Goalie Baird signs 4-yr deal with Iceland club

Baird, who played football for Scotland at the Under-17 and Under- 18 level, has been playing and coaching in TT for the past seven years. Baird has been involved with Tobago United, TT Highlanders, Joe Public, North East Stars, the West Indies Football Association and most recently Central FC.

Baird said he wants to capitalise on this opportunity to play in Europe as he is approaching the twilight of his career. “I think especially at my age, I am now 34, this is probably my last European contract or a contract abroad and then I will probably come back here (TT ) and retire. I have been involved in coaching over the last few years as well, but I will focus solely on coaching and not playing (when I return to TT ).” Iceland recently became a more popular football destination after the country advanced to the quarter- finals of the 2016 UEFA European Championships.

“Because Iceland did so well in the Euro Cup, a lot of money is being pumped into the football now. They (Snaefell) have big aspirations.

Part of the deal is I oversee all football things, although I will be playing, I make a lot of the decisions as well for the club.” Baird, who lives in Trinidad with his family, said he will miss Trinidad but says he can open doors for more local footballers to join him in Iceland.

“Trinidad has became very much home. Obviously I am a little sad, but I am excited as well about the opportunity.

I will help recruit some players as well, so that is maybe an opportunity for some Trinidadians or other nationalities to come as well. It is kind of an all-around role actually.” The goalkeeper said he would like to return to TT to help with the growth of football.

“Anything I can do to give back I will, and if opportunities arise to get Trinidadians out there I will do that.” Baird was part of Central FC, as a player/ goalkeeper coach, last season when they completed a hat-trick of TT Pro League titles.

Baird said he hopes the club continues to succeed.

“I wish Central FC all the best this year because obviously I am very close with them still, being with them last year. I really hope they can continue doing well in my absence.” Baird leaves Trinidad tomorrow to join Snaefell.