Warriors tell Govt: Deliver now

TRINIDAD and Tobago World Cup bound team has expressed their gratitude to the Football Federation and Special Advisor Jack Warner for their bonuses awarded for qualifying of the 2006 Finals in Germany. But following their meeting with officials of the TTFF in London, England on Sunday and Monday, the Soca Warriors have sent a clear and urgent message to the Government. “You told us deliver before the Bahrain match. We delivered, the Federation and Mr Warner have delivered. Now it’s your turn as the Government to give something for our achievement,” Coventry City and TT’s leading goalscorer Stern John said on Monday. John was among several players including Shaka Hislop, Brent Sancho and Dennis Lawrence, making their contribution regarding the bonus.

A sum of US$1,636,357 from Warner and the TTFF will be distributed to the players it was stated on Monday. Also at the meeting in London were Trinidad and Tobago-based pros Aurtis Whitley and Cyd Gray, currently in England on trials. “I think all credit must be given to the TTFF, especially Mr Warner because he is a man who stuck to his word. He did everything to keep this dream we had together and now he has delivered for the players,” said John. “Just coming here with the others like Bruce and Mr Groden made the players feel so comfortable and respected. At least we can show something now for getting to a World Cup,” John said. “But we like to deal with principles and the Government has a chance to smoothen things out because in a very close timing all we want to think about is playing football and getting ready for Germany,” John told TTFF Media.

Hislop, the experienced West Ham goalie described the meeting as “a smooth one”. “Things went smoothly. There was compromise on both sides and both parties came out satisfied as we as players know we stand now. The tickets situation isn’t a major concern in these meetings and we are confident this be addressed in the right manner by the TTFF,” the top striker said. “We did ask Mr Warner about the situation with the Government. We asked him about upcoming talks with the Government and we would like them (Government) to know that we will like to hear from them sooner than later to know more about what they have proposed so that we can at least try to take the relationship a bit further,” Hislop said.

Sancho said the Government should follow the TTFF and Warner’s lead role. He revealed that the TTFF welcomed the idea of revamping the players’ association. “The TTFF did their part and this is definitely strengthening the relationship with the players. This will benefit football tremendously. It’s not just about Germany 2006 but instead about the future of our football and how the country could benefit from it,” Sancho said. “The Government should take heed from the TTFF and come forward and meet with the players committee to at least tie up some loose ends so we can concentrate on football because at the end of the day we are footballers and we are not just here to hear about promises,” Sancho said.

The players also hailed the appointment of English-based agent Mike Berry as the TTFF’s consultant for international affairs. Berry has an ongoing relationship with TTFF officials and players. And the player who scored the vital goal to book TT’s spot in Germany, Lawrence also spoke out on the latest developments. “Everybody wanted us to win and everyone celebrated it. Imagine the TTFF came all this way to take care of matters with us. Hopefully now the leaders of the country will follow up with us,” Lawrence said.