Former Trinidad and Tobago national team head coach Everald "Gally" Cummings has flipped the switch on Trinidad and Tobago Football Association and seemed to have now cut all ties with T&T football admitting that he is not happy with the direction things are moving in.
Gally said: "It is a shame that unscrupulous characters have continuously been allowed to stifle the progress of Trinidad and Tobago's football for the financial gain of themselves and their cliques."
"Even though I have been victimized by these "small-time" tyrants for my integrity, strength of character and seriousness and having a level of commitment to success that they could never understand."
"I still submitted various proposals to several sports ministers and TTFA presidents and fought to share my talent, knowledge and experience. But time and time again a Trinidad and Tobago Football Association poisoned with corruption and nepotism has continued to select those who are uninspired, lack vision and don't have a clue when it comes to football development, planning and execution."
"It was all for the love of Trinidad and Tobago; A sentiment that few seem to share in current times. I have even taken my case to the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) and the President of FIFA. I was almost run out of town by EoC but my situation was acknowledged by President Sepp Blatter. His response is attached in which he acknowledged the role I should be playing in the development of Caribbean Football."
"The TTFA surrounds themselves with mediocrity so they can hide their lack of performance but the people of Trinidad and Tobago know what good Kaisoca soccer looks like; if you don't know then get your hand on some Strike Squad (1990 World Cup team) footage from '87-'89; or you can even take it back to the 1974 World Cup team."
"The football history has already been written! If you don't think I have grounds for my statement, then compare my resume, coaching results and football career on the whole to that of any local coaches and 99% of the foreign coaches selected by the TTFA in the past 25 years."
"I must say it has been painful looking at some of these coaches rotated and recycled in positions and continuously proving themselves to be futile and feeding the cancer the football is suffering from; limited by their lack of capability. To them I say, have some pride and strength and try to be true to yourselves."
"Don't let your thoughts be clouded by self-interest and think about what is beneficial to our nation. It is no wonder that the Corporate Sector has refused to fund their programs and they have always had to end up feeding off the Treasury - the Country's resources!
"But is the country getting value for money? It was a shame that the National Team supported by the coach held the Prime Minister and country to ransom to get wages at the recent tournament in Jamaica. Any team I lead would never have done such a thing!!
"I've made myself available for Trinidad and Tobago football for the past 50 years so it's sad for me to say that I'm no longer available to this country's football association nor any similar type of unproductive regime."
"I am fed up of being disrespected in my own country that I've dedicated so much of my life to, by those with no intention of making any positive contribution to this nation and those who lack the ability to have any impact. I am however, willing to assist any of the other Caribbean Football Associations who are serious about developing their football."
"The historic inconsistency, lack of development and vision and the current state of football speaks for itself and Trinidad and Tobago better get serious if we want to regain our respect and shine in the CONCACAF region."
"Nothing significant has happened in Trinidad and Tobago's men's football history without my involvement or those whom I have developed in some way. Even Jack Warner's infamous rise to FIFA's VP was fueled by the hard work of the Strike Squad. His selection as CONCACAF President would not have been possible if Trinidad and Tobago was not playing at this exceptionally high level. Check the records!
"While I applaud the senior women's team for their recent efforts and I know they too have had their struggles with the football administration. I was amazed though after the final game in the quest to secure a place in the Women's World Cup to see how quickly the Coach's continued involvement was revealed by the Secretary of the TTFA even while the Coach has a full time position in the U.S."
"I would however like to thank the Guardian Sports Desk for the Lifetime Award " in recognition of distinguished service to Trinidad and Tobago in the field of Sport"received on 23rd December 2014."
"May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a fantastic and safe New Year."