Welcome back Bertille St Clair

THE EDITOR: After nearly four years since being dismissed as Technical Director of the national team, Bertille St Clair has finally made his return. I for one am elated, after all, I did write a previous letter asking for his reinstatement (Bring back Bertille St Clair). However, I believe the decision to replace coach Charles Fevrier, was a bit harsh seeing that he only had control of the team for about eight months. Not to mention, the splendid job he did in reviving the spirit of the team since taking over from interim coach Jamal Shabazz. But despite his achievements, the Administrators made the right decision in reappointing Bertille St Clair to the job. My only concern is whether his appointment was premature.

With the World Cup qualifiers round the corner, St Clair will now have to lead a depleted TT, compare to the star studded one he led before being dismissed in February of 2000. We all know what he is capable of, as his record speaks for itself, but we must be realistic. In his address, after being announced as the new national team coach, St Clair said, “The journey ahead is no walk in the park and there is no short-cut to success.” So if Mr Warner and his merry men are expecting him to wave a magic wand and make our national team appear in the World Cup, they are in for a rude awakening. However, I am optimistic he could get the job done, considering the relatively easy path we’ve been blessed with, at least up to the semi-final stage. Not to mention, the immense possibility of Dwight Yorke, Russell Latapy and the rest of the 2000 Gold Cup cast making their return, now that he has been reinstated. What I admire most about St Clair, is the discipline he brings to the team, as well as the opportunity he extends to all players who wish to represent Trinidad and Tobago.

I do hope he would continue along the latter path, especially since there is a young exciting midfielder named Nigel Maxwell, who has recently returned from playing ball in the US and is eager for an opportunity to represent his country. Well on this note, I would like to congratulate Bertille St Clair on his return to the national senior team and wish all the best in his quest to take us to our first World Cup finals. Welcome back Bertille St Clair, welcome back.

TERRY COX
Tacarigua