An avalanche of signings is expected from Sangre Grande based club DIRECTV North East Stars when the transfer window opens at the end of November.
According to a press release by the club, Brazilian head coach Emerson Alcantara has already identified players both local and foreign.
"There are several local players I would like to bring to the club," said Alacantra. "I don't understand why you can't sign players who are free agents at any stage of the season. This is something that must be unique to the Pro League."
The release went on to add; “Only last week, English Premiership side, Everton signed James McFadden who was a free agent.”
"We have been paying players to train with us, but can't put them into a match until December. This is restricting the ability of footballers to earn a living. You wouldn't tell an out of work builder that he can only start a new contract at certain times of the year."
"The talent in the Pro League is much higher than people, or even the press seems to recognize," said Alcantara, who spent time as a player in Portugal.
"There are some stunning young players coming through and this looks good for Trinidad & Tobago's 2018 World Cup campaign. I have players like Jeromie Williams and Kaydion Gabriel who have made great contributions to the Olympic squad. But I would like to bring over some established players from Brazil and Latin America to stimulate further development in our local players. I have seen the effect that Stern John has had on the education of our younger players. It’s not that overseas players are better than ours, but they bring something new to our game which can only benefit our youngsters."
North East Stars' next Pro League game is on Friday 18th November, when the Sangre Grande club takes on St. Ann’s Rangers at the Larry Gomes Stadium. Both teams have 4 points from 4 games and a win from either side will see them climb to 3rd place in the Pro League, 2 points behind second placed W Connection.
"No team is assured of a win in the league this season" said Stars CEO Brent Sancho. "Apart from T&TEC, who are having a fantastic start to the season, every team is taking points from each other. Its’ going to be an interesting, exciting season, and the introduction of Defence Force and Police FC after the curfew will add a new and exciting dimension to the Pro League."