T&T Pro League 2006 kicks off tomorrow

He told a gathering at the launch at Crowne Plaza Hotel the move is to express their appreciation to the ex-players for their contributions.

Season passes were also given to members of the media and other football officials who have played influential roles in bringing the competition to the point it is at presently.

Skeene also announced that holders of these passes would have the opportunity to drive away with a motor car.

Users of the passes will also receive a 10 per cent discount on the purchase of the league’s merchandise which will comprise that of the various clubs from Sports & Games branches nationwide.

The T&T Pro League boss distributed passes to “Strike Squad” coach and ex-star player Everald “Gally” Cummings, captain Clayton Morris, and Michael Maurice, as well as coaches Jimmy Blanc and Muhammad Isa.

Passes were also given to Alvin Corneal, Ulric “Buggy” Haynes, Selris Figaro and Leon Carpette.

This year’s competition will be the biggest ever with stiffer competition expected and a slate of 10 teams for the first time ever.

According to Skeene, the league received approximately $1.5 million from government for the running this year’s league programme.

He said the winners purse will be $350,000 while all participating clubs stand to benefit financially from the league, with the last placed team getting $100,000.

Skeene welcomed the return of Joe Public back into the T&T Pro League as well as San Fernando Starworld Strikers and Superstar Rangers, who is perhaps one of the oldest participating teams.

Joe Public coach Michael McComie said although his team has been out of top flight football for the past few years, he expects to do well.

Only recently Joe Public owner Jack Warner revealed his club would do anything possible to win the league, even if it meant recruiting players overseas.

McComie said it is Warner’s desire to win by revealing that he will field an all-foreign squad for the competition if necessary.

Joe Public have in their team three players from Brazil, five from Jamaica and two from Colombia.

The “Eastern Lions” begin their campaign against 2004 champions North East Stars at the Sangre Grande Recreation Ground from 4 pm on Sunday.

Defending champions W Connection take on United Petrotrin first tomorrow from 6 pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium, while last year’s runners-up CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh play San Fernando Starworld Strikers at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella, from 6 pm tomorrow.

Defence Force meet Caledonia AIA at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, Arima, and newcomers Superstar Rangers take on Tobago United at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Tobago, tomorrow.

In the Tobago team will be three Nigerian players along with former Jabloteh defender Ansil Elcock.