TT assistant to perform dual coaching roles

The former St Lucia defender and long-serving Connection coach was announced as one of three assistant coaches by national men’s coach Dennis Lawrence on Saturday, with ex-England centre-back Sol Campbell and legendary TT striker Stern John the others.

Concerning whether he will remain as Connection coach or will hand over the full-time duties to his deputies Earl Jean and Clyde Leon, Charles-Fevrier said during an interview yesterday, “I’ll still be involved with the club because, as an assistant coach, the national team, more or less, comes together a week before international (matches).” Charles-Fevrier, who served as national coach from 2003-2004, continued, “you still have a lot of time to continue working at the local level. I would still like to continue working at that level as well because I still feel I have a lot of work to be done in terms of player development at the national level, for national teams.” He stated, “I still would like to continue doing work with local players at the Pro League level.

The national team would still be a priority but any time I have, I would still use it (to) work with these players at the Pro League level.” Charles-Fevrier and Terry Fenwick, the ex-San Juan Jabloteh and Central FC coach, were the two names reportedly put forward by the TT Football Association (TT FA) technical committee for the position as coach, when Belgium-born Tom Saintfiet resigned a month ago.

However, the TT FA board of directors decided to overrule their recommendations and name the 42-year-old Lawrence as the coach, a move which resulted in the resignations of three members of the technical committee (chairman Dexter Skeene, Alvin Henderson and Errol Lovell).

Asked how he felt to be working alongside Lawrence, Charles-Fevrier pointed out, “with me personally, I’m about football. I’ve been involved in Trinidad and Tobago football for 28 years now, 10 as a professional player and 18 as a coach.

“I know Trinidad and Tobago football well and I say everyday that I’m a product of St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago football,” he added. “Dennis spoke to me and I feel that I have enough experience, in terms of working locally at the elite level.

“I feel it would be selfish of me not to assist if he feels I have in me what it takes to assist him putting Trinidad and Tobago football forward. That’s how I see it.” Charles-Fevier acknowledged that he was ready to serve in the technical staff in any capacity, once called upon.

“I’ve always said that I’m a coach by profession,” he noted. “If I’m considered for any position, I’ll consider it. I’ve decided that I would assist Dennis. I’m very pleased and happy about working with him. I’m very excited about working with him, in the interest of Trinidad and Tobago football