2007 Pro League Player of the Year Marvin Oliver has tipped his CLICO San Juan Jabloteh teammate Trent Noel for the 2008 Toyota Player of the Year.
Oliver, who drove off with a brand new Toyota Yaris for picking up the 2007 award following an impressive season with Neal and Massy Caledonia AIA, was named in a revised top ten nominees last week.
"Lets just say that lightening doesn't strike in the same place twice," giggled the San Juan Jabloteh midfielder.
"Some people might say it's a Jabloteh thing, but I would definitely have to say its Trent Noel for this one," said the 33 year old Oliver.
"He had a great season retaining the League Championship and winning the Toyota Classic and Big Six as captain. He was also brilliant as a player and for me he stood out the most this season. His performances have even landed him a return to the (Trinidad and Tobago) national team."
"Devon Jorsling and others had great performances throughout last season but nothing compared to Trent," continued the dreadlocked midfielder.
Tobago United's Collie Hurcules, St Ann's Rangers' midfielders Ricky Charles and Keyon Edwards and Oliver are now into the top ten runners for the 2008 Toyota Player of the Year.
Dropping off the previous top ten list are Neal and Massy Caledonia AIA's duo Densill Theobald and Hayden Tinto, W Connection's Dominican Republic import Jonathon Frias and now former United Petrotrin playmaker Keon Daniel.
The selected process for the Toyota Player of the Year will continue building momentum on a points system accumulation based on last season.
CLICO San Juan Jabloteh captain and midfielder Trent Noel is still leading the pack for the prestigious title. The Player of the Year will be awarded a brand new Daihatsu Sirion from sponsors Toyota Trinidad and Tobago & Daihatsu Limited for his accomplishment.
Noel who was voted Jabloteh MVP for a third year running after last season believes that his chances of winning the Toyota Player of the Year title and driving away with the Daihatsu Sirion is looking strong.
"To be a nominee, chosen amongst so many players in the League, I already consider myself a winner," said the 32 year old Jabloteh standout. "To actually win the prize will be an extra bonus but just to be nominated is satisfying."
Noel is also heavily tipped by his coach Terry Fenwick to win the 2008 award following their team's triumph in the League Championship, Toyota Classic and Lucozade Sport Big Six.
Defence Force attacker Devon Jorsling, St Ann's Rangers defensive midfielder Joseph Peters and teammate Josimar Belgrave, W Connection's Andre Toussaint and North East Stars' Kevin Jeffrey are the other names inside the top ten runners.
Meantime Marvin Oliver is looking towards his second season with Jabloteh and the possibility of a T&T National Team recall after making his first appearance senior international appearance back in 2007.
"I was named Player of the Year following the 2007 season but soon after that I was overlooked by the national team. For a moment I thought that winning the Player of the Year was a blight," said Oliver in a chuckle. "I'm hoping that this season I could earn myself a national recall."
"I always set high standards for myself as a player. I am somewhat satisfied with my performances last season (2008)," added the San Juan resident. "I didn't start much in the beginning of the season because of a knee injury but when I got out there I think I did well scoring some crucial goals for my team."
Oliver registered nine goals in the League last season, one less than Noel as the pair combined with mid-season signing Jerol Forbes to pave the way for Jabloteh's fouth League Championship.