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Fri, Mar

Birchall to maintain ties with TT football
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RETIRED Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Christopher Birchall is now settling back into his groove as a sole club player with Port Vale, a few days after playing in his final international match for Trinidad and Tobago.

The 29-year-old midfielder, on his return to London, said he will forever hold on to his memories in a Trinidad and Tobago shirt, and added that the highlights of his career all came with the National Team. 

Birchall spent over an hour in conversation with the President of Trinidad and Tobago, The Honourable Anthony Carmona at his office last Monday as he paid a courtesy call in light of his farewell encounter against Jamaica.

Sports Minister Anil Roberts was also present at the meeting while representing the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) was General Secretary Sheldon Phillips. 

“I was amazed at his (Carmona’s) knowledge for the game and Trinidad and Tobago football on a whole,” Birchall said. 

“He certainly knows his stuff and it was a real honour and a privilege to be able to sit with him and talk about so many things. It’s great to have a President who cares about the game and sees it as something important for the country.

He encouraged me to keep ties with the country which I obviously intend to do and already there have been talks about me possibly coming back to share my experience in some way or the other, whether it be in coaching or through other some form which I’d be delighted to be part of.” The former Coventry City man urged Roberts to continue holding a special interest in local football. 

“I’ve known the Sports Minister since the 2006 campaign. I remember him being an avid supporter of the team, always very present at the games and I think he knows what is required for success. 

“He seems to have a fair knowledge of what the current team needs in terms of support and I hope can continue in this way to hopefully see the country get to another World Cup. 

“With people like him around, hopefully the association can get things done in the right way and that the game can continue to develop here in Trinidad and Tobago, ” Birchall added.