Stern calls for renewal of spirit

The leading goal-scorer for the Soca Warriors in their march into World Cup Germany 2006 took time off from playing with Coventry City in England and was here over the weekend.

John who was returning for only the second time since taking part in the victory motorcade
which followed the Trinidad and Tobago victory over Bahrain in November last said he was just as excited to be back.

He said he was very elated over the Soca Warriors recent 2-0 victory over Iceland in their friendly international in London, and was looking forward to the match against Peru at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on May 10.

John who returned to England yesterday appealed to fans to bring back that national spirit and pointed out, “Football is something that brings a nation together.

“We saw it during the qualifiers especially after we got home from the win over Bahrain. But somehow this time I get the feeling that it hasn’t continued.

“It’s like Carnival where everyone loves the music and the togetherness and then a few weeks later it’s all lost.”

John said: “First thing I could see in the newspaper was about another murder and a
couple other sad things.

“But I also saw Mr Warner dancing at a Phagwa celebration... it was all ‘Trini’. That made me smile.”

He made it clear that’s the way the Soca Warriors will be going to Germany ... with togetherness, and to prove that we are no different from the rest of teams.

“We need to get back that respect and love in this country,” added the former Birmingham
City striker who also continues to contribute to youth development through his nationwide Skills Award programme.

John said he and his teammates were slowly developing more confidence about putting on a good show in Germany.

“The match against Peru is a big one for us because the team knows how important it is to play for the home fans, but it will also give us a chance to send some more signals to the teams we will play in the World Cup.

“We feel we can definitely compete at the highest level,” John said.

John along with Soca Warriors skipper Dwight Yorke, Clayton Ince and English-born Chris Birchall were interviewed for the profile edition of the Gillette World Cup.

He will be back with other overseas-based players for the Peru friendly and a proposed nationwide roadshow on May 11 and 12.