‘Tiger’ Phillips encouraged by fresh players

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR of the Trinidad and Tobago football team Lincoln “Tiger” Phillips says he  is heartened by the development of the new members of the squad during the recent tours of Britain and Asia. Phillips noted that the technical staff were using the matches as a means of identifying the best players for the team. “The players were just coming together and the new players brought a different atmosphere and a different chemistry,” said the former Queen’s Royal College, Maple and national goalkeeper.

Commenting on former St Mary’s College and TT youth team striker Scott Sealy, Phillips stated: “I saw Scott a couple of years ago playing (for his university) Wake Forest and I was very impressed with him.” Phillips, who spent over 30 years living and coaching in the United States said from the first day (national team coach) Bertille St Clair looked at him, he just liked his work ethic. Sealy scored on his national debut against Dominican Republic in a recent CONCACAF World Cup qualifier and has joined Stern John, Jason Scotland and Cornell Glen as the leading strikers in the team. Phillips’ son Derek also made his national debut recently, against South Korea on July 14. But little is known about the left-footed defender who plays for American “D3” Pro League team Chesapeake Athletic Dragons.

“In my position,” said Tiger Phillips, “it would have been difficult for me. Having such a role would have made it difficult. But we were missing so many players (for the Asia tour) and he got his chance.” With regards to Joe Public’s defender and captain Derek King, the former United States senior team’s goalkeeper coach remarked, “King had a nice job and, even though he was on every trip, he never got a single minute (of play) but his attitude never changed. He trained harder than everyone else and when he got his opportunity, I was very happy for him.” Phillips also spoke highly of midfielders Silvio Spann, Gary Glasgow; goalkeepers Kelvin Jack and Daurance Williams; and defender Marlon Rojas. He added, “We are happy that we have a pool of 25 players who at any time could play in case of injuries.”