Brent Sancho.

Name: Brent Sancho.
Height: 6-1.
Birth Date: 13-Mar-1977.
Hometown: Belmont, Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Club: Free Agent.
College: Malick Senior Comp. (Trinidad), Trinity College (Trinidad), St. Johns University (USA).
Previous Clubs: Joe Public (Trinidad), MyPa 47 (Finland), Tevarit FC (Finland), Charleston Battery (USA), Ken Elie Coaching School (Trinidad), San Juan Jabloteh (Trinidad), Portland Timbers (USA, A-League), Dundee (Scotland - 30-Jul-2003 to 22-May-2005), Gillingham FC (19-Aug-2005 to May-2007), Millwall FC (02-Dec-2007 to 02-Jan-2008), Ross County (Scotland, 03-Apr-2008 to Jun-2008).
SW Online Interview: Sancho interview, 1. / Sancho interview, 2.
Website: http://www.geocities.com/brentsancho
NOTE: Brent Sancho made his senior T&T team debut on the 4th of March 2000 against the Netherlands Antilles, a world cup qualifying game which T&T won 5-0. Brent Sancho became the first foreign national to play against Scotland national football team while a Dundee player at Easter Road when T&T faced Scotland in a friendly match May 30th 2004.

Gillingham FC.
08-Mar-2006 - Gillingham chairman Paul Scally has recalled defender Brent Sancho back to Priestfield after talks with Swansea City turned sour. Sancho, who was on the verge of a two-month loan spell with the Swans, will remain with Gillingham after the deal collapsed with the Gills chief heaping heavy criticism on the Welsh Club.
Mr Scally is criticising Swansea of trying to change the deal, which the two club's had previously agreed.
Speaking to the Club's Official website Mr. Scally said: "We had agreed a deal with Swansea yesterday that would have seen Brent join them on loan.
"But they now want to renege on that deal and quite frankly I'm furious with them for not honouring their word, and Brent will be returning to Gillingham with immediate effect."
Mr Scally added: "We will not get caught out again in any further dealings with them."
In related news, Kenny Jackett has defended Swansea over their part in the collapsed loan move for Gillingham defender Brent Sancho.
The manager says Swansea were not told they would have to re-apply for the Trinidad & Tobago player's work permit.
With the Gills also then insisting that Sancho could not play against them on 25 March, the defender was likely to sit out Swansea's next four matches.
"That can change the whole situation and I have to look after my club's interests," Jackett told BBC Wales.
"We didn't know we had to re-apply for somebody who already had a work permit.
"What Gillingham said also was that Brent wasn't allowed to play against them.
"That's a potential four games out of 12 he could have missed and when I told (Gills chairman Paul) Mr Scally that he wasn't best pleased, but nor was I."
Scally said he was furious with Swansea for "reneging" on the proposed two-month deal, adding: "We will not get caught out again in any further dealings with them."
With any move for Sancho now dead in the water, Jackett has shifted his attention to taking Wolves' promising young defender Keith Lowe on loan.

By: Lasana Liburd (Express).
07-Mar-2006 - Trinidad and Tobago defender Brent Sancho's 2006 World Cup dreams got a massive boost yesterday when England League One club Swansea offered a rescue package to the out-of-favour Gillingham employee. Sancho moves from relegation-threatened Gillingham to third-placed Swansea, who are pushing for automatic promotion to England's Championship Division, on a two-month loan deal that can become permanent this summer if player and club are happy.
Yesterday morning, Sancho was ordered to train with Gillingham's youth team for the first time by manager Ronnie Jepson. A voice message confirming Swansea's interest was on his cellular phone after training. Within hours, Sancho packed and started a four-hour drive to the Wales-based club.
"God is great," said Sancho. "Today was my lowest point and then this happened. God works in mysterious ways."
The loan move could also salvage Sancho's place in the World Cup squad. The defender looked on from the stand last Tuesday at Lostus Road, London where Trinidad and Tobago whipped Iceland 2-0 in an international friendly.
Sancho spoke to national coach Leo Beenhakker after the game and was told he must play regular first team football or risk missing out on the Germany World Cup.
"Of course I was afraid (to miss out on the World Cup)," said Sancho. "I definitely had that fear of missing out, although I feel I should be on the team.
"I don't just want to make up the numbers either. I want to be a starter and help put Trinidad and Tobago and myself on the map."
It was Sancho's desperation to represent the "Soca Warriors" that got him in trouble at Gillingham in the first place.
He was still recovering from injury when T&T's first leg fixture against Bahrain loomed on November 12 last year. Gillingham chairman Paul Scally said he was not ready. Sancho went anyway.
Beenhakkar did not use Sancho in the two-legged World Cup Play Off, but Scally insisted he would never play for Gillingham again.
There was a subsequent five-match stretch when Sancho returned to Gillingham's starting line-up after Scally claimed to receive an apology from the player behind closed doors. But the truce lasted only as long as it took for first choice central defenders Chris Hope and national teammate Ian Cox to recover from injury.
Sancho said he was adjudged Man of the Match in his last outing on January 10-a 2-1 defeat at Barnsley-before being cut from the squad again with the return of Cox. He spent the last two months travelling to matches and looking on from the stands.
Yesterday, it got worse when Sancho was told to train with the youth team. He admitted his last two months at the club were mentally taxing.
"I was starting to loss my vibes for the game," said the former Dundee player, "because I am at a club where, no matter how hard I train, I will never play.
"The funny thing is that, in terms of supporters and accommodation, Gillingham is one of my best clubs ever. It is not a case where I was happy to sit down and take the money."
Sancho is excited at the chance to restart his career at Swansea, particularly as the club is on the verge of promotion. The Trinidad and Tobago player was summoned after the club lost their two regular central defenders to injury and hopes to make the most of the opportunity.
He could go straight into the Swansea line-up tonight for their LDV Vans Cup Semi-Final against Colchester. "My ultimate goal is to make the starting team at Swansea," said Sancho, "and help them make automatic promotion. I also want to make and start for Trinidad and Tobago at the World Cup."

By: Shaun Fuentes.
07-Nov-2005 - National defender Brent Sancho has hit back at Gillingham chairman Paul Scally for accusing him of being an underhand and deciding to choose country over club.
Sancho is coming off a hamstring injury and has been selected by head coach Leo Beenhakker for the upcoming matches against Bahrain. However he was eventually able to make the trip based on the advice of a private doctor after Gillingham officials insisted that Sancho was unfit even though he was able train and even be involved in matches over the past two weeks.
Scally was not pleased that Sancho made the trip for Saturday’s clash.
“We are talking about players characters. Brent Sancho has been injured and it is our view that he shouldn't be going to Trinidad and Tobago to play for them next week. But he has sought medical advice from his own doctor who has said he is fit despite our physios and doctor saying he isn't fit. He wants to go and play for them next week and we have told him that he cannot go and he has said he is going. That is exactly the sort of thing I'm talking about today. What's more important? To us it's this Football Club, so there is another player that we have got an issue with,” Scally stated.
But Sancho was having none of it.
“I’m absolutely distraught of being accused of not being fully committed to the club because I have given my all since joining them and only because of injury I had been out leading up the last couple weeks. I took the decision to see a specialist because I was keen to get better and even when I did I indicated that I wanted to play against Blackpool but they were having none of it. They were telling me I had to wait to get a scan and that I was not fit. Now they are trying to affect my focus for this game. I feel like I’m being made a scapegoat for a loss that I was not even a part of on the weekend,” Sancho told TTFF Media.
“The chairman even saw me before I left and said hello. Maybe it would have been better if he pulled me aside and talked rather than expressing his views publicly.”
”But the most important thing is that I am here committed to serving Trinidad and Tobago. That’s the focus over the next week or so.”
Sancho’s agent Mike Berry pointed out that Sancho in fact injured his hamstring while playing for Gillingham which prevented him from playing against Mexico. He then consulted T&T team doctor Terrence Babwah who advised him on seeing a specialist.
“He even bought a house and loves the town and the club,” Berry said.
“It is a disgrace that Paul Scally has accused Brent of being underhanded. He should remember that the player got his injury trying to stop an attack on the Gillingham goal and not playing for T&T. Brent informed the coaching staff and Manager on several occasions that he was fit and ready to play....Indeed he pleaded last week to be included in the squad for the cup game but was omitted. What more could the boy do. He loves playing for GFC and has a great rapport with the fans and its a shame they did not give him the chance to play last Sturday! I would have thought that the Chairman would have been proud of the boy being so close to World Cup qualification and sent him to T&T with his blessing and good wishes after all the club will benefit from all the publicity and marketing opportunities coming his way when T&T qualify.
“I am rather sad and surprised that Scally has chosen to make Brent a scapegoat for the pressure he is under at the moment and hope he will take a chill pill and put this matter to rest and let Brent continue doing what he loves which is playing for Gillingham.”

By: Lasana Liburd.
22-Aug-2005 - Trinidad and Tobago defender Brent Sancho praised the influence of former international teammate, Ian Cox, in helping him restart his club career at England League One team, Gillingham.
Sancho debuted for the "Gills" on Saturday afternoon as they edged out Bournemouth 1-0 at home to move to fourth place, one point shy of leaders Brentford.
He was introduced in the 68th minute, just a day after signing for the club, as Gillingham manager Neale Cooper effectively shored up his defence to maintain their slender lead.
Sancho credited the 34-year-old Cox, who was man of the match on Saturday, as well as agent Mike Berry, in getting him the opportunity to move to England from relegated Scottish Premier League (SPL) club, Dundee.
"Cox recommended me (to Cooper) who spoke to me and the rest is history," said Sancho. "It really helps having Cox around and he is one of the nicest persons you can meet. He has helped me settle down and, in a perfect world, we will play together in the middle of the defence."
Cooper hinted to Sancho that he might be utilised this season at right back or as a defensive midfielder although he made his first appearance as a central defender as Gillingham switched from 4-4-2 to a 5-3-2 formation to keep out Bournemouth.
Sancho was not too surprised at his early debut after an emotional week for club and country.
"They made a big deal of beating the registration deadline on Friday when I signed," he said, "so I kind of knew that I had a chance of playing. It's been some week for me after getting my work permit on Monday and then playing my first competitive match in a long time against the United States.
"It was disappointing losing against the US but it was just good to be playing again. And then I made my debut yesterday (Saturday)."
Sancho signed a two-year deal on improved terms than his previous contract at Dundee and hopes to benefit from playing in England as well as his close proximity to London, which is 30 minutes away by train.
"I think I am in the right place now because more clubs look at you when you are in England," said Sancho. "I am also looking forward to living closer to London because of the big West Indian community there including some family members."
He thanked girlfriend, Jana, as well as national teammates, Kelvin Jack, Stern John and Shaka Hislop, and family members-mom, dad, sister and cousins-for helping him through his most difficult summer as a professional.
"It wasn't an easy summer going from hotel to hotel and team to team and not knowing where your future lies," he said. "But God is good. I would like to thank Berry too for sorting out my work permit and contractual stuff."
He looks forward to a successful spell with club and country, with Trinidad and Tobago's upcoming World Cup qualifier against Guatemala at the forefront of his mind.
"We have to win against Guatemala and then have to get a result against Costa Rica," said Sancho. "I think those two games are like Cup games. Those will be the biggest games of my career because they might determine whether or not we qualify for the World Cup.
"My goal right now is to qualify for the World Cup and to do well at Gillingham and stamp my authority at this level and, eventually, to play in the Premiership."

By: Shaun Fuentes.
18-Jul-2005 - Trinidad and Tobago defender Brent Sancho made a lasting first impression in his first trial game with English club Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday as he appeared for 70 minutes in a 4-2 win over Conference side Lewes.
Sancho arrived at the club on Friday for a trial but met up with the team for the first time on Sunday after being asked by manager Mark McGhee whether he would be interested in taking part in the game which was witnessed by 1200 fans.
McGhee was later left impressed by Sancho’s showing along with other trialist, Argentine striker Frederico Turienzo.
“I was pleased with both of them. We saw what they are both about. I’m not going to discuss to much about it now but the two boys played well I thought. We saw exactly what kind of players they are and now we’ve got to make decisions,” McGhee told the club’s official website.
Sancho, who missed out on appearing in all of Trinidad and Tobago’s three CONCACAF Gold Cup matches due to a reoccurring hamstring strain, said at first he was having second thoughts of playing so early for the club with fear of pulling up again.
“It turned out to be a pretty good game for me,” Sancho told TTFF Media on Sunday evening after being given a standing ovation by the fans on leaving the field.
“When the manager called me and asked me if I would like to play, I thought about it but I couldn’t turn down the opportunity and it turned out going well. I think I have already fallen in love with the club and this week we should be talking about a deal. Hopefully things will go well because it’s been a couple frustrating months for me,” the ex-Dundee defender added. “I feel good at the moment and I’ll be careful with the hamstring as well.”
Brighton will be campaigning in the English Championship League in the new season and is the former club of striker Bobby Zamora who is eligible of playing for T&T. Meantime, McGhee is also reportedly impressed by T&T goalkeeper Kelvin Jack, particularly in his recent Gold Cup appearances and he has been invited for a trial this week. Shaka Hislop is also said to have made a good recommendation on Jack’s behalf.

www.thedees.co.uk.
10-Apr-2004 - Trinidad and Tobago's Brent Sancho is likely to become the first foreign national to play against Scotland while a Dundee player at Easter Road next month, but while his team mates that day could include friends Collin Samuel and Jason Scotland the likable defender wants to put one over the United pair at Tannadice and maintain his 100% derby winning record. He said ahead of the city clash "Collin and Jason are doing really well now, but I hope their good run of form comes to an end in this game. They are my pals but once you cross the touchline friendship goes out of the window."
Brent ran the full gamut of emotions in his first derby at Dens in January, bringing down Charlie Miller for the penalty which gave United a half time lead before setting up Nacho Novo for the equaliser. "My first derby was a real rollercoaster of emotions. I remember feeling really awful at half time after conceding the penalty, but I felt a lot better at the end. Less of the drama but the same result would do nicely this time."
While Brent is happy to turn out at Tannadice in the derby he’s delighted that the club will be playing their home games at Dens rather than across the road next season "We’ve tried to stay out of what’s happening off the field, but it's hard – especially when you appreciate what this club has been through, when I joined last July I couldn’t have begun to imagine what would happen."
"It's been incredible and the ups and downs have affected us all. That's why when you hear people talk about moving down the road you become involved. I’ve only been here a short time but Dens Park is Dundee’s home, nowhere else. It is a special place and I’m delighted that we are staying here. I don’t mind playing at Tannadice, but the only time I want to go there is when we beat them in a derby."
Sancho has become a very important player for the Dark Blues since Lee Wilkie’s injury in that last derby and, like his friends across the street, has recently hit top form. He made his debut as a substitute in Shkoder as Dundee beat Vllaznia in the UEFA Cup back in August but injury led to him missing over two months of the season before Christmas. Another month out after the CIS Cup semi final defeat could have ruined his season but he’s now performing as well as anyone in the Dundee squad. Dundee are likely to have another current international in their ranks against United. Jonay Hernandez returns to the squad after his heroics in Venezuela's incredible World Cup win in Uruguay. John Robotham will referee the derby.

By Shaun Fuentes.
25-Nov-2003 - Trinidad and Tobago's Scottish-based defender Brent Sancho was detained for six hours last Sunday after being arrested along with Spanish teammate Nacho Novo and charged with assault following an alleged incident while with teammates in Dundee.
Sancho, 26, Novo, the club's topscorer with 14 goals and another friend were arrested and Police have confirmed that three men were involved in an alleged incident and that they have been charged and a report sent to the procurator fiscal.
They will appear in court on Wednesday.
A disturbed Sancho told TTFF Media on Monday that he was involved in a scuffle with two men who targeted him after he entered a taxi with two teammates including Nacho. It is understood that an argument started between one of the men and the taxi driver before one of the two individuals standing on the sidewalk threw racial slurs at Sancho and grabbed him out of the passenger seat of the taxi before both men started the scuffle with the former CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh player.
Nacho and Sancho's other mate then got involved in front of about eight bystanders before the incident was halted. Police Officers on the scene then arrested Sancho along with Nacho and the other friend. The two men who started the brawl were not arrested.
Sancho explained that he and some teammates were just on a night out relaxing.
"We were just out hanging out when I decided to flag down a taxi as we decided to call it a night. Myself and Nacho got into the taxi before the man used violent language against the taxi driver. He then used racial statements before he pulled the door open and practically grabbed me out of the car. He and the other guy then rushed me and there was a small scuffle. It was more a situation of me defending myself and Nacho and they got involved," Sancho told TTFF Media.
"The club has supported me entirely throughout this ordeal. They have their lawyers involved in this matter which is just a really unfortunate one at this moment especially considering the whole issue regarding the club going into administration.
Dundee have been placed in administration as it was revealed that the club is currently losing around £100,000-a-week and struggling with debts of £20m. Hence, the club must now endure a period of severe cost-cutting.
Sancho who has been hampered by an abductor muscle injury for the past few weeks recently resumed training and should be part of the club's line up in the coming weeks.

From: Lasana Liburd.
02-Sept-2003 - So, wave a fiver if you’re a Chelsea fan, buy a French phrase book if you support Arsenal and Prozac could be useful if your heart is with Leeds.
And, if you are a Dundee die-hard, pinch yourself—twice.
At the Dens Park stadium, it has been all edge of the seat stuff for the Scottish Premier League mid-table side since ex-manager Ivan Bonetti introduced Argentine star Claudio Caniggia to the “Dark Blues”.
Those were thrilling days but, sadly, not meant to last at a relatively small club like Dundee—the capacity of Dens Park is just under 10,000.
Soon enough, Glasgow Rangers had poached Caniggia, who grew weary of life in a fish bowl, while Bonetti left under more acrimonious circumstances and his £1 million lawsuit still looms over the club.
Yet, barely two years on, and the Dundee mob are already back on their feet as their boys stepped on to the European stage for the first time in 29 years.
And there was much to celebrate too last Thursday as Dundee sauntered into the UEFA Cup First Round with a comprehensive 4-0 whipping of Albanian outfit, KS Vllaznia.
In some compartment of the Dens roller coaster—obscure on the night—was versatile Trinidad and Tobago international defender Brent Sancho who was kept in reserve by manager Jim Duffy.
Controversial Italian lawyer Giovanni Di Stefano hogged the headlines this summer when he was theatrically appointed as club director and promised to become Dundee’s own Roman Abramovich.
Supporters still wait anxiously for the £26 million he promised to invest in the club.
At least the Dens Park can see immediate returns from their “Soca Warrior”.
They quite appreciated the entrée from Duffy when he gave the 26-year-old defender his home debut and first full appearance on August 17 in a 2-0 loss to Dunfermline.
Dundee lost 2-0 but Sancho so impressed Dens Park in his position at right full back that the supporters formally adjudged him the “Man of the Match”.
As Dundee braced for their biggest game in nigh three decades, the dreadlocked defender, who also got a late cameo in Dundee’s UEFA Cup first leg 2-0 qualifying win as a holding midfielder, was making all the right noises.
“Obviously I want to play and do well,” Sancho told the Daily Express, on the eve of the match. “But I am happy even if I don’t play because it’s about being a team player.”
His long face after the final whistle, though, spoke volumes. No player enjoys life on the sidelines.
It can literally be quite a cold place as well, as Sancho discovered.
For a Caribbean player, who has not fully acclimatised, it can be a difficult proposition to keep your mind on the game when the temperature drops below 10 degrees celcius.
On the field, though, Duffy’s men were enjoying themselves while Sancho’s replacement, 22-year-old Scotsman David Mackay, barely put a foot wrong.
Composed on the ball and threatening going forward, Mackay fits neatly into Duffy’s philosophy which is pass, pass and then pass some more.
Not surprisingly at the time, he was involved in Dundee’s opening goal which aome just two minutes after the kick off.
It was Mackay’s move up the right flank and reverse pass that created the space for Dundee’s Argentine playmaker Beto Caranza whose measured throughball was neatly despatched by speedy Spanish striker Nacho Novo. Nocho’s pace was a threat throughout although Vllaznia dropped deeper to neutralise his ability on the break.
The gridlock lasted until the timely introduction of another Argentine, striker Juan Sara, who replaced the injured Caranza before the halftime interval.
Duffy, in an effort to please his new composition of outfield players, changed from 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3 system and it paid immediate dividends.
Sara’s first touch sent the ball beyond Vllaznia goalkeeper Armir Grima after a left side cross and the Dens Park was singing again.
“Que Sera Sara… Whatever will be, will be!”
Three minutes after the break, Scottish international midfielder Gavin Rae made it 3-0 from a terrific volley which ricocheted in off the underside of the crossbar and Novo rounded off the scoring in the 87th with another clever finish.
There was a standing ovation for the Dark Blues at the final whistle by the appreciative Dundee faithful who had been in good cheer throughout.
Every attacking pass, substitution—even those made by Vllaznia—and shimmy was cheered as if it was decisive.
Likewise, the game was played in a good spirit and the bald headed Italian referee—not Pierluigi Collina but, rather, Carlo Bertalini—never once reached into his pocket.
Sancho was desperate to play a part.
But Duffy insisted that his patience would be rewarded.
“He has done very well so far,” said Duffy, “but I believe the players who were already here deserve to continue. It is up to Brent when he gets a regular chance.”
Still, Duffy, who is arguably the SPL’s most respected manager after Neil Lennon and Alex McLeish, paid tribute to his new signing and explained why he decided to take more than a souvenir back from his winter break in Trinidad earlier this year.
“I believe that he has very good physical attributes,” said Duffy, who also rated Dundee United striker Jason Scotland and was rumoured to be interested in CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh wing back Cyd Gray as well.
“He is strong, quick, skilful and technically good which is important because we try to play good football here.
“Most importantly, he has a very good personality which I think would help him to fit in here.
“He has a really good attitude and works very hard.”
Duffy spoke in glowing terms of Scotland’s first T&T import, Jerren Nixon, who lined up with hometown rivals, Dundee United.
He also had the pleasure of working with Anthony Rougier at Hibernian who he rated an outstanding talent although he was mystified about the player’s use at international level.
“I could never understand why (Rougier) was played in defence for Trinidad,” he said, “because the Tony I knew couldn’t head or tackle to save himself… He was definitely a flair player but very inconsistent.”
Duffy explained that although Nixon and Rougier had short careers in Scotland, they—along with Russell Latapy, Marvin Andrews and Collin Samuel—helped pave the way for future imports due to their talent, pace and attitude.
“Football is now played at a high tempo and players with pace will always have an advantage,” he said, using Samuel and Scotland as examples.
“Also, the attitude of the former players were excellent as they played with a smile and fitted in easily which would make managers more comfortable to bring in Trinidad and Tobago players.
“Managers will now feel more comfortable that these players will settle once they bring them here.”
Duffy was as good as his word and Sancho, who also had stints with Finnish team Mypa 47 and United States A’ League outfit Portland Timbers, got another chance to showcase himself on Sunday as Dundee held hosts Kilmarnock in SPL action.
He would hope to cement his place in time for their UEFA Cup first leg tie against Italian outfit, Perugia.
On the street, his ethnicity and dreadlocks make him the club’s most recognisable player and there is attention from both sexes and all age groups.
Dundee is the fourth biggest city in Scotland, with a population of 160,000, built at the edge of the Firth of Tay and even has its own airport.
There is no sign of the fast-paced London lifestyle yet there is a quiet dignity to the way they go about their business. A giant poster on entrance invites visitors to “Discover Dundee”. The Dark Blues have two years with which to discover Sancho.
The sooner, the better.

TnT Express Reports.
29-Jul-2003 - Trinidad and Tobago defender Brent Sancho is expected to be unveiled as Dundee’s new signing today after he was granted his work permit at an appeal yesterday in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The 26-year-old Sancho got a unanimous decision at a meeting among a six-man committee, which will now allow him to join the Dundee team as they continue their pre-season campaign ahead of the new Scottish Premier League season.
A delighted Sancho said from Dundee yesterday that he was relieved to have finally received the all-clear to join the club after manager Jim Duffy had been anxiously awaiting the outcome of the appeal.
“I was still feeling some shock, even though the wait has been a long one,” said Sancho, “It’s been a long year but I just left everything in God’s hands and things worked out well for me in the end. I want to thank, obviously, my family and my girlfriend for their support as well as the (T&T Football) Federation for their assistance in getting me through this. Now it’s just a matter of settling in and getting down to the football,” he told Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) media officer Shaun Fuentes.
Sancho’s agent Mike Berry expressed his pleasure after also helping T&T striker Jason Scotland get his work permit earlier this month to allow him to join another Scottish side, Dundee United.
T&T coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier and FIFA vice-president Jack Warner gave recommendations to support Sancho, on request from the club.
“I’m very pleased for Brent, who is a player of great talent and has been very patient through all of this. He richly deserves the chance to play at a high level. I’d also like to specifically thank the T&TFF for their efficient support in helping us through the appeal and also to the coach Stuart, whose recommendation came in hand and to FIFA vice-president Jack Warner for an excellent reference,” Berry said. He also made mention of the three representatives from the British Home Office.
The six-member panel included ex-Liverpool player Peter Cormack, ex-Hibernian player Pat Stanton, and ex-Rangers man Willie McLean, along with a representative each from the Scottish Premier League, the PFA and the Scottish FA.
Sancho was the first T&T player to play professionally in Finland with Tevarit FC. He is also a graduate of St John’s University in the United States and has played with Charleston Battery and Portland Timbers in the American A-League.
The former Malick SC and Trinity College student also lined up with Joe Public and CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh in the T&T Professional League.

TnT Guardian Reports.
2-Mar-2003 - The T&T Football Federation has lifted a ban on 19 national players, clearing them to train next week for their team and for the final round of Gold Cup qualifiers, an official said.
The Football Federation suspended the players on January 28 after they walked out on national team training two days before their match with Finland on January 29.
A reserve team played the game and lost 2-1.
The 19 players were protesting poor work conditions, which they said included nonpayment of match fees and inadequate training amenities including water and medical kits.
The Football Federation lifted the ban on Friday after a special committee comprising Sandra Basheer, a government communication specialist; Joey Carew, a West Indies senior team selector; and Omar Khan of Powergen, met with the players and submitted a list of recommendations for improving conditions, according to Richard Gorden, secretary of the TTFF.
Folowing the news, defender Brent Sancho, one of the 19 players, expressed satisfaction with the TTFF decision.
“It’s a positive move. Now the players can resume their careers with their respective clubs and the national team,” he said.
“The players would seek letters when next they go out to represent the national team to avoid this happening again.”
The players would resume training with their clubs on Thursday after Carnival celebrations, Gorden said.
The Football Federation will study the recommendations at its next executive committee meeting March 16, he said.
Meanwhile, the Board of the Pro League has appointed former national cycling coach and T&T Olympic Committee vice president Larry Romany to chair the League for the 2003 season.
Romany replaces David John Williams, head of W Connection Football Club, who was the interim league chairman during its inaugural season last year.

By Ian Prescott.
13-Feb-2003 - At one time, Brent Sancho could not command a place in Trinidad and Tobago’s national football team. Sancho believes it was because of his Rasta-hairstyle. The 25-year-old Belmont defender dubs those the dark days.
“It was a sad time for me,” Sancho admits. “It is a sad thing when someone’s personal views could prevent you from representing your country. I felt quite short-changed.”
His tiff with then national coach Bertille St Clair is now over. But now, Sancho is involved in another battle—the struggle for players’ rights.
Having seemingly emerged triumphant from the St Clair issue, he takes on a greater foe.
Just prior to the recent friendly against Finland on January 29, Sancho was named captain of the Trinidad and Tobago national football team.
As captain, the rugged 6 foot 2 inches defender would have been expected to provide leadership from the back. Instead, Sancho has assumed a new role.
Along with senior national footballers, Travais Mulraine, goalkeeper Kelvin Jack and Gary Glasgow, Sancho is battling from the front for players’ rights. Articulate and outspoken, Sancho assumed the role of spokesman for 19 national footballers, fighting for better playing conditions, who withheld their services against Finland.
At that stage, Sancho might well have been late trade union leader Tubal Uriah Butler. The response from the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) was typical and immediate. The best footballers in the country were all indefinitely suspended because of their demand for compensation for their services.
In a world where labour relations have changed drastically, apparently nothing has with the local football federation. Had they the power, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation might well have called out the police. Instead, the Joe Public Football Club—owned by federation adviser Jack Warner—wielded the big stick by announcing that any of their players involved in the strike would be immediately fired. National newcomers Hollis Brown, Jeremy Delpino and defender Keyeno Thomas were the causalities of that action. Makes one wonder what type of contracts players sign at that club.
Still Sancho and the striking footballers remain uninhibited and determined to form a Players’ Association which would safeguard the right to compensation for services rendered and also to secure proper working conditions for present and future national footballers.
At this stage they are about to register their Players’ Association and have installed an interim committee until elections are held after Carnival.
“The response has been unbelievable. We have had support from everyone in Trinidad and Tobago and abroad...business people, the public, footballers. We have had a lot of advice from people,” Sancho says.
But the ones the players would like to hear from most is the football bosses. But not even news of their suspension has come from the football Federation. The footballers learnt of their plight from the newspapers.
Sancho has emerged as a natural leader in the national team. A senior player on the young team, Sancho is also one of the few that have played professionally overseas.
Before his stint with the St Clair-led national team, many had not heard of Brent Sancho although he played for both Trinity College and later Malick Senior Comprehensive in the Secondary Schools Football League.
For much of his playing career, he worked at scoring goals. Today, his main ambition is stopping those who would score them.
When he played for Malick and Trinity College, Sanhco was a mainstay in the forward line. Sancho then left Trinidad for St John’s University, USA where he played as a striker up to his final season in 1997.
His first introduction to defending came at age 14 at Ken Elie Coaching School. But it was only an injury to a key player at St John’s which saw him moving into the backline again. Much of his impetus to do well there would come from his coach Dave Masur.
“I still hear him in my sleep...screaming at me to do better,” Sancho says. “He pushed me to get rid of the laid-back Trinidad and Tobago attitude and to do better. At St Johns, Sancho was part of the team which won the NCAA Division One Championship.
His senior year saw him selected on the Conference second team. He also make the first team in the New York region. Sancho was also the second leading goalscorer with 12 goals. His most memorable moment came in scoring one goal and assisting in the other to give St John’s a 2-1 win over Big East Conference rival Rutgers University to put them in the finals.
Following his college days, Sancho earned his first professional contract in Finland at age 21 with top club MYPA 47.
“It was a huge stepping stone for me to have earned a professional contract with one of the better teams there. I learnt a lot of life lessons there. It taught me how to adapt to living alone in a foreign country and to a foreign language and culture.”
After a season in which MYPA 47 finished third in the First Division, Sancho was voted Most Valuable Player by his peers at the club. it was a year in which, coming from a defensive position, he notched eight goals and one in which his team qualified for European competition.
He later had a brief stint with the Metrostars, before signing for the Charleston Battery of the A-League in the USA. “That was a very professional team. They had a lot of money and attracted a lot of good players.” At Charleston, Sancho was among the Jamaican, Bulgarians and other internationals the franchise had brought in.
The last two years he has been with the Portland Timbers, while playing in Trinidad and Tobago for champions CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh in the off-season.
What Sancho admires most about the Americans is their level of professionalism. It is this which assures him that his stance with the Trinidad and Tobago national footballers is a correct one.
Sancho may have a lot more to lose than the other 19 national footballers who downed tools for the Finland friendly. There is the question of how the ban will affect his A-League contract? The defender has also attracted the eye of Scottish Premier League team Dundee after two commanding performances, at the back, in two recent friendlies against the Scots. The good showing is part of a good run of form by the big defender, who many believe is at the top of his game.
But even at the risk of losing out, Sancho says that risk of victimisation is a lesser issue than the fight for better conditions for national footballers.
“While there is always room for something like that to affect my career or my chances of being on the national team, I see this as an opportunity to better the Trinidad and Tobago national football team. This is not about us fighting the Federation. It is about players wanting better working conditions,” Sancho says.
Like a true union leader, Sancho says if Trinidad and Tobago is to ever achieve the goal of doing well on the world stage, things mus change at ground level.
“This is not a fight for money. It's a fight for better conditions. If we want to be a successful national team, we have to have preparations and conditions which are conducive to producing success. All I want to see is footballers in Trinidad and Tobago being acknowledged as professionals...the same as they are around the world.”
While they remain suspended, Sancho is keeping up his personal preparations and has urged his national counterparts to do likewise.
“I still believe that we have a Gold Cup to qualify for in March. If we are given better working conditions it also puts us under more scrutiny. Therefore, we need to be even better prepared.”
He reiterated that the battle was not with the football federation and that it was in the interest of both the governing body and the budding Players’ Association to resolve the issue in the interest of Trinidad and Tobago football.
“In the long run everyone wants the same thing. Whether it is to win the Gold Cup or the World Cup, the goal is the same. It’s just a question of what road we take to get there. That is what the Federation and the players have to sit down and discuss,” he says.

By Gregory Trujillo.
5-Feb-2003 - Trinidad and Tobago should have its first ever football Players Association (FPA) by the end of the month.
“It’s just a matter of ironing out one or two minor issues,” said player Brent Sancho yesterday when questioned as to the progress made over the past week.
“A certain individual has already donated $30,000 to start the association and we are getting good support from the overseas-based pros,” Sancho added.
Sancho, who has turned out to be one of the more reliable defenders on the national squad, was one of 19 players suspended by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) for rufusing to play in the friendly international against Finland last Wednesday, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
The suspension sparked a nationwide controversy and the affected players quickly put plans in motion to form a Players Association.
Sancho, who was the first player from the country to play professionally in Finland, indicated that up to yesterday the TTFF did not have any dialoge with the suspended players.
“No one from the Federation has contacted any of us, up to this point,” he pointed out.
Sancho also explained that as far as he is concerned, the affected players are no longer on suspension.
“The FIFA rule stipulates a player could only be suspended for five days, for refusal to play for his country and the impasse has already exceeded that,” he noted.
“No one has come forward to negotiate. They (the Federation) want us to feel that they are the big bad wolf.”
Sancho stated that the Players Association is hoping to have a mixture of retired coaches/players and current players on its seven-member Board.
He also explained that the association is not designed to fight the Federation but to look after the interest of all footballers.
“The plan is to have a full-scale insurance, a pension plan and assists with a percentage of the education fees for some of the young, talented players,” Sancho said.
“Some people are saying that we are fighting for money. I believe that they are missing the point — the fight is for better conditions and to produce a better national team,” he ended.

Written By: John Nolen of the Oregonian Timbers News.
14-July-2002 - The dreadlocks fly as he charges upfield or after an opposing forward. That hasn't changed in his two seasons with the Portland Timbers.
And the smile remains the same. So, too, the soft voice and gentle nature that is the signature of the popular 25-year-old native of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
And for Brent Sancho, his enthusiasm and love of soccer remains the same.
But inside, he is a changed man. Tragedy -- especially multiple life-changing events -- can do that.
"I've dedicated my season to the friends I lost last year," he says, trying to explain.
"It was a rough year . . . a very sad year."
Sancho used to work at the World Trade Center in New York.
"I had a lot of significant ties there because I worked at the shoe store downstairs when I was going to college at St. John's," he said, his thoughts drifting back to the mid-1990s. "School was in Queens, only about a 15-20 minute train ride away from where I worked."
That's why Sep. 11, 2001 -- "A horrifying day," Sancho said -- probably was even more horrifying because he knew people who died or survived the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
"There was one who was late to work that day because he was on the phone with his mother," Sancho said. "He was at least 20 minutes late, and he was getting out of the subway when the towers were coming down."
Two friends did not survive, however.
"They were two mates from English class," he said. "I was in disbelief."
Less than a month later, Sancho took another sledgehammer to the stomach.
He was home early in October, training with the Trinidad and Tobago national team for a World Cup qualifier with Honduras.
A teammate and close friend, Mickey Trotman, asked Sancho to accompany him to his family's home.
It was after midnight and Sancho declined, telling Trotman he was exhausted from the previous day's training.
About three hours later, Sancho was awakened at his hotel room with the news: Mickey Trotman was dead. So were two others in the car Trotman was driving to his parents' home. Two others survived but were seriously injured when the car slid out of control and slammed into a lamp post.
"Mickey was one of my closest friends," Sancho said, shaking his head. "I was with him up to three hours before his death. One minute he was here and the next minute he was not."
Then, last month, Sancho got another numbing phone call, telling him that a cousin had just been killed in a car crash in Trinidad and Tobago.
There is something different about Sancho this season, Timbers general manager Jim Taylor said.
"It's hard to pinpoint," Taylor said. "Not that he was ever a brash personality or a bull, but you can tell something has affected him and changed him.
"I don't want to say something has made him more humble, because he's always been a fairly humble personality, but you can clearly tell the events of last year, those personal tragedies he experienced, have definitely had a toll on him. But with all that's happened, you can understand why."
Taylor paused, trying to explain why Sancho is so special to the Timbers and the community.
There's something about Brent that's very magnetic," Taylor said. "He really draws people to him. Everybody loves him. And he's one of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet."
"All this," Sancho said, "makes you look at things differently. Until this, I never had anyone close to me die. Of course it has affected me. It has made me mature, and become a better person, and a better player."
On the field this season, he has played on the right side as an attacking fullback and as a defender in a three-man defense. Twice he has been named to the A-League team of the week.
Gary Glasgow, now playing with Hampton Roads of the A-League, grew up with Sancho in Trinidad and Tobago and knows Sancho's game.
"He's getting better, attacking wise, so much better," Glasgow said. "He's aggressive, and gives his all, 100 percent, every time."
Sancho might never forgive Glasgow, though, because of what happened in Portland before their teams played on June 21 at PGE Park.
Glasgow scored the winning goal in overtime as Hampton Roads beat the Timbers 3-2.
"I took him to lunch that day," Sancho said. "It must have been all that good food power that allowed him to score that goal."
Then Sancho laughed.
"We should enjoy life . . . cherish life," he said softly, "because it's a gift."

News Provided by: Soca Warriors Online supporter Dave.
April-02-2002 - PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Timbers officially opened camp Monday morning at PGE Park with sights on the April 9 Oregonian A-League/MLS Showdown with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
"Although pre-season training officially began on April 1st, most of our players came into camp in very good shape knowing that we shall have a severe test against the L.A. Galaxy next Tuesday evening," said Bobby Howe, head coach of the Timbers. "We are looking forward to the contest; it is always exciting to have the opportunity to challenge your skills against an opponent of high caliber. The game also represents a wonderful chance for our fans to observe the game at its highest level in the United States."
As workouts commenced, the Timbers had 15 of their 16 signed players in camp, including defender Brent Sancho, who came to terms with the team on Monday. Brent Sancho was third on last year's club with 2,262 minutes played over 24 matches. He tallied four points on a goal and two assists for the team in its inaugural season.
"Brent has returned to camp with the same high energy that made him a favorite with our fans last season," said Howe. "His powerful play undoubtedly will complement the skills of the other players that we have signed this year."
Sancho joined the Timbers last season from Trinidad's famed Joe Public Football Club. In 2000, he played for the A-League's Charleston Battery. Sancho, 25, has 13 appearances (also know as "caps") for the Trinidad & Tobago National Team. He was also co-captain of the U23 National Team and played collegiate soccer for St. John's University.

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