Kelvin Jack: T&T football is in shambles; please resign, David John-Williams!

“March is not far away and this disorganisation is unacceptable and quite unprofessional. You give this air of arrogance which is not justified as to date your decisions have inspired zero confidence in yourself and the TTFA…

“Since you took office there has been almost no progress. When will things ever change at the TTFA?”

The following is an open letter to Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president David John-Williams by former Scotland Premier League and World Cup 2006 goalkeeper Kelvin Jack:

Photo: TTFA president David John-Williams (right) smiles with fourth official Cecile Hinds before the First Citizens Bank Cup final between Defence Force and Ma Pau Stars at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on 2 December 2016. (Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Photo: TTFA president David John-Williams (right) smiles with fourth official Cecile Hinds before the First Citizens Bank Cup final between Defence Force and Ma Pau Stars at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on 2 December 2016.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

Dear Mr David John-Williams,

I am publicly requesting that you step down as President of the TTFA… As you and the Technical Committee ponder who our next manager will be, our opponents in the Hex are busy planning tactics and are almost certainly tranquil in mood.

I have heard that an announcement is imminent. Let’s hope it’s a sensible one. You and the committee decided that a change of manager was needed but it’s the almost laughable process that has dumbfounded me and hundreds of thousands of others.

You removed one manager, which is part of football, but it seems as though there was absolutely no plan in place to appoint someone capable of doing the job. Myself and the fans are awaiting the next appointment. March is not far away and this disorganisation is unacceptable and quite unprofessional. You give this air of arrogance which is not justified as to date your decisions have inspired zero confidence in yourself and the TTFA.

Mr John-Williams, I am not one who will say the politically correct thing. I also have no need to criticise for criticising sake, as the facts are here for all to see. Since you took office there has been almost no progress.

When will things ever change at the TTFA? It must surely be your mission to ensure the TTFA is respected for its professionalism and success. What is the plan? How are you going to make us better?

Photo: Caribbean Football Union (CFU) president Gordon Derrick (second from left) is sandwiched by TTFA president David John-Williams (second from right) and TTFA employee Sharon O'Brien (far left) before the CFU Under-17 final on 25 September 2016 at the Ato Boldon Stadium. John-Williams tried unsuccessfully to replace Derrick as CFU president on 23 July 2016. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Caribbean Football Union (CFU) president Gordon Derrick (second from left) is sandwiched by TTFA president David John-Williams (second from right) and TTFA employee Sharon O’Brien (far left) before the CFU Under-17 final on 25 September 2016 at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
John-Williams tried unsuccessfully to replace Derrick as CFU president on 23 July 2016.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

What tangible programmes are you going to start? Are you working with the Pro League, The Super League, The clubs so that we go forward in unison? What about the youth teams, the future senior players?

Since assuming office, have you presented to the business community and government tangible reasons why they need to invest heavily in football? I would think you probably did but because of your performance thus far I’m not confident in your ability to convince them.

This is quite shambolic and, as someone who would’ve died playing for my country, it’s quite upsetting. I’m not like others who will toe the line because they want a job or want to travel to different places.


You were on radio the other day rambling on and on blaming others. As President, you have not led and if you choose not to resign you must start leading; effectively. This unprofessionalism must cease and the buck stops with you…

Trinidad and Tobago has no God given right to qualify for World Cups but if we do the right things qualifying regularly could be achievable.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president David John-Williams enjoys himself at new head coach Tom Saintfiet's maiden training session at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain on 15 December 2016. (Courtesy Nicholas Williams/Wired868)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president David John-Williams enjoys himself at new head coach Tom Saintfiet’s maiden training session at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain on 15 December 2016.
(Courtesy Nicholas Williams/Wired868)

Of course my lines are open if you want proper advice, as this shambles is just too much now… Please consider what I’m saying with maturity, as the fans and myself crave professional leadership and a plan for our National Teams.

Respectfully,

Kelvin Jack CM

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About Kelvin Jack

Kelvin Jack is a former Trinidad and Tobago international football team goalkeeper and was first choice at the 2006 Germany World Cup although injury restricted him to one outing against Paraguay. Jack is an ex-San Juan Jabloteh captain and played professionally in the UK with Dundee (Scotland) and Gillingham (England).

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124 comments

  1. The only ppl that could possibly disagree with Jack’s sentiment would have to be DJW’s relatives and friends! If we want preofessionalism and results on the field we cant have amateurs in administration..and he has proven himself to to be the worst kind of amateur…an arrogant one

  2. Let’s see if we can manage him to become a more successful leader. Social media is a blessing. Let’s use it.

  3. Trinidad football under DJW is the worst ever,at this time is trial after trial,who next.Bring back Hart.Just check his record

  4. Not knocking you for being more than patient, but having been in management for umpteen years, I know when something isn’t working and if the right person is in place to make it work. Don’t need any more time wasted to see it..

  5. Hi Carlos. I know you mean well and just have one question. Can you point to any results on the field of play that would indicate DJW has football heading in the right direction since he assumed office??

    • That is the most unbiased and legit question you can ask ….. 4 real

    • I don’t have any Brian. I’ve also learned to manage my expectations. It’s silly to expect on the field changes to occur overnight, especially after years of mismanagement, years of little or no investment in a sustainable development program, and an administration in the red. It’s going to take some time for things to turn around. Hoping it starts with the upcoming selection of an ideal coach for our men’s program.

  6. A blog where we ALL think the same Carlos… Ha! That is furthest statement from obectivity. I’m done with this one

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