TTFF NEWS - Spann gets the call for Wednesday's clash

Spann gets the call for Wednesday's clash
Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, October 13,2008

Wrexham's Silvio Spann has been called up by head coach Francisco Maturana
for Wednesday's crucial 2010 World Cup qualifier against United States at
the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Spann, who last played in a 0-0 draw with Guadeloupe in February,is
scheduled to arrive on Monday evening and will join the team camp at the
Crowne Plaza.
Meantime, there is some doubt over Cornell Glen who is carrying a hamstring
problem and he will be monitored closely up until Tuesday. There is better
news for Dennis Lawrence who picked up a strain in the 0-0 draw with
Guatemala, has been given the all clear to train and play. Southampton
striker Stern John also has the green light for Wednesday's match after
nursing a hamstring strain.
Spann, in as a fill with Cyd Gray and Anthony Wolfe suspended, was
delighted with the call which came from the airport in Guatemala prior to
the team's departure. The TTFF was able to confirm Spann's travel
arrangements.

"I got a phone call late on Sunday afternoon," he said.

"After that it was a bit of a panic to get in touch with the gaffer to clear
it with him and then sort out flights.

"The TTFF officials were still traveling home from Guatemala on Sunday, so
they couldn't organise my travel. Hopefully, everything will drop into place
and I will be back in Trinidad late on Monday.

"That will give me time to prepare myself for the game on Wednesday evening.

"This is a very important game for my country and it's get to be involved
again."

Due to the times of return flights from the Caribbean, Silvio will head back
to Wrexham on Thursday evening, arriving back at lunchtime on Friday.

Manager Dean Saunders was happy for the player.

"Silvio has been down a bit of late, but playing against York and now being
recalled by his country has given him a lift," said the manager.

"This is exactly the sort of thing I was trying to point out to the players,
if you put in the work, then you will get your rewards.

"It is a long trip for him, but he's used to it and it's great to see him
smiling again."

Warner doubles up

Meantime TTFF Special Advisor Jack Warner and President of the Republic His
Excellency George Maxwell Richards were all smiles as they greeted captain
Dwight Yorke and the T&T team prior to boarding the Dominican Airways
charter flight out of Guatemala City on Sunday.

Warner relayed to the team earlier in the day that the TTFF would double the
players' match wage.

"What a show of character, determination, fight and belief. What those guys
displayed out there is what we need more of in our country... to be able to
combat the problems we are facing today. We are all proud of the efforts.
Never before did one point have so much value," Warner said.

"I have told them that their match fees have been doubled for what they did
against Guatemala and they deserve every bit of it."