It was always his dream to become a coach. But becoming a very successful one at it, in the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, was surely something Stuart Charles-Fevrier never imagined.
One week ago Fevrier led W Connection to an emphatic (4-1) victory over Defence Force to clinch the 2013-2014 Digicel Pro League crown and the $1,000,000 winners’ prize, with a game to spare, and snapping a lionhearted effort by the army/coastguard combination.
It was Fevrier's fifth league title (PFL 2000 & 2001; Pro League 2005, 2011-2012 & 2013-2014) among some 33 titles since taking charge of the debuting Couva club in 1999.
Three major titles – Toyota Classic, FA Trophy and the League title – and the Digicel Charity Shield this season proves that the 55-year-old Fevrier isn’t short of the motivation he had when he first joined the “Savonnetta Boys” as head coach 15 years ago.
“[This season’s championship] isn’t really about me,” he said, prior to gathering with players and staff at the centre of the Ato Boldon Stadium pitch for what has become a customary prayer and chat. “I must congratulate the players. All credit must go to them and the owner of the club (David John-Williams). I just want to continue in working to help the club reach its objective in continuing to be successful.”
Some of the key players for the “Savonnetta Boys” this season includes versatile midfielder Joevin Jones, with 14 league goals this season, defensive midfield general Gerard Williams, defenders Kurt Frederick, Alvin Jones, Daneil Cyrus, talented attacking options Stefano Rijssel, Hashim Arcia and Jerrel Britto, goalkeeper Julani Archibald and the very useful teenaged winger Neil Benjamin Jr. among others – many of whom weren’t dreaming of becoming footballers when Fevrier first arrived at Connection.
Fevrier’s arrival at the club was in January of 1999, when he bought into the dream of an ambitious W Connection club president David John-Williams before the start of a new era in Trinidad and Tobago football—the Professional Football League (PFL).
Present Trinidad and Tobago Men’s Senior Team head coach Stephen Hart, coaching in Canada at the time, was suggested for the job according to John-Williams.
But, “When [former Trinidad and Tobago footballer Dr Alvin] Henderson suggested Stuart Charles, it hit me like a bolt of lightning,” recollected John-Williams.
It was the Christmas of 1998 and John-Williams wasted no time in contacting Fevrier via telephone after numerous attempts, and after believing he had the wrong telephone number, upon hearing a voice mail message "Fevrier's residence".
At the time Fevrier was only known as Stuart Charles by most people in Trinidad, including John-Williams.
“At first I wasn’t really interested because my family was really young,” said Fevrier, father of Stephanie, 23, a psychology student in New York and Raynaldo, 18, an IT student also in New York, and husband of Claudia Enda Fevrier. “... but he (John-Williams) called me for two weeks straight.”
“I wasn’t taking no for an answer,” said the Connection boss.
It was the St. Lucia Under 23 team, which featured the likes of forward Earl Jean back then, and coached by Fevrier that trashed Connection's "fete match" team 7-0 during the Trinidadians tour of that country in 1990. It left a lasting impression Williams.
Fevrier, after consulting his wife (who offered her blessings) on the opportunity, made the visit to Trinidad on the invitation of John-Williams with Claudia in tow.
“I liked the project he (John-Williams) had in mind,” Fevrier said. “And I always wanted to give something back to Trinidad having been a professional here for many years. I always knew I wanted to play professional then become a coach. The opportunity came, and my wife supported.”
Stuart Charles-Fevrier, born to St. Lucian parents Newton and Rebecca Fevrier in Curacao, studied coaching at Hungary's University of Physical Education Post Graduate Institute in 1988, earned his English FA license in 1990, and did a number of FIFA and Olympic solidarity courses over the years.
But according to the St. Lucian, his basic and advance coaching training at the Brazil Football Academy between 1988 and 1989 was tremendous in his development as a coach.
“I like the Brazilian philosophy,” said Fevrier, who usually masks his determination for winning with his cool persona. “Ever since I was a little boy I love the Brazilian game. It's about pleasure, artistry and passion.
“Over the years the game has changed a lot because in Brazil they now are preparing their players for the European market. But I still love Brazilian football."
“I like a strong midfield,” explained Fevrier over his preferred type of football. “I like my attack to rotate. I like my teams to control the game as most as possible.”
Now fifteen years after joining W Connection, the club, John-Williams, and the St. Lucian, who is presently assisted by former "Savonnetta Boys" and fellow countrymen Earl Jean and Elijah Joseph, boasts five league titles (2000, 2001, 2005, 2011-2012 and 2013-2014); four Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Championships (2001, 2002, 2009 and joint-winners in 2013); four FA Trophy titles (1999, 2000, 2002 and 2013); six First Citizens Cups (2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008); three (Digicel) Pro Bowl titles (2004, 2007 and 2013); three Toyota Classic titles (2005, 2011 and 2013); three Charity Shields (2001, 2012 and 2013); Lucozade Sport Goal Shield titles (2009 and 2013) and one of each of the now defunct Big Six (2007), Independence Bowl (2002) and President's Cup (2001).
The club has also been runners up on 22 occasions (17 times under Fevrier and 5 times under Leroy Spann, who was in charge during Fevrier’s stint as Trinidad and Tobago Men’s Senior Team coach).
Fevrier, who held the position as T&T coach between May 2003 and January 2004, said the vision of the W Connection organisation to always be professional and successful, along with his lifelong love of the game, are all what keeps him motivated.