United Petrotrin might have made a bold statement of intent for the 2009 Trinidad and Tobago Pro League season with the expected capture of CLICO San Juan Jabloteh captain and "Soca Warrior" midfielder, Trent Noel.
Petrotrin coaching staff referred all questions to club chairman Arnold Corneal, who was unavailable, while Noel, who is on international duty, could not be reached for comment. But the Express was reliably informed that the combative midfielder has already begun training with the "Oil Men".
Petrotrin started the 2008 season brightly under coach Brian Williams but lost form and despite replacing Williams with Leon Carpette, ended in sixth position and without a trophy.
They will surely be aiming higher this year. Petrotrin signed Brazilian coach Marcos Tinoco, who is on a one-year leave from his post as Tanzania youth team boss, while they also snagged several talented ex-national players like 2006 World Cup midfielder Aurtis Whitley, Nigel Pierre, Stokely Mason, Arnold Dwarika, Gary Glasgow and Nigel Daniel, who also represented Jabloteh last season.
These additions join the likes of Makan Hislop, Lyndon Diaz and Devon Caseman in a Petrotrin squad that have already lost Keon Daniel, Romauld Aguillera, Kevon Woodley and Kareem Smith.
This season, Jabloteh coach Terry Fenwick's outfit will add former England-based striker Hector Sam to his roster while they may hold on to striker Cornell Glen and expect much from blossoming talents like Jerol Forbes, Ataullah Guerra, Willis Plaza and Elton John.