Name: Kerwin Jemmott.
DOB: 24-Aug-1978.
Position: Midfield.
Club: Caledonia AIA (Trinidad, ?-May-2008 to present).
Previous Clubs: Joe Public (Trinidad), W Connection (Trinidad,
30-Mar-2004), San Juan Jabloteh (Trinidad, 31-Mar-2004 to Sept-2004), Caledonia AIA Fire (Trinidad, 18-Mar-2005 to
?-2005), Crab Connection (Trinidad, ?-2005 to Jan-2006), Joe Public FC (Trinidad, Jan-2006 to
31-Aug-2006), Superstar Rangers (Trinidad, 01-Sept-2006 to Aug-2007).
Born: Laventille (Trinidad).
TnT Senior Team Debut: 1998.
Schools: Belmont Junior Sec (Trinidad), Malick Secondary (Trinidad).
NOTE: A smooth and skillfull left footed midfielder who has been on the fringe of the
national team. Tipped to be the next Russell Latapy and T&T midfield
general, surely Jemmott is not short of talent, passing ability and great
techniques. While on the field he has a technical eye for the game that can change
a situation in a heart-beat. Jemmott had a stint with the NY/NJ MetroStars during the 2001
season, however, he did not received a work permit in time and was
cut from the MLS team roster earlier that same year. In 2000 Kerwin also had a
stint with English club Oxford United. Kerwin made a more than
impressive return to national duty when he wore the number 10 jersey for
Trinidad and Tobago in the 2007 Digicel Caribbean Cup and he impressed the then head
coach Wim Rijsbergen so much that he became a main stay on the national side
ever since. Injury has now kept the talented midfield out of the national set up
but its only a matter of time before he gets a recall once fully fit. In October
2007 Jemmott was voted player of the month after some impressive performances
with his then club Superstar Rangers. To date Jemmott still remains as one of
the top midfielders base in T&T.
Related | News: |
24-Apr-2008 | Kerwin determined to return. |
03-Apr-2008 | Jemmott trains with Caledonia. |
16-Oct-2007 | Kerwin Jemmott comes to the USA. |
31-Aug-2007 | Jemmott sent packing by Superstar Rangers. |
25-Jul-2007 | Jemmott still eyes European escape. |
11-Jul-2007 | Jemmott invited for trial in Hungary. |
28-Jan-2007 | Jemmott aiming to take it to another level. |
14-Jan-2007 | Shabazz: Jemmott's almost immaculate. |
05-Jan-2007 | Jemmott wants to prove his pick in Digicel Cup. |
07-Nov-2006 | Williams/Jemmott win Player/Coach of the Month. |
Kerwin Jemmott disappears.
09-Oct-2004 - Jabloteh chairman Gerry
Hospedales, announced that former national midfielder Kerwyn
"Hardest" Jemmott had apparently abandoned his position with the
club. Jabloteh signed Jemmott early this year, hoping that he would be a
capable replacement for their top scorer Cornell Glen, who was contracted by
MLS team the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. But Hospedales said his
acquisition was a big disappointment.
"We though that when Kerwyn Jemmott came here, he would start a new life.
He was being organised by Angus Eve, Trent Noel and some of the senior
players, who were trying to show him that he had a chance to build a career
with a solid organisation...But apparently he does not want that. I don't
think he is a disciplined person. He wants to play football, but on his own
terms. Apparently, he felt he could not fit into the rigidness of Mr. Rutter's
operations...He just disappeared," Hospedales exclaimed.
Problem player Jemmott in coach St Clair’s 30.
T&T Guardian Reports.
22-Feb-2004 - W Connection midfielder Kerwyn Jemmott is in a squad of 30 players called by national coach Bertille St Clair, to resume training on Saturday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
While his talent is not undoubtedly on par with any local midfielder in the game right now, Jemmott is known to be distracted easily by off-the-field activities too often. This latest call-up could well be his last chance to show his commitment to the national team as the players continue preparations for the
2006 “Road To Germany” campaign.
Fevrier recalls Kerwyn Jemmott.
Lasana Liburd.
29-Jun-2003 - W Connection playmaker Kerwyn “Hardest” Jemmott has been
recalled to national service by Trinidad and Tobago head coach Stuart
Charles-Fevrier as a replacement for injured CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh
midfielder Travis Mulraine.
Jemmott was part of the “Soca Warriors” touring party on their recent trip
to Africa but did not initially make Fevrier’s shortlist for Thursday’s
friendly international against Venezuela.
However, the former Malick Secondary star gets an unexpected chance after
stylish overseas-based midfielder Brent Rahim and Travis Mulraine were ruled
out for contrasting reasons.
Fevrier challenged Jemmott to capitalise on the opportunity.
“We don’t have enough creativity in the team,” said the
recently-appointed coach. “I think we need some new life and we also need to
start looking forward. So I am also thinking long term in terms of a
playmaker.”
Jemmott, who is widely regarded as the best passer in the domestic game, first
burst on the international scene in 1998 when ex-T&T coach Bertille St
Clair played the left footed playmaker alongside David Nakhid and Anthony
Rougier.
However, Jemmott’s national outings grew more and more infrequent after
complaints about his alleged indifferent approach to training from several
subsequent coaches.
He was regarded as a controversial selection by Hannibal Najjar last October
when Fevrier’s predecessor picked the player, although he had been out of
contract for more than a season after being sacked by Joe Public.
Jemmott used the opportunity to return to the Pro League ranks with Connection
and is again hoping to recapture his spot with the “Soca Warriors”.
The national team train on Tuesday from 7 a.m. at the Hasely Crawford Stadium
and again from 6 p.m. at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva.
Why the ‘Hardest’?.
21-Nov-2002- Team
selection was the main issue for fans, coaches and members of the football
fraternity in the aftermath of Trinidad and Tobago’s performances against
St. Kitts and St. Lucia at the weekend.
In his first outing as Technical Director and head coach of the Trinidad and
Tobago national football team Hannibal Najjar selected a squad short on
international experience, but was still able to qualify for the next stage of
the Gold Cup qualifying tournament with an encouraging 2-0 victory against St.
Kitts and a narrow 1-0 loss to St. Lucia.
Najjar, who returned to Trinidad after 15 years of living and working in North
America had three players in his 18-man squad that drew queries and in some
cases sharp criticism—former Joe Public midfielder Kerwyn “Hardest”
Jemmot, defender Colin Roberts from Superstar Rangers and the Canada-based
previously unknown midfield/defender Rick Titus.
The 24-year-old Jemmot has been in an out of national teams in the past as
coaches, including Rene Simoes, Ian Porterfield and Bertille St Clair often
grew impatient with his long absenteeism from training. More importantly,
Jemmot was included in the team despite not playing for any club at any level
of Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation competitions for the last year .
Collin Roberts, who made his debut at right back position, has been around for
some time playing with Superstar Rangers during the Semi Professional Football
League (SPFL) days from 1995 to 1999. The tough tackling Roberts currently
plays for the Superstar team in the Northern Football Association.
Rick Titus is a 33-year-old Trinidad-born who also holds Canadian citizenship.
Titus was voted “A” League Defender of the Year in the 2001 season for the
Vancouver Whitecaps. He was signed by the MLS club Colorado Rapids in March
2002 and put on the waiver list in September, he was not drafted by any other
MLS Club to date and has plans to play in Europe.
Arnold Dwarika according to Najjar was too absent from the training sessions,
while he ruled out Nigel Pierre, who returned to play for Joe Public in their
last Pro League and FA Trophy encounters, on the grounds of inadequate match
fitness.
No room was found in the squad for a host of recognised midfielders like
Densill Theobald, who was appointed captain of the National Under-23 team by
Najjar's predecessor, Brazilian Simoes; Silvio Spann, who spent three seasons
with Italian Club Perugia and finished the season with W-Connection; Caledonia
AIA’s stand-out Conrod Smith and the experienced Dale Saunders (Joe Public)
and Lyndon Andrews (W-Connection) who have had their fair share of
international matches.
Here were some of the comments:
Anthony Clarke (former national team goalkeeper)
“There were not enough skillful players in the squad who had the ability to
create for the team. Too much defenders were in the team and even the
attacking players selected were not used. For example Jason Scotland who has
been a top striker in the Professional Football League for the past two
seasons was on the bench for the two matches.
The team lacked experienced players. Why was Arnold Dwarika not in the team?
Then how can you explain the omission of a player of the calibre of young
Silvio Spann who spent two seasons with Perugia in Italy, and proves his
creativity for W-Connection week in week out in the Pro League.
How could Kerwyn Jemmot, who has not played any football for the season, with
no match fitness, be selected ahead of Spann, who is equally talented, but a
more dedicated professional.
Najjar was the one to admit that Jemmot was not fit, yet he still selected him
ahead of players like Spann and Conrod Smith. This was a total disrespect to
all the players in the country who have performed well this season.
Finally from what we have seen of Rick Titus he is not better than any of our
Pro League players who play in that position.
It is evident from the composition of the team and the overuse of long balls
over the top that ball possession is not a key factor in Najjar's play. So
team selection is not the only issue here, the style of play must also come
under scrutiny. We did not show any superiority in our style against these
Caribbean opponents. In fact, we looked just like them for most periods in the
games.
Patrick John-Williams ( co-owner W-Connection FC and football fan)
While Najjar says he is playing for shut-outs how does he intend to get his
goals, when he has so many defensive-minded players in the team. We needed
more creative midfielders in the line-up. I was disappointed in the general
18-man squad when you look at players like Silvio Spann, Densill Theobald and
Conrod Smith being left out of the team. They could have helped with their
skill and creativity because you could see T&T run out of ideas in and
around the final third of the field. Winning is not the only issue, but Najjar
must think about producing a product or brand of football that can sell.
Another sore point is the inclusion of Kerwyn Jemmot who has not played any
competitive football for the season. While I agree that he has the potential
to be a unique talent he also has a track record of being ill disciplined. It
is illogical that Najjar could include Jemmot and state that he knew he was
not match fit, yet drop Nigel Pierre on the grounds of him not being match
fit.
Yet it is ironic that despite including Jemmot in the 18 ahead of other
creative and committed players, Najjar did not use him in the matches. So what
was the purpose of including him in the 18? I am hearing that Najjar wants to
rehab him. Well the national team is not a rehab centre. If Najjar wanted to
help Jemmot he should have called him to training. Tell him that he wants him
to be part of his plans for the future and monitor his committment to the
programme. What signal is he sending by rewarding Jemmot for no committment.
I think there are more talented players than Colin Roberts to play for
Trinidad and Tobago at right back. He has not being playing at a high level of
football as compared to other players in that position in the Professional
League.
While for a foreign based player to come into our national team to make his
debut at age 33, Rick Titus needed to be a special player like a Russell
Latapy or a David Nakhid. Rick Titus is not a special player.
Also Jason Scotland would have been a better choice than Kerry Noray for the
game against St. Lucia. If you compare the two, Scotland could take more
beating than Noray. Many times Noray tried to turn and run with the ball, when
a Scotland would have held it up and laid it back off to the oncoming
midfielders.
Clyde Ramsaroop (manager ,Arima Fire FC, football fan, Deputy Fire Chief)
I was not really pleased with the general quality of play though we did
qualify for the next round. We did not string enough passes together. The
midfield did not appear to have the creativity needed. Skipper Travis Mulraine
did not provide the openings we needed from midfield, in fact the midfield was
very dormant. I was not too happy with the team selection.
Firstly, Kerwyn Jemmot, though he is a good player, was not playing any
football at all, so he was not fit and should not have been in the team. Then
Colin Roberts, who is not playing in the Pro League, did not have that fitness
required to play at that level. While when I saw that they brought in Rick
Titus I thought he would come and light up the place, but he did nothing
special. In fact there are better players than him here in the Pro League.
Both Arnold Dwarika and Nigel Pierre should have been in the team and Najjar
needs to bring them back as soon as possible. I think we need some other
talented goalkeepers in the squad. Jack did not perform well.
They took too long to introduce Jason Scotland into the game because the
conditions did not suit Kerry Noray at all. I would like to see some other
goalkeepers get into the team. I am not satisfied with Kelvin Jack at all.
Richard Fakoory (businessman, owner of Superstar Rangers)
Everyone seems to be taking a hack at Hannibal Najjar because he is trying
some new players. But Hannibal must be commended for putting his foot down and
setting a standard of discipline for players like Arnold Dwarika and Nigel
Pierre to come up to. He has sent a serious message to these players by going
without them for this tournament.
I think it is a good start for us after only two weeks under Najjar, in three
months time you are bound to see a stronger and better prepared team. How come
no one was as critical when Martinique beat T&T in February and we had all
our foreign based players plus the Dwarikas, Pierres etc. No one was saying
that we were beaten by a Caribbean oppoonent then.
Regarding Jemmot I think he is one of the best talents that we
have...potentially as good as Russell Latapy. The kid's got talent and though
he has been a bit delinquent in the past if Hannibal feels he can straigthen
him out then he should be given the chance to do so. Nothing is wrong with
that. Jemmot is not getting any special treatment.
I thought when Anton Pierre came on he brought the game to life. Collin
Roberts, who everybody knows is a Superstar Rangers player, did not have a
great game, but he did not have a bad game either.
I think it is early days still and Hannibal needs to be given a chance to do
his work.
Anil Roberts (Ministry of Sports-Sport Programme Coordinator)
The team basically is a totally new team. The fact is at least we have moved
on which is the main objective, but there must be some concern that when the
foreign based players are not used we are at such a mediocre level.
Because we struggled against St Kitts and then lost to St Lucia when I would
think that even our "B" team and 'C' teams should be far superior to
other Caribbean teams.
But I believe the loss had much to do with the playing conditions. I want to
know why the games were not played at the five stadia.
With all the rain we are having, the Centre of Excellence does not drain well
and it was a mud pit... (which) definitely was not to our advantage...
There were some bright spots like in defence where Keyeno Thomas and Brent
Sancho looked better.
But the midfield while they did a lot of work, they lacked the creativity and
vision and a high quality player probably (Arnold) Dwarika. It is clear that
we need these (talented) players to fall in line and play for our country or
else we will never be able to beat Mexico and Costa Rica...
It is a long road and the journey has just begun. I am not not going to
criticise a coach in two weeks.
He showed a lot of courage to go into the game without some of his better
known players (for disciplinary reasons).
The main thing is not the results of the senior team right now but how we can
lift our level because we are lagging far behind the world quality wise.
Kerwyn Jemmott: I want to fill Latapy's shoes on the national team.