DirecTV W Connection might have their eyes on the Pro League title again after adding former Central FC and Point Fortin Civic forward Marcus “Lobo” Joseph to their offensive line-up for the upcoming TT Pro League season.
Joseph’s move to his former employer’s bitter Couva rivals looks like one of the most eye-catching signings so far, although there appear to be significant changes at Central FC and North East Stars too.

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If Connection now have one of the Pro League’s most lethal attackers, then Stars can boast of acquiring the safest hands as new owner/coach Terry Fenwick confirmed that Soca Warriors goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams will follow him to the Arima Velodrome this season.
The Pro League is expected to kick off on Friday 26 May with a clash between league champions Central FC and Pro Bowl winners Defence Force.
Fenwick and Williams worked together when Central FC won their maiden title in the 2014-15 Pro League season. Williams went on to win two more Pro League crowns at Central before opting for a change of environment.
Fenwick, who took over at Stars last month, said the Trinidad and Tobago custodian will operate as a player/goalkeeping coach with Stars.
“Jan-Michael is still the best goalkeeper in the country at 32 and has another five to eight years left at least in the Pro League,” Fenwick told Wired868. “He is a good role model who is the type of person I want around the younger players… We want to build a competitive vibrant club around good individuals [who set] good standards for the younger players.”

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Fenwick confirmed that former National Under-20 playmaker Duane Muckette and pacy winger Jomoul Francois—both under-23—will also represent Stars this season, as he freshens up the squad. But he said local football fans will have to wait until next week for more names.
“We have a very young, fast team who we will be very competitive with exciting players like Muckette and Jomoul Francois,” said Fenwick. “But I want to hold off on the other names until next week when we will do a launch at the Arima Velodrome.
“What I can say is that we have the players who will be the core of the next national team after this campaign. And we are looking to have the striking partnership of the national team for years to come in two of the players that we are bringing in.”
If Stars can boast of future talent, Connection might feel they have the tools to do the business right now.
Joseph, a former two-time World Youth Cup attacker and still just 25 years old, helped Central to the Pro League title in the 2015/16 season before falling out with the club’s management midway through the last season.
His thunderous left foot is arguably the most lethal weapon in the local game and Connection assistant coach Earl Jean thinks Joseph’s best days are ahead of him.

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“I think Marcus’ talent speaks for itself,” Jean told Wired868. “He is a player that everybody is afraid of when he is on form. It is just a matter of managing him off the field.
“He is a quiet person and a nice boy and has done well so far in pre-season. He needs to get stronger and do more gym work and once he dedicates himself to the game, he will do well.
“Once you build a team around Marcus, you will get goals.”
Another new face for the “Savonetta Boys” is former St Ann’s Rangers midfielder Jameel Antoine while former National Under-20 Team winger Akeem “Froggy” Garcia is set to resume his career after almost two years out with a knee injury.
The trio will help compensate for the departures of winger Aikim Andrews and defenders Daneil Cyrus and Jelani Peters. Peters and Andrews have moved to Toronto FC II while Cyrus is still mulling over his next move.
Central operations director Kevin Harrison was cagey about his own squad and claimed that there are no confirmed departures from the “Couva Sharks” just yet. But he confirmed that Williams, former captain and midfielder Leston Paul and playmaker Sean De Silva have not taken part in the club’s pre-season preparations.

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“We have still have registrations of all the players except [Philippines-based midfielder] Darren Mitchell,” said Harrison. “So until someone asks for a transfer, they are still registered with us and we expect that some players will come back [for the start of the Pro League season next month].”
However, veteran Warriors defender Seon Power, who is returning to the local game after a spell in the Far East, is one of several new faces in the Sharks squad over the pre-season along with National Under-20 defender Taryk Sampson and ex-2009 World Youth Cup forward Juma Clarence.
Former World Cup 2006 and Sunderland winger Carlos Edwards, who is on the current Warriors team, is expected to sign with Central tomorrow.
Central coach Dale Saunders still has bustling midfielder Nathaniel “Spanish” Garcia, wingers Jason Marcano and Johan Peltier and promising defender Keston George from his 2016-17 title winning team.
But Harrison suggested there will be more than a few foreign players in the Sharks squad this season. Teenaged Antigua and Barbuda left back Vashami Allen is expected soon along with talent from a range of countries included Haiti, Grenada, Britain and the United States.

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“We are looking at about eight to nine foreigners,” said Harrison. “Some of them will be short-term loans who are only here for the Caribbean Club Championship. But we are looking at what we can get for our money and if you can get a foreign international for cheaper than a local, then it makes sense.”
Central’s success on the field has been tarnished somewhat by financial issues off the field. Former club captain Marvin Oliver won a case for unfair dismissal against the club, just over a year ago, while Fenwick is among well over a dozen former employees still owed bonuses.
Harrison said he was proud to see players like Yohance Marshall and Power win spots on the Trinidad and Tobago squad while at Central. But he suggested that the club suffered a lot from their policy of fielding an almost entirely local team.
“We won the Caribbean Cup with all Trinidad players [last year] but you get nothing for it,” said Harrison. “We didn’t even get a congratulations from the Ministry of Sport or people in sport. So what’s the point of banging our heads against the wall?
“We have resisted going foreign before but now we think we are arriving at the decision that Connection made five or six years ago. These [foreign] players are coming here for an opportunity to move on to greener pastures which they were not getting where they are.
“I don’t know what the standard of living is in Haiti but I’d expect there is a higher standard of living here…”

(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
One local talent who will give Central a hand for the upcoming Caribbean Football Union (CFU) club competition is the Pro League’s reigning golden boot winner, Akeem Roach, who is on loan from Club Sando.
The CFU competition, which will be staged in Trinidad, runs from 12-21 May 2017.
Sando coach Angus Eve explained that he allowed Central to use his player so as to give him the best possible chance of breaking into the Warriors squad for their upcoming June qualifiers away to the United States and Costa Rica.
“I wanted to give Dennis [Lawrence] an opportunity to see him and give him some match practice,” said Eve. “I think the players who are based in Trinidad could be at a disadvantage because they are not getting game time now. So at least the national coach can see him [in the CFU competition].”
Eve expects that he might need a replacement for Roach as soon as June anyway. The attacker leaves for trial then and Eve, who still holds the official record for international appearances with Trinidad and Tobago, believes Roach is too good for the Pro League.
“I don’t think he should be in Trinidad,” said the Sando coach. “I think he has all the attributes as a centre forward. He is good in the air, he can use both feet, run into space, hold up the ball… The potential is immense.”

(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/CA-images/Wired868)
Eve confirmed that Sando have signed former Morvant Caledonia United captain and playmaker Akim Armstrong, who will act as their ‘10’ this season. And they are closed to snapping up talented Point Fortin Civic midfielder Akeem Redhead.
“Other than that, I don’t want to say anything about the rest of my squad just yet,” he said.
San Juan Jabloteh coach Keith Jeffrey was cagey about giving too much away as he is also finalising his roster. He confirmed that skilful winger Tyrone Charles, forward Jamal Gay and midfielder Keyon Edwards—all former senior Warriors players—have moved on along with central defender Aquil Selby.
Former Rangers captain and central defender Shakiyl Phillip has joined Jabloteh along with winger Julio Noel and Venezuelan flanker Jose Parra. Current Warriors international defender Carlyle Mitchell is also with the “San Juan Kings” although he is still undergoing rehab for a groin injury.
“By next week, we will have our full roster sorted out,” said Jeffrey.
The Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team play away to Grenada on 29 April in an exhibition match at St George’s. And there might be a few more interesting local transfers after that outing with goalkeepers Marvin Phillip and Glenroy Samuel, midfielder Leston Paul and playmaker Keron Cummings all believed to be in the shop window.

(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

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.
Can’t speak for other clubs. Centrals budget has decreased significantly thus reduction in numbers of players and staff. Salaries for everyone have been reduced for top players. There is a Pro League minimum wage that cannot be reduced.
Hopefully Kevin can answer these questions or just refute it with or without any rationale
It is quite remarkable how we “turn an blind eye” to the obvious failure and incompetence of sports administrators. While players/athletes see a drastic reduction in salaries over the last 3-5 years how are the administrators doing? Do they feel the pinch? Are they immune ? What are the conditions of contracts? Are they transparent or just part of the usual cover up?
Lasana none of this financial information (disclosure) is good for pro football in Trinidad – it paints a grim picture and tarnishes (in the minds of the younger ones) what being a professional footballer in T&T entails.
What financial information you mean Tony?
Some of those figures being mentioned in the comments…that might be the reality but geez, it makes pro football a tough sell for those involved I would imagine…
Yeah. It’s true. It’s a travesty really. Totally different to a decade ago when decent players got between $8,000 to $16,000.
And oil was $100 a barrel. Let’s put this in perspective. A very well educated friend of mine, who went thru college in USA, was declined a much needed job today because the boss said the salary of TT$15 per hour was beneath her ability. Meanwhile she has to find a home that can house her and her 3 kids. Let’s remember that the subventions, which were put in place to support those $8,000 salaries have been cut by 40%. Ticket prices have not increased. Sponsors have disappeared, but are still making profits. How much deeper are owners supposed to dig into their pockets and then read the ongoing criticisms of their clubs? You all may have your points to make, but in the end, all you’re really doing is increasing the chance of professional football disappearing in T&T. Why are the clubs always the bad guys? No one forces players to sign contracts. While I concede there may be youngsters being paid $2,500 I’ve not heard of adults being paid so little. But as I have always maintained since the days of FPATT, players aren’t paid enough. The way to resolve that is to support local professional football, attend games in higher numbers so sponsors will come on board. Trust me, if any club has money, it will pay more to secure players.
I SAY GETBRID OF THE ENTIRE BOARD……. look at where the MLS has reached in its first 15 years and look at the pro league its in shambles…. time to get a new board with new ideas because skeene and his gang are clue less
OUCH!!!
So 10 years ago, a player made 8K to 15K, and now with prices gone up, doubled, maybe tripled, they make 3-5K
I hope Managers and Clubs also make significantly less, but I highly doubt it
By the way Mr. Live Wire you forgot to also mentioned who is on board with North East Stars as their new manager eh, hahahahaha
I ent get too deep in the different teams’ business. Just a little info on the squad players they wanted to share with the public.
I guess they will reveal all that when they’re ready. Or you have a scoop to give us. Lol.
hahahaha Not me eh and I know that you will buss it in a timing and it’s all a great move business wise for the club, so as I said before that this season will be a very interesting one especially when it will be a longer season from the previous one and I am really looking forward to it especially in the goal scoring department with respect to all the clubs.
So Kevin Harrison said that they are looking for what they can get for their money eh, I wonder if their present players finally got their well deserved thousands of monies that is owed to them since from the last season Steeuuppss. Them really good yes.
Last 2 seasons
Three
My bad, 3 now, 2 when I left.
Called into the office and told they have no money to continue paying me, and hired a new Physio/Trainer the said week
Think Marcus is gonna be a hit at Connection…like JJ Colin
Possibly if the team is built around him & his strenghts
How does a foreign national be cheaper than a local player. Just room and board alone makes him costly. Is he going to photosynthesize for food?
Unless he pays his own room and board??
That makes no sense, why would a foreign player pay his own room and board.
Where is he staying for that cheap, Woodford Square?
Just saying.. have seen peeps desperate and do it. Stayed with a friend or relative..
I take it the idea is to put several in one house which cuts costs. That might bring the average down to about $700 a person for accommodation.
The salary after that is anyone’s guess.
What do you think Asante Caruth-Dilworth?
Transportation, eating, living. Cheaper to higher a youth at his parents home
How low can you pay a foreigner? $2,500? With housing that could take you up to $3,500.
If you get a Haitian international at that price or a player nearly as good, then you’re golden.
The cheap kid living in his mom’s house won’t be as good.
Depending on their situation, some may take less Lasana
SIgh, where do I start here :/
SIgh, where do I start here :/
Agreed, but is that what we want for our League. At 2500, how good does this player eat, can he buy boots and sneakers to train & play?
Are we into exploiting another player? Let us take the 2500, Food for a month, at a minimum groceries will take 1/2 of that, that is if he can cook; otherwise he is buying food, and it could take all.
Travel to practice everyday, unless we have a facility next to the ground, he is dead meat.
What if he gets ill?
Communication, he will probably need to call home occasionally.
What about to relax, what will he do?
Let us be real honest here, is this what the Pro League is about?.
Firstly, I’m with Sheldon on this one, there is no way a ‘good’ foreign player can cost less than a local, although that what’s some of these cheap ass clubs hope for.
A UWI Student room is 2000 per month, keep that in mind
Sheldon Scipio I dont like it one bit, but it is the reality bro, whether we like it or not
We gonna start going Haiti and kidnapping players next
Secondly, at the two former clubs my husband played for, the plan at first was to get a ‘player house’ for them, time was running out and they kept bullshitting the players, so eventually it was obvious that these foreign players had to find their own accommodation. Don’t get me started on how many hours and calls I had to make from Tobago trying to find apartments for my husband and other players. Imagine trying to apartment hunt from one island and directing foreigners to these places in another island -_-
Agreed Sheldon. And to be fair, it is almost natural that companies would try to get the cheapest labour possible. It is a cruel evolution that we see from big companies like Apple.
Only a players association could help. And they won’t get a Uwi student apartment. Lol.
The man who said this was an Adviser to the Minister of Sport. What other heinous ideas were they planning
But the main thing with this is that the pay them next to nothing so even if they do get them a player house or let’s say an apartment for two to three players and the players split the rent, when you factor in food, travelling expenses and just everyday living, the players are left with almost nothing compared to the local players who stepping out of mammy’s house. Look nah man
I am happy Asante was invited to this conversation
In one club he was living in Diego Martin with two other foreign players, that started off good but ended in disaster mainly due to a falling out with club management and their dutty ways. At his second club, he shared a three bedroom apartment with FIVE other players, players had to get mattresses and slept outside in the living room. You think is one cuss I cuss at the treatment of these players, not just my husband because whether I knew them or not these other players were human beings too, horrible living conditions but these coaches expect players to show up and be their best and not even trying to make sure their players are comfortable.
They might believe you, tell them about Darko
One of the clubs wanted to give hubby $750 a WEEK!! A WEEK you know.
I can verify all she is saying
Sheldon Scipio Oh gosh Sheldon don’t get me started on Darko, Darko is a darling of a person, a Ghanaian national and one of the players who shared the Diego Martin apartment with my husband. My husband first met him at trials at another club, he was in a foreign country and was living no where because the person who was responsible for helping him find his way around here took complete advantage of him, he took his all money and put him out on the streets. Duran called me one morning and told me about this situation and my heart sank, I bought two boat tickets for them and told hubby to bring him to Tobago and we will figure something out.
Lasana After trying other options for a bit, Duran feels that he has another year or two left that he can give towards the beautiful game and I am willing to support that but I have made it very clear that Trinidad is an absolute NO-NO, I had enough, these people would make me catch a case. So I strongly advise him to return home. Obviously, his family would have loved to have him close, a 20 minute plane ride would have been okay with us but not the way these clubs are doing business at present. Just last night we were watching his former Jabloteh teammates Sterling and Reid scoring goals and doing well back at home.
Sheldon, while you have a right to your opinions, feeding the nation bullshit does not help develop local football. You lived for free in accommodation provided by Central FC. It wasn’t the Hyatt, but many citizens live in worse conditions. If a local player, living in free accommodation is being paid $8,000 per month, which you know is true coz you lived with them, that equates to a package of $10k per month. If a foreign national team player comes for US$1,000 per month plus free accommodation at age 20, that’s not a bad wage in today’s society and it’s cheaper than the local guy.
I did not live for free, it was a part of my contract.
Next $1000 US is more than an axe rage player makes in the league.
Therefore a foreign player is never cheaper than a local player. Foreign based players always cost more than the average local player. Your statement was you will get good foreign players for less than a local. That statement is false.
You also offered cars etc. When all that is tied in, the value of the contract goes up.
For example Chucky never received near 8,000.00 monthly. More like 3,000.00
Plaza received over 8,000.00,ear that amount
Gem never received anywhere near that also, they shared rooms, no cable or wifi, shared a front door key.
How many afternoons did you ever spend at the house, do you even know what the house was furnished with. Ever check out how uncomfortable the beds were, How available was water?
Can you answer these questions?
The house had 3 bedrooms, and at one time Chucky, Darko, Gem, Jackie, Winchester, a Jamaican defender were all living there at the same time.
Did anyone visit to ensure they each had a place to sleep so they could rest and attend practice in the morning, did You?
I doubt any club coach besides KJ ever saw the living conditions.
At the next house only I had a decent room, maybe because I was first to move in. No cable, or wifi, so let us not start on what you are calling good accommodations.
And do not make it sound like I was being done a favor, it was a part of my contract.
Again, Sheldon, please do not keep stating untruths. State your opinion by all means but do not mislead people. I’m some Chucky and Plaza would be very embarrassed that you understated their value do drastically. Your arguments make no sense. And there was nothing stopping players from getting keys cut or purchasing a portable wifi from bmobile.
Answer the questions and show my untruths.
I never stated Plazas value.
I assisted in getting Chucky to the Phillipines. .
Please state where I am lying.
Wow. Cut your own keys, purchase own wifi, buy extra mattresses… Hhmmm very interesting
If people do not believe me ask players who stayed in Enterprise, the killing zone, and probably are still there. Just off Enterprise road.
No one said buy extra mattresses. If you rent a place don’t you cut extra keys if you need them? Is it usual to get free wifi when you rent? You may even have to pay for it in hotels.
That is how you treat your players?
WOW
That a comfortable respond. Thanks, now we know
Wow indeed Sheldon Scipio
How many times have you been to this place in Enterprise, do you even know the address?
You heard it from the Manager
Yeah I know as well
So let me understand this clearly. Every employer in T&T supplies free accommodation, complete with wi-fi? Every landlord in T&T provides unlimited supply of keys? Really didn’t know that!
PHEW!!!
How many times have you been to the place? Do you even know the address?
I admire you Sheldon Scipio, yuh have real patience
I have been working with National Football since 1994, on and off. You develop that patience.
Dexter Skeene was the Women’s coach who handed over to Jamaal at that time.
Since then I have been involved at this level, I toured Suriname with Carlos Lee, Kerry Jameson etc in 1978 or 1980. I ain’t no spring chicken, so they cannot fool me.
You have to make players comfortable to have them practice hard and play well.
I once had to lend players my air-bed to sleep on the night before a game.
And he does not even know the address of the house the players stay at.
Hahaha foreigner?
What’s your point?
Just watching your bitterness. Amazing.
And of Central reign ? I thinking so
Nice to hear that Akeem Garcia will be back in action
Ye ha was just typing this
And didn’t know Mitchell was with Jabloteh was wondering where in the world he was
Akeem Garcia looked like he was really going places when he got that injury. So I can’t wait to see him get his rhythm back and start doing well.
Congrats Lobo…hope the central move gets him to go foreign
Well I hope he gets on the national team first and finally shows what he is capable of.
Long overdue
I put central instead of connection yes lol but yeah well done to him
Lol I feel that saying something Jomo
Lmaoooo not me and that bacchanal nah
Nice move
Marcus is a diamond in the rough. It will be a plus for T&T football if Connection get the best out of him.
Work on the ?Polish the ? and ✈ he will be much more beneficial it about time I think
Marcus is special player, hope this move allows him to finally realize his true potential…