The T&T Pro League is on the hunt for a new chairman following the resignation of Larry Romany after 14 years in the position. Romany, who has worn several hats in local sports administion for more than 35 years, leaves the job to be able to focus on his career as a polymer chemist and will now devote more of his time as a polymer consultant.
Speaking to T&T Pro League media, Romany who tendered his resignation last Thursday expressed sadness at having to vacate his position with the league, saying: “It’s a bitter-sweet thing leaving the Pro League. It was something I was heavily involved in emotionally, and dedicated a lot of my time to.”
He added, “But fourteen years is a very long time. Also, I can’t contribute and assist (Pro League CEO) Dexter Skeene as I used to. My job as a polymer consultant has me away, sometimes weeks, and it is unfair to the Pro League.”
In addition to T&T Pro League Chairmanship, Romany, had served two terms (2005 – 2013) as president of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC), as well as serving as Chief Operations Officer of West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA).
He became Pro League chairman in 2003, one year after it was rebranded from the Professional Football League (PFL), steering the new entity through its infancy until present.
Reacting to the development, Pro League CEO, Dexter Skeene said, “I want to thank Mr. Romany for his invaluable support for his and direction to the Pro League over the past fourteen years. For me personally, the direction that he has given me is not something you can quantify. He will leave a gap but we have to wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Skeene who served alongside Romany uninterupted from 2003 onward, said that the League will strive to find Romany’s replacement in the shortest possible time, explaining that the process now rests with the Board of Directors.
“The board will have discussions and bring to the table its suggestions and they will then have individual discussions with the nominees.” said Skeene. We are already in the process of looking to bring in someone but in the interim, Sam Phillip, the deputy chairman will assume the chairmanship.”
According to the League’s articles of incorporation, that person must be someone not involved in the game at any level.
“I am confident that the League is on sound footing,” Romany added. “It’s just that the economy has made it even more difficult for sponsorship dollars. But it’s a cycle that everyone goes through, and it’s just that teams and owners need to come up with ways to navigate through this time to ensure their future.”
The new 2017 Pro League season will commence on June 9 and run through to December 17, involving all ten member clubs: Central FC, W Connection, San Juan Jabloteh, North East Stars, Club Sando, Defence Force, Police FC, St. Ann’s Rangers, Morvant Caledonia United and Point Fortin Civic.