Falkirk fans can rest assured that Russell Latapy will be staying at the Club to help take the Bairns to the conclusion of their first season in their new home. Nothing regarding his immediate career plans will distract him from the task in hand - to win the Championship and take the Club into the SPL.
Falkirk can today confirm that Trinidad and Tobago have approached Russell Latapy to become their assistant manager. Trinidad and Tobago have vital World Cup qualifiers coming up, and Russell sees this as a crucial opportunity to further his career. Russell will stay at Falkirk until the end of the season, and then join his countrymen. Depending on the outcome of the World Cup matches, Russell will make a decision on his future career. He makes no secret of his desire to move into coaching and management, and John Hughes has discussed this with him on several occasions. One of the options which will be open to him is to return to Falkirk .
John Hughes said today, “ I can understand Russell’s position. He is a vital part of the way ahead at Falkirk, but I appreciate the call to help his country reach the World Cup finals. He will be open and honest with us. If he decides to stay in Trinidad, I would wish him every success. I would, however, be delighted if he comes back to us in July. Russell knows my feelings on this, we both agree that the decision is his in July. It will be one job or another-not both.”
Russell Latapy said, ”This offer came out of the blue. I receive e-mails every day from back home, asking me to come back and help my country out. I love it here at Falkirk, and would not have given any other job any consideration at all. I will stay here until we have completed our season, and hopefully see the Club back in the SPL. Depending on the results in the three vital qualifiers in June and July, I will make a decision then. If it is a return to Falkirk, I will be delighted because I love the Club and have made many new friends here.”