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“[…] Ricky Nelson was mentally and physically a strong individual. He spoke very little, a gentle giant, [and] defender by nature—he played any position in the back four during his national team and local club representation.
“[…] Ricky was truly a team player. Despite not being a regular starter in the squad during the 1989 Qualifying rounds, he always displayed professionalism during practice sessions and when selected for games…”
The following Letter to the Editor on the passing of 1989 Strike Squad defender Ricky Nelson was submitted to Wired868 by team captain and Strike Squad committee member Clayton ‘JB’ Morris:
Ricky Nelson was one of three players born in Tobago who made the final selection to the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Football Team (Strike Squad) for the 1990 World Cup Qualifying efforts.
The other two players are Colvin Hutchinson and Dwight Yorke.
Ricky was mentally and physically a strong individual. He spoke very little, a gentle giant, [and] defender by nature—he played any position in the back four during his national team and local club representation.
He was one of seven members of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force and now the third player from the 1989 Strike Squad Camp to have transitioned to the greater beyond.
Fond memories, Ricky was truly a team player. Despite not being a regular starter in the squad during the 1989 Qualifying rounds, he always displayed professionalism during practice sessions and when selected for games.
I’m recalling his resolute attitude and determination during a training session on a muddy field at our camp in Forest Reserve: forwards vs defenders.
Ricky was defending against his countryman, Dwight Yorke, “Bago Bago”. As clever and skilful as Dwighty was, he couldn’t get past Ricky Nelson. His words to Dwight were: “Duflair, know what you doing, boy? I’m not taking no prisoners.”
This was really fun, and some cherished memories of the individual that Ricky was. This also contributed to not just the team at that time, but it also played a critical role towards the player Dwight Yorke turned out to be for the country and, by extension, the world.
Ricky’s passing is very sad for all of us. To the members of his family and friends, please know that the 1989 Strike Squad members, together with our respective families, are with you. Our prayers are that God will grant you all strength through these difficult times.
Jah blessings.
May Ricky’s soul rest in eternal peace.
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