Patient But Eager, Julius Still Hopes for T&T Call-Up

Julius closed out the season in his final game with the Carolina Railhawks in an October 6th clash with FC Edmonton, and has continued to train with the Club despite his free agent status. James has also lined up additional training stints with MLS teams NY Red Bulls and Columbus Crew with an eye on a possible deal with an third unnamed Club.  For their parts, all of his host clubs seem pleased to have the easy going former University of Connecticut (UCONN) defender train with them.

"Right now, I am a free agent and have been keeping myself fit. In addition to a few games with Carolina, I remain active on the field because I have to keep myself ready for any situation that may come up, whether its a new club or my country (that) comes calling. I would definitely welcome a call-up by T&T for sure, even if I have to sit on the bench, I will be very happy to be there getting firmiliar with the coaches new system and some of the new players on the team."

At St Anthony College Julius and his teammates white-washed the 2003 Seconday School Football League (SSFL) when they won the SSFL North and Inter-Col North titles. In addition to which, they also won the National Inter-Col and Big Five titles respectively. He was also named on the 2003 SSFL All Star team and was voted among the SSFL top 5 players of the year.

James, took it further in 2004 after gaining a scholarship to attend UCONN where he won many titles and awards including First Team All-Northeast member as well as a First Team All-BIG EAST selection.

James was also named to the BIG EAST All-Tournament Team and received the BIG EAST Defensive player of the Year nod for the third straight season, starting all 24 games and registering two goals and one assist during his senior year.

He was also an NSCAA/adidas All-American multiple years during his successful career at Connecticut from 2004-07.

After his success at UCONN James was quickly drafted as the ninth overall pick in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC. In his rookie season with Toronto FC the defender picked up a shoulder injury and was eventually traded to the Houston Dynamo in exchange for midfielder Dwayne DeRosario. He spent the first part of 2009 with the Houston Dynamo, appearing in eight matches.

DC United however, came knocking and quickly snapped him up. James went from debutant to hero, when his goal came back to haunt his former employers Toronto FC, denting their playoff hopes.

In 2011 James once more found himself on the move, this time signing with the Columbus Crew.  Crew coach, Robert Warzycha lauded the player, stating: “James is a very good defender one against one, he’s very vocal and aggressive and puts everything he has into the game. He will be a good addition to the team.”

James, did not disappoint and in his first season with the Crew he was named Defender of the Year. After returning from major shoulder surgery in the offseason, James suffered a collapsed lung in early April during a practice session, sending him to the hospital for emergency treatment. Despite his lengthy recovery, James worked his way back into the team and was nominated for 2012 MLS Comeback Player of the Year.

James said that: "Flex, when I walk out on the field in Columbus I see a big shirt with Stern John's name on it and it makes me feel so proud to see my countryman up there and loved so much by the Club and it's supporters, he is a legend there. He has definitely paved the way for us, both him and Dwight Yorke."

"Its always a nice feeling when you get the support from the fans as well and a special feeling to see that we are loved and respected in a foreign country."

The former Maloney Gardens resident has been capped fifteen times for his country, making his debut in 2008 in a 3-0 win over Guyana.  Ironically, his last game in T&T colors was also against Guyana in 2011- the infamous 2-1 Guyanese victory over the Soca Warriors during the 2014 World Cup qualifying rounds.

Julius, 29, still has a burning desire to represent Trinidad and Tobago and was very disappointed in not being included for the 2013 Gold Cup tournament. He understands however, that the timing was off and that the change in the coaching staff did him no favors. He also mentions there was a mix-up with current TnT national coach, Stephen Hart's predesessors and the way that they handled thngs on their end.

He is very impressed nonetheless, with the direction the new Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) is heading and moreso with the progress Hart has made in such a short space of time since becoming head coach.

"I believe the TTFA are making tremendous strides and I also understand that they still have a lot to do but the direction they are heading seems a very positive one all round."

"The coach has come in and in such a short space of time and totally transformed the team and the players. All the guys looked rejuvenated and eager to play for the country which is a good thing. Obviously, he brought something that was missing and made the players believe in themselves again, motivation plays such an important part of a player's game. After seeing them in the Gold Cup, the team is playing with a desire and a plan."

"I cannot wait to play for Trinidad and Tobago again and alongside my former St Anthony College teammates Jan-Michael Williams and Kenwyne Jones." No disrespect to the others but I am also happy to see so many St Anthony's College players representing T&T, like Lester Peltier, Kevin Molino and to an extend the ageing Carlos Edwards" he added with a chuckle.

James also chimed in on Akeem Adams' situation, and told SWO that he was truly hurt when he heard the news about the player, and prays that he will recovery soon. 

"Flex, I was really touched to see how everyone came together to help Akeem. It was very hurtful to see what have happened to him. I pray he will recovery soon and despite the fact that he cannot play the game he loves anymore, I am happy that he is starting to recover, slowly but surely, my prayers are with him and his family, added James."

The following are a few questions with Julius James.

There is speculation that Trinidad and Tobago may play a game in November to close out the 2013 calendar. Would you be interested in making yourself available for the game if given the chance. And how important would it be for you to play for your country.

JJ: I am always interested in representing my country, it is a great pride and honor to play for Trinidad and Tobago. The opportunity gives me the chance not only to represent my family and myself, but the rich football culture that came before me.

Tell us a bit about your season thus far with the Carolina Railhawks. The ups and the downs.

JJ: My season so far has been good with the Carolina Railhawks, it's at its end now. We had many ups and some downs as a typical season would show... We had a great chance to be in the finals but we fell short with points. We also had a great run in the open cup tournament, playing MLS teams LA Galaxy, Chivas USA and Real Salt Lake, defeating the first two and ultimately losing to RSL. Most of the games that we won I was named to the NASL's team of the week.

How would you rate the level you are playing now compare to the MLS, is there is big gap.

JJ: The level that I'm playing at is very good and competitive. There obviously isn't a big gap if any at all. This was proven when we beat two MLS teams in a high stake tournament.

With DC United you've played against T&T teams at the Concacaf Champion level. How was the experience and feeling coming up against Clubs from your country.

JJ: Coming home to play a local team was a such a great experience, because I not only knew a lot of the players but I also got to see my country and family/enjoy authentic cuisine during my regular season. This rarely happens to a foreign-based player unless he is called up to the national team for a home game.

Which Club you enjoyed playing with and why.

JJ: I enjoyed playing with most of the teams I played for. I gained different things at each club, a lot of playing time and experience at some, mostly the latter ones, and great friends at others. 

Were you surprised you were cut from Columbus Crew seeing that you were basically a mainstay on the team. What really happened.

JJ: I, along with everyone else was very surprised. It came at a tough time for me. It was the toughest year of my career because of the injuries that I had sustained and couldn't do anything about. I was unable to play as many games as I played the previous year for obvious reasons (injuries: collapsed lung, tweaked hamstring, shoulder dislocation). No one knows what exactly happened. I'm still scratching my head, but as they say, it's part of the business. It could have been worse. I landed on my feet and I am stronger for it. The head coach that ultimately made that decision got fired later that year, I pray he lands on his feet also.

Who are some of the best players you've come up against and also played alongside.

JJ: The list is long, I've played against many great MLS players and international players. Ronaldinho, Pato, Inzahgi, that whole AC Milan team in 2010. Peter Crouch, Kenwyne Jones and that whole Sunderland FC team of 2012, the 2011 Newcastle team, David Beckham, Landon Donovan, Tyronne Marshall, Chad Marshall, Jeff Cunningham, Amado Guevara, Carlos Ruiz, Dwayne DeRosario, Brian Ching.... I mean, the list goes on. But above all, I do wish that I had gotten the chance to play with Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy though.

Did you managed to catch any of the T&T games in the recent concluded 2013 Gold Cup, if yes, what are your overall thoughts.

JJ: I did catch the games, I was elated at our results and very proud as a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, I think the boys represented the country extremely well. I also think the coach did an amazing job with the limited time he had to prepare the team and the players. It only leaves to the imagination what could have or could be accomplished with more time.

Who are some of your favorite players of all times.

JJ: Fabio Cannavaro, Jaap Stam, Maldini, Cordoba and Nesta, these guys played when I was falling in love with the game and helped teach me how it is played through their play.

Your greatest moment in the game.

JJ: Although I have experienced some very good moments, which I thank God for the opportunity to do, I believe my greatest moment has yet to come. My proudest moment might I add, is when Trinidad and Tobago qualified for the World Cup. No, I wasn't part of the team, but my pride in my country and countrymen was through the roof.

Your favorite Club and international team.

JJ: I won't say that I have a favorite. I had one which was Manchester United when Dwight Yorke played for them. I want to say though that I have been really impressed with Borussia Dortmond, and it's always nice to see Real Madrid and Barca play, but I feel like Bayern Munich will soon be dominating internationally.

In 2012 you suffered from a collapsed lung, we are glad you are okay now, how did this happened.

JJ: I finishing up training one morning and I felt like I couldn't exhale fully or inhale deeply without having problems and coughing. So I shut it down. On sight it was thought to be a cramp, so we waited a day. The symptoms continued so I was advised to see the team doctor where I did a chest X-ray and following the was results I was rushed to the ER. I was diagnosed with a spontaneous pneumothorax. It's a spontaneous collapse of the lung(s), there is a extensive explanation of it online. I stayed in the hospital for over week with a chest tube in me. Thank God I am good now.

Tell us a bit about your ambition as far as your career goes and what will you like to accomplished before you retire from the game.

JJ: My goals as my career goes is to play at the highest level that I can for the longest that I can and win major championships. I know it sounds a bit vague but that has been my goal since I started, it gives no ceilings and it causes me to shoot for the moon. I also what to represent my country at the World Cup.

Do you see yourself returning to T&T to play at the Club level in the near future.

JJ: I strongly considered going back home to play for the 2013 season when the Crew didn't pick up my option. The people that I was in contact with that I thought could allow for a smooth process, weren't able to make it happen. I think it was mainly because of the international process that the league has to abide by. When that fell through I decided to play for the Railhawks.

Have you ever visited the Soca Warriors Online (SWO) if yes, what are your thoughts and can we expect to see you visit on a regular basis.

JJ: I have, I think it's innovative and informative. It's very progressive and it serves many different commutative mediums. Be it players and federation to fans, country and the rest of the world, or just news and information that are vital to keeping the interest and passion alive for the team. It all keeps everyone closer. Great job by the way. I will be visiting regularly!! I must admit I'm not as social networking savvy as I want to be but I do have a twitter: @mrjuliusjames - let the guys know to follow me and I want to thank everyone of them for their support and love.



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