North East Stars general manager Darryl Mahabir confirmed this week that the Sangre Grande based TT Pro League club will not be participating in the 2009 season.
"At this time the TT Pro League board of directors have indicated to me that they would allow North East Stars the 2009 season off and return for the 2010 season," said Mahabir speaking from the League's office.
Over the past few weeks the North East Stars manager had indicated a possible pullout highlighting a couple reasons which included financial strains and a dilapidated recreation ground at the Sangre Grande Recreation Ground—the place they call home.
"The ground at the Sangre Grande Recreation Ground is not up to par," continued a disturbed Mahabir.
However following statements made by Mahabir over the past weeks, works have begun on the Sangre Grande Recreation Ground last week Tuesday.
But according to Mahabir, it will not be completed in time for the 2009 season which kicks off in April.
"It wasn't up to a professional standard last season. Since then the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation has started working on upgrading the grounds however North East Stars still believe that the work required will not be completed within a short space of time. This is why we have shifted our focus on returning in 2010 based on the fact that the facilities wouldn't be ready for this year's season," said the North East Stars manager.
Mahabir is hoping that lights, the resurfacing of the playing field, proper stands and proper changing facilities for players will be installed during 2009.
Mahabir further explained that he will now focus on his food franchise, JAPS Fried Chicken, which has three outlets and moving into its fourth. He believes that with the growth of his franchise, financially North East Stars will not have to be dependent on financial assistance from the SporTT Company receiving a monthly grant of $50,000.
"My players are definitely disappointed. I've explained to them that the club has lost a lot of revenue after having to play all our home games away. It affected my business (JAPS) personally and the players would have known this. They felt it for me with a passion knowing that last year we played based on the (financial) support of the SporTT Company and my business (JAPS). The guys have all felt it also, not just the fact that we don't have a ground that is up to standard and financially Darryl Mahabir is not in a position to afford it."
"The players all felt hurt what happened at North East Stars last season. They were not seeing fans coming out to our games playing at the Larry Gomes, Hasely Crawford and Ato Boldon venues as to what we would have playing at our home venue. And this was all part and parcel of their hurt. We hope that all this will be done with during 2009 and we will be able to play in 2010 at our home venue," said the North East Stars boss.
Meantime in response to North East Stars pullout of the 2009 season, TT Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene said, "We understand that Darryl (Mahabir) needs to solidify his business. It is quite admirable that Darryl is taking this step to become independent. It says that he is looking to guide the club in the right direction."
"We can't look at his exit as bad for the League. It is for the good of the League. It's a short term measure to ensure the longevity of his club and the League and taking one year away is justifiable," added Skeene.
In 2008 North East Stars had a tough season changing three coaches, Ken Elie, Clint Marcelle and ending with longtime coach Miguel Hackett, playing all their home matches at away venues but surprisingly ended the season in third behind W Connection and champions CLICO San Juan Jabloteh after a poor start which Mahahir describes as incredible.
Trinidad and Tobago talents Jerron Nixon, Kendall Jagdeosingh, Anthony Wolfe, Anton Wolfe, Leslie Fitzpatrick and Brent Sancho are a few popular names that have passed through North East Stars while capturing one FA Trophy and one League Championship title during their club's seven year history.
Looking ahead to the 2010 season Mahabir believes that North East Stars will be a force to be reckoned with and urged the home support in the North Eastern districts to hold faith.