With training expected to resume in the first week of May, several of this country’s senior footballers have expressed enthusiasm in beginning work under recently appointed head coach Leo Beenhakker.
But several have also moved in to ensure that the camaraderie in the team remains in light of the current change up in management of the team.
Beenhakker, an experienced professional by all means, said it was important that he and his new staff be able to maintain an understanding throughout the team pointing out that at no time should those concerned lose sight of the ultimate goal which is getting to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
”We are all here to get a job done and to accomplish that goal and I am certain that we are all professional enough to know what is required to achieve this,” Beenhakker said last week.
Coventry City striker Stern John realizes that his on-field form is most important to him at this time but he is also aware that team spirit is a main factor for the “Warriors”.
“Right now we must be careful about how these new developments come into play. The results in this round so far was not what any of us hoped for and maybe because of that, changes have been made and we must live with that and see how best we can use it to our advantage,” John said. “It’s sad anytime you have to see your old coach (Bertille St Clair) and Manager (Richard Braithwaite) getting the axe because over a period you develop something with them outside of just football. But at the end of the day, changes are made for betterment and we have a coach now with a good track record and hopefully we can all make this work under him.
Like John, Dwight Yorke, Marvin Andrews, David Nakhid and Shaka Hislop who have all worn the captain’s armband, all feel the same over the current scenario.
Andrews, currently nursing a knee injury received support from Glasgow Rangers manager Alex McLeish who said on the weekend that he would not count on playing Andrews again despite his refusal to undergo surgery. Andrews couldn’t comment but maintained high hopes for the “Warriors”.
Yorke meantime, in the midst of contract discussions, said that he still wants to see T&T to Germany in 2006.
“I’m sure my future will be revealed soon. There are a lot of things in the pipeline and it’s no secret that I’ve wanted to play in the middle east. There are a few offers there on the table and I just have to consider which direction I really want to go for the remainder of my career. I fee strong at the moment and I’m looking to have another two years. I’ve also certainly dedicated the next year or so to Trinidad and Tobago’s football and try to get this team to the next World Cup,” Yorke told TTFF Media.
And while Russell Latapy tasted Scottish First Division success with Falkirk on the weekend, he’s still having fun as a player.
"My body will determine how long I’m able to keep playing. I still enjoy playing, I love it. I love getting up and going in for training every day, so as long as I can handle it physically I’ll play. In saying that I don’t want to get to the stage where I’m not doing the team or myself any justice. If it got to that point I would just chuck it, but I’m having fun at this present time,” Latapy told Scottish reporters on Thursday.
Beenhakker is expected to begin his meetings with this country’s European-based pros this month before returning to take up duties here in the first week of May.