Latapy blanks local ‘Warriors’
IN THE midst of Russell Latapy’s statement on his decision not to return to the National Team, the rest of the ‘Warriors’ contingent were busy getting on with their training under head coach Leo Beenhakker in a two-hour training session at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar. Latapy issued a statement yesterday morning, turning down the invitation, citing that he would return as an assistant coach/player but not as a player only as was the last request from Beenhakker. The Dutch-born coach is currently working with a squad of 17 home-based players and has invited 23 overseas pros for further preparations ahead of the June 4 World Cup qualifier against Panama at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. The ‘Warriors’ face North-East Stars in a training match at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 5.30 pm today and on June 18, they will take on Peru Club champions Alianza Lima at the same venue and time. Some of the overseas pros are expected to begin flying in from this week with English-born recruit Chris Birchall, fresh from copping the Port Vale Young "Player of the Year" award and Clayton Ince coming in on Tuesday while Carlos Edwards and Brent Rahim are due in a few days later. Others such as Leslie Fitzpatrick and Silvio Spann are also expected to arrive soon. "I am of the view that I can make a significant difference to the team on the field, while sharing the glory with the Trinidad public. However, the role and responsibility as Assistant Coach/Player as initially conceptualised, discussed and agreed is no longer on the table and what is now being requested of me, that is, to be a player only is inconsistent with my career goals and vision," stated a release from Latapy.
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"Latapy blanks local ‘Warriors’"