Not everybody had their wishes come true this Christmas, but Central F.C. Head Coach, Terry Fenwick certainly received the item at the top of his wish list when the club signed T&T international, Ataullah Guerra.
The 26 year old player returned to the Pro League after a spell overseas and is expected to go straight into action when the Sharks face Jabloteh on Sunday at Hasely Crawford Stadium.
“I had several players on my wish list for the winter transfer window, but Ataullah was at the top of that list” said a delighted Fenwick.
Fenwick explained that he was keen to get Guerra into action. “For me, Guerra is a natural goal scorer, but his real strength is as a provider and I don’t think there is anyone better to play behind Winchester and Quintero.”
A former Caledonia and Jabloteh midfielder, Guerra has just finished his contract with Finnish club, Rovaniemen Palloseura. Guerra has played 27 times for T&T scoring 4 goals.
“Ever since Guerra played against us in last year’s F.A. Trophy final, I wanted him in our squad.” said Fenwick.
“There aren’t many game changers around at the moment, but we’ve seen him do this for the national team and it’s a role that we’ve been missing at Central this season.”
Fenwick said that it’s been frustrating to have the players’ signatures but not being able to play him.
“Guerra signed with us on 6th December. It’s been hard for the lad because he just wants to play football, and for me, having such an exceptional talent unavailable is annoying, but I’ve been looking forward to 5th January when we can finally see him playing in Central F.C. colors.”
Fenwick said that he still has some shopping to complete in January. “Our aim is to regularly field 6 or 7 T&T national players and complement them with youngsters who will push for the national team, as we did last season with Mitchell and Winchester.
While our policy will always be to shop locally, we have several trialists arriving from overseas and if they have the quality we require, then we will look to bring them on board.”
Fenwick also spoke about Willis Plaza, who the club signed in September but failed to convince FIFA to give him clearance.
“Although we obtained the signature of Willis Plaza in September, the intricacies of the FIFA transfer system prevented his transfer from his club in Vietnam going through, despite appeals from us and support from TTFA and the Pro League. This meant that his registration didn’t clear until December 26th.” said Fenwick.
“It was really frustrating for the club and Plaza.”
The club are now in further discussions with the 26 year old Plaza, who is considering a return to Viet Nam.
“Technically, Willis is our player until 31st May” said Fenwick.
“But there is no value in having a player at your club who is not happy. We will sit down with him and let common sense prevail.”
Central F.C. take on San Juan Jabloteh on Sunday 5th January at Hasely Crawford Stadium at 5 p.m.