Roy moves to Scotland Premiership; ex-Defence Force star joins Hamilton

Lasana Liburd Wednesday 3 August 2016 Global Football, Local Football, Volley 15 Comments

Former Trinidad and Tobago international striker Richard Roy is set to become a Scotland Premier League player after agreeing terms with top flight club, Hamilton Academical, today.

Hamilton have not yet confirmed the move on their own website. However, Roy told Wired868 that it is a done deal after the ex-soldier was discharged from the Army on Tuesday 2 August.

Photo: Defence Force forward Richard Roy (right) celebrates with Marvin Jones during the 2014/15 Pro League season. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868) — Photo: Defence Force forward Richard Roy (right) celebrates with Marvin Jones during the 2014/15 Pro League season.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Now, the powerful 28 year old forward is anxious to get into the squad for Hamilton’s opening game of the season against Glasgow Rangers on Saturday at Ibrox.

“I am looking forward to a great challenge in my life,” Roy told Wired868. “This is my first contract abroad and I’m very excited.”

Roy has not represented the Soca Warriors in four years. However, he does not need a work permit due to his marriage to Scotswoman Cheryl Roy, who he dated for two and a half years before they tied the knot on 18 June 2016.

He credited her for helping him achieve his dream of playing abroad.

“My loving wife was behind all of this,” said Roy.

If Roy has his way, he will be back in Trinidad as soon as he can, though. He admitted that his dream is to regain his place on the international team.

Photo: Defence Force forward Richard Roy (right) holds off Caledonia AIA utility player Noel Williams during 2013/14 Pro League action. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868) — Photo: Defence Force forward Richard Roy (right) holds off Caledonia AIA utility player Noel Williams during 2013/14 Pro League action.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

A muscular, bustling front man with a powerful shot, Roy scored a late equaliser for Trinidad and Tobago in the 2012 Caribbean Cup semifinal against Martinique, as the Warriors went on to win on penalties. But he has never represented his country since then.

All seven of his international caps came under current National Senior Team assistant coach Hutson “Barber” Charles and his two goals were both in competitive fixtures against Suriname and Martinique respectively.

“My goal is to represent Trinidad and Tobago again,” said Roy. “That’s my wish.”

Roy follows in the footsteps of former soldier and compatriot, Jason Scotland, who helped Hamilton gain promotion to the SPL with an inspired performance against Hibernian on 25 May 2014.

The “Accies” were trailing 2-0 from the first leg and on opposition territory as Scotland, then 35 years old, scored the opener, created the second and then scored in the subsequent shoot out against the stunned “Hibs”.

Scotland’s fellow 2006 World Cup player, Marvin “Dog” Andrews, also represented Hamilton.

Photo: Can't touch this! Defence Force attacker Richard Roy (right) jumps out of the way of Point Fortin midfielder Bevon Bass' tackle during the 2013/14 Pro League season. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868) — Photo: Can’t touch this!
Defence Force attacker Richard Roy (right) jumps out of the way of Point Fortin midfielder Bevon Bass’ tackle during the 2013/14 Pro League season.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Scotland and Andrews apart, the list of Trinidad and Tobago footballers to have competed in the Scotland Premiership includes: Russell Latapy, Kelvin Jack, Brent Sancho, Tony Warner, Lyndon Andrews, Collin Samuel, Brent Rahim and Chris Birchall.

Former internationals Jerren Nixon and Anthony Rougier also played in the Scotland top flight before the Premiership was formed while Densill Theobald had a short stint with Falkirk but never represented the club in competitive action.