Touching base with T&T goalkeeper Kelvin Jack. Get the latest update on Jack's injury and his desire to don' the red, black and white once more.
1. Kelvin, can you give us the latest on your current situation.
KJ - I have started training and I am working hard. My injury was a really bad one and I have had a few setbacks but I am nearing my maximum now. I still need to be patient with mother nature; all I could do is follow the instructions of my physio, surgeon and do the correct things. I think people sometimes forget how long a bad break takes to heal and it takes a lot of mental strength as well. I have been out for a very long time, so I must be careful during the final stages of recovery. I will estimate I'm at 70-80% now.
2. Do you feel you will ever line up for T&T again.
KJ - I surely hope so... My main aim is to get to the level I was at before, and I am supremely confident of achieving this... I have heard all sorts of rumours about the TTFF never selecting me again, and soon we shall see if that is the case. I doubt it will be... Performance will be the most important factor, and I intend to perform at a very high level.
3. What is the latest with FPATT.
KJ - Please refer to Shaka Hislop.
4. Are you going on any trials soon.
KJ - A few clubs are still interested.... so the plan is to prove my fitness to one of these clubs hopefully very soon. I'm very motivated because I haven't played for so long, and I can't wait to feel the buzz of playing again.
5. Will you consider an MLS move if you were offered one.
KJ - If an opportunity presents itself in the MLS, it is something I will consider for sure..
6. It was reported in the T&T Guardian on November 20 2008 that; "The lengthy financial battle between the T&T Football Federation (TTFF) and the majority of players of the Soca Warriors team that participated at the last World Cup, has come to an amicable end. This was revealed by TTFF Special Advisor Jack Warner at a press conference yesterday at the Crowne Plaza in Port-of-Spain". ...Care to touch on this. Are you guys satisfied or will we see another battle destine for the future.
KJ - Please refer to Shaka Hislop.
7. In December 2008, Mr. Warner told the T&T Express that "FPATT is an organisation the TTFF does not recognise:" What's your reply to this.
KJ - Please refer to Shaka Hislop.
8. Mr. Warner also states that SPORTT donated $99,990.00 to FPATT. If this is true, then how are you guys (FPATT) investing it, as we have not heard of any developments in FPATT in recent times.
KJ - Please refer to Shaka Hislop.
9. What's your thoughts on T&T failing to qualify for the next Gold Cup and also being the first time T&T has ever failed to qualify for the knockout stage in the Caribbean Cup history.
KJ - It is very disappointing, and should not happen. It also shows that success is not guaranteed and other countries in the Caribbean are improving.
10. If your old team San Juan Jabloteh offered you a contract will you return to T&T.
KJ - I will be flattered if they do.. However, I know I am still capable of playing at a higher level than the Pro-league, and I am determined to do so. I love Jabloteh dearly and I always follow their progress. Jabloteh is one of the most professional organizations I have ever been associated with. Terry Fenwick is doing a fantastic job there, and I often wonder why he still gets criticized. He is similar to Arsene Wenger... his contribution to Trinidad and Tobago football is immense.
11. What really happened at Gillingham. As there were rumors that apart from your injury you were treated very unfairly. Care to give us the real story.
KJ - The less said about Gillingham the better but I will say a few things.. My treatment there was laughable, and it's not only me who was treated badly many players were. They said a lot of false things about me in the press but I always kept my own counsel. I should never have signed for them. When I signed there I had a minor injury which they were aware of. They knew that I needed time for it to clear up properly yet they pressured me into playing. As a player you want to play as well because that's what you love, and are paid to do. Needless to say that by playing my injury got worse and worse and it got to a point where painkillers were ineffective. A specialist warned me that if I continued to play through the pain barrier I will be jeopardizing my career. The pain had become unbearable. I made the decision to not play until I felt right and I was accused of not wanting to "die" for the club. This saddened me but I also knew that I made the right decision. I feel sorry for the fans there because they love the club, and pay good money to support them every week. I always loved the fans. Sadly, the club is run like a pub team and it is no surprise they were relegated.
Note: On behalf on the Soca Warriors Online and Warrior Nation, we say thank you Mr. Kelvin Jack for taking the time out to do this Q&A Interview for us. We wish you all the best in the future. May Gob Bless you and your family.