Former national goalkeeper Kelvin Jack in action.Former national goalkeeper Kelvin Jack in action. Former T&T 2006 World Cup goalkeeper Kelvin Jack believes that this country stands a good chance of returning to a respectable position within the Concacaf football stage.
Jack was one of 13 players who was relieved earlier this month upon the settlement of the case with the T&T Football Federation (TTFF) over 2006 World Cup bonuses.
Jack’s last appearance for T&T was at the 2006 World Cup in June 2006, the 2-0 defeat to Paraguay. Before that he was consistent between the sticks for T&T in the qualification drive, pulling off the save of the campaign in the 1-0 win over Bahrain.
As T&T prepares to contest the 2013 Concacaf Gold Cup in July, Jack is hopeful of a decent showing by this country’s senior team.
“Hopefully, the guys can remain disciplined and continue to improve, listen to the coaches and be able to represent T&T to the best of their ability,” Jack said.
“It’s not going to be easy because football has evolved. But as long as things are organised and we have good coaches in place to teach the players now, then we have a good chance of getting back to where we were at one point before,” added the former Gillingham custodian, who made 33 appearances for T&T after making his debut at age 21 in a 1-1 draw with Jamaica at Industry Park, Palo Seco, in 1997.
The 37-year-old credited TTFF president Raymond Tim Kee for being true to his word.
“It’s a great relief and it is something that we were hoping would happen from day one,” Jack said in reference to the settlement.
“Unfortunately, it took a long legal battle. I’ll give Mr Tim Kee credit because when he came into office he said this was something he wanted to settle and he’s been true to his word. We have to now see the best way we can get Trinidad and Tobago football back on the map and how we can recover from this unfortunate mess and it should be positive from here on.”
Jack is about to begin his UEFA “B” coaching licence.
“I’m doing my coaching badges at the moment. I’ve just finished level two and about to begin UEFA B licence. I’m a football man and that’s my passion. It’s what I’m addicted to,” Jack ended.