Butcher: Dwight Yorke is past the “process” stage; this is the event—time to deliver

“[…] You mentioned that building a team is a process, not an event. I understand and respect that but context matters. Dwight has had a year and 13 matches—ample time to establish systems. The qualifiers are not part of that process, they are the event.

“[…] Raising red flags when we’re at the brink of elimination is not negativity, it’s responsible advocacy…”

In the following Letter to the Editor, football analyst and former Trinidad and Tobago international midfielder Ken Butcher responds to criticism from Wayne Mandeville over his views on Dwight Yorke’s management of the Soca Warriors:

Dear Wayne,

I hope this message finds you well. I’ve taken some time to reflect on your recent public response to my comments on the national team’s performance and coaching situation.

Given our longstanding relationship, I feel it’s important to clarify my position with respect and transparency.

We’ve known each other for over 30 years. While we played football casually and later worked under the same leadership, our interactions have always been grounded in mutual respect. That’s why I was surprised by the tone of your remarks, particularly in the public domain.

You described me as a “self-proclaimed pundit” and “God of Football,” and suggested my call for coach Dwight Yorke’s resignation reflected negative energy and a lack of faith in the team.

With due respect, I believe this misrepresents both my intentions and my message. I never called for the removal of Russell Latapy and I certainly did not dismiss the team’s potential.

In fact, I was one of Dwight’s strongest advocates when he was appointed, recommending him as the best-qualified local coach with the potential to grow into a World Cup-calibre leader. That potential still exists but it must now translate into urgent, results-based leadership.

With four must-win matches remaining, this is no longer a phase for “process”. It is crunch time.

My analysis was not personal; it was grounded in ten globally recognised coaching pillars, which objectively assessed our technical direction. These benchmarks are used worldwide to evaluate coaching effectiveness.

Based on that framework, we are well behind where we need to be.

Let me clarify what I said: Dwight should consider tendering his resignation, not as an act of failure, but as a professional gesture that allows the TTFA to evaluate the situation.

If they reject it, they reaffirm full confidence in his leadership. If they accept it, he leaves with his integrity intact and remains marketable on the international circuit.

Either way, the Association, regains control of the campaign’s direction, as it did in 2005, replacing Bertille St Clair with Leo Beenhakker: a decision that led to World Cup qualification in 2006.

You mentioned that “building a team is a process, not an event”. I understand and respect that but context matters. Dwight has had a year and 13 matches—ample time to establish systems. The qualifiers are not part of that process, they are the event.

We are now in a results-only phase. There’s no room for tactical missteps or further experimentation.

You also referenced the fans who attended the Curaçao match. That turnout was uplifting and it was heavily driven by the efforts of I95.5FM, where I proudly serve as one-third of our “Dream Team” of commentators.

The stadium holds 23,000 persons but support should not mean silence. Raising red flags when we’re at the brink of elimination is not negativity, it’s responsible advocacy.

I’ve never questioned the ability of our players, the passion of our fans or the contributions of Dwight and Russell. My critique was not rooted in ego, but in data, precedent and urgency.

My only goal is to see T&T football succeed and I believe honest dialogue plays a vital role in that process.

Wayne, I respect your work in football and I hope we can continue our conversations in the spirit of mutual respect, professionalism and shared purpose.

Editor’s Note: Click HERE to read Wayne Mandeville’s criticism of football analyst Ken Butcher.

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