Wired868 Wired868 for smart sport news and opinion
The Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team will go into crucial 2018 World Cup qualifying away fixtures against the United States and Costa Rica with just two recognised wingers, after coach Dennis Lawrence axed San Jose Earthquakes flanker Cordell Cato for indiscipline and released Levi Garcia, Jomal Williams and Akeem Roach due to injury.
India-based forward Willis Plaza also left the team camp in Colorado due to an injury, which left the Soca Warriors with a 24-man squad of nine defenders, five holding midfielders and three forwards but just four attacking midfielders.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Lawrence, like his predecessor Stephen Hart, has generally favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation with three attacking midfielders behind a lone striker.
On this occasion, he has only Seattle Sounders’ Joevin Jones and San Juan Jabloteh’s Nathan Lewis as specialist wingers while Minnesota United’s Kevin Molino should start in the ‘number 10’ role with Defence Force’s Hashim Arcia as back-up.
W Connection’s 32-year-old deep-lying playmaker Hughtun Hector and 38-year-old Central FC full back Carlos Edwards both played as wingers earlier in their careers and might be asked to deputise if necessary.
While the absence of Garcia, Williams and Roach were unavoidable, Lawrence might feel especially let down by Cato who was released shortly after showing up for camp.
Wired868 understands that Cato allegedly showed up at the team’s residential camp with his wife Jonelle Warrick and child, despite being advised against it. The speedy winger then asked for them to spend the night with him and, failing that, for him to be allowed to spend the night at a hotel with the pair and report for training in the morning.
Lawrence dropped him instead.
(Copyright AFP 2016/Orlando Sierra)
Neither player nor coach have spoken about the incident on the record as yet and the TTFA said only that Cato “was released due to disciplinary reasons.”
It is worth noting that the entire squad is not yet in camp as Kevin Molino only joined the team today while Kenwyne Jones and Kevan George are expected later today and Joevin Jones reports for duty tomorrow, as he represents Seattle Sounders tonight in MLS action.
As such, Cato felt he deserved some flexibility. Lawrence clearly disagreed.
The head scratching confrontation follows on a tetchy exchange between the David John-Williams-led Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) president Sunil Gulati and Major League Soccer League (MLS) commissioner Dan Garber.
The TTFA wrote to Gulati and Garber, on 27 May, to point out that the MLS clubs released their players early to the United States national team but not to the Soca Warriors. The TTFA president asked Gulati and Garber for reciprocity.
In response, according to John-Williams, the United States football officials claimed that “the MLS and USSF entered into an agreement before the beginning of the MLS season in January 2017 to release their players early for the June qualifiers.”
Seattle defeated Toronto in extra time penalty kicks.
(Copyright AFP 2016/Claus Andersen)
This pact between the MLS and the USSF had not previously been made public.
There was no legal grounds under which the TTFA could take action against the MLS in any case. FIFA rules state that clubs are not obliged to release players earlier than three days before match day for games on the same continent and four days for games on separate continents. Otherwise, the respective clubs can use their own prerogative in deciding when to release their employees.
Indeed, John-Williams himself—along with Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene and chairman Larry Romany—could not compel Central FC to release players for international duty outside the FIFA guidelines when ex-Warriors coach Tom Saintfiet demanded them for a Nicaragua tour last December.
United States drew 1-1 with Venezuela in a friendly international encounter last night in Utah, after a second half equaliser by teenaged midfield star Christian Pulisic. In contrast, the Warriors’ only outing in Colorado thus far was a 1-0 win over a FC Boulder team which competes in the largely amateur Premier Development League (PDL).
However, Lawrence said their camp has served its objective of allowing the players to acclimatise to the high altitude. Assistant coach Sol Campbell also joined the squad in Colorado last week.
“We were able to get in some proper training which allowed me and the coaching staff to get a good impression of how the players would react under the conditions here,” said Lawrence. “The players have responded positively with a good attitude and the spirit in the camp has been good with everyone having a proper understanding as to why we are here.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
“Now we are under a week away from the match and we should have the full squad together from later this evening and tomorrow we will begin the final leg of preparations. We are heading into it in a positive frame of mind and ready to focus all our energies into ensuring we prepare as best as possible for what is ahead of us.”
Trinidad and Tobago have never won away to the United States while their only point there in World Cup qualifying action came almost 30 years ago—on 13 May 1989—when Strike Squad midfielder Hutson “Barber” Charles tucked away a last gasp equaliser in a 1-1 result.
Lawrence will try to emulate then coach Everald “Gally” Cummings, despite the absences of Cato, Garcia and Plaza, who all featured under the current boss in World Cup qualifying action.
Trinidad and Tobago have one defeat in four matches under Lawrence so far with wins over Panama and Barbados, a draw with Grenada and a loss to Mexico. USA are unbeaten after five games under coach Bruce Arena with wins over Jamaica and Honduras and draws against Serbia, Panama and Venezuela.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
(Trinidad and Tobago team)
Goalkeepers: Jan Michael Williams, Marvin Phillip, Adrian Foncette;
Defenders: Radanfah Abu Bakr, Sheldon Bateau, Curtis Gonzales, Daneil Cyrus, Mekeil Williams, Triston Hodge, Alvin Jones, Carlos Edwards, Aubrey David;
Midfielders: Andre Boucaud, Kevan George, Khaleem Hyland, Leston Paul, Hughtun Hector;
Attacking midfielders: Joevin Jones, Kevin Molino, Hashim Arcia, Nathan Lewis,
Forwards: Shahdon Winchester, Jamille Boatswain, Kenwyne Jones.
Kieron “Bo” Edwards is the new president of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA). Edwards, the Eastern Football Association Read more
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has confirmed its list of candidates for the Saturday 13 April Extraordinary Congress, Read more
“[…] We saw an array of talent across the board and not with just 20 players. I’ve said it before Read more
The Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team’s bid for an unprecedented place in the Copa America tournament stalled this Read more
Angus Eve, coach of the Trinidad and Tobago men’s football team, accepts that his squad will be the underdogs against Read more
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has officially outlawed former national youth coach Terrence Marcelle and his club, Toda-World Read more
I don’t know this could have been avoided as far as I can see. Why didn’t he book a hotel nearby for his wife and child. I am sure if he had asked to do that and then return to camp he may have been given leeway. I just think it was a bit naive of him – it is not his first call up.
I agree but he put Lawrence in a position that if he allowed him to bring his wife and So it would look like he was favouring one player over others. Tough call.
Lasana – Honestly – faced with a similar situation I would do the same. I would choose family over playing for an uncompromising coach. I’m tired of our players being asked to make all the necessary sacrifices. They play their hearts out for the national team with no guarantee of match fees or bonuses. They risk injury and hence their careers / livelihood. They travel thousands of miles away from their young families to represent tnt. More power to the young bro from tnt who looked Dennis in the eyes and said given the choice I’m choosing family.
Why was the situation created in the first place?
By situation I assume you mean a young man being accompanied by his spouse and child to a sporting event that he is participating in?
The original post states that he was advised against bringing his family yet still did. Isn’t that creating a situation? I’m sure the other players have families too.
Carlos Lee, poor argument. Was he forced into this profession? If you’re going to use the argument above as justification for his insubordination, then he should not agree to represent T&T. What you are trying to justify is exactly what happened during Hart’s reign – what I want to do is paramount to the best interest of the national team.
Savitri – I think that’s just the decision Cato appeared to have made. He was given a choice and decided not to represent TnT. I’m saying given the same choice I would have done the same.
I’m not sure if this makes a difference Carlos but you realize Cato walked out of the camp right?
He wasn’t asked to leave. All the coach told him was his wife and son couldn’t stay.
Another nice and timely clarification
“Increased security at this summer’s European Championships is unlikely to change England manager Roy Hodgson’s policy of allowing his players to see their wives and girlfriends during the tournament.
Hodgson plans to stick by the philosophy that worked well in the last European Championships and the Brazil World Cup, whereby players can meet up with their families and partners at designated times…
Wives and girlfriends will not be permitted to enter England’s team hotel Chantilly during the tournament and the Football Association will not be arranging any travel packages for the families of the players.
But Hodgson will allow players to meet up with wives and girlfriends at opportune moments, most likely the afternoon after a game, away from the team hotel.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/03/23/england-players-free-to-see-wags-at-euro-2016/
Ouch!
I hope that the examples provided by Lasana Liburd will silence this foolish discussion. I still stand by the idea that, even IF some teams allowed it, this coach Dennis Lawrence didnt and his rules should be respected by ALL, even God Cato
AFTER the game and AWAY from the team hotel. Seems self explanatory for me.
So is Cordell Cato bigger than Wayne Rooney?
He should have found out before hand if his family could come but I would have use a more relevant player than Rooney
Lol. Well I was using in context of a top England player at that time.
Always one eh…
Big squad still
Now is the time when we need players to step out
Ooh shit come nah man
Am i the only one not seeing the point fortin men on that team list???
So true
A lesson learned for Cato. Rather than show up early for camp with your wife and child take an extra day off like K. Jones and the other US based contingent. That way you don’t get the axe for showing up 15 min late and you don’t break teams rules concerning spousal presence at residential camps.
The other US-based players did not take an extra day off. They all had games on Saturday, and Joevin had one on Sunday.
Nigel Myers – thanks. Just checked and saw that San Jose last played on Friday night so likely Cato was released then and came to camp on Saturday.
They don’t have a clue about playing in the world cup and the ambition to achieve this goal
They don’t respect the jersey
True, they actually take it for granted.
Hyland post pones HONEYMOON.
A lil additional flexibility by Dennis would have been appropriate in this specific situation. Allow the brother a few minutes to walk his wife and kid to their room in the hotel. What you would have had then was a happy player and supportive wife, and more importantly no controversy to deal with a few days before a big game. Now you are one key player short and dealing with a possibly divided camp. All unnecessary distractions ahead of a critical match.
Agreed. But rules are rules. Not there for some and or exemptions for key players
Why don’t people see that ? It’s a rule! It would then have ruined the team spirit because his wife and child there and nobody else have their family there . Nonsense he had to go!
Maybe I misread Lasana’s updated article. But please explain what rule did he break? My understanding from reading the article was that Cato was supposed to check in at 8:30 pm and meet with the team for dinner. He however arrived at 8:45 pm. and asked the coach for permission to take his wife and kid to their rooms before joining the team for dinner. The coach did not support his request and from what I read in the article Cato decided to leave.
You asking what rule was broken? 8:30/8:45? Rule one. Rule two, asking for permission, it was denied and u left. Need me to carry on? If this was Manchester United champions league final and mourinho call camp at 8.45 I don’t think this problem would even arise. Furthermore a senior player was just MARRIED and postponed his honeymoon to attend this camp…. be real
Carlos Lee the wife and kid were not allowed in camp !!!!!!!!!
Joshua Mickel Lamb thanks I don’t get how that’s so hard to understand
Which rooms were they going to Carlos Lee? Lol… not the room in camp I suppose?
Lol – So wait. This is an away game in a foreign country. A player’s wife and child makes the visit to watch their husband/ father play and you’re telling me they cannot book a room in the same hotel as the player? And by doing so the player is breaking team rules.
He was late Los… He showed up with his wife and child when told not to do so…. Could the coach have made an exception, sure, but he didn’t. How is the coach wrong?
Carlos Lee no they can’t if its against team rules. I know for a fact that some teams allow conjugal visits but the families don’t stay at the same hotel. Either way – it was a team rule, he broke it and was sent home. The coach is right. Let him have his way and the other players say its favoritism and unfair. Right? Brilliant!!
Carlos you are usually a person with sound judgement and understanding. What in this that is so difficult to comprehend.
Brent – not saying the coach was wrong. I said he could have shown some additional flexibility, which would have minimized the current unnecessary distractions he and the team now has to deal with. Is it wrong for his wife and kids to stay in the same hotel for an away game? I’m not talking about staying in the same room, as I’m sure they were not doing such.
Remember what the small allowances did during Hart’s reign?
Carlos Lee yes its wrong if against the team rules!!!!!! This ain’t hard to understand!!!!!!!
This is why we going ti be beaten badly because we don’t deserve any better even as a country. We still have plenty maturing to do. The magnitude of teh game should have been teh focus not trying to get a bligh
Lol. Some rules are unreasonable, inappropriate, and unrealistic and therefore need to be challenged. If there is a rule that a player is not allowed to have his wife stay in the same hotel as the team then it should be challenged. Especially when applied to
away games. It’s not like
The TTFA is footing the bill for the spouse and child.
This is a common rule for residential camps
Yuh remember that New Year’s Day event with Baileys Carlos Lee?
Savitri – I’m confused. What does that have to do with this?
Norris – and that’s why I’m convinced that the coach should have explored more amicable options.
Indiscipline and precedent Carlos
Carlos – you are absolutely correct and that is why I cannot understand your take on it. If Cato had a problem with the rule, then he was well within his right to challenge it, but that should be done before his arrival at the Hotel, especially late. Once you are at the Hotel, you are under the jurisdiction of the coach.
Norris Ferguson I just don’t understand how we don’t get these simple procedures.
Carlos Lee, you know of any team that would allow family members to stay in the same hotel as the team? I don’t think that is appropriate, then why have a camp
I’m surprised you asked that Brent. There’s lots of precedence where that is concerned.
Where Los? Perhaps I have forgotten… the same hotel?
Carlos you shocking me with the amount of bull shit you talking rass… who tf are you to tell the HEAD of the TnT senior team what rules suitable or not ???? Verbal diarrhea wi
Well certainly Carlos Lee wudda also be dropped from the team because of his indiscipline problem eh. Them really good yes hahaha
That right there is the fundamental of local downfall…..
Back in my coaching days they use to call me Sir Alex Ferguson eh as you slip I buss your throat, my number one baller for life Marvin Oliver use to say “Manage” how you like to fine your players for everything so eh and my reply was the police thing in meh nah man I use to lock up every body that use to do the wrong things eh nothing personal. Them really good yes hahahaha
Brent – There have been numerous cases where national teams have and continue to allow the wives of players to accompany the team. The English, Germans, Spanish, Dutch, etc. have allowed it. Not just in soccer/football, but in other sports as well. There are obviously pros and cons for doing this. Some think it can be a distraction for the players, while others think it can be a huge positive, helping the players to relax, de-stress, etc. A little situational leadership by Dennis would have been welcomed in this case. For example he could have said to Cato, hey bro – no worries with your spouse and kid being around, but can you have them stay at one of the neighboring hotels? Anyway, we may be getting only half the story from the article so will wait for Lasana for dig for more details and update us accordingly. Until then hoping the fellas pull together and give a good performance on Thursday. Peace!
Carlos, teams allow their wives to visit. But in a controlled manner. I have never heard of that happening before a big game. And I can’t think of them staying in the same hotel as players either.
Can you find me an example of that?
Lasana Liburd that’s what I’ve seen and the hotels were not the same. It generally isn’t before a big do or die game. Also, we must consider that Lawrence is still a new coach with this team and he’s trying to get them to spend as much time with him as well as with each other, so no distractions can be allowed. The other issue is that once the expectations were set EVERY player must abide. Has he allowed Cato to do that then he would have had 20 other pissed off players who left their families behind. The team is bigger than even his wife in the current context.
I have no idea what Los is talking about. I know of no instances in which players and spouses stay in the same hotel….
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/03/23/england-players-free-to-see-wags-at-euro-2016/
Lasana – The English team under Sven Erickson allowed the wives to accompany the players. The 1978 Dutch team did the same. The Australian cricket team has done it in the past.
“Increased security at this summer’s European Championships is unlikely to change England manager Roy Hodgson’s policy of allowing his players to see their wives and girlfriends during the tournament.
Hodgson plans to stick by the philosophy that worked well in the last European Championships and the Brazil World Cup, whereby players can meet up with their families and partners at designated times…
Wives and girlfriends will not be permitted to enter England’s team hotel Chantilly during the tournament and the Football Association will not be arranging any travel packages for the families of the players.
But Hodgson will allow players to meet up with wives and girlfriends at opportune moments, most likely the afternoon after a game, away from the team hotel.”
You are wrong Carlos Lee. This is what Sven said: “The Wags were invited when I thought it was the right occasion to do it, and that didn’t happen very often…”
And even that was controversial and Capello stopped the practice alright.
I’ve searched online and haven’t found a single instance where wives were allowed to stay in team hotel. The only examples are allowing visits during competition.
The 2006 team didn’t have wives in training camp and they were together for about two months. Cato would have had just a week and a half away from his wife.
Cricket is a poor example to me because cricket tours can go on for six months. You would keep a family apart altogether for six months? You have to be more flexible in cricket. Different circumstances.
Australia cricket report: “The fall out from Australia’s demoralising Ashes campaign continues with reports of upheaval in the camp long before the embarrassing fourth test defeat to England at Trent Bridge.
News Corp reports the tour had been dogged by off-field dramas with a long-running feud between the wives of two senior players; skipper Michael Clarke’s refusal to travel on the team bus or socialise with team-mates, the sacking of popular vice-captain Brad Haddin after time off for family reasons and the mishandling of selection announcements.
…
“While the divide between captain and team will not be an issue with incoming skipper Steven Smith, the question of whether wives, girlfriends and children should be allowed on tour will continue to be a minefield.
“It is known that the wives of two senior players do not get along, and that this has caused friction between their husbands, as has been the case with personality clashes between WAGs on previous tours.”
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/70968457/team-divisions-and-wives-spat-to-blame-for-australias-woeful-ashes-series–report
“But cricket commentator and former player Ian Healy has suggested the poor result is due to the presence of the WAGs on tour – even though his niece Alyssa Healy is one.
‘All their partners are here and some of the most respected cricketers I played with hated that distraction…they weren’t allowed on tour until after the series had been won,’ Healy told Channel Nine.
‘Your mind needs to be completely focused on it. Cricket is a sport that requires complete concentration. You need everything going for you and I’m not sure they’re pushing for that hard enough.’
The number of wives and girlfriends travelling on the team’s Tour of the British Isles is continuing to grow – as well as some new younger additions.
According to Cricket Australia, the Australian Cricket Team has become a very ‘family-friendly’ environment, with the travelling party now including 28 children.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3187580/Meet-wives-girlfriends-Australian-cricket-team-blamed-loss.html
Even with Australia cricket it is a divisive topic.
As I clearly said earlier there are pros and cons having the wives accompany the players. Do you have all specifics around the Cato situation? If you do please share if you can?
If the speed limit is 80 and you drive at 100, Carlos Lee, tell me what are the specifics that matter exactly?
The coach made a rule and the player didn’t abide by it. What more do you want?
I’ll flip that analogy and ask – if the speed limit of 80 was implemented when the roads were poor and the vehicles were not as fast nor safe, and now we have improved roads and faster cars that are safer should we not consider changing the speed limit?
Carlos Lee yes we should consider it but until it is changed it remains 80!!!!!! Wtf
Yea. But until the IS changed . You must abide by it.
Precisely. And Cato didn’t wait for the speed limit to change. So now he has a ticket.
Who’s going to change it? Unjust rules are often changed when those affected by it start ignoring it and challenge it.
Well my friend. This law not changing. Neither is the speed limit. So your point is null
Lasana – I think there’s a lot more to your story. Do some digging for us.
Carlos, the other parties can have a say. I reached out. Up to them. Ignore the rules you say?
How about you not pay your taxes in the states and tell them you’re agitating for change. Hahaha.
I’d think the mature thing would be to speak with your teammates and try to get a consensus for a rule change. Or try to sway your coach.
Say what. The boy make his mind up. Good luck to him.
Lol. I hear you. By the way, can you tell us why Molino, K. Jones and some of the other US foreign based players were allowed to join the residential camp a day later than Cato? Was Cato scheduled to arrive at the same time as them, but came earlier hoping to kill two birds with one stone – I.e spend a day with his wife and kid while also being with the team?
Oh heck ! This man insisting. The coach laid down a rule – just obey and press on. Yiur wife can’t be bigger than the team ! Oh hell
I have been tempted to simply leave this discussion, but didn’t because there’s something about it I find offensive. Carlos Lee who apparently resides in the USA, is vigorously defending Cato and suggesting that the coach could have been more understanding. What’s offensive about it is summarized in the last example he gave about speed limits. He sure as hell know that in the USA he dares not violate the rules or he will suffer the full extent of the law, yet he’s supportive of Cato challenging the coach and TT team’s rules. So implied in his argument is dont break rules in USA but violate as you wish in TT. His logic is foolish and belittling. Lasana I apologize but had to place this here.
Carlos, according to FIFA rules the MLS teams had until Tuesday to release players for International duty. All clubs released players early at a time that suited them.
So it’s not that Cato was coming early from the good of his heart really. That’s when his club released him.
Since that has been rescinded he can’t stay in Colorado liming with the family you know. He has to return to his team now. Party done.
I’d assume that the other clubs released their players the following day which was their right. I don’t know if those other players were released on the same time and negotiated different conditions.
But why assume so with no evidence to back it up?
Remember the clubs are releasing players to the care of their national team. So you must have some respect for your national coach.
Shaka Hislop is a married man with children. How come he never insisted on bringing his family to team camps?
I really don’t get why Cato feels so hard done by. What he is requesting is absolutely abnormal in the circumstances.
And imagine I often end up on the side of the players in many cases. But I don’t see how I can here.
If Cato spoke, I would put his view out there and leave it for the public to judge as I did before with players like Daneil Cyrus and Joevin Jones. But it won’t change fact that he didn’t follow the rules.
Lasana – I think you should share your Wire868 rules with Harry. This is a blog for dialogue / debate about all things sports etc. A blog where alternative views are welcomed and expected. I have shared my perspective in a non confrontational, non- fanatical, way. No name calling. No derogatory remarks to anyone who have joined the discussions. I’m at a lost to understand why you consider the discussions offensive.
Lasana – gosh Lasana. No assumption made. Re-read my comment nah. I asked you if you knew why they were joining the team a day later than Cato. Gosh man lol
Brian Harry – you read all that in my response to Lasana’s analogy about speed limits? Lol
Brian Harry. We can get passionate and a lil salty but avoid personal barbs.
Carlos players got released on different days by their clubs.
Lasana, buff taken. Buff deserved? I expected it but really found the thread offensive, by implication . He still didn’t get my point so I desist from further comment
Sigh.
This is too much too read.
The bad part is, you called ahead and get brace and I’m sure you would’ve heard that Khaleem postponed his HONEYMOON!!
HIS HONEYMOON cause the coach spoke to him and you still showed up with your wife and child.
Nope sorry to say but see u bye.
Even if he (Lawrence ) wanted to say yes, he couldn’t cause he already made Khaleem postpone his WHOLE HONEYMOON.
and compared to him Cato is a junior player.
What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
Rules are for every1 so if that’s the rules by all means sack his ass sure he knew that he shouldn’t have done that
There are always two sides to a story and I can’t comment on Cato’s disciplinary record. It would seem though that Lawrence made a precedent that included no wives or girlfriends. He also didn’t travel with his wife and Hyland postponed his honeymoon as Lawrence didn’t even give special dispensation for that. So in this case he couldn’t make special consideration for Cato. Also showing up with your wife and child is in my opinion exacerbated the situation. It is as though you are challenging the coach’s authority. Maybe he should have put them up in a hotel nearby.
https://www.facebook.com/MLS/videos/10155411515478887/
http://wired868.com/2017/06/04/djws-warriors-debt-cato-kerfuffle-hylands-commitment-and-lawrences-toughest-test/
want to improve Trinidad football… improve the standard to make a national team
illiterate fools
Time to recall Atula Guerra on the team
Good call. I think he should be considered. Cornell Glen too.
He is in good form at Charleston Battery
Lasana Liburd I can also play any of the wings but my work is unseen
Julio I thought you made a decent debut for Jabloteh recently. So hopefully you can push on from there and state your case.
Lasana Liburd working on that everyday
Kudos to you fellas, allyuh keep up the good work.
And he is very lucky that it wasn’t the army team that he did that madness with eh because on returning to our sweet country is plenty lock up in the hole down there in Tetron eh because “DISCIPLINE” must be maintained. Them really good yes
Welcome to Trinidad
With behavior like this it becomes evident that all members of the team don’t clearly understand the magnitude of the task to qualify for the World Cup. This should not be happening at this stage. Going onto the field with 11 very committed but moderately skilled players is infinitely better than with 11 highly skilled and moderately committed players. Earl Mango Pierre as a former soldier you understand the commitment point
Jah boi
Well by now you all should know that some of these nowadays professional players isn’t normal eh. Them really good yes
Unprofessional to say the least. This is the norm with all National teams. He shud’ve known better than to go down dat road.
BOOM
Let them guys know they are not bigger than the game…
Smh
Not a Cato fan but like Malik Johnson says it’s a bit perplexing. If I read correctly he appeared to ask beforehand and was denied, yet did it anyway? If that’s the case, then the coach is correct.
Yes. No official word yet of course. But it appears that he asked beforehand (not the coach), was advised against it but turned up anyway with wife and child. And when he was told no by coach, he opted to negotiate when he would join camp. And that was that.
I have good sources but it is not firsthand.
It’s tough to say why he would show up with his wife and child. Seems a bit odd nonetheless. I wonder if he’s had some issue of indiscipline before? Not defending the player but not sure why we would eliminate the player for this reason. Must be something more to the story…..
Cato has always been considered to be odd to be honest. That was always the word concerning him. Not that he is the only one.
Kevin Molino, Daneil Cyrus and Marcus Joseph are three others who coaches would tell you that you just expect anything from them.
In this case though, you might be right. But that’s all of the story that I have for now.
Apparently it was his anniversary that’s why he wanted them there
That’s the excuse Basil? This is pro football
Good job coach. Send a message.
Levi a big loss for obvious reasons & so too Cato although he is not everyone’s cup of tea.
I guess the biggest thing for this game will be to see what tactics Lawrence uses. Somehow I don’t think the standard 4-2-3-1 will be deployed
Well, the only alternative–based on how the team prepared previously–would be to go 4-3-3 with Joevin and Molino on either side of Kenwyne and three workmanlike midfielders.
That could actually be a good thing as US played a midfield diamond against Venezuela with very attacking players. So we will have our work cut out trying to get a foothold on central midfield.
Yes, Cato, at this point this is what we do not need.
Well I am 1000 certain that if the.coach was white in color Mr Cato wouldn’t have lost his mind and behave in that manner steeuuppss. Them really good yes
Lawd… How race reach in that? Lol
Well it isn’t like I am not speaking the Truth, our players always have more respect for the foreign base Coaches even if they are a fisherman the same like when the coach of ASL was one when he was hired from Brazil to come and be the Coach of the team. Them really good yes hahaha
Sigh eh. This coach ain’t Stephen Hart
Play to the rules…exploit it if you can #Gulati #Garber
What do Gulati and Garber have to do with anything Kirwin?
No action/help on release of players…ah mean oh gosh man
Kirwin, why didn’t John-Williams as president force Central FC to release their players for Saintfiet then? This is ridiculous yes.
Clubs have to go along with FIFA rules and they did. Anything else and you are asking for a favour. And nobody owes you a favour.
Yes is the opposition but oh gosh man
Ah knew that was coming,lol
Lol. Ok, DJW just responded to say that the MLS/USSF responded to his letter. And they informed the TTFA that the deal to release MLS players early for the US national team was struck since early January 2017.
So what’s the problem now ?
Somebody playing the monkey…
Okay. One addition people. Now the entire team isn’t in camp yet as they got released by their clubs on different dates. So Molino joined team this morning, Kenwyne and Kevan come tonight and Joevin comes tomorrow.
So Cato appeared to feel he should get leniency as a result.
Lawrence’s position was that when you come to work, you have to behave in a particular manner regardless.
I have no problem with the player asking beforehand. But not turning up at the team camp with wife and child. It’s not a lime.
Team rules say come alone. Come alone. I’m so happy to hear that the coach put his foot down. Trinis need to understand ‘you don’t negotiate rules ‘.
What if your wife is the one who is dropping you off?
Well that is interesting Trincity. But then that should have been sorted out earlier perhaps. It just isn’t usual for players to have their significant others on international duty. Not even for the likes of David Beckham.
So was the issue a problem in him getting to camp?
Lasana Liburd you gave a serious reply? wife dropping you off in Colorado?
Lol, man say what if was he wife dropping him off… apparently because she living right ‘rong de corner.
Lmao
Can’t be mad at Lawrence if those are the facts. Seems odd of Cato to pull this though
I use that one plenty times, remember Basil, different wives though
It seems that Cato didn’t know that Coach Dennis is a ex soldier ah wah and we doesn’t stick when it comes to the plenty discipline eh, well done Coach Dennis. Them really good yes
Ill-discipline adults leaves what for the kids?
sigh hmmmm