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Former World Cup 2006 defender and Everton FC assistant coach Dennis Lawrence looks to be on the verge of the Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team head coaching position, after the TTFA board of directors rejected the technical committee’s preferred choice, Stuart Charles-Fevrier.
Lawrence, who spent six years as assistant coach at England top flight clubs Everton FC and Wigan Athletic and is now a scout at the Belgium national team, is believed to be hammering out details with the Football Association.
(Copyright Everton Forum)
Unlike recently departed Soca Warriors head coach Tom Saintfiet—who received a three month deal—Lawrence has allegedly been offered a three year contract that will take him through to the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
It is almost certainly the longest contract to be given to a Men’s National Senior Team head coach in this millennium.
W Connection coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier had his eye on the post and received the backing of the majority of the TTFA technical committee. Wired868 understands that four of the six committee members voted for Fevrier while two—including chairman Dexter Skeene—chose former Central FC and England World Cup defender Terry Fenwick.
Fevrier and Fenwick are the two most successful coaches in the history of the TT Pro League.
Contrary to claims in one daily newspaper that former World Youth Cup coach Bertille St Clair had walked out on the technical committee, St Clair is understood to have voted over the telephone. The Tobagonian is recovering from recent health issues and has not attended a committee meeting in months.
However, the relaying of the technical committee’s decision took a very different turn to what transpired just last month when Saintfiet was selected.
Then, TTFA president David John-Williams, the co-founder of W Connection, was the only person to negotiate with the candidates. And John-Williams told the board that Saintfiet was the only coach who was available and affordable.
Looking on is new general secretary Justin Latapy-George (far left) and technical director Muhammad Isa.
(Courtesy Wired868)
Once bitten, it seems, and twice shy.
If, as conspiracy theorists believe, John-Williams’ intention was always to oust former head coach Stephen Hart and get someone to act as scapegoat before introducing Fevrier, then it backfired spectacularly.
After Saintfiet’s disastrous, short-lived reign and John-Williams’ refusal to accept any responsibility for the farce, there appeared to have been a concerted effort by the technical committee to take control of the process on this occasion.
So, Skeene and his committee conducted the interviews—rather than John-Williams—and agreed on the financial package, length of tenure and deliverables for the new coach.
And, when the board was called in to rule on the next Warriors head coach, there was now a wealth of information available for the members to make an informed decision.
John-Williams offered to recuse himself from the deliberations, due to his closeness with Fevrier. According to two sources, the TTFA president appeared surprised and possibly annoyed that the board accepted his offer.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
In his absence, TTFA vice-president Ewing Davis chaired the meeting. Joanne Salazar, John-Williams’ second vice-president, remained in the meeting although she worked as a consultant for Connection since 2011. But her presence, according to one source, was not felt to be a distraction to the talks.
The technical committee made Fevrier its first choice with Fenwick as runner-up with four votes to two. However, all candidates were listed in order of preference from one to four—and Lawrence was everyone’s second choice.
The remaining prospective coach was Colombian Francisco Maturana who was also felt to be a capable choice. But members balked at his supposed request for a three to five year deal.
Former National Senior Team head coach and present youth director, Russell Latapy, was ruled out by the committee and the board, as they allegedly felt he could better serve the country in his current position.
Once more, Latapy might be asked to help as assistant coach as he did with Saintfiet.
However, with the polarising figures of Fevrier and Fenwick at the top of the list, the TTFA board decided that Lawrence was the best choice—or, arguably, the safest—although he has never worked before as a head coach.
Looking on is W Connection coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
As always, there were concerns about working with Fenwick’s fiery personality while Fevrier’s Connection connection and supposedly lukewarm interview appeared to work against him.
The decision is not yet finalised and Wired868 understands that the six foot seven ex-international defender still has to agree to the terms on offer, which is believed to include deliverables that will allow his work to be assessed periodically.
Although Lawrence was not the immediate favourite, all parties were said to have been impressed by his interview, his successful international career and his time as understudy to Spanish coach Roberto Martinez.
Lawrence, who was interviewed by telephone last Saturday, is said to have shown a knowledge of the job required as Warriors coach in terms of team discipline and fitness. He also reportedly gave an impressive pitch for strengthening the team’s defensive structure.
In another unprecedented move, the TTFA board decided that Skeene, rather than president John-Williams, should be the person to make the announcement to the media.
Skeene is expected to hold a press conference tomorrow.
(Copyright AFP 2014)
“I am really happy with the process in [this appointment],” one board member told Wired868, on the condition of anonymity. “We really worked as a unit. I think it was the best meeting I have been involved with under this administration.”
Radio talk show host Andre Baptiste, whose I95.5FM radio station is the official station of the TTFA, posted about Lawrence’s job future this afternoon and it is expected to be a topic for discussion this evening.
By all indications, Lawrence and the TTFA have not yet agreed terms for the big man to take over the big coaching job. But it appears to be his to accept or refuse. It was Lawrence’s headed goal against Bahrain—in a FIFA play off contest in Manama on 17 November 2005—that took the Soca Warriors to the Germany 2006 World Cup. He will now hope to be just as pivotal in getting his country to the Russia 2018 World Cup.
John-Williams, sources alleged, was not amused.
Saintfiet might have been a disaster on the football field. But it appears that, in the TTFA board room, the obscure Belgian might have had a galvanising effect on football stakeholders who were no longer willing to be sit on their hands and be a rubber stamp.
(Courtesy Allan V. Crane/Wired868.com)
The current TTFA board of directors comprises: David John-Williams (president), Joanne Salazar, Ewing Davis and Allan Warner (vice-presidents), Samuel Saunders (Central FA), Sherwyn Dyer (Eastern Counties Football Union), Karanjabari Williams (Northern FA), Richard Quan Chan (Southern FA), Anthony Moore (Tobago FA), Joseph Taylor (Trinidad and Tobago Football Referees Association), Sharon O’Brien (Women’s League Football), Wayne Cunningham (Eastern FA) and Dexter Skeene (TT Pro League).
The TTFA technical committee comprises: Dexter Skeene (chairman), Dr Alvin Henderson (vice-chairman), Bertille St Clair (former World Youth Cup coach), Errol Lovell (former national goalkeeper), Jinelle James (ex-national player and current administrator) and Muhammad Isa (technical director).
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Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.
Hearing Laurence has turned the job down. Can anyone confirm?
At least they know they are a circus
..Meantime, USSF fired Klinsmann and Arena was in within twenty-four hours..
..Meantime, USSF fired Klinsmann and Arena was in within twenty-four hours..
http://www.guardian.co.tt/sports/2017-01-19/ttfa-tells-committee-pick-best-coach
Premature announcement… Now thoroughly expecting to be disappointed with the announcement
Cheyenne Hector I will be shocked if they do. I told you guys it’s a complete shambles. There needs to be a cleansing. Mind you, there are one or two who should be there.. but the rest.. lord have mercy
Don’t have to tell me that boss . They need a massive overhaul
thats true kelvin its ah inside thing TF i support though
They will never give it to Terry, he is too much of a handful for them.
Peter Ramon-Fortune well if dey dont dey better kiss dey hopes goodbye i better look to start to support brazil
In my opinion,he is the best one available but the Federation is clueless.
Peter Ramon-Fortune DJW doesnt like him so dey wont give him d job soo i done prepare to get my heart broken AGAIN in ah next wc capaign
Please give it to Terry . I really don’t want Maturana
true dat
Pick ME, Pick ME
mama
Lol oh god this country . Back to SCF it is .
hmmm
..The report of Dennis Lawrence having been appointed national coach is incorrect. There were negotiations. And these have now been abandoned by Dennis..
LOL.
Well I am still watching the back door as you said eh Prof Keith Look Loy. Them really good yes. hahahahaha
…Keep your eyes open..
LOL
..Allyuh too tusty. LOL..
Lol. Keith Look Loy, I’d say the fact that the TTFA narrowed it down to one coach and sent him a contract to sign was a genuine update that any press in the world would have seized upon.
You don’t agree?
. YES. Is the Wired readership that tusty. But we understand that..LOL..
hahahahaha Especially me eh Mr. Bacchanalist ah tusty, tusty, tusty, hahahaha
One way or the other, I suspect we are going to learn a lot from this. Whether Dennis Lawrence is eventually appointed or not.
I don’t think that Dennis Lawrence is that doh doh head to take up the job at the moment and then get his throat buss the same like my Coach Hart and also Kendal Walkes eh and even before the 3 yrs contract is up. Them really good yes.
Hadda feed the beast
Well, we said Lawrence had the contract before him and it was his to accept or decline. We didn’t say it was a done deal.
anyone except Terry fenwick
I hear you Colin. Yes Kelvin. He may be successful, especially if given proper support from management and players.
we in de middle of qualifying..so this news taking the limelight…but we have to fix our football..in the office and the training pitches across tnt…from the youth level…so dennis or whoever have good young football “products” to work with…
Brian.. that’s very true.. Southgate is more experienced than people realise.. he was a premier league manager and U21 manager for a few years.. the FA here has almost groomed him for the role.. it maybe came 5yrs early but he is equipped to do it. Hey.. Dennis may do well.. I really do t know what his role was at Everton.. if he coached the first team, the reserves, youths.. I don’t know. I think he has his UEFA A.. so he is equipped via the text book. But it’s not about badges.. it’s much much more than that.. man management is crucial, strong character, philosophy, tactical and technical awareness, motivational skills, passion, decision making.. the list is long.
spot on Jacko.
“6”…. legend
well…if DJW vex and annoyed by this…then i LIKE it….
Sheldon Marcus this thing thickening more…not sure what to make of this whole situation bc whoever is the next coach gonna be heavily scrutinized
Interesting developments. Hopefully Dennis Lawrence can change the whole football landscape for the better.
To be fair. He has a body of work. Dennis does not
The ENG u 21 just like the seniors performed poorly in tournament play
Granted the Southgate example is not the “perfect” cross comparison – it was the only one that came to mind right away. Allan Shearer at Newcastle or Zidane being given Real gig, Neville at Valencia, Whitmore for Jamaica or us giving Latapy the job in 09 – but the focus of the point is lure of most sports teams in picking a former notable player to be a coach once they have some management experience
They are much more likely to be picked than a non elite manager who maybe wasn’t a former player
Having seen the Under 21s a few times, I know they were pretty good tactically and had pretty decent results man.
Colin. Gareth Southgate was manager of Middlesborough and of the England under 21 before being named .manager of the English senior team, so I don’t think his appointment compares to this hire.
Yea but neither was that successful and the British press argument initially was that those stints were not enough experience for him to become England manager – which is basis of any minor opposition against Lawrence becoming TT coach ever since Hart was wrongfully axed
This won’t be too dissimilar to England hiring Gareth Southgate recently if it comes to pass
Obviously “England” not the most eye catching example – but the logic of teams picking a notable former player who has some coaching experience, with the presumed ability to lift/inspired a team because of playing reputation is very common (albeit slightly controversial/risky) in the sporting world these days – that has a decent success/failure rate
Presently Dennis Laurence is on the move upwards , Just hoping they not bringing him to T & T to spoil him . This country call T & T could spoil a bomb .
Sad to say, Lasana, but I now miss the genuine and general incompetence of Raymond Tim Kee at the helm of the TTFA. During the Tim Keekeekee era, Trinidad & Tobago was considered a side in CONCACAF that few wanted to play against if advancement relied on defeating us!
Maybe our players somehow perform better as a team when their main grouse with the president has to do with inexplicable penny-pinching and dubious austerity tactics.
He would have to be mad or foolish to hang his hat with that lot……or his name is Phil Simmons and his employers are WICB.
He is a scout at Belgium but that often isn’t a regular post. So I guess he was available.
Brother…this is a vipers nest.!!!!!
Yeah. He will be up against it. But he was a player through the Jack Warner era. And I’m sure it isn’t easy to get successive coaching jobs with Martinez in such a competitive environment.
So he must have learned something about football politics.
if he didnt he found out quickly when martinez left Everton… you are only as good as the person who hired you
One has to be madly patriotic or utterly senseless/naive to think that he will not be 3rd in line to be abused under this REGIME.
Nps
Great player for my team – Swansea City – and still much respected in Wales! He will to you proud!
It’s a big job. Hope so.
Dennis, I have knonw you for the better part of two decades now. I want to wish you nothing but success with the Herculean task you face if you accept the job. The road is not going to be easy at all but through willpower, strong minds and ability T&T can persevere in the Hex, prosper even!
One word of warning, though: please tread carefully in what you do as coach. Your selection as the preferred candidate has thwarted King David’s plans for the annexation of W Connection and the national senior team, so I am certain DJW will be looking to pounce on any misstep you might make – inadvertent or otherwise. In which country does the football association president also own and (still) actively administer a professional league team and unilaterally hire coaches and staff from that same team to hold simultaneous portfolios with the national side?
You find that making any sense? That not making any sense!
Wait seriously OK
y;all just make sure he gets paid just what they would have paid the other whiteboys…
Interestingly, from what I gather, Dennis is willing to sacrifice compensation in the interest of developing TT football via a three-year contract.
He is not that focused on pay per se. He also has his own house in Arima so he’s not interested in TTFA housing. He’d need a vehicle though.
well if that is his approach he starting wrong already. beasts of no name have zero value or regard for such high notions. and respect nothing as such they get for free or cheap. these hooligans. but maybe that would work out if dennis wants to be a martyr. it will be more money for those who show up to support and ensure his success, behind the scenes.
And you know i hate to say it. slave thinking again. I talk about the man being compensated as any other candidate who is white would and you talk to me about the man have a house.
why do we think so small and picayune. ???
wow. wow
Blows my mind
them white boys too dont always come with house and houses, in different lands, ??? and cars already. and still get paid out the wazoo, especially when the pr is the have no money to pay anybody?? so wwhy ??? bring that up.
but thanks eh.. you give me more info.
Lasana Liburd. all the more reason to do the do.. ..and get Dennis Lawrence all his tools! toolboxes and resources!!!
BTW DJW agreed to a three-year contract for new TT Women coach, Italian Carolina Morace, whose compensation package is in the vicinity of US $22k a month with housing and vehicle, paid for through FIFA Development Fund.
Dennis is reportedly willing to accept a lesser pay packet but no less than a three-year contract.
If the compensation aspects are being accessed from FIFA Development Fund, why is DJW trying to countermand the TTFA three-year offer with an insulting month-to-month take it or leave it contract?!!!
Maven, by white boys you just mean foreign coaches right?
Siewdath Persad my point has been made Mr. Persad. Thank you for providing me the means to learn more.
I read the whole thread and what is amazing to me is that Dennis Lawrence like most black and brown folk is far undervaluing their time and contributions, and if not that, has accounted zero for a budget to operate. Suppose he wanted to hire some people to aid in his mission and move quicker, further toward the teams’ success. Especially as this is a crunch time for the next and fast coming world cup.
we just dont even know how to think and strategize, negotiate and construct plans.. even for jobs we are charged
deeply regrettable
Lasana, it depends.
I have no proof as of now that Local whites get paid less than local Black and Brown folks as I know that to be fact and record.
it is a whole hierarchy you know. and i am not just talking football, but slave colonial racist employment dynamics that are in fact, global…
unless you know how to negotiate, navigate and demand your equal due
I will not underestimate our brother. He is way brighter than what u r crediting him with.
I believe he is negotiating well and in good faith.
He has reportedly submitted a comprehensive detailed budget to facilitate hiring needed assistants over a three-year period.
He is interested in the development of TT football.
However, if he manages to qualify TT for the 2017 World Cup, I imagine the contract will entail a clause to renegotiate new terms and conditions.
key word: “you imagine”
underestimate? brighter than what I am crediting?
look at what you reported here for me to learn. you and others.
Listen, only one person on this thread knows I am behind Lawrence 100%, but this thread does not bode well . if what you said were true, he would not have discounted himself . for any reason, even with his laudable intentions.
lets let things play out. observe and take our appropriate corners.
you know there are a lot of books and materials, articles and such documenting and proving how black folk are not very good in negotiating employment contracts and equal pay as with white counterparts. but what has never been written i dont think…is when those black folk need to negotiate with other black folk. that is a whole other kettle of fish that might actually be worse than when not your skinfolk.
laying off the intense pedal now.
later boys. thank you 😉
He would have been a good asst to hart if they didn’t undermine hart..he’s not ready for the head coach position. .
About time the stakeholders exercise their franchise. DJW is a dictator masquerading as a democratic leader. He must go! Hopefully, this is a sign of further shakeup to come. Lawrence will bring a nice style of play. I hope he leaves Roberto Martinez’ lack of attention to detail on the defensive side behind when he comes though.
What does that mean he will bring a nice style of play? That is assuming he have the talent at his disposal to implement such a system, no?
True. Hart was able to get the team to play out the back and break quickly on the counter. Of course I’m making assumptions based on whom Lawrence has learned his trade from. It’s understood that he’ll have to access the talent pool to see if they’re capable of adapting to his philosophy of how the game should be played.
He best have a results oriented philosophy if he wants this to go well. Of course it takes a little while for players and coaches to know each other. But top coaches don’t waste people’s time with such excuses. Results are what counts.
Not saying he must go out there and beat Mexico eh. But the name of the game is making the team competitive as quickly as possible.
I don’t believe we have the talent pool to implement nothing right now. Unless he bringing Lukaku or Hazzard, good luck with them bunch ah pull stones we have.
lol…talent pool is not the best that we’ve had. We don’t seem to be turning the heads of coaches from the major European leagues at the moment. That says a lot about the talent, or lack there of.
Wait til he brings back Kenwyne Jones and Trini Don chokes to death on his cornflakes! Hahaha
The only system we can play is to sit deep and counter. Our players aren’t good enough to match up with the top teams in the Hex. I’m just being realistic.
Right. And if you’re playing that way and hoping to nick something, it doesn’t hurt to have a big target for a get-out ball or to swing set pieces at.
I can hardly see any coach taking this job and not at least trying to get something out of Kenwyne Jones. That’s the reality.
KJ has to be part of the setup regardless of what the football public thinks. Half of them don’t know shit about football
Brent Bennett Hart knew this & got the best out of KJ despite his limitations
Brent Bennett and Colin Benjamin im surprise by this nonsense you all saying about KJ…..do you all smoke weed ????
Just because a striker doesn’t score doesn’t mean they aren’t effective. Teams game plan for KJ, you think they game awning for anyone else besides him and JJ? The answer is no.
Trini Don The way that Hart used with KJ is used by a few teams who don’t have a proven/consistent goal-scorers – but via their physicality to bring other players into the game who are the goal-scorers:
– France 98 with Stephane Guivrach
– England in early 2000s with Emile Heskey
– Kevin Davies when Bolton was in premier league
– Duncan Feguson for Everton in the 1990s
Obviously its not pretty and such strikers are always vulnerable to being dropped – but those aforementioned teams just like TT now with Jones needed such players – hence why Hart was always right to always persist with him because none of local strikers even proved they were consistent goal-scorers
This discussion is boring & its unfortunate too many fans can’t separate their emotion of disliking Kenwyne’s style of play & not simply accepting his tactical importance to the team …smh
Brent Bennett Lasana Liburd Kirwin Weston Amiel FullyFocus Mutilal Keith Look Loy Kevin Harrison Terence William Fenwick Roneil K Walcott Stephon Nicholas
KJ’s presence is necessary whether off the bench or starting? He definitely was going through a bit of a rot but he can still contribute something imo
I heard he only received expenses. Guess he never got as far as first pay day!
I wonder if the last coach was paid for his short stint.
Tallman, unless yuh have a proven obeahman on yuh payroll……stay wey yuh is brother. De guaranteed in TTFA contract doh mean de same as de guaranteed wey yuh is now nah
#proven ?
#Facts
Is his choice base on sciring the goal that took us there Whitmore if Jamaica scired in a wirld cup he is present jamican:s head coach check his tracj records jamica failed . Maranodana was one of the world greatest player check his track record as a coach .
Sure right an the backward mentality of the football public blinded by it .
I think the best choice for T&T football is Dennis both for long term and short term at this time but I’m not sure it is the best choice for him professionally. If he accepts I think it will be more of a patriotic move than anything else.
Pacho was the best choice.. Dennis is an asst at best right now..an asst to Pacho or hart.. he needs another 7 years or so under a good manager like hart or pacho in this case.. ttfa are fools and corrupt … imagine they pass up coaches like Suarez and frank ..lol
I support this 1001%… Especially if he is given a 3 Year contract, give him an opportunity to develop the team along the lines he would want. Our Russia journey is certainly uphill, but once there is positivity within structure, I would be happy.
#Truetalk ?
..The only ‘deliverable”in football is results
“…ex-international defender still has to agree to the terms on offer, which is believed to include deliverables that will allow his work to be assessed periodically.”…… dodgy terms, don’t sign Dennis!!!
Dodgy terms? Seriously? You’re hiring a rookie coach and will not give yourself a get out of jail free card? That would be poor leadership.
Here you go again with your wild assertions. So he has worked with some of the top brass in Europe but he’s now a scout. So basically if he was worth his silk at least one of them would have asked him to stay on but he has been a second thus far resorting to scouting.
I can spot a red flag in a contract.most times and this is one time. Deliverables to be assessed periodically in this situation with the personalities involved sounds loaded for do it my way or else….
Stop trolling post and being myopic. I’d say it again it’s not that we pick on individuals but sometimes you need to look at the common denominator involved.
Carlos if Dennis turns it down, why you think that would be?
This is why we needed a person with that kind of ability come in an get the ball rolling one time not a defensive assistant coach .
Well better U go and get the job ???
I surly will do a good job .
Thats when you looking to rebuild no time for that in the middle of a crucial qualification time
Ah three year contract kind ah long. No more than 1-year with an option for an extension based on meeting certain performance metrics.
They really trying to avoid Terry yes
Why though?
An no excuses as he fail get rid of him .
OK I was wrong now read over the article the Columbian guy was third he is actually forth what the