Clico San Juan Jabloteh will be without the services of T&T World Cup defender Cyd Gray after the club decided not the renew the player’s contract after the 2008 season.
However, following the World Cup, striker Wolfe returned to his former club North East Stars and midfielder Whitley joined rivals W Connection in 2008. Now it’s the exit of the 32-year-old Gray after his contract expired at the end of last season ending a seven-year relationship. “As of now he (Gray) is a free agent. We have decided not to renew his contract with the option of adding younger players into our squad that will go a lot longer,” said coach Terry Fenwick.
The Jabloteh head coach expressed satisfaction in the defender during his time at the club adding, “We are pleased with the performances of Cyd during his time with us. He is a great player but I believe it’s time that we open the opportunity to younger guys in our club. We want to thank Cyd for his time at our club and wish him best of luck in his future aspirations.” The relationship between Fenwick and Gray was always one to be watched at under the scope over the last couple years but as Fenwick explained it was just a matter of two strong personalities dealing with each other. “Cyd seems to have grown into his own experience. We are both very strong personalities and that’s what made him the great player that he is,” continued Fenwick. “He has done really well for us and that’s what we will remember.”
Meantime the World Cup player is not certain over his next move but is confident that he will continue as a player when the 2009 season begins. “I’m still considering what to do next,” said Gray. “As of now I’m not willing to discuss my future plans but I’m hopeful that I will be back out as a player in 2009.” The Tobago born player had represented Joe Public in 2001, Tobago United on loan from Jabloteh, and Jabloteh dating back to 2002 in his years of professional football in Trinidad but has never made a name for himself abroad.
Gray had interests from English clubs Gillingham FC and Yeovil Town FC which never materialized but in January 2008 he successfully went on a six-month loan to Indian club Pune FC which was cut short after suffering a broken tibia. He returned to Trinidad and after recovering, returned to duty with Jabloteh helping the team to three titles—the Toyota Classic, League Championship and Big Six—to end 2008. Gray has won three League Championships with the San Juan Kings (2002, 2007, 2008) and the 2005 FA Trophy.