London bombs delay Scotland

WHILE two members of Trinidad and Tobago’s football  team are getting ready to sign new contracts in the United Kingdom, another was forced to return to Trinidad after the bombs in  London on Thursday delayed his work permit appeal. Striker Jason Scotland was told he had to leave Scotland as the  government department had to prioritise its business due to the bombing and no decision from Immigration Minister Tony McNulty was relayed to them regarding the work permit appeal. Scotland’s short-term visa after returning from Miami expired on Thursday and so he has no option but to leave Scotland.

Even FIFA Vice President Jack Warner, currently in New York for the Gold Cup final,  wrote a glowing reference on Scotland which was added to by club chairman Eddie Thompson to the dossier presented to the Home Office in hope of a successful appeal. On this development The Daily Record newspaper stated: “The second most powerful figure in world football has thrown his weight behind Dundee United’s bid to keep Jason Scotland in the UK.” “The papers have now been lodged with the Government and we’re just waiting for their decision. We hope by the end of the week that, if they don’t necessarily overrule the decision, they will review it with a fresh panel,” Thompson said.

The dossier runs to more than 100 pages and has some impressive content. Leo Beenhakker was also reported to have expressed his support along with several of Scotland’s teammates and a petition signed by 7,000 fans has been presented to the Home Office. Dundee manager Gordon Chisholm added: “Jason is going back to Trinidad. He was given a visa for a week and we had hoped to hear news of the appeal by now. It could be as late as next week before we get a final decision. Jason is upset to be going away and I feel so sorry for him. But he knows we are doing everything we can and will keep working to get him back in the country.”

Scotland’s agent Mike Berry said all was being done to get Scotland out of the sticky situation, adding that he could spend some time playing with a Pro League club on his return home. Meantime, goalkeeper Shaka Hislop is close to signing with English club Crystal Palace after impressing in a second half showing in a 2-1 loss to FK Teplice in Germany last Wednesday. “I’m hoping to have something tied up as soon as possible,” Hislop said. “It’s been a while now since leaving Portsmouth and the season is coming up. Now with the Gold Cup out of the way, I can hopefully sort something out and I’m keeping my fingers crossed on this one.”

Defender Brent Sancho is also closing in on a deal with Brighton. The dreadlocked defender will appear against Chester City today along with goalkeeper Kelvin Jack who is also on trial. “This is D-Day for me because I’m hoping to have another good show and then put pen to paper,” Sancho said yesterday. Beenhakker is hoping to have his preferred  players in good shape with the current preseason training in the UK and ongoing season in the American MLS before resuming preparations with the selected team leading up to the August 17 against Gold Cup finalists United States in Connecticut.