ROSS RUSSELL, coach of Ma Pau Stars (formerly North East Stars), has commended the new players on his team, namely ex-Trinidad and Tobago internationals Carlos Edwards, Jason Scotland and Hayden Tinto, as well as Jerrel Britto, for the way they have integrated themselves in the club’s set-up.
Speaking during a telephone interview recently, Russell mentioned, “so far, I think, they have fitted in well. They are now coming to play the type of football that I like to play.” Asked what style he favours, the ex-Defence Force and Central FC tactician replied, “the players wouldn’t be that quick but I like to play a lot of ball-possession.
I like to play attacking football. All the players (mentioned) are more attacking-minded players.” Last Tuesday, Ma Pau Stars were trounced 5-1 by Police in their Digicel Pro League Round One Match Day One contest at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. But, three days later, they responded with a 2-0 win over Point Fortin Civic FC at the Mahaica Oval, Point Fortin.
“From a scale of 1 to 100, I think it was about 65 percent,” was how Russell rated Friday’s performance.
“We are now gelling really, because we have a lot of new players.
The old ones are now gelling with the new ones. It was a good performance, a good win for the team, a booster coming after that large defeat against Police. I think it (boosted) their confidence a little bit and gave them a little more trust in what we’re doing.” Some of the experienced players from last season includes the Wolfe brothers, captain Anthony and Glenton, as well as Kerry Baptiste and goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel.
Asked about the blend between the new and regular members, Russell replied, “training will bring all the meshing but I think they’ve (blended) in well. They are a nice core of players, they’re a good group together because, seeing off the field and on the field, they talk football and lime a lot.
“The season is still early,” he continued. “I think we’ll do well this season, with the type of players (we have). It’s just to keep them well, keep them healthy, keep them focused. All of them are mostly experienced players, who have been around the national team, in-and-out.
I think experience will bring it all (together). It’s just to keep them fit and focused.” Are the experienced players working with the younger brigade, especially the lesser divisions? Russell responded, “right now, Glenton Wolfe is coaching one of the youth teams (Under-14s) since last year. He stepped up and (went) to coach. Jason will be doing that as soon as the Reserve League starts, because right now he’s a player/coach with me. He’s put his foot into that already.
“The rest of players, I’ll see where they head. You can’t really force a player to coach. They have to make the first step,” he ended.