Lincoln: Together we aspire, together we will achieve

Tiger, who only turned 70 last July is still a loyal T&T football supporter and together with his family they all follow the Soca Warriors and wish them nothing but success on the "Road to Rio".

Below are a questions that was asked.

1. What have you been up to lately?
LP: -   Hello Flex. It’s always a pleasure to connect with you guys. Before answering, there are couple things I would like to say. First, the site has come to life over the past few weeks! Your piece on boycotting the India game provoked some good thought and debate. Even though my belief is the fans have to support the players and technical staff through thick and thin, regardless of the shortcomings of the administration, I think the decision makers associated with the TTFF recognized and heard what was being said.

So, well done. Second, I would like to extend my prayers and best wishes to my friends and family back home as the government seeks to resolve the violent crime problem that has plagued our country. (Regardless of who is in power) I support any effort to provide all of our citizens the basic human right of personal safety and hope the drastic step taken by the government will help put us on the path to having a peaceful and just society. We are a better people than what we have shown the world.
 
As for what I’ve been up to lately, I am in the editing stages of my autobiography and have launched a goalkeeping development program. In fact, I was just in Pensacola, Florida conducting a three-day goalkeeping seminar. My program is designed to take goalkeeping training to another level and focuses on incorporating training methods designed to bring out performance rather than to fatigue the goalkeeper.
 
Another project of involves working with brain development specialists to design a football-specific cognitive development program that focuses on increasing football IQ among players so their decision-making is better and more consistent. I’ve also been encouraged by CONCACAF to look at re-launching the goalkeeper workshops and seminars for national team coaches I conducted before taking the TTFF Technical Director position.

2. What are your thoughts on the situation with Jack Warner and Richard Groden as far as FIFA and the TTFF goes?
LP: - I’m very disappointed in what has transpired in relation to the scandals that arose from the CFU meetings in May. Trinidad and Tobago has gone from being the darlings and one of the genuinely feel-good stories of the 2006 World Cup to having its name associated and synonymous with graft and corruption in football. Not good! I’ve heard and read a lot of hand-ringing comments about the fairness of the FIFA process and whether previous events and attitudes enabled or created the environment for the infractions that took place in May to happen. However, as far as I’m concerned the “everyone does it” retort is not a defense and if you conduct business in such a manner, it is only a matter of time before it catches up to you. There is an African proverb that says “when the beat changes, so must the dance.” I think Jack was still doing the robot when everyone else realized a waltz was more appropriate.
 
However, I am less concerned about Jack Warner and more concerned about how Trinidad and Tobago navigates through this difficult period. As the leadership vacuum opens, we are already hearing folks pontificate about transparency and accountability when they themselves never championed or practiced those values before. So, we must also be careful to not only adequately identify the problems that plague our game, we must also seek to develop the proper solutions, entrust the proper people to introduce and implement those solutions and hold them accountable. That was the basis of the last article I wrote in The Guardian. Everyone plays a role in making T&T better; whether you are a leader or a constituent.
 
As for Mr. Groden, since the FIFA Ethics Committee investigation on him is ongoing, I will wait for that process to conclude before commenting on his alleged actions. However, in my own personal professional experience with Richard Groden , I can say he was as useful as an ashtray on a motorcycle.
 
He consistently blocked my efforts and sought to marginalize me in the federation. For instance, in 2005 I was able to get the then U17 team into the Milk Cup in Northern Ireland. Now this is one of the most prestigious youth football events in the world and the team had just experienced the Dallas Cup. Instead of requesting the funds that were available and contacting tournament officials, Groden failed to make the funding request and ignored calls from tournament officials.

In response, the Tournament Director sent him a scathing critique that stated his actions as being highly unprofessional. As a result, the team lost out on an incredible opportunity and individual players missed a chance to perform in front of the team scouts and reputable agencies.  If the TTFF is to operate as a legitimate and accomplished federation, they must have in the position of General Secretary a top-class administrator who understands the best practices of sports marketing and management and possess the utmost level of professionalism that will bring an instant level of credibility and competence. Unfortunately, the TTFF does not have that at the moment.

3. If the current TTFF were dissolved tomorrow (from A-Z) who are some of the men/women you feel could take over and do a good job and, why?
LP: - First I would like to see a slate of officials who value consensus-building and embrace a leadership style that encourages cultivating talent rather than bullying subordinates. The recent appointment of Tony Hartford to head up the LOC efforts is a positive step but more must be done to bring substantive change. One reason why I don’t think it is enough is that while Tony is heading up the efforts, based on what I’ve seen there seems to be little involvement of the TTFF on the so-called Authorization Committee. This is a serious indictment on the integrity of the current TTFF leadership.
 
I think it is important to have a combination of youth and experience when looking at folks who can make a positive and immediate impact in turning around the TTFF. But, let me make this clear, there are also some very good people who work with and are associated with the TTFF, it’s the leadership and other influential figures that deserve to be purged from further involvement.
 
Among the younger up and coming leaders, one should certainly look to someone like Shaka Hislop because he embodies many of the qualities of a leader. Shaka is doing a great job with ESPN so I’m not sure if he can be pulled from his new broadcasting career but one can also look at Brent Sancho and Leslie Fitzpatrick as young men who also possess good potential and should be groomed for leadership. One of the more promising young administrators I had the pleasure of working with is Brian Lewis, the General Secretary of Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee. I think he has done a tremendous job with the Olympic movement and building on a series of successes. Among the experienced figures, Richard Braithwaite is the unsung hero of the ’06 campaign and one of the most knowledgeable football officials in CONCACAF.

I would like to see him as well as Raymond Tim Kee, another highly respected individual, act in some capacity on the Executive Board. Another person who I believe can add value to a new TTFF from a medical as well as technical standpoint is Dr. Alvin Henderson as he knows all of the up and coming players emerging in T&T. Among the Pro League owners, David John Williams has demonstrated the right combination of business savvy, talent development, and genuine love for the game. He must play a role and a new TTFF should have robust representation from professional club owners. For the General Secretary position, there are a few folks who can fit that role but I really believe someone like Mary Sui Butt would bring the right skills and disposition needed for the TTFF to thrive as a functioning business and also help it gain immediate credibility. All of these people are knowledgeable, respectable individuals who love  sport and understand what it can do for a society.

4. How do you see T&T 2014 WC chances?
LP: - Slim, but they were also deemed so before the 2006 campaign. I certainly do not agree with the sentiment that we should give up our efforts for 2014 and instead concentrate on 2018. First of all, it is an irrational position because you can’t properly prepare for the distant future if you fail to prepare and perform for the immediate future. Second, as I mentioned before no one thought highly of our chances to make it to Germany but Bertille St Clair made an early contribution and to his credit, Jack Warner kept the effort going and the players and technical staff were able to put together some memorable performances.

Lastly, even if we fail to qualify, achieving a higher FIFA ranking is vital in getting our players into better leagues and being able to play friendly matches against better opponents, both on the local club and national team level. Our ranking will suffer if we give up our efforts. Development is an on going and interconnected process and one of the problems we have had in developing the national programs is it has been disjointed and lacking in progression. What must be done throughout the 2014 Brazil campaign is to provide as much support as possible to Coach Pfister and his players and ensure they get ALL of the intended resources that have been made available.

5. Are you happy with the way Otto Pfister is handling the team as far as preparing them for the 2014 WC.
LP: - Yes, he has provided good leadership through a very challenging period. This cannot be over overstated. Otto is an accomplished coach of the highest order. He will always provide an honest assessment, correctly identify the shortcomings of the team and individual players, and introduce approaches to maximize the team’s performance. I am curious to see whether good leadership will emerge from the players. The 2006 team had some natural, strong leaders in Dwight, Dennis, Marvin, and Shaka.  I have yet to see who will embrace that field leadership role.

I think the decision to make Kenwyne captain was a particularly shrewd move. I also believe, in many ways, that the unfortunate situation involving the state of emergency curfew may actually cause the players to be more focused, united, and you may very well see a sharper performance than what would normally be expected from a group that is playing together for the first time. I’m eager to see the full team in action. The team should come out of this second round.

6. We have over 200 players based here in the North America school system. Have you ever thought about making some sort of contribution to help them stay in touch with T&T football?
LP: - I would be willing to make any contribution to help advance T&T players as well as the game. However, the resources have to be made available in order to properly execute such a task. What you are describing is developing a network and tracking system that can ID players who are performing abroad for the purpose of representing the country in the future. Not being sycophantic, in many ways, this site can establish itself as the backbone of such a network. I’ve already witnessed how it benefited the Olympic Team combine in Trinidad in 2005.

7. Do you have any links in the North American school system? If yes, how do you feel you can help contribute in helping some of the talented locals gain scholarships.
LP: - Yes, I have significant links to both men’s and women’s university programs across the country. I frequently get calls from college coaches. One project that has drawn a great deal of interest is the running of a college combine in T&T in December.

I’ve discussed this with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and if we can get the necessary support from SPORTT and the SSFL, I think the event would attract around 50 college coaches to T&T. Unfortunately, the situation with T&T football is so unstable at the moment that it is questionable whether the event can take place this year. However, if matters are settled, I would like to see the combine become a permanent annual fixture that young players who have their passes can look forward to.

8. Are you happy with the TT Pro League and how do you think it could improved.
LP: - Very concerned about Pro League because without a functional pro league, there is no national program. There are a number of fundamental flaws associated with that league that will continue to hinder its development. First, the players must become a vibrant part of youth football in the  communities. They must coach youth teams and cultivate relationships with young players and their families. The players must understand they are ambassadors for their clubs and the game. Right now, the game in most instances doesn’t resonate with the community because there is little to no connection with the communities surrounding the present clubs. Second, I believe the league should explore a single entity format like the MLS so from a business standpoint, the league can present a more appealing story to potential sponsors and other financial stakeholders. Obviously, this requires a commitment among all of the club owners. With the teams struggling, this may be the time to introduce such a business model.

Lastly, I understand that half of the government expenditure to the PFL goes to prize money. If that is true, that is not the best use of taxpayer dollars. Why not take that money to subsidize an effort to get youth 14 and under to come into games free. The league can coordinate with coaching schools and clubs to organize transportation and make the games a destination point for family entertainment. Organize youth teams to play scrimmages on the field at halftime rather than the pointless halftime shows I have seen in the past. The vibe in the stadium must be electric and that cannot be done with only a smattering of fans in the stands.

9. Are you happy with the SSFL and how do you feel things could improve.
LP: - In spite of being unfairly maligned by some who think school football hinders player development, there is nothing like playing for your school and the SSFL should be commended on their role in helping to keep football relevant. This once again goes to my earlier point of establishing a link between the football and community. The level of play can and should improve so long as the coaches receive and impart modern coaching methods in their training, The SSFL has done a good job but I would like to see them play a stronger role in ensuring the welfare of the players are zealously looked after. Off-season training should be better regulated and they should limit the hours per day in which the players train. I have seen coaches conduct three-hour sessions.

That is not unacceptable and amounts to child abuse. Finally, there must be a dedicated effort in ensure footballers at schools are scholar-athletes. The purpose of school football is not to develop professional athletes; it is to develop educated athletes. Being a professional player and having passes or at least a trade are not mutually exclusive items. There are far too many footballers who struggle when their on field opportunities evaporate and they have to transition to life after football.

10. Is football in Tobago neglected?
LP: - Tobago is frequently treated as an afterthought and Tobagonians rightfully feel neglected. However, they should also take it upon themselves to be proactive and seek out the available resources rather than expect the resources to be provided as history suggest this doesn’t always happen. The issue, however, goes beyond what’s fair but rather what can Tobago football leaders do to for our young players get the support. What must certainly happen is the infighting that has been the norm must stop. Once internal attitudes to change, external challenges can be adequately addressed. One person who I think can do a great deal to advocate on behalf of Tobago is Desmond Alfred.

11.  Are you surprised that Joe Public pulled out of the Pro League.
LP: - No, They’ve done it before and there is no reason to be surprised about it happening again. What makes this situation different from the first time Joe Public pulled out is Jack is a cabinet official who still has influence within the present government so he may have some insight on whether the government will continue their support of the league.

Perhaps, along with his other challenges, he and his son Daryll decided to cut any potential losses. At this point trying to figure out why the decision was made and the timing of the decision would be speculative at best. Such is the nature of running a professional club and I know from experience that it is not an easy enterprise to operate. Hopefully, the players who were roistered with the belief they were going to play in the first division and earn first division wages will have enough time to link up with new clubs.
 
12.  There are 3 government teams in the Pro League; T&TEC, Defence Force and Police FC.  Should non-governmental teams receive equal amount of Government $upport as well?
LP: - I believe in league revenue sharing so the non-governmental teams should be able to receive government funding. However, in this case, there should also be some triggering points for the funding to ensure the funds are properly and wisely used. More important, the clubs must move away from being dependent on government funding and find new ways to get revenue. Easier said than done surely but the effort has to made. Some clubs are doing this like North East Stars and W. Connection.

Both Darryl Mahabir and David John Williams can provide a significant amount of guidance for the league. Since there is a potential economic development component as well as player development piece, government is well within its purview to be stakeholder in the league. However, the league must do what it can to limit the level of dependence on government funding if it is to enjoy a sustainable future. It can be done but the answer lies within the individual clubs working together.

13. What are your thoughts on the Queens Park CC and St Ann’s Rangers failed merger.
LP: - Unfortunate, especially the timing of the failure. QPCC would be a good addition to the league as they bring a community and facility. Though Terry Fenwick is a controversial figure, I think he is an asset to our football and genuinely cares for his players. Losing both Joe Public and QPCC is a tremendous blow but the league can survive with the right leadership and decisions.

14. You are still fresh from T&T and have been there for seven years, who are some of the youth players that you feel are capable of making an impact.
LP: - That is a good question. I would like to see Shahdon Winchester catch himself and develop into the player he is capable of becoming and Jean-Luc Rochford is another player who can blossom in the right environment. I’ve always liked Sean DaSilva as he brings a nice combination of technical ability and work ethic. Duane Muckette has shown some nice flashes and though I don’t know his current playing status, I hope he is able to go to abroad to further develop his talents. He can be a special player. Another player to keep an eye on is Leroy De Leon’s son, Nicholas. He is featuring well on one of the collegiate programs that attempt to play a nice brand of football, University of Louisville. There are many others. The key is to get them in a good environment.

15. Is finding the next Yorke and Latapy a myth.
LP: - No, but the key is find those with innate talent and get them within a structure that will nurture and develop that talent. I’m not sure if such a structure exists in T&T. It is not a coincidence that Yorke and Latapy left home at a young age and became accomplished professionals overseas. There are many players of similar potential who stay but fail to develop because the environment in T&T is not conducive to a young player developing into being a consummate, professional footballer.
 
16. What are your thoughts on the Women team program and Technical Director Even Pelluard.
LP: - I like Even. His accomplishments as a women’s coach are unquestionable but he find it difficult to establish an adequate women’s program without the proper level of sustained support and funding. Having to experience stretches of inactivity can be very frustrating for a coach, especially at this level. What a lot of folks aren’t aware of though is that I actually called for Even to be the senior women’s coach rather than the U17 coach. The person who I supported at the time and who I still think would have been the better choice to lead the U17 program was Randy Waldrum, coach of Notre Dame the 2011 NCAA champions. In my view, coaching adolescent girls is much different from coaching women. Even’s success was coaching women not girls.

Furthermore, I felt that having a coach connected to one of the elite collegiate programs would have also placed our girls in a much better position after the U17 World Cup to get into top college programs. This would have done wonders for the future prospects of the national program and we would have had one of the top coaching staffs in the region. However, only Even was brought in to coach the U17 team but the team failed to advance out of the first round. If he is able to get support as Women’s Technical Director, Even will do a good job in designing a programme for our women. He just has to be placed in a situation where he will be allowed to succeed.

17. In wrapping up, would you like to say anything else to our readers?
LP: - Well Flex, I just want to once again urge everyone to support the players and technical staff as they begin their World Cup qualification efforts. Calling for change within the TTFF and supporting our players are mutually exclusive. If people want to make meaningful, positive change in the TTFF, I encourage them to join entities that are part of the T&T football family. It is important to demand more accountability and better stewardship by the people who make policy within our football administration. Though it is hard to imagine at this moment, this can be a very exciting time for Trinidad and Tobago football.


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