TT heroes leave for germany

Some 20 past football heroes from the 1973 and 1989 national teams leave from Piarco at about 2.30 pm today headed for Frankfurt airport to show support for the Soca Warriors in their bid for World Cup history.

Among the former local heroes on board the flight today from the 1973 team are Everard “Gally” Cummings, Devnish Paul, Lawrence Rondon, Shelwin Maureen, Winston Phillip, Kelvin Bartley, Gerard Figard, Leon Carpet, Peter Mitchell, Steve Khan, Warren Archibald, Steve David, Tony Douglas, Raymond Moraldo, and Leo Brewster.

From the 1989 “Strike Squad,” football heroes Clayton Morris, Brian Williams, Errol Lovell, Dexter Francis, Hudston Charles, Marvin Faustin, Kelvin Jones, Elliot Allen, Philbert Jones, Maurice Alibey and Leroy Spann will also be on the flight.

Spann is the father of Soca Warrior Silvio Spann who was dropped by the national team due to a hamstring injury.

Silvio Spann sustained the injury last Saturday during a friendly warm-up match against Wales and will miss playing in the tournament with the first match scheduled for Saturday. He was replaced by Evans Wise. The injured national player’s mother, Joy Spann, told Newsday yesterday that her son is very disappointed over the injury and subsequent replacement, but he is dealing with the situation well. Joy Spann said when she spoke to her son at about 3 pm (TT time) her son, who is currently in England, was back on his feet and playing the game he loves.

She told Newsday: “He is sounding a lot better now and my mind is at ease. He told me ‘Mommy I am taking a sweat with some guys,’ He is optimistic, although he will never get over the hurt he felt after he was replaced.”

Joy Spann said her son is expected to return to Germany within the next few days to cheer on his teammates for their first match against Sweden on Saturday.

She said she will not be joining them as she will be taking care of her six-year-old daughter, Chyna.