ROLAND CLARKE has replaced Angus Eve as coach of the North East Stars football team, effective immediately.
According to the e-mail, “North East Stars has appointed Roland Clarke as coach for the 2015-2016 season. Roland has been Youth Development Director for the past five years.”
Eve is currently in Jamaica doing commentary and analysis for Sportsmax in their coverage of the Copa America.
It is understood that the decision was made by club owner Daryl Mahabir due to financial reasons.
Eve was appointed as North East coach in June 2012, having served as an assistant to Terry Fenwick at San Juan Jabloteh and Michael McComie at Ma Pau respectively.
At the time, Mahabir was quoted as saying, “with the hiring of Angus, we feel that it would benefit not just the club in terms of being competitive, but also the younger players in terms of development. We think that Angus is one of the best local coaches that we have around and his experience in youth development is very good for what he brings at our club.”
Under the guidance of Eve, North East claimed two titles - the 2014 Toyota Classic Cup over Defence Force and the 2015 FA Trophy over W Connection, both via kicks from the penalty mark.
But the former national midfielder/striker and captain came under fire for his negative tactics, especially in the Pro League. He was only able to guide the team to two fourth place finishes (2012-13 and 2014-15).
Eve now joins a long list of coaches who have been at the Sangre Grande-based club - Victor Solomon (2002), Miguel Hackett (2002, 2008), James McLean (2003-2005, 2007), Everald “Gally” Cummings (2006), Ken Elie (2008), Clint Marcelle (2008), Rod Underwood (2010), Shurland David (2010-11) and Emerson Alcantara (2011-12).
In related news, the North East team will be conducting screening sessions at the Ojoe Road Recreation Ground, Sangre Grande from today until Friday. The sessions will take place from 10 am until noon.