Clayton Morris, captain of the Trinidad and Tobago “Strike Squad” who narrowly failed to earn qualification to the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, has resigned as the Technical Director of Digicel Pro League outfit TTEC FC.
The 49-year-old former TT Under-20 and Futsal coach, in a letter to the TTEC team manager Peter Mohan, wrote, “as Technical Director who is responsible for the end product of (the team) on the football field on game days, but still have to select players who management wants on the pitch, fit or not, practice or not, discipline or indiscipline, I am convinced now that you can have the best management staff in the world, most money, most talented, most expensive players on your roster.”
The ex-national team central defender continued, “but if management of these players are not handled in a professional manner so as to avoid such division, along with honesty and teamwork amongst all technical staff members, leaves me with no other choice but to stand alone and tender my resignation as Technical Director of the club, with immediate effect.”
Morris joined TTEC as its Technical Director in April, following the club’s acceptance in the 2011-2012 Pro League.
He previously held Technical Director roles at both United Petrotrin and St Ann’s Rangers, two of his former clubs, and represented Trinidad and Tobago in 36 internationals (with one goal) from 1983-1992.
Morris, in his letter, told the club’s manager, “I realised that you make statements out of emotions on what people/fans say, which leaves me to think that I am here by chance. “I also spoke to some “football lords” who have lots more experience then I have referenced what’s going on at the club. They disagreed totally with such approach and support my decision to resign.
“It’s even more difficult to perform my duties effectively when players/assistant coaches report to management without the knowledge of the TD or coach (Dexter Cyrus),” Morris added.
He revealed that he was irked that half of the squad showed up to a training session on December 31, and that management turns a blind eye at players who show disinterest towards practice sessions.
“Clearly these players have knowledge that the head coach and myself are not aware of,” Morris noted. “I hope you understand and accept my decision and at the same time I humbly apologise for any inconvenience caused with my sudden departure.”