Operation Avoid Relegation—that’s the modus operandi for Tobago United this season in the T&T Pro League.
Since their inception in the T&T Pro League in 2003, Tobago United have ended up at the bottom of the table, placing last in 2003, 2004 and 2005—with the expansion of the League, at the end of the 2006 season the 2 bottom placed teams will be relegated to the Super League.
Head Coach of the Tobago based outfit Peter Granville is however expressing confidence that his team can avoid the dreaded prospect of relegation.
“As a club we have been making small strides over the last couple of years and I see no reason why we can’t finish in mid-table this year. I know everyone will be looking at us for the relegation spot, but I firmly believe we can pull off a few surprises.”
Granville says the team had a full 6 weeks of pre-season preparation and they are rounding off well and he believes they are properly prepared for a long season.
He told ttproleague.com “I am very happy with what I have seen in pre-season, all the boys are committed to the cause and they have worked hard, I now have duplication of positions and there is serious competition for places in the squad.”
The Tobago Coach, was quick to point out that despite finishing the season last, there was a marked improvement by Tobago United, “Yes, we finished last in 2005, but we were able to take points off of every single team in the League except the eventual champions W Connection and runners up Jabloteh, so that was a big plus for us.”
“Our mission is clear—we plan to continue taking small steps forward, as we work with our stringent budget—but this year I am really expecting the team to take some big strides—as a club we sincerely believe we can win a few games this year, plus have a good run in a knockout competition and upset some of the big boys—we think that is a realistic goal for the club.”
The former National under 20 coach is not getting ahead of himself, he says, “I know that it is going to be extremely difficult for us to win the League, that sort of success does not happen overnight—but at this stage of Tobago United’s development, winning the league is not our mandate—our mandate at this time is to ensure we give a good and strong performance, giving a good account of ourselves and of course avoid relegation at all costs and if we achieve that we would have won.”
This year Tobago untied will be fielding two young Nigerian players, a utility player by the name of Ollattunji Quadri and Abdullahi Aminu s a big strong defender—they have also attracted Caledonia AIA’s Dale Simon and Handell Manswell both Tobago born players who have returned home this season.
Former National defender Ancil Elcock is also on Tobago United’s register this year, Elcock a former Jabloteh man, who played with North East Stars last season has joined Tobago United this year—Peter Granville says he is happy to have Ancil, as he will add some much needed experience to their ranks.
Kwame Wiltshire is a Tobago born player who has been plying his trade in the MLS with Metro Stars and he is back home this season.
The core of the team remains—with skipper Dwayne Jack, Darrel James, strikers Noel Williams, Garth Woodley and Ashford Leggerton leading the charges.
There is also some young talent coming forward, the likes of Valton Braithwaite, goal keeper Shean Warner, Matthew Williams and Sherwin Lee all coming to make their mark.
All in all—Coach Peter Granville will be a happy man, if his troops play the kind of football they are capable of playing more times than not, and if they end up some where in mid-table and avoid relegation, and he would also like to have a good run in one of the cup competitions.
He insists however, Tobago United is all about giving Tobago footballers an opportunity to showcase their talent, so they will have the opportunity to make the respective national teams.
Team profile
Head Coach—Peter Granville
Assistant Coach—Kenny Thomas
2004 Achievements—Placed 7th in the League Competition,
Last season’s top goal scorer—Noel Williams
New Players—Edison Gibbs, Tyrone Charles, Olattunji Quadri, Abdullahi Aminu, Handell Manswell, Dale Simon, Ancil Elcock and Kwame Wiltshire.
Registered squad of players
Captain-Dwane Jack
Goalkeepers—Shean Warner and Tyrone Charles Defenders—Joel Alleyne, Johnan Roberts, Colin Edwards, Keon Samuel, Abdullahi Aminu, Ollattunji Quadri, Ancil Elcock, Darrel James and Dwane Jack.
Midfielders—Valton Braithwaite, Matthew Williams, Sherwin Lee, Kwame Wiltshire, Dale Simon, Handell Manswell, Marvin Phillips, Keishon Nelson and Edison Gibbs.
Forwards—Noel Williams, Garth Woodley, Ashford Leggerton and Dion Thomas