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New Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team head coach Tom Saintfiet made his first big call as Soca Warriors coach today—and it was a six foot three decision.
Saintfiet selected his first squad today and named 28 players to face Nicaragua in friendly internationals on 27 and 30 December. And, even with 16 players summoned from the local Pro League, there was no room for the giant Central FC forward who scored 16 goals in 35 matches under former coach Stephen Hart—albeit just two items from eight games in the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign so far.
(Courtesy Nicholas Bhajan/Wired868)
Jones scored just once in 2016, which was also a miserable year for the team.
Saintfiet revealed that Jones was informed he would not be selected last week, which would have been within a day or two of the Belgian taking over as head coach. And the new Warriors coach suggested that, although the door was not closed to the former Sunderland and Stoke City forward, he wants to tweak the style of play of the Trinidad and Tobago team in time for next month’s Gold Cup playoff matches against Suriname and Haiti on 4 and 8 January respectively.
“I had a personal meeting with Kenwyne last week and I discussed privately with him the reason why we took that decision,” Saintfiet told Wired868. “The criteria for the selection of players is our tactical ideas and choices we want to use against Suriname and Haiti. The next thing is the current physical and mental shape of the players in our knowledge…
“Kenwyne is not out of the squad for good. I will follow up with how he performs [with Central FC] and how he performs with [his new MLS employers] Atlanta.”
Jones, who scored Central’s decisive second goal in a 2-1 win over W Connection on Monday, leaves for pre-season with new United States Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, Atlanta United FC, on 1 January 2017.
Kenwyne Jones scored a deft winner but was still excluded from the national side.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
The next MLS season begins in March 2017. Trinidad and Tobago host Panama and Mexico on 24 and 28 March in two vital qualifiers, which could decide the country’s World Cup fate as well as Saintfiet’s short-term coaching future.
For now, Saintfiet believes that Trinidad and Tobago’s best chance of getting results is with speed upfront and Jones, a classic target man and set piece weapon, does not fit in.
Instead, he selected San Juan Jabloteh striker Willis Plaza and the overseas-based duo of Shahdon Winchester (Murcielagos FC—Mexico) and Trevin Caesar (Orange County Blues—USA). Caesar, a diminutive speedy frontman, is one of a half dozen players who are in their off-season at present.
“I want a lot of speed upfront and space to run into on the counter attack,” said Saintfiet. “But I do not want to say too much because [the technical staff of] Suriname and Haiti can read what I say.”
Saintfiet will decide on his new captain by Christmas.
“I have not yet an answer for the [identity of the] new captain,” said Saintfiet. “I want to talk better to the players… We still have some doubts about availability of players [for the Gold Cup playoffs].”
Trinidad and Tobago won 6-0.
(Courtesy: Allan V Crane/CA-images/Wired868)
Orlando City midfield ace Kevin Molino is back in the squad after an internal two game suspension while there were recalls for Sean De Silva (Central FC), Alvin Jones, Hughtun Hector, Aikim Andrews (all W Connection) and Curtis Gonzales (Defence Force).
There were also intriguing call-ups for Defence Force playmaker Hashim Arcia, flying St Ann’s Rangers winger Jomoul Francois and versatile W Connection defender Maurice Forde. And, most of all, former 2006 World Cup and Sunderland flanker Carlos Edwards, who now represents Ma Pau Stars in the Pro League.
Edwards has over 80 National Senior Team caps but has not represented his country in three years.
England-based midfielder conductor Andre Boucaud, Eredivisie winger Levi Garcia and combative Belgium-based midfielder Khaleem Hyland were not named in Saintfiet’s first squad but the coach insisted that it was a matter of availability. He still hopes to have their services for the Gold Cup playoffs, if possible.
None of the four upcoming matches fall under the FIFA match window and clubs can decide whether they choose to release players to take part.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
However, Saintfiet said the United States duo of Neveal Hackshaw and Ataulla Guerra were simply overlooked at present.
Midfield anchor Kevan George, who is also in his off-season, ruled himself out of the Nicaragua games and will be left out of the Gold Cup playoffs as a result, since the new coach believes there will be insufficient time to get him in shape and fit him into his new tactics.
There were four W Connection, three Central and two Ma Pau players in the squad. Shahdon Winchester, Jomal Williams and Triston Hodge, who are on loan from Connection, were also selected.
There was no room for Defence Force striker Devorn Jorsling, Central FC attacker Marcus Joseph, Jabloteh wingers Nathan Lewis and Tyrone Charles or Mexico-based defender Yohance Marshall while Connection defender Jelani Peters is believed to be out due to injury.
World Cup 2006 striker Cornell Glen, who now plays professionally, was also overlooked although he was identified by Hart as a potential inclusion to help save Trinidad and Tobago’s faltering Russia 2018 World Cup chances.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
(Trinidad and Tobago 28-man squad)
Goalkeepers: Jan Michael Williams (Central FC), Glenroy Samuel (Ma Pau Stars), Marvin Phillip (Morvant Caledonia United), Adrian Foncette (Police FC);
Defenders: Carlos Edwards (Ma Pau Stars), Daneil Cyrus (W Connection), Sheldon Bateau (Krylia Sovetov Samara—Russia), Triston Hodge (Toronto FC II—Canada), Mekeil Williams (Colorado Rapids—USA), Carlyle Mitchell (Seoul E-Land FC—Korea Republic), Radanfah Abu Bakr (Sillamae Kallen—Estonia), Maurice Ford (W Connection), Curtis Gonzales (Defence Force), Aubrey David (Dallas FC—USA);
Midfielders: Nathaniel Garcia (Central FC), Alvin Jones (W Connection), Sean De Silva (Central FC), Hughtun Hector (W Connection), Kevin Molino (Orlando City—USA), Aikim Andrews (W Connection), Cordell Cato (San Jose Earthquakes—USA), Jomal Williams (Murcielagos FC—Mexico), Hashim Arcia (Defence Force), Joevin Jones (Seattle Sounders—USA), Jomoul Francois (St Ann’s Rangers);
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Forwards: Willis Plaza (San Juan Jabloteh), Shahdon Winchester (Murcielagos FC—Mexico), Trevin Caesar (Orange County Blues—USA).
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If he’s trying to make tactical tweaks I understand but by dropping your most senior and your CAPTAIN from a training camp squad especially as it’s your first time being with the new squad is not sensible. He needs the senior players to help him settle in if your not going to play him he needs to be there for his experience dropping him completely is foolish plus now there’s no plan B if plan A doesn’t work.
#coachhart
If your *captain*and player with so much *experience* isnt making a difference
What’s the point havin him
If u didn’t kno he put back Carlos Edwards to keep that experience on the side
Khaleel Reid-Devonish thanks eh…I taught i alone can’t understand what the man doing…Edwards is there to C the team…An he may not be the Edwards of long time but let’s b real, it’s a chance we have to take…
Dropping him is just an easy escape if you look at our games our main problem is lack of speed and creativity in our midfield plus simple mistakes in defense. There are so many players that are having no effect but are still on the team and probably going to start so what’s the point of dropping Jones and well adding Carlos Edwards a player who hasn’t played for our national team for three years isn’t called experience, he has no connection with the current players and that connection is what i mean we loose by dropping Jones
That’s true as well
If Trinidad switch around their system it could work
Still not denyin kenwyne has a presence on the field on offense
But something new and fresh has to be done
Valdano Spanglers Julian my comment below explains it
but he don’t have to start… he should just be around the team, keep him in d squad.
But the coach probably thinks giving him a break may give him the motivation to work harder and the coach sees these games as less important so that might be his reasoning we wouldn’t know if it’s not then I don’t agree with it at all
I would hope kenwyne See’s it in that light
But honestly after how he was treated at stoke
He lost a lot of love for the game
So we will see
Ppl think I have a problem with Jones inno…I don’t…all I wanted was the coach to rest the man make him catch himself…make him fight fu his position…I was a footballer once an sometime ur going thru a phase an just need a lil bench…it sometimes does help…but the coach never try an change that…aluh probably won’t understand what I’m saying…
Valdano Spanglers Julian I completely understand your point if that’s the coach’s motives then it may make sense but the problem is where the media is quoting him as saying he needs more speed hence dropped Jones if that’s what he actually said then that’s just stupidity
Well yea cause speed don’t win games…but the whole team wasn’t happy fu whatever reason, something was wrong in the camp an it was showing on the field…we are in a worseee position than we were the last time we made WC…I’m not saying we can’t but we have plenty work in a short space of time…I taught Jones wouldn’t of start I dint want him get drop…I wanted him to come on an last 20mins so kill them with some long ball in the box…but let’s see how it goes…
Valdano Spanglers Julian When allyuh going to realize that KJ’s career is in ah perfect nosedive to the football abyss!!
Man making sense doh
lack of football brains I call the ppl who praise this nonsense of a decision
Steups
Not to bash the coach decision but by Jones being the point man it gives room for wingers and attacking midfielders to run behind him as he holds up the ball or comes for it but I guess he’s looking at it from another angle the easy scape goat to get fans that not knowledgeable behind you – Trey Hart could not have said it any better
Is Williams pick da side anyway so ..
won’t doubt it
Tyron Flores take in how much connection men gt d call up now ..
blasted nonsense boi
is the blatancy in it
Tyron Flores yuh know he was and still is in some ways connection Boss
How much times has that style of play worked out for Trinidad?
Everyone who commenting here sounding like the last coach…An yet still we eat cut ass…how hard is it to try something new…not one game they bench Jones an bring him on or something he always starting…
well den u doe watch football Cuz it happen against Haiti when we was to qualify for confederation cup. n it happen in a couple other matches and we failed miserably. I don’t miss a single tnt game so don’t get me started Cuz I will bring complete facts
Wait it out and see….it wasn’t working out dawg…sad to say….man football need serious leveling up…..trust me i nuh shocked by the move…it may seem nonsensical……I would have made the same move cause as everybody could see…he frustrating the team going forward…the two practice games will test Saintfiet’s leap of faith.
?????? jones is ah point man?!???? Curt rCurt Mc Leod this man comment ..he making sense inno but when last jones hold up ah ball and bring players into d game??
Curt remember d Usa game when levi duss out donovan on d half way line and jones still in wi half jogging instead of looking to assist ?????…these men have too much faith wii …lolzz bt he bashing everybody on here?????????
Jevon Akini Charles I’m confused you seeing these comments, I feel them watch ah different game from us ?
lolzzz experts??
Hahaha Thts ah great drop
Hahaha Thts ah great drop
lol Ken Shackeel Khan i agree that is the best thing the coach do
I don’t like kenwyne that much but there’s a reason for him on the team
Every game I watch with Trinidad jred kenwyne Jones getin me vex an I sure is not only me he need ah rest up… maybe 90% of Dis country want sum new
Jones cant even trap a ball and he is a point man? We does claim to watch football?
About fuckin time!!
Still no sign of Cornell Glen. So it looks like he really isn’t going to get a shot at helping us out. Smh
Easily a better finisher than the rest
Correct…by far
Cornell Who? hahahaha
Is it that Hyland and Boucaud are unavailable?
Yes
Well they both also need to be unavailable the same as Mr Bound not to score eh, time for some fresh new blood to represent our sweet country going forward eh. Them really good yes.
Can’t agree with that one
Ok then LOL
I know madness when I see it. .n this is complete madnesss
I understand what u mean Jones Jus needs a lil sharpening up, let we be real who it have to replace rn that could make consistent performances .jones isn’t out in my book I’d just put him to play attacking mid something like a false 9 role so he could get back his sharpness by being more involved, throughout Jones career it has shown he performs under pressure just like Rooney and many others I just hope this is ll the pressure Jones needs cause TBH we are improving IDK if ppl notice but the following World Cup our team will be very well prepared
spot on.
Not to bash the coach decision but by Jones being the point man it gives room for wingers and attacking midfielders to run behind him as he holds up the ball or comes for it but I guess he’s looking at it from another angle the easy scape goat to get fans that not knowledgeable behind you – Trey Hart could not have said it any better
We will see how good a coach Saintfiet is soon enough. But he sure is a good politician. Lol
like this coach have some potential ?
Thank you !!!
This coach just won over 90℅ of the fan base
Ent !!!
Trinis sweet too bad yes
They forget about my Coach Hart long time eh. Them really good yes hahahaha
MARCUS JOSEPH not on this 28 man squad but Carlos Edwards get a call up!! Wow … TTFF strings working
At last…. Somebody have the balls to do it!!!!!!
the dumb comments on here yes
Who’s this coach man bai☺️ I wanna shake his hand yes??
Joy Williams yah boi go hadda play FIFA home while them fellas runnin..
One good decision but I’m still a skeptic cuz anyone who watching would’ve drop kenwyne so ur still at 0
Wha an assinine move…
Neon Worl’boss O’garro Take he spot nha wwgd
Its about damn time!!!!
Alyuh think my dictator president easy nah, he reminds me of the Russian fella that owns Chelsea eh and meh monies are still on him to also bring for the first time in our football history my greatest team to the universe to our sweet country eh hahahahaha
Former greatest team… hahaha
dont bring my manager in this. Roman is boss!
hahahaha Former greatest team eh wait until we meet my second greatest World team Germany in the next World Cup in Russia 2018, they will find out where barely grows eh. Them really good yes
I though the might usa was your 2nd greatest team? Lolll
Well hear how the conversation went….Coach Tom… So Mr David if you only giving meh the two games and I don’t win eh as you said you will be bussing my throat ent, so the first player that I will be dropping is Mr. Bound not to score eh because I don’t want to end up like Coach Hart…..Mr. David….Well I don’t care who you drop nah once you have all my W- Connection players on the team and they continue getting their caps for me to continue making plenty monies eh you good to go. Them really good yes hahahahaha
Lolol..Probably eh
Mango, in de conversation, did DJW also say “dem really good yes”?
Bacannal
hahahahaha By now I am positively certain that he is using it eh Nigel Myers
Well yuh better trademark it before Melville say he invent it
hahhahaha it done trade mark long time already eh. Them really good yes.
Fellas it videos of warriors on Youtube and elsewhere. At least he has done some home work
just read that Bradley Wright Phillips can represent Trinidad …. someone hit him up on whatsapp na lol
That won’t happen quickly. First of all, he was approached a year ago or so and said he wasn’t interested in playing international football at this stage.
So he would need to be convinced. And then there would be a mountain of paperwork. Won’t happen in time for March.
Bostock?????
He won’t be available as it isn’t a FIFA date. And we are still not sure if he wants to play. Everyone who was in contact with him from the TTFA has been fired or quit too.
I had a personal meeting with Kenwyne last week and I discussed privately with him the reason why we took that decision,” Saintfiet told Wired868. Lasana Liburd who is we[hes prefering too]
But could he not have been following the Team ?? Just asking.
Was just about to ask that. Maybe he has been in talks with DJW for a while now. Maybe?
From Belgium no
Hmmm
Guess Saintfiet has fans already
Ha ha
Thats a big move lol
Smh
I don’t think it’s permanent, but at least he’s trying something
Well for me I still dont think he is a quality coach, but you dont have to be a quality coach to see that KJ killing the team
Lmao Aaron
It was a sharp political move. Not sure as to whether it is a good football move to drop your top scorer and the only player used in the campaign so far with Premier League and World Cup experience.
Sends a good message though.
Can’t say too much.
I expect additions to this squad though
What’s the message Kirwin? That the Wetty Wetty Crew in charge now? Lol.
Boy, let the man try yes.
Streete should be an assistant if he wants to be counterattacking
“Sharp political move or Testicular fortitude”? Lol
He is in charge. Once he genuinely believes that the decisions made are the best ones for the team, then it is his job to try.
I can only hope that the decisions are his.
I believe he asked for certain qualities and most of these guys were recommended.
He wouldn’t have had sufficient time.
Like Glenroy…if it was Glenroy in goal last night…he Saintfiet might play without a goalie than select him from last night’s performance, lol
Lasana – I think it’s unreasonable to expect that selection of the current squad was done solely by the new coach. I imagine he would have consulted with a number of individuals who are well connected to the national team. And that would only make sense, as he is new in the job and does not yet have a full picture of the talent available to his disposal.
Precisely Carlos
Carlos Lee, the coach took ownership for decision to drop Kenwyne. I’m saying that I hope it’s solely for reasons given. That’s all.
This has zero to do with how long he has been here once you read his comments.
Whether or not this was a wise football move, it is certainly a good political move…
I think it was mainly political firstly too. At least the 1st game against Nic and then say nah I need to drop you. Dwight Yorke used to be bashed the same way, he too slow, not giving his all well Stern got the most bashing. But these guys did well for their intl clubs. Yorke and Stern’s record improved when they started getting betting service from the wingers and mid field.
Is it?
I could also say Fenwick…. how you know he ent see Kenwyn Jones or the team play ?? Sure most persons can agree with his decision too… I ent no Coach
He hasn’t trained with the team yet Esmond.
Having said that, Central played on Friday and he would have watched videos. It is possible that he decided based on that.
But I find it strange he wouldn’t want to see an ex-Premier League forward up close before he decided that the team didn’t need him.
Lasana Liburd my point entirely
There is obvious logic behind the decision – but to me while Plaza, Winchester, Caesar have pace I’m not convinced of their finishing ability at international level
So if the fantasy option of getting Bradley Wright-Phillips remains a pipe dream – I unfortunately expect people to still be complaining about strikers in a few months unless one of the aforementioned steps up remarkably
Step up how and when. These guys could hardly finish a sentence at intnl level
Totally agree with you Colin Benjamin ??
Ye Brian Springer I would have been in favour of trying to get best out of KJ by playing more direct football and telling wingers to cross the ball more often
Carlos Edwards*
Picking Carlos Edwards is like wen yuh gone to pick mango and yuh see ah chennet on d tree….yuh hav to ask…”what day doing dey”
??????
Jade Jones them serious with this carlos edwards call up???
Marcus Joseph eh get call….
Marcus Joseph have to be from Guyana….I doh understand why he isn’t selected Dexter Cyrus Lasana Liburd
Hahaha. Shabazz would have picked him then!
Dexter Cyrus them really pic calos edwards???
Shawn Babooram, I saw you commented on the Central FC v W Connection match: How did you think Kenwyne played?
He had some moments and he did try at times to close the ball down but it is to late to teach that old dog new tricks
Well they can have him on the bench and always bring him in for about 20 mins or less and that is if the team is winning to eh. THem really good yes. hahahaha
They shouldn’t leave KJ hanging around with hope for the next WC qualifier. Drop him entirely and move on
hahahahahaha My foreign base Coach just have to watch the past games on the videos and can tell all who knows the subject eh and Mr Bound not to score never had a clue about playing the beautiful game, well at least in the position that he was given to always play and maybe they shudda put him back in his real position where he started as a youngster eh. Them really good yes.
Wow, how did he come to this decision, he hasn’t seen the players or team yet? Haha
Well yes … maybe I was wrong about this man. He seems to be saying the right things, so I will reserve future comment on him until his first two games are completed.
However, I have a sneaky suspicion that somebody is pulling the strings from behind the scene and the TTFA just needed a “face” to take the blame if things go awry. Lol
My first impression too about the strings. Maybe they couldnt get Hart to do what they want
Exactly
this man trying to get my approval yes …
Maybe part of his contract cuz u can’t tell me straight out drop. Not even bench !
I like him already ?
Well if my Coach Hart had just listened to me eh Mr. Bound not to score wouldn’t have finally cost him his job eh. Them really good yes
Is sanity finally returning to TT football?
Yes
Yes it is?????
Apparently
Best thing they ever do yes……
And of course our new foreign base Coach made the right decision to drop Mr Bound not to score who was only interrupting the flow of play in many games because he just doesn’t understand the subject, the football today is very fast pace with plenty ball control and correct passes eh, so in order to match the teams in the Hex eh we really have to change our brand and get with the real professional World Cup program eh. Them really good yes.
⬆⬆⬆??????
Oh wow . That is a ballsy decision
You stole my thunder with that comment
Nothing really to lose guys..
It’s easy to make ballsy decisions if you have the backing of your boss eh… ??
Ouch lol
Las are you saying that Hart could not have dropped KJ because he did not have the support of his boss. KJ should have been dropped long before now….
Well said Lyndon Pk Williams, kj has failed tnt over and over….a breath of fresh air in our football now
???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Don’t worry, Tommy we understand. ?
Kion S Williams d man really get drop yes!!! ????