitution.”

 

The BFA release further stated: “Basis for Decision not to Protest

 

The actions above which played a role in the outcome of the match are disappointing. We have determined that the performance of the 4th Official was below acceptable standards for a World Cup match as it relates to the substitution procedures but we do not see any grounds for protesting the outcome of the match. 

 

However, we have decided to send a formal complaint to FIFA regarding the performance of the Referee, Assistant Referee and 4th Official with respect to this matter.  In our complaint submission we have also asked for FIFA to indicate what action will be taken regarding this matter.”

 

Meantime, with the T&T team back home settling after securing passage to the semi-final round, some of the overseas-based players will start departing for their respective clubs to commence preseason training for the upcoming season.

 

Skipper Aurtis Whitley and the other home-based professionals have also rejoined their clubs for the resumption of the local Pro League.

 

Whitley, looking back at the win over Bermuda, said there was now a need for more bonding among the players.

 

“I think going down 2-1 at home and then going to Bermuda and getting the result we needed showed that the team has a lot of character and that’s an early plus. We knew the importance of the game and while it may not have been a dominating scoreline… I think we played the better football all round,” Whitley told TTFF Media.

 

“I think now we as players have to work more on bonding. The togetherness is there but it’s not as much as the last team was around the ending up of the qualifiers and in Germany. I think if we can get back that togetherness and start playing the football as we should earlier in the campaign this time then things will be easier. We have to look back at how we did it last time and try to repeat the same things but from an earlier time. Everybody knows the next round against USA, Guatemala and Cuba will not be easy so we need to take the necessary steps and go through the right preparations to get past these teams,” Whitley added.

TTFF NEWS - Preview - Time to Deliver . T&T footballers meet Bermuda in crucial clash

Time to Deliver … T&T footballers meet Bermuda in crucial clash

 “The Pressure won’t get to us.”

 

That was the indication coming from the Trinidad and Tobago camp at the Grotto Bay Hotel in Bermuda on Saturday after the “Soca Warriors” completed their final training session before Sunday’s crucial 2010 World Cup qualifier second round encounter against Bermuda at the National Sports Center.

 

Head coach Francisco Maturana and  his team got use of the match ground for one hour and used it to fine tune their approach for the match which T&T has to aim for a win by at least two goal margin.

 

The possibilities based on the home and away rules are that if T&T are to win by a 2-0 margin then they will progress to the semi-final stage. If T&T wins even by a 3-2 margin they will also progress based on scoring more goals away from home. If the score reads 2-1 in favour of T&T after regulation time then there will be thirty minutes of extra time (no golden goal) and penalty kicks if necessary. A 1-0 win for T&T or a draw will see Bermuda advance and T&T out.

 

Maturana remained in good spirits over his team’s capabilities after observing his front men work on their finishing during the latter half of the session.

 

“I think we are ready for the game. You can see that the preparation has been serious and each players knows what is necessary at this stage. We are very focused at the moment and when the match comes then it becomes time for us to change the result around in our favour. We must not allow Bermuda to play the game at the pace which they like but we must do it in relation to what we have to achieve on the day,” Maturana told TTFF Media.

 

Sunderland midfielder Carlos Edwards said he feeling was obvious among all the players as to what the reaction would be should T&T fail to advance.

 

“We would be devastated and it would be a nightmare if we were to get knocked out at this stage. It would be absolutely devastating for myself, the players, the federation and the country especially after all the hard work that has been put in since 2006. Hopefully we can live to fight another day and continue the journey after tomorrow (Sunday),’ Edwards added.

 

“But at the moment it’s in our hands and it makes no sense dwelling on the past. The guys are upbeat at the moment and everyone is bubbling in anticipation of the game. The vibes is second to none. We need to be ready at least a day before and I think that’s where we are right now. There’s always pressure to deliver but I relish the challenge and I’m looking forward to it.”

 

T&T will play in white in front of a sold out stadium where some 5,200 fans are expected to be on hand. FIFA Vice President Jack Warner along with TTFF General Secretary Richard Groden, Vice Presidents Rudy Thomas, Lennox Watson and Raymond Tim Kee all stopped by the team camp on Saturday to extend best wishes to the team.

 

“All I can ask is that you play the game to the best of your ability. Each player knows what he has to do and we remain confident in the ability of the team,” Warner said.

 

Dating back to 2001, T&T played Bermuda in a friendly at the same venue for Sunday’s match, coming away 5-0 winners with John netting a double and Dwight Yorke also among the scorers. In 2005, T&T won 1-0 and drew 2-2 in two other friendlies. When both teams met in Trinidad in 2005, T&T came out 1-0 and 4-0 winners.

 

Bermuda, the oldest and most populous remaining British overseas territory with a population of just over 66,000 was buzzing with activity on Saturday morning as hundreds of persons lined up near the Bermudan FA offices to grab the last set tickets on sale.

 

Bermuda has the world's highest acreage of golf courses as a percentage of its total landmass with its two most popular footballers being Shaun Goater and Clyde Best. Now current team captain Omar Shakir said his side was highly motivated to hold off the visitors and improve its popularity as a footballing nation.

 

"They have put extra pressure on themselves by not giving us any respect before the first leg and then not giving us any credit afterwards," said Shakir.

 

"They expected to sweep us aside. I believe they did underestimate us, but they won't make the same mistake again, so we are in for a much more difficult game.

 

"It would be very humbling for them to be beaten by lowly Bermuda given what they think about us at this point. They won't want to go back to Trinidad with their tails between their legs."

 

The game will be aired live in local radio stations 105FM, Power 102 FM and I95.5FM.

Kick off time is 6:30 pm T&T Time/7:30pm Bermudan time.

 

T&T 18-man squad: Marvin Phillip, Jan Michael Williams, Dennis Lawrence,Makan Hislop,  Keyeno Thomas, Michael Edwards Osei Telesford, Kern Cupid, Aurtis Whitley (captain), Carlos Edwards, Stephan David, Khaleem Hyland, Keon Daniel, Kevon Carter, Jerol Forbes, Jason Scotland, Stern John, Darryl Roberts, standby – Kareem Smith

 

 

 

 

 

 

TTFF NEWS - Warriors prepare for Sunday's do or die return leg

Warriors prepare for Sunday’s do or die return leg

 

Trinidad and Tobago’s senior footballers returned to the training pitch on Tuesday afternoon at the Larry Gomes Stadium as they sort to get their act together again ahead of Sunday’s do or die 2010 World Cup qualifier against Bermuda at Hamilton.

 

Head Coach Francisco Maturana will also conduct a session at the Malabar venue on Wednesday prior to the team’s departure for Bermuda at 7am on Thursday

 

There have been two changes to the squad going to Bermuda with Defence Force defender Michael Edwards coming in for Ancil Farrier and Defence Force winger Kevon Carter replacing Hayden Tinto.

 

Midfielder Carlos Edwards admitted that T&T had only themselves to blame for Sunday’s defeat but maintains that his “Warriors” will bounce back, needing to win by two clear goals to advance to the semi-final round of the campaign.

 

“Of course we are disappointed. We have put ourselves in a hole with this loss and it means while the situation might be a desperate one now we have no right to be going to Bermuda needing to win by two goals. But that’s the script and we have to forget everything and go out there and do what we have to do – that is to win convincingly if we are to keep our dreams alive,” Edwards told TTFF Media.

 

“I think having reflected on what took place on Sunday we realize that there were things that we didn’t do right and Bermuda have gained the advantage. I felt I could have done more and so the other players as well but we need to make sure we do everything now. We have another match to make up for it. It’s only half time right now and we have to go out there and pull out all the stops now. ”

 

Team captain Aurtis Whitley may have more than work in the middle to do as his leadership qualities will have to show up some more now to ensure his troops are mentally ready for Sunday’s game.

 

“We have to really dig deep and we know that. It’s going to be a lot more than just the 90 minutes on the pitch on Sunday. Now isn’t the time to blame anyone but we must come together and make this happen.We expect they will be full of confidence after the win and that means they will try to make it very difficult for us. We must be ready for this,” Whitley said.

 

The Bermudans are a highly confident bunch at the moment and as football correspondent Stephen Wright wrote in the Royal Gazette, they are prepared to knock T&T out the South Africa campaign.

“Emblazoned across the back of Trinidad's training tops are the words "impossible is nothing,” Wright started

“Ironically, it was the underdogs Bermuda who did the most to endorse that sentiment at the Marvin Lee Stadium with an astonishing victory over the Caribbean's top-ranked side.

“The stage is now set for an epic encounter with the National Sports Centre sure to be transformed into a furnace of partisan support, who will be hoping to witness their heroes forge a piece of footballing history.

“Once again they will be striving to ram Stern John's pre-game prophecy back down his throat with the Gombey Warriors now truly believing that 'impossible is nothing'.” Wright added.

 

 

 

---- TIME FOR MATURANA TO GO!!!!-------

---- TIME FOR MATURANA TO GO!!!!-------

 

When people hear of Bermuda, everyone thinks about –Bermuda shorts-

Many Trinidad and Tobago citizens actually wear these shorts regularly.

On Sunday (14^th June), A Bermudan national football team made all of Trinidad and Tobago “wear’ red on their faces from embarrassment, shock and dismay, following a 2-1 defeat.

Add in a few tears for the four children, I saw sobbing uncontrollably at the Marvin Lee Stadium and you know just what “Football” means.

Trinidad and Tobago clearly did not do their homework. 

Khano Smith from the Major League Soccer in the United States terrorized our defenders, with his measured control and talented left boot.  His running at defenders left his opposite number Kareem Smith, a mere admirer, when his deft cross found an unmarked John Barry Nusum.

Perhaps though the deciding point in this match, was made off the field, and no it was not the posturing of the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs- Gary Hunt -or that of the special advisor to the Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation -Austin Jack Warner -and their (yes, both of them) “petty” antics, as it relates to Stadiums, costs, advertising and freeness.  Neither man has any authority on all these matters to make them on their own, without thinking about the people of this Country.  Jack Warner though has experience and knowledge on his side and should not allow Hunt, to draw him out so much.

The real problem was the decision to play a formation of 3-5-2. A system our team will clearly not be comfortable with.  Against Jamaica we used 4-4-2, against England, we used 4-4-2.  So was it that the technical Team, led by the non English speaking coach.

Fransisco Maturana devised this “bright” plan on their own. 

It was a disaster.

A lot of this Team, seem disinterested in the game, it was as if they believed, they should not have been on the same field with the team from Bermuda.

How wrong they were? How wrong indeed?

The nippy winger Damon Ming, was also having his way with 33 year old Dennis Lawrence, who looked out of sorts.

In fact apart from a brief spell of energy from Carlos Edwards, it was a woeful performance from all bar possibly – Goalkeeper Clayton Ince-.

Stern John was his usual errant self with more misses than hits on targets.

So what made Maturana do this madness, did he make this decision on his own, or was he aided by Anton Corneal, the assistant coach?

 In fact, the elder Corneal (Alvin) was on a technical FIFA committee with Maturana some years ago.

Also during the game with our team 2-1 down at half time, Maturana correctly introduced Ancil Farrier to stop the hemorrhaging, but unwisely substituted Khaleem Hyland instead of the hapless Keon Daniel.

Another, glaring error by the Colombian. Is there smoke in his eyes?

Maturana also demonstrated his lack of vision in utilizing only two (2) of his three (3) available substitutes.

Bermuda’s less experienced and much cheaper coach Kenneth Thompson utilizes all three of his substitutes.

 Is he saying or sending a signal that his bench is so bad, so poor, what does that say of the future of Daryl Roberts?

It is clear now in my mind, win (by the required 2 goals on Sunday 22^nd) or lose, that Fransisco Maturana is not the “man” for us. This country deserves more.

Any talk of Chemistry among the team is a significant disclosure that everything is not okay in the camp.

Sometimes, too many cooks block

He is not able to inspire these players and maybe it is time to revised the Blacklisted players and swallow your pride, Jack and ask them to come back.  It may be too late…………

However if there is no Blacklist , and the coach Maturana can pick any player , he wants , that is a faster reason to have this man out of here, because, he has not selected our best team.

But Maturana should go, should go and never come back.

Faith  alone will not help us in the future , it may on Sunday coming , but that is short term thinking .

So Maturana Please Go and take some with you.!

 

:: AB

 

 

TTFF NEWS - Stern John back for Bermuda

Stern John back for Bermuda

 

Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, June 12, 2008

 

Trinidad and Tobago will have the services of Southampton striker Stern John for Sunday’s 2010 World Cup qualifier against Bermuda at the Marvin Lee Stadium.

John, who missed the Jamaica friendly with a hamstring proble,  was passed fit and rejoined training at the Larry Gomes Stadium on Wednesday. He is included in the 18-man squad announced by head coach Francisco Maturana.

 

John will join skipper Aurtis Whitley, Carlos Edwards, Dennis Lawrence, Jason Scotland and Clayton Ince as the players from the previous 2006 World Cup campaign in the squad to kick off this country’s bid for South Africa 2010.

 

The other faces in the team include midfielders Keon Daniel and Khaleem Hyland as well as striker Darryl Roberts and goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams. Defence Force defender Michael Edwards is the only newcomer for Sunday’s encounter.

 

Skipper Whitley said that his troops have been getting down to the business of preparing for a bright start to the campaign.

 

“We’ve worked hard on the training pitch and  I think we’ve especially tried to correct some of our weak areas coming out of the England and Jamaica games,” Whitley told TTFF Media. “We felt overall there was lift in the performance in the Jamaica game but we need to put away more chances as in World Cup competition everything counts. Bermuda will be hoping to cause an upset and I’ve been in these situations long enough to know that we cannot take any team or any match for granted.

 

“Whether we play at the National Stadium or at the Marvin Lee, the team is expected to play its best football and show the same type of approach. No issues at this time will take our focus off the big prize which is securing the points and moving on in the campaign to get to South Africa. We know the public is  expecting a lot of us but we hope that they will offer that support to help us along the way,” Whitley added.

 

Meantime with Bermuda scheduled here at 10:40pm on Thursday, their  technical director Derek Broadley will go all out on Sunday.

Broadley said the surface at the MLS could actually be an advantage for Bermuda.

'I think synthetic surfaces suit technical players and it may make it harder for Trinidad to play their power game.'

He said Bermuda Hogges players had encountered that type of surface on many occasions in the USL and would not be a problem.

And he insisted there would be no repeat of the problems the Hogges encountered when they faced Charlotte Eagles, with the bulk of the players brining the wrong type of boots for the surface.

'We'll make sure they've got the right boots,' he added.

 

And Barbados coach Eyre Sealy reckons Bermuda have a chance to embarrass T&T in their World Cup qualifier after they (Bermuda) scored comfortable 2-1 and 3-0 wins over the Bajans last week.

”You are the underdogs but on the day anybody can beat anybody other factors come into play. It's not going to be easy for either of us but I still have faith. We certainly wish Bermuda well and all the best,” said Sealy.

He said he felt Bermuda had played 'reasonably well' over the two games against his side but needed to tighten up defensively if they were to survive the critical first leg in Trinidad.

Bermuda head coach Kenny Thompson has warned his young charges to ward against being overawed by the occasion and instead use the partisan support to inspire them to raise their performances.

 And he will look towards warhorse Meshach Wade, Smith and Nusum to ensure there is no repeat of the stage fright that gripped Bermuda during the early stages of their last round clash against Cayman Islands in the Caribbean.

 'We will let the players know what to expect as we know there will be a very big crowd,' said Thompson. 'We have enough people who can advise our players on how to handle the situation. Instead of being afraid, they must embrace the situation, even though the crowd is not cheering for them.

 'You need to use the energy of the crowd to motivate you. Khano (Smith), John (Nusum) and Timmy (Figureido) were part of the last World Cup campaign and they can help ease their team-mates' worries.

T&T 18

Clayton Ince, Jan Michael Williams, Kern Cupid Kareem Smith, Dennis Lawrence, Ancil Farrier, Michael Edwards, Makan Hislop, Stephan David, Osei Telesford, Hayden Tinto, Carlos Edwards, Keon Daniel, Aurtis Whitley Khaleem Hyland, Stern John,  Jason Scotland and Darryl Roberts

TTFF RELEASE- World Cup Qualifier set for Marvin Lee Stadium

World Cup Qualifier set for Marvin Lee Stadium

Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, June 10, 2008

 

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation wishes to advise that the 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifying match between Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda is scheduled to take place at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya on Sunday June 15, 2008 at 5:30pm.

This and other matters were confirmed at a meeting of the 2010 Local Organizing Committee on Tuesday.

 

The TTFF wishes to state that the Marvin Lee Stadium also has been granted the approval of the FIFA for the match and any other World Cup Qualifier since the playing surface, the best in the Caribbean, is a 2-star facility consistent with what is used for the UEFA Champions League.

 

Tickets for Sunday’s match have been priced at $300 for covered stands and $200 for uncovered. Tickets will go on sale on match day at the match venue and at Harvard’s compound in Port of Spain from 9 am. The public is also advised that seating accommodation at the venue has also been increased to up to 6,000.

 

Chairman of the LOC  Jack Warner said the game will go on at the venue which was also used in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Jamaica.

 

“The game will go on at the Marvin Lee Stadium which I repeat has been approved by FIFA. This same venue has been used in the past for other FIFA Qualifying matches and will host the best Women Teams of the CONCACAF later this year. And if it comes to that, then we will host other World Cup qualifying matches for our 2010 campaign at that same venue,” Warner said.

“There were several innovations including the placement of bleachers in strategic locations to seat more patrons; the post-match festivities; the new parking and gate provisions, just to name a few. 

 “Many of these innovations, represented to me, the possibilities for not just friendly encounters but even World Cup Qualifiers, especially in light of the challenges we now find ourselves facing with regard to the use of the Hasely Crawford National Stadium and other government-managed sporting facilities,” Warner, currently in Nigeria for FIFA Stadium inspections, further stated in a correspondent to the rest of the LOC.

The Bermuda team arrives here on Thursday night and will train on Friday and Saturday at the match venue.

The T&T team meantime, under head coach Francisco Maturana resumed training on Tuesday afternoon at the Larry Gomes Stadium

 

The match officials for Sunday’s encounter are as follows:

Referee: Cordero Quesada (Costa Rica), Assistant Referee 1: Carballo Ramirez (Costa Rica), Assistant Referee 2: Barrantes Azofeifa (Costa Rica), Fourth Official: Alvarado Cruz (Costa Rica), Referee Assessor: Jose Carlos Cardoza Ortiz  (El Salvador) and the match commissioner is Jamaica’s Anthony James.

 

T&T team prepares for Bermuda

 

National Team head coach Francisco Maturana maintains that his team will not underestimate the Bermudans and he intends to prepare his team to secure a favorable results at all costs.

 

“We have to get an early advantage and that means that the best squad of players we have available will face Bermuda and we will go for an outright win in this first game. The players have received the message and they know that in World Cup qualification, you always go for the best result regardless of who you are playing. This is our first qualification game and we must start it the right way,” Maturana told TTFF Media.

 

Team manager David Muhammad also issued some comments, adding: “Our first World Cup Qualifier opponents are not to be underestimated by Trinidad & Tobago. After getting past the Cayman Islands earlier in the year, Bermuda have just had two consecutive 2-1 victories over Barbados this month, and they are coming in to Trinidad on a high. It is worthwhile to note that although very small, Bermuda is a very wealthy and prosperous nation, and there have been many investments and much government support afforded to their National Team. On terms of results, many may not realise that the Bermudian team on many occasions in the past have scored major victories against much greater opposition.”

 

Bermuda and Mexico have met 8 times before, of these matches Bermuda have won 3 (two of these games were 3-0 victories), they drew once, and of Mexico's 4 victories one of them came after extra time after a 1-1 result in full time. They have met Panama 3 times, and they came away with 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss. The met El Salvador on 5 occasions and they had 2 wins, including a 4-0 victory, 1 draw and 2 losses. They beat the USA twice in 7 games including a 4-0 win, were some stats Muhammad quoted.

Last year Bermuda beat St. Kitts 4-2, in 8 meetings with Antigua they were only defeated once.  In 2 meetings with Montserrat in a home and away World Cup Qualifier they won both games 13-0 and 7-0 respectively. They also have 4 victories in 4 matches against the Bahamas and 2 victories in 2 games against The Dominican Republic. Against T&T they have played 8 times in the past and had 2 victories and 2 draws. They also drew with Venezuela in their only meeting.

 

“Clearly Bermuda is a team that has proven in the past that they can rise to the occasion against much tougher teams and even score a victory against some of the CONCACAF giants. They are definitely not to be underestimated.”

TTFF NEWS - Warriors back in training on Tuesday

Warriors back in training on Tuesday

Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, June 2, 2008

 

Trinidad and Tobago’s National footballers will be back on the training field on Tuesday afternoon at the Ato Boldon Stadium as they look ahead to Saturday’ friendly international against Jamaica at the Queen’s Park Oval.

 

The “Soca Warriors” checked out of the Holiday Inn Hotel on Sunday night and Monday morning and will regroup on Tuesday with sessions every day leading up to Saturday’s encounter.

 

Speaking after the England match, head coach Francisco Maturana said he will use the same players for the Jamaica clash with there expected to be a replacement for striker Kenwyne Jones who has been ruled out of Saturday’s match. Jones was scheduled to undergo an MRI scan late on Monday.

 

“Yes I will use the players who were in the squad for this (England) match. I think with a game like this you can take out the positives and move on. Yes it was disappointing to lose in front the wonderful fans but we played a very strong team and when you do that you must learn from it and I think we have done that tonight,” Maturana told TTFF Media.

 

“If you play Cayman Islands ten times then you can win ten times but I would prefer to play a team like England once and get a good result. I think we would like to have ten more games like this one (referring to England match). I think it is very important for or preparations.

 

“I think it was difficult to lose Kenwyne so early but we have to live with that and the game continued after. It was pleasing to see what some of the players did today but we have the other games to prepare for and the World Cup qualifiers are the important ones right now.”

 

On the display of Dwight Yorke, Maturana said: “I think he did well and a retirement is a personal decision. I think if that was his last game then he would have had a very good retirement from international football.”