Central F.C.’s TT Pro League match against T&TEC on Saturday has been rescheduled to 2pm due to problems with the lights at Larry Gomes Stadium. But the early start doesn’t worry the Sharks Head Coach, Graham Rix.
“As the old saying goes, it’s the same for both teams, so I’m not at all concerned about playing at 2pm” said the former England midfielder. However, the coaching staff will be monitoring the players closely, particularly if Saturday is a hot day. “Of course the temperature will take it’s toll on both teams and we will need to keep an eye on the players. But these are professional footballers with a high level of fitness, so they will deal with the heat.”
Managing Director, Brent Sancho said that the club was unsure of how the early start may affect the attendance. “It’s a tricky one” Said Sancho. “On one hand perhaps the more traditional supporter may have difficulty attending as many people are working during the afternoon or have chores to do. But then again, it’s a perfect opportunity for families to attend a professional football match without worrying about returning home too late.”
Sancho said that attracting families to games is an important part of Central F.C.’s ethos. “As a club, we have to target the whole community, not just traditional supporters. We need to attract new supporters and build attendances, and Saturday is the perfect opportunity. There aren’t many events that a father and son can both attend and be interested in. I remember great memories of attending football matches with my father as a boy, and I believe it was this shared love of the game that I shared with my father that made me want to become a footballer.”
Operations Director, Kevin Harrison said “We have made sure that we can cater for families at Saturday’s game. We have teamed up with Universal Foods to give away packets of their cereals and there will be a free draw to win a Hersheys hamper. We have also received some team posters from English Championship club, Middlesborough, so there will also be the chance of winning one of those.”
And there will be another Middleborough connection on Saturday as Graham Rix, former Arsenal captain scored the only goal in a game against Boro in 1982. “It was described as “a cracker” by the newspapers the next day” laughed Rix. “ “But I remember that the win took us to 3rd place in the league. So, I’d be happy with a 1-0 victory on Saturday and perhaps we’ll see Anthony Wolfe or Daryll Trim score a cracker!”
Harrison said “We were delighted to receive a package from Middlesborough wishing Central F.C. luck in our first season and containing a club pennant signed by all of the current squad as well as some team posters.”
Rix said “Middlesborough are one of those great English clubs that always take the time to support football initiatives. It’s great that they sent over these items and we’re really grateful to them”
Harrison added that as well as issuing 100 free match programmes, the first 50 supporters will be offered free Central F.C. noisemakers. “There will also be exclusive supporter T shirts and polos for adults at $50 with 3 free Presidente beers. So, hopefully the whole family will have something to enjoy at the game”
Central F.C. vs T&TEC at Larry Gomes Stadium, Saturday 27th October at 2pm followed by North East Stars vs Police F.C. at 4pm. Entrance $30.