Noel's Petrotrin exile continues.

Versatile 33-year-old midfielder Trent Noel might be the most valuable player in the Digicel Pro League-he has the trophy and Daihatsu Sirion car to prove it-but he continues to resemble a spare part at the United Petrotrin football club.

Noel captained CLICO San Juan Jabloteh to the Pro League, Toyota Classic and Lucozade Big Six titles last season and was an unused substitute for Trinidad and Tobago's last two World Cup qualifiers. But Noel's prior accomplishments have not earned him any special favours with Petrotrin's new Brazilian coach Marcos Tinoco.

Noel has not worn Petrotrin colours in any of their three outings this season-the "Oilmen" won two and drew one of those fixtures-and Tinoco told the Express that the midfielder will remain in the reserves until he recognises who is the boss at the southern outfit.

"(Noel's) problem is regarding his commitment to our programme," said the 42-year-old former Tanzania and Cayman Islands coach. "We had some problems with Trent because he was disagreeing regarding tactical issues. And without discipline and respect we cannot achieve our goals.

"As long as he is not willing to accept the coach's decision and what I need from him, I cannot use him because he is not playing the tactical role I want."

Noel's contract with Jabloteh expired last December and he headed south. But after a pre-season clash with Tinoco, he unsuccessfully attempted to engineer a move to Joe Public earlier this month. Petrotrin refused to nullify their one-year contract with the player.

So far, Tinoco has used Devon Caseman, Kennedy Hinkson and Ghmyo Harper in central midfield, while 2006 World Cup midfielder Aurtis Whitley, who has returned from injury, was a late substitute in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Jabloteh.

 

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