Kenwyne Jones.

Name: Kenwyne Jones.
Date of Birth: 05-Oct-84.
Position: Utility.
Club: Sunderland (England - 29-Aug-2007 to present).
Previous Clubs: Joe Public (Trinidad), W Connection (Trinidad, 2002 to 2004), Sheffield Wednesday (England, Loaned from the 16-Dec-2004 to 15-Jan-2005), Stoke City (England, Loaned from the 15-Feb-2005 to 15-May-2005), Southampton (England -Apr-2004 to 29-Aug-2007).
School: St. Anthony's College (Trinidad).
TnT Senior Team Debut On: Made his TnT senior team debut on: 29-Jan-2003 vs Finland.
International Honors: T&T U-17 Team (2001), T&T U-20 Team (2002), T&T U-23 Olympic Team (2004), T&T senior world cup 2006 team. 2007 Trinidad & Tobago Player of the Year.
Favourite Player: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
NOTES: Kenwyne has been named scorer of most goals in the T&T Seconday School Football League in 2000.....He likes playing in the defensive midfield position because he likes to attack through the center of the field.....His best moment was when his team won the Tobago Heritage Festival Tournament. Kenwyne Jones who hails from Sobo Village, La Brea, is the nephew of former national striker Philbert Jones.....He hopes to play in Europe one day and later become a Physiotherapist, Jones was a member of the T&T U-15 team, the T&T U-17 team that played in the 2001 Youth Championships which was hosted in T&T and, also a member of the 2002 T&T under 20 team and 2004 T&T U-23 Olympic Team.
At a tender age Jones had tryouts with English Premiership top clubs such as Manchester United and Middlesborough in Jan-2002 and, also in March 2004 with West Ham United and Scottish Premiership club Glasgow Rangers.
Kenwyne Jones is the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) “Player of the Year” for 2001 & 2002 respectively. Jones can play any position on the field, converted from a striker to defender by T&T ex-coach Brazilian Rene Simoes who was impress with his size and skills to become a top class defender. He was named team captain of the T&T 2002 U-20 team. Jones made his Southampton first team debut against Liverpool during a Premiership game on the 22nd of January 2005. In Feb 2007 Jones was named on the Championship League Team of the Week. He netted 14 league goals from 25 starts for the Southampton in the 2006 season and in 2007 he was snapped up by Premiership side Sunderland for a record fee of £6m. Jones was named 2007 Trinidad & Tobago Player of the Year and Sunderland's 2007/08 Player of the Season.

BBC Sports.
20-Nov-2005 - Southampton striker Kenwyne Jones is still in dreamland after helping to take Trinidad & Tobago to their first World Cup finals.
And he is likely to stay there for the next seven months as he admitted to BBC Sport: "Qualification will give me smiles in my sleep."
Not that there was much time for sleep following the win in Bahrain which clinched a place in Germany.
Trinidad Prime Minister Patrick Manning led the celebrations by issuing a directive for all the squad to return to Port of Spain for an official party, which led to Jones being unavailable for Southampton's Championship game against Leeds.
The Soca Warriors are still pinching themselves at the thought of being at the world's biggest football party in Germany next summer, with Jones among them.
Leo Beenhakker has been great for Trinidad football, he's given us belief.
"It's amazing to think that we will be sharing the stage with the likes of Brazil, France, Germany, Argentina and England," Jones told BBC Sport.
"But we have proved our right to be there. We had a very long journey to the finals, of which the two legs against Bahrain in the play-off were the last, but probably the biggest step."
The appointment of Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker in April was a pivotal moment for Trinidad's qualification aims.
The wily former Real Madrid coach moulded the natural talent into a unit, as Jones admits.
"We've always had talent individual players but he came in and organised us into a team.
"He has an eye for detail and leaves nothing to chance. We didn't know much about Bahrain before, but when we came to play them we knew all we needed to know.
"We're much better organised in defence and when we take a lead we're much more confident of holding on to it, and I think Leo Beenhakker has been great for Trinidad football, he's given us belief as well as organisation."
Beenhakker does risk the wrath of some players as Trinidad scour the passport lists for players who could enhance their squad.
Aston Villa's Jlloyd Samuel and West Ham striker Bobby Zamora have already been sounded out and Jones says: "That's an issue for the coach to sort out.
"He has said that he wants to try and be fair to the players who have got us this far and I think he has to do that.
Brian Lara has been one of our biggest supporters, he was the first to send us greetings
"But at the same time, if there's a chance of bringing in a couple of players who are going to improve your team and could make a difference, it would be foolish not to take it."
Dwight Yorke is exactly the type of player who made a difference to Trinidad's qualification.
"It's great to have a player like Dwight in the team", says Jones. "He's won so much in the game and he's got a lot of experience at the top level.
"He had retired from international football but I think he realised what it means to everyone in Trinidad & Tobago to reach the World Cup finals and he's come out of retirement to get us there."
The biggest name in Trinidad sport has been firmly behind the Soca Warriors, even if his own team have been taking a battering in Australia.
"Brian Lara has been one of our biggest supporters and he was the first to send us good luck messages and greetings, so we've certainly got the whole island behind us."

T&T Guardian Reports.
03-Nov-2005 - A World Cup berth looms on the horizon for T&T as the country prepares to host Asia’s Bahrain in the first of a home-and-away play-off series which kicks-off on Saturday 12, November at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.
The return leg is set for Manama, Bahrian four days later (November 16) and one the players who will be aiming to leave his mark on that series is six-six striker Kenwyn Jones, who plies his trade for Southampton in the English Championship Division.
Well aware that he is the youngest striker in the T&T team, the former Under-20 skipper is raring to go as the country prepares for the upcoming 2006 World Cup qualifier against Bahrain.
Jones remembers his stint at Manchester United alongside Nkosi Blackman and Jerol Forbes back in early 2002.
Now he could just be the man partnering Dwight Yorke and Stern John for T&T, depending on the call from head coach Leo Beenhakker.
“At the moment, the training has been hectic, but it’s something we have to put ourselves up for because it is important that we mesh good as a team for the games coming up.
“Whatever position I am given to play, I try to give it my best shot and hope it benefits the team.
“Whether it’s Dwight, Stern or whoever player I have a chance to play alongside, I will still try to perform at my best and learn off them as well,” Jones said.
Kenwyne is one of the outstanding defenders from the National Under-17 team which took part in the historic FIFA Under 17 World Championship in T&T in 2001.
He has been on trial at Manchester United and Middlesbrough, also having stints in Holland and Scotland where he was on trial with Glasgow Rangers. He finally secured a contract with English Premiership side Southampton FC. A strong, aggressive and intelligent defender who can also play in attack, he represented T&T at the Under-20 level as well, skippering the team. He made his international senior debut against Finland in January 2003.

Q&A with Kenwyne Jones.

1. What’s your most memorable moment or match, whether for country or Club?
My appearance against the Martinique Senior team with the T&T Olympic team. We won 3-0 and my son Isaiah was born just before the game.

2. Name two persons, whether relatives or not, who have been an inspiration to you.
My parents Pamphille and Lydia.

3. Any favourite player or team?
Patrick Viera and AC Milan.

4. Any other favourite sport?
Basketball, athletics and cricket.

5. What would be your preferred other profession?
Football always.

6. What do you hope to accomplish, either in next 5 years or at the end of your playing career?
In five years, I should be halfway through to retirement, therefore stable enough to live a comfortable life.

7. Who have been among your most admired coaches and why?
No answer.

8. What do you think of T&T’s chances of making it to the 2006 World Cup?
Once the players can put all their heart and soul into the effort, our chances are as good as any.

9. What areas you think need improving on and how do you think this can be achieved?
We need to concentrate for the entire game. Personally, I need to prepare myself better to play the wing position.

10. Any instances or plays that you always reflect on?
Appearing for the national team against South Korea. It’s definitely been my biggest appearance so far.

11. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Put God first.

12. What do you do to relax away from the game?
Probably sleep or hang out with some friends. Depends on my mood.

13. What’s your favourite dish?
Barbecue ribs. My favourite drink is pineapple juice.

14. Favourite time of year?
Don’t really matter. All times are good.

16. Most comfortable football boot?
Adidas.

17. Name one thing about yourself you would change if given the chance. Even if it meant going back in time?
I would change nothing. God made me how he wanted me to be.

18. Preferred wear?
Jeans and T-shirts but it depends on the occasion as well.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
02-Nov-2005 - Southampton striker Kenwyne Jones could not hold back his feelings while on the sidelines. He says that the time he spent there during T&T’s 2-1 win over Mexico had to have been the most dramatic of his career.
Jones recalled his emotions:
“It was crazy for us on the bench because for such a match, especially with the atmosphere around you, it’s hard to contain yourself.’
The period when Stern John missed the penalty and then Mexico scored soon after, left Jones and company biting their nails.
“At that point I was feeling to just bury myself in the ground. But we kept thinking it could still happen and the players on the bench actually had our arms around each other, because you also have to be thinking that at any point you could be asked to go out and do it on the pitch.
“That’s the sort of spirit we have and it’s going to be no different against Bahrain,” he said.
Jones said he came on in the 77th minute in Southampton’s 1-0 win over Stoke City on the weekend and is in the squad to face Crystal Palace today in Championship League action.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
25-Aug-2005 - Progressing National Team striker Kenwyne Jones is insisting that he will be ready to take a turn in the Guatemalans when they come up against this country’s senior footballers in next Saturday’s 2006 World Cup qualifier at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Jones was a starter when the Guatemalans came out 5-1 winners in the first leg in March but despite the drubbing, the former St Anthony’s College player feels that the upcoming affair will be of a different kind and that the visitors could be in for a rude awakening.
“I think this time it definitely is going to be a different battle. They enjoyed a win last time and we had to knock ourselves for it because they are definitely not a better team than we are and certainly not four goals better than us. I can tell you for sure that we will be all up for this game,” Jones told TTFF Media.
Reflecting on the recent 1-0 loss to the USA, he added “I thought the team did well in the second half with ten men we showed a lot more grit than anything else. It showed that once we can settle quickly into our game, things can be different. For the next game we definitely we need a change of mindset when we go out there and definitely we should have that now.
“I’m really grateful for that amount of time that I got in that last match because for last few games I wasn’t in there much. But I think I have showed that I have the heart to be out there and hopefully I can be part of the plans for the next game.”
Jones will fly into Trinidad on Tuesday on the same flight with returning midfielder Russell Latapy and the other UK-based pros. The Guatemalans are expected here later next week but will be in Jamaica this weekend to face that country’s senior team in a warm up. Meantime, tickets for Saturday’s clash go on sale today (Friday) at selected KFC Outlets and Republic Banks at $200 covered and $100 uncovered stands.

By Martin Hiley.
15-Aug-2005 - Kenwyne Jones has set himself a target of 20 goals for the season.
The Trinidad and Tobago international is already a tenth of the way there after netting twice in the last two games, including the winner at Sheffield Wednesday where he spent a highly successful loan spell last season.
He began the campaign just looking to establish himself in the side but now he is aiming to reproduce the same scoring streak he enjoyed at Wednesday when he hit seven goals in as many games.
He said: "I didn't really set myself a target before the season but after Saturday I'm going to press hard to get 20 goals, very hard. "It all depends on the season - hopefully I will be injury free. It is a very long season but with 46 games I believe in myself that I could manage 20 goals."
Although the goal had an element of fortune with a slip by a defender, there was nothing lucky about the finish, as he clinically thumped the ball past the keeper from a tight angle.
He added:"There is a lot of luck in games - good and bad luck and fortunately it went my way. "The goal was a flick on by Dexter Blackstock and one of their defenders wanted to play back to his goalkeeper and had a slip. Fortunately for me I was there chasing the ball and I just got in and took my chance. "I am definitely always a confident person and while I am scoring goals it is just adding to that. From the kick-off I wanted to score so it was just a matter of getting that chance in the game and taking it. I was very determined to do well back here and it definitely paid off."
The Trinidad and Tobago international added there were many positives to take from the game. "We definitely needed that win because it helps us to kick on from here and become an even better team throughout the season.
"The mood in the dressing room wasn't that bad even though we lost at Luton. We still held our heads up in training but today it is even better. "Obviously you want to be keeping clean sheets - you don't want to be letting goals in because it could hurt you until the end of the season, so I think it was well done by the boys to keep a clean sheet. "We can only go from here - take all the weak and good points and try and move on."
This was Jones' first return to Hillsborough since firing the goals which sparked their promotion push and he received a warm ovation from the home fans - even after netting the winner which he tactfully did not celebrate.
He added: "It was definitely emotional for me. Scoring that goal I would probably have a different celebration, but I couldn't because I came back here. "The Wednesday fans have always been good to me since I was there and it was nice to come back and get that sort of reception. "It was good for them to come up but at this point I am playing for Southampton so it is a bit unlucky for them, but thats football. "I think I did well for them and they did well for me in return. I think it was great by the fans to still show that support so it was nice getting that sort of reception. "I definitely wish them all the best. I wish that they are right up there with us. I will just have to beat them again if we both go up !"

By: Graham Hiley.
31-Jul-2005 - Harry Redknapp has challenged Kenwyne Jones to force his hand this season. The Saints boss has already signed one striker this week and is currently looking for another.
But he may have the answer already within his own ranks in the Trinidad and Tobago international who hit a hat-trick to help Southampton beat Anderlecht 3-2 yesterday. Jones has already proved he can handle the Coca-Cola championship on loan with Stoke last season and Redknapp is ready to give him his chance with Saints after a clinical treble.
Redknapp said: "Kenwyne Jones did OK. He took his goals very well and that will boost his confidence.
"He ran out of steam towards the end and has to learn to be able to work for 90 minutes but he is big and strong and if he uses that power he will be a threat.
"If he becomes more aggressive and uses his skill with it then he can be a real asset.
"I like him. He has got something, for sure. and he has every chance of being involved this year - but it is up to him.
"He now has the opportunity and has to grab it. This will do his confidence the world of good but it is up to him and how much he wants to be a player."
Jones has surely booked himself a starting spot against Wolves although Saints hope to have Ricardo Fuller available in attack if his work permit application can be heard on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Kenwyne Jones is aiming to show Harry Redknapp he does not need to splash out on a new striker. The Saints boss has made it clear he would still like to bring in a new frontman ahead of the new campaign. But after hitting a hat-trick in the 3-2 win against Anderlecht on Saturday, Jones is desperate to show he can be the main man up front this season.
And he is more than ready to fight for his place against any new man the manager might bring in. He said: "We do need to get some more players in because the squad is a bit thin now.
"It does not matter to me whether or not the manager brings in a striker because competition for places is good for any team.
"It was not good to lose the strikers we have done and we will miss them. But we have to move on and it could be an opportunity for me to get in."
The Trinidad and Tobago international has already proved he can handle the Coca-Cola Championship while on loan at Stoke last season and he is supremely confident he can play a starring role for Saints. He added: "I scored goals on loan for Stoke and sheffield Wednesday last season and I am confident I can carry on.
"Those loan spells did me good and prepared me for this stage and hopefully this will be a big season for me and for Southampton.
"I know from last season that the Championship is a tough league and any team is capable of beating anyone else so we have to get our heads down and work hard to succeed.
"It was good for me to get off to a good start with those goals against Anderlecht and it will give my confidence a boost. "Confidence is a big thing for a striker. When you feel good then it seems everything you hit goes in."
Jones missed much of pre-season away on international duty with Trinidad and Tobago but he has made a big impact in the 10 days since his return. He said: "I did not really get a vacation this summer because I was playing games but that has kept me in the groove. "I have had some training over the past two weeks and it is always good to be playing games."
When he signed Jones was something of a utility player, listed as a midfielder but equally at home in defence. However he is now firmly settled as a striker after being pushed into attack by Steve Wigley who was the driving force behind the decision to sign the 20-year-old.
Wigley, then director of youth, went out on a limb to ensure the young talent was brought in for a nominal fee from W Connection. Jones said: "It was always thought I was a defender or a midfielder but I used to play up front when I was at school. "I played as a striker in a training game soon after I got here and scored four goals and I have been used in attack ever since."

By: Shaun Fuentes.
01-Jun-2005 - Well aware that he is the youngest striker in the T&T team, former Under 20 skipper Kenwyne Jones is raring to go in Saturday’s 2006 World Cup qualifier against Panama.
Jones remembers his stint at Manchester United alongside Nkosi Blackman and Jerol Forbes back in early 2002. Now he could just be the man partnering Yorke up front for T&T, if coach Leo Beenhakker decides to use both men in the attack in the qualifiers against Panama and Mexico.
“At the moment, the training has been hectic, but it’s something we have to put ourselves up for because it is important that we mesh good as a team for the games coming up.
“Whatever position I am given to play, I try to give it my best shot and hope it benefits the team.
“Whether it’s Dwight, Stern (John) or whichever player I have a chance to play alongside, I will still try to perform at my best and learn off them as well,” Jones said.
Coming off his loan deal with Stoke City, Jones said that he will rejoin the Southampton club for pre-season training in July. He ended the recent season with 12 goals.

By: Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Press Officer.
22-Apr-2005 - Trinidad and Tobago head coach Leo Beenhakker has had his fair share of impressive performances to assess recently as some of this country’s United Kingdom based players have hit good form on the home stretch as their respective seasons near end.
Beenhakker witnessed Kenwyne Jones’ strike last Saturday when Stoke City defeated Plymouth 2-0. The former Dutch National Team coach also got feedback of Wrexham’s match against Bristol City in which T&T trio Dennis Lawrence, Carlos Edwards and Hector Sam all made appearances. Added to that, Stern John seems to have regained form with his superb solo strike against Wolverhampton Wanderers while Brent Sancho also netted and has regained his first team place in the Dundee side. Scottish-based defender Marvin Andrews is also likely to make a surprise return to the Glasgow Rangers line up for their encounter against Celtic while Brent Rahim has netted two in two for Falkirk Reserves and English-based striker Jason Norville netting five in five for Watford. Beenhakker is expected to be in Scotland this weekend before returning to Trinidad next week to begin his sessions.
Jones said that his first meeting with Beenhakker was an affable one and he was even more pleased to have scored in front of the former Real Madrid coach. He’s hoping to continue his flow of goals when Stoke takes on Clayton Ince’s Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.
“He (Beenhakker) met me before the game and we had a few words which really was a get to know each other sort of meeting. I think that was a good idea for him to come over and I think all of the guys will be looking forward to continuing this type of thing,” Jones told TTFF Media on Friday.
“He also said that he was not here just to assess me in the game but still I was glad to have made a good first impression with the goal and hopefully he would have been pleased to see it. I am going all out to finish the season on a high now.”
The former W Connection and St Anthony’s College player said he was well aware that with a new coach at the helm of the “Warriors” it was somewhat now a scenario whereby a new approach could be taken and possibly new faces in the team.
“Obviously being involved since the start of the campaign I would now want to be in until it ends. At the end of the day it’s up to him to pick the players and we can all just perform as best as we could to try to get in the squad. It may seem like another start but in a way it could be good for the team,” Jones added.
The former National Under 20 skipper also touched on recent drop in confidence by his T&T strike mate Stern John, saying that he felt the Coventry City forward simply needed to get himself out of the rough patch.
“Any footballer could go through a bad patch, probably for a week, a month or even for a whole season but it’s all up to how well you can fight yourself out of it. Any player would want their teammates and fans to stick by him and we know what Stern is capable of, so it’s just a matter of him regaining that touch and being confident again,” said Jones.
The towering figure who was signed by Premier League club Southampton before going on loan to Sheffield Wednesday and now Stoke City, added that he intends to pull out the benefits from playing on the same team as John and the other more experienced players on the T&T team.
“As a young player coming up you always dream about playing in certain places and at this point maybe I am realizing part of that dream. The aim really is to learn from experienced players like him (John) and Dwight and the others and mix my style with whatever I could pick up from them. There isn’t a really any limit to progress at the moment,” Jones ended.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
22-Mar-2005 - Kenwyne Jones has scored two goals in six appearances for Stoke City and has agreed to stay with the club on loan until the end of the season.
Jones has also been on loan at Sheffield Wednesday where he ripped up the scoring charts and has been doing well at Stoke as well.
But he has his sights set on returning and establishing himself in the Premiership with Southampton.
“I have agreed to stay with Stoke but my plan is to return to Southampton because the Premiership is where I really want to play,”Jones said on Monday.
“But Stoke is in a relatively comfortable position and I have settled in there as well. The goals haven’t come as freely as when I was at Sheffield but I’ve managed to get a couple and hopefully I can go back and help to some good results.”

T&T Guardian Newspapers.
12-Feb-2005 - T&T’s striker Kenwyne Jones will return to England today and will go straight into a three-month loan deal with English Championship Division team Stoke City.
Having scored seven goals in as many matches as a striker for Sheffield Wednesday before returning to make his Premiership debut with Southampton, Jones is now giving another chance to rip up the scoring charts at 14th-placed Stoke which will be hoping to push for a playoff spot for promotion to the Premiership.
Stoke’s director of football John Rudge seems excited over having Jones, particularly after hearing that he started up front in Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against United States.
“He’s a bright young player with a lot of pace and promise, and he did very well while at Sheffield Wednesday," Rudge said.
“We want to see whether he is capable of taking the next step up and doing as well in the Championship."
Jones is also looking forward to the new challenge.
“When I went to Sheffield, I was leaving Southampton on a high after scoring for the Reserves and then I returned to Southampton on a high once more with the success at Sheffield. This time I’m also coming off my debut as a striker for the Trinidad and Tobago team so I’ll be looking to get some more goals with Stoke,” Jones said.
Commenting on the showing versus the Americans, Jones said: “We definitely showed a lot of character coming down to the end of the game and the only thing I think we are lacking is being able to play with more confidence especially from the start of the game.
“But seeing what happened out there, we definitely will gain some confidence and have something to build on going into the next game against Guatemala.
“I thought I did alright even though we didn’t get the result but I enjoyed being up front and I will obviously look forward to doing it again. I feel once we can keep our shape as a team and stick together, we will be able to pull of what we have set out to achieve in this campaign,” added the former St Anthony’s College standout.

By Adam Leitch (Daily Echo).
10-Feb-2005 - Stoke City are hoping to tie up a three-month loan deal for Saints striker Kenwyne Jones.
The Championship side, managed by former Portsmouth boss Tony Pulis, are optimistic of landing the Trinidad and Tobago international until the end of the season when he returns from international duty at the weekend.
Jones, 20. scored an incredible seven goals in seven games during a month on loan at League One Sheffield Wednesday.
He was handed his first senior start for Saints in the 2-1 defeat at Birmingham after sub appearances in wins over Liverpool and Portsmouth.
However, he was taken off at half-time at St Andrew's and Stoke are now stepping up their interest with Harry Redknapp already having said that, if Jones went out on loan again, it would be to a Championship side to see if he can make another step up.
Pulis, who is hoping Jones will link up with his side on Monday, said: "We are offering him the chance to see if he can do it at the next level up.
"He obviously had a great time at Wednesday and I'm told he's capable of anything.
"He's a big lad, good in the air and clearly knows where the back of the net is.
"We don't want to put any pressure on him, because he's still raw, but this is clearly a useful opportunity to see if he's worth pursuing in the future."
Speaking before Jones's debut against Birmingham, Redknapp said: "Kenwyne Jones looks to me like he could be something special.
"He's raw, he's big, he's quick, good in the air - he could be a talent.
"Getting him out on loan did him the world of good.
"He went out and did the job and showed what he can do. We brought him back down and forced his way into our squad and could prove to be a player. He's got a chance.
"He's very laid back and isn't too affected by it all."
Stoke are 13th in the Championship, eight points off of a play-off place.
Remarkably, they have only scored 19 goals in 31 games - the worst in the section - but have only conceded 22, again the best in the Championship.

By: Lasana Liburd - T&T Express.
22-Jan-2005 - Southampton Football Club manager Harry Redknapp has promised to give Trinidad and Tobago attacker Kenwyne Jones his chance in the Premier League this season after the 20-year-old player's remarkable form over the last two months.
Jones is in the 20-man party for Southampton's home fixture against Liverpool today and might have done enough to earn his place on the substitutes' bench.
Redknapp, one of Britain's most respected managers, said that Jones is not far away from his Premiership debut.
"He is raw and young but he is a confident kid," Redknapp told the Southampton FC website. "He is very laid-back but you never know with people. We will have a look at him and see how it goes."
Jones is not getting carried away just yet, though, and will be relieved to actually see his name on the team sheet today.
There are four strikers in Redknapp's 20-man squad but it is uncertain if he will include them all for a potentially tricky affair against one of England's most respected clubs.
Redknapp has not given Jones any assurances either.
"It is still kinda hazy," Jones told the Trinidad Express. "I don't know for sure yet so I am not really fired up or over the top or anything. I am just normal right now."
His performances over the past eight weeks have been special, though.
Jones scored his first English goal last November in a reserve match for Southampton before heading to League One club Sheffield Wednesday on loan.
He tied a club record with goals in each of his first six matches and beat Mark Bright's mark of five consecutive league items.
Jones returned to Southampton on Monday after bagging seven items from as many outings with Wednesday and was immediately on target for Redknapp's reserve team in a 2-1 loss to Charlton.
Newspaper speculation suggested that Jones would be sent to League Championship club Watford for a further examination of his qualities but an injury to star striker Kevin Phillips has opened a window of opportunity for the ex-St Anthony's College utility player.
Redknapp values experience highly and is desperate for tried hands to steer Southampton from the relegation zone. But he did field talented players like Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Jermaine Defoe and Joe Cole when they were still teenagers.
If Jones is good and brave enough, he will play sooner or later.
Jones might think that a home fixture against Liverpool is as good a time as any.

By: Lasana Liburd.
17-Jan-2005 - "It was a good time for me and Sheffield (Wednesday)," said 20-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international Kenwyne Jones. "They moved up the (League One) table and are now in a play-off place and I have made a name for myself and a lot more people have heard about me."
Jones missed the chance to write his name in Sheffield Wednesday folklore as he failed to score in a seventh successive league match but still helped Wednesday to a 1-1 tie away to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
His spell at Wednesday, which saw Jones bag seven goals from as many matches, ended in typically exciting fashion.
In the last minute of stoppage time, the "Owls" piled into the Bournemouth penalty box for a corner kick with even Wednesday goalkeeper David Lucas joining his outfield colleagues for a final attempt at an equaliser.
It duly came off the head of left back Paul Heckinbottom to spark scenes of pandemonium at the Fitness First Stadium.
Heckinbottom was cautioned for his excessive celebrating with the travelling fans and will be suspended for Wednesday's next fixture. But it was the gloating of one exuberant visiting fan that caused chaos.
He stormed the playing field and ran in front of the Bournemouth supporters with clenched fists. Never was a man so happy to be collared and ejected by the match stewards. Because near 50 Bournemouth supporters jumped the barricade separating the stands from the pitch to get him first.
And, as Jones and company waited, police rushed to the aid of the stewards in averting a riot before the remaining seconds of the game was played.
Jones has never experienced anything as intense as his time at Wednesday and he leaves with fond memories.
"It is the most exciting atmosphere I have ever experienced as a player easily," he told the Express. "The (2001) Under-17 World Cup was great for me then but not even that can compare with the atmosphere every week at Sheffield."
Wednesday, once a regular English top flight club, still boast regular attendances exceeding 20,000 patrons, which makes them the best supported team outside the Premiership- even Premier League clubs like Portsmouth, Blackburn and Fulham often fail to match their gates.
The standard of football in League One, though, is a long way from premier quality.
For much of the first half, the game more closely mirrored a kickboxing contest.
Players shoulder charged with impunity and flew into tackles with studs showing to compensate for heavy touches on the ball.
Jones learned quickly and showed growing appreciation for the use of arms, elbows and shoulders as well as his booming shot and long strides.
Yet the British clubs at this level do not flex their muscles for nothing.
As Wednesday players lost initiative to their more physical hosts, Bournemouth struck with a superb goal in the 12th minute.
Giant Bournemouth captain and striker Steve Fletcher released winger Wade Elliot and then headed his resulting cross into the path of onrushing midfielder Garreth O' Connor whose fine low volley into the far corner capped a top drawer item.
Wednesday emerged as a changed team after the halftime interval though.
Jones threatened throughout from crossballs in the first half but manager Paul Sturrock left him with little doubt about his shortcomings.
"He told me I needed to provide the team with more options up front," said Jones, "and I think I did that in the second half."
Wednesday took charge from the off with Jones showing more desire to get involved in their link up play.
His first sniff at goal came in the 49th minute when he spun his marker from 20 yards and missed the near post by inches with a fierce left foot strike.
Five minutes later, Jones was a fraction away from the far corner with a firm header while he also created chances for his strike partner.
Heckingbottom stole the headlines with a last gasp equaliser but Jones' worth was not lost on his teammates or manager who are sad to see him leave. He rejoined Premier League team, Southampton, yesterday.
"He is very nave as a centre forward," Sturrock told the Express, after the match. "He does not know the runs and does not contribute to the game enough. He will have to work really hard to make it as a forward."
"But he has done a fantastic job for us and showed really good qualities as a boxman and a finisher."
Sturrock believes that Jones, who starts in midfield for Trinidad and Tobago, must play upfront as often as possible to aid his development.
Jones would like a more offensive assignment for his country but, first, he must convince Southampton manager Harry Redknapp.
It is likely that Southampton would loan him to a League Championship team to further monitor his development although Jones is anxious to make his Premiership debut.
"I know that I still have a lot to learn," he said. "My goal is to try my best to develop myself further and to get into the (Southampton) team this season. I will also do my best to help Trinidad and Tobago qualify for the World Cup." Wednesday, he hopes, was only the beginning.
Sturrock believes that it would be counter-productive to Jones' development as a forward if he were used out of position for his country while Jones also expressed his desire to play upfront in red, white and black colours.
It makes an interesting dilemma for player as well as club and national coaches.
Versatility can be a poisoned chalice.
It is Jones' ability to adapt to a variety of positions-he has already played everywhere in midfield and defence for his country-that won him a national senior team spot in the first place.
He might not be the next Beattie but he certainly looks to be the new Anthony Rougier.
Rougier has been Trinidad and Tobago's quintessential utility player for nearly a decade and is proud of it. But his national efforts came at a personal cost.
Rougier won thousands of fans in the English and Scottish lower divisions during his career in Britain but he may never forget when ex-Manchester United star and the seventh top Premier League scorer of all time, Dwight Yorke, told him that he could be a Premiership class full back if only he played there more regularly.
Of course, it is ultimately not down to Rougier, Jones or Yorke. It is the coach's job to decide where a player can help the team best.
Jones will not be the first or last to be asked to sacrifice for the team.
Chelsea's star attacking midfielder Frank Lampard was England's best player last season but accepted a defensive role for his country at the 2004 Euro Championship.
France built their game around thoughtful midfield genius Zinadine Zidane to the possible detriment of the talented and more explosive striker Thierry Henry while local stars like ex-national "Marvellous" Marvin Faustin and Eve also showed altruistic spirits when required for country.
Even Russell Latapy, arguably the most gifted Caribbean player of the last decade, had attempts to recreate himself as a striker turned down by national coaches who thought him indispensable as a playmaker.
St Clair must weigh up what Jones brings to the bargaining table.
He does not have the searing speed of Cornell Glen or Gary Glasgow. He is not as clever, on or off the ball, as Nigel Pierre, Jerren Nixon or Arnold Dwarika while he might not match the work ethic of Scott Sealy or Conrad Smith.
But he is a more dynamic aerial player than them all-John included-and could offer St Clair a unique offensive threat. Not to mention his goalscoring instincts.
He will not come across a CONCACAF defence at this stage of the World Cup qualifying campaign as uncomplicated as those he breached in League One but those six clubs-including Wrexham, where he scored a double against a defence marshalled by national teammate Lawrence-but it would also be unfair to assume that those teams made it easy for him.
To his credit, Jones knows that there is much room for improvement.
"I have not played in that mould for a while so I know I am missing some things," the six foot two player told the Express Sports. "I need to show more maturity on the ball in that I need to know when to hold it up and what to do with it and so on. I do prefer to play as a striker.
"I think it is in my best interest to play in a more attacking mode for Trinidad and Tobago. But my goal is just do to the best I can to help Trinidad qualify for the World Cup (wherever I play)."
If and when he gets the chance to show his international pedigree for his country is up to St Clair.

Kenwyne Jones to go back to Saints.

Sheffield Wednesday Website.
13-Jan-2005 - Sheffield Wednesday chairman Dave Allen has been foiled in a personal bid to buy on-loan striker Kenwyne Jones.
And, in a major blow for the Owls, Southampton have insisted the 20-year-old must return to the south coast after his month-long loan spell ends at Bournemouth this Saturday.
Wednesday were hoping to keep Jones at Hillsborough for at least another month, after he scored seven goals in his first six matches to become an instant crowd favourite.
SWFC chairman Allen was ready to dip into his own pocket to make a cash offer of a transfer fee for Jones to Southampton - a donation he would have gifted to the Owls. But Wednesday officials were told that the Saints would not even consider selling the Trinidadian international and he is now set to return to the St. Mary's Stadium on Monday.

Kenwyne Jones scores again.

T&T Express Reports.
09-Jan-2005 - Sheffield Wednesday manager Paul Sturrock says the club is still in talks with Southampton over extending Kenwyne Jones' stay at Hillsborough.
On Saturday, Jones scored yet again as Sheffield Wednesday defeated swindon Town 2-0. The 20-year-old Trinidad and Tobago striker, who has hit seven goals in six SWFC appearances, still has almost a fortnight to run on his initial loan deal at the club. Sturrock is hoping to keep Jones for an additional month but he says there is no rush to tie up the deal just yet:
"We're in discussions but there's no news yet," he said on Thursday morning. "I think it's likely to be next week some time before we have any news but we've got him until the Bournemouth game anyway."
Making permanent additions to his squad has so far been a frustrating task for Sturrock, but the loan signing of 20-year-old Southampton striker Kenwyne Jones has proved to be a masterstroke.
Jones' brace against Wrexham on Bank Holiday Monday took his tally to six goals in his first five games for the club and propelled Wednesday into the play-off reckoning.
Sturrock, who signed Jones during a five month stint as manager of Premiership Southhampton, also reported that he had to work on Jones' laid back style of play since he has been at Sheffield Wednesday.
"Kenwyne wasn't anywhere near the tempo needed for this division in his first game against Doncaster, but he has attributes that benefit the team," says Sturrock , "We've had to bring in younger players that are on the periphery of other clubs' first teams. It's difficult, and I think our inconsistencies are going to show through for the rest of the season."
Wednesday's away form this season has been the equal of any other League One team, but a poor record in front of their large home following has so far hampered the club's promotion push.
But yesterday's win presented 20,000 Wednesday fans with a rare home victory. Wednesday manager Paul Sturrock hailed "a very professional performance" by his side.
The Scot also had praise for his front two after Jones notched his seventh goal. While Sturrock believed the Trinidadian's all-round display showed a vast improvement on his two-goal outing against Wrexham, the manager said strike partner Steven MacLean was SWFC's best player.

Kenwyne Jones' forward thinking.

By: Lasana Liburd.
06-Jan-2005 - Trinidad and Tobago international Kenwyne Jones has represented his country at senior level in every outfield position barring one.
He has never played up front.
Jones accepts that his versatility is an asset for national coach Bertille St Clair and confirmed his commitment to abide by his tactical decisions but, privately, he hopes his impressive form with English League One club, Sheffield yesterday, is not going unnoticed.
Playing football is a privilege but, for the 20-year-old Jones, playing up front is a blessing.
"Hopefully, if I keep on the run I am now, I will get the chance to play up-front (for T&T)," Jones told the Trinidad Express. "As a football player, the best thing is winning matches and scoring goals; and I love to score goals.
"I always do what I have to do when I play in the back but it is not a joy for me really. I always prefer being a striker."
Sheffield Wednesday manager Paul Sturrock could testify to the wisdom of keeping his versatile six-foot-two loan signing happy.
Jones scored in every game for the "Owls" since he arrived there on loan from English Premiership outfit, Southampton, last match and has already tallied six goals from five appearances.
He is the first player to score in five successive matches for Wednesday since Mark Bright did so over the Christmas and New Year period in 1993/94.
Jones has never heard of Bright, who once shared a famous partnership with ex-Arsenal star Ian Wright at Crystal Palace and now works as a BBC TV commentator, but he will be aiming to go one better when Wednesday host Swindon on Saturday.
"I have two more games before my loan deal ends so you never know," said Jones. "I place the highest confidence in my own ability. It is not as if I go around talking about it but if anyone asks if I can go out on the field and do the job, I will definitely say 'yes'.
"I will never second guess myself."
Jones might argue that he was born to score goals.
His uncle, Philbert Jones, was a prolific scorer for Petrotrin and the national team and a key member of the famous "Strike Squad" that came within a point of qualifying for the 1990 World Cup tournament while his dad, Pamphille Jones, was a former Defence Force striker.
Jones spent his childhood trying to emulate both family members and, later, his uncle's former national teammate, Dwight Yorke, who set the Premiership ablaze with his form at Aston Villa and Manchester United.
However, his football education changed abruptly when Brazilian coach Rene Simoes took charge of the national under-17 team on the eve of the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championships and spotted the qualities of a promising central defender.
"I had played a little defence before that but I had to learn how to be a proper defender in three months," said Jones. "At that point in time, there were about 45 players in the squad and it was coming to crunch time where they would be cutting players, so I don't think it mattered to me where I played.
"I just took the chance."
Although he reverted to a more attacking role for his school, Jones was a prisoner of his own defensive successes at national level.
His first taste of international football came under Hannibal Najjar when Jones was one of 60 players capped in six matches by the eccentric coach.
He was a second half midfield substitute in a 2-1 defeat to Finland at the Hasely Crawford Stadium although he was replaced before the final whistle.
It was another 16 months before he wore the national shirt again for the senior team when he won his first cap for St Clair as a defensive midfielder in a 2-0 win over Iraq at West Bromwich.
His first start came soon after in a 4-1 defeat away to Scotland where he failed to cope with a magical display from Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher and was replaced at the interval.
However, St Clair kept faith with the youngster who has been a regular member of his squad and now has eleven caps to his name.
Jones, who is regularly used as a wing back by St Clair, is yet to score for the national team.
But his back flipping goal celebrations, which he copied from uncle Philbert and initially practiced with old buddy Julian Burke, are an exciting part of Wednesday's successes of late. St Clair would do well to take note.

St Clair happy with Jones form.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
29-Dec-2004 - Coach Bertille St Clair is smiling following the three goals in as many appearances by Kenwyne Jones since moving on loan to Sheffield Wednesday. According to the Yorkshire Post, the 20-year-old utility player is quickly becoming a household name among the fans there and is taking up form and growing in confidence ahead of the final round of World Cup qualification which is a good sign for the "Soca Warriors".
“Kenwyne Jones was hardly a household name when he moved to Hillsborough in a loan deal from Premiership strugglers Southampton just before Christmas.
But the Trinidad and Tobago international has already got the Owls supporters chanting his name after he netted for the third consecutive match,” the Post stated.
“The introduction of Jones has been crucial to Wednesday's recent good form. The 20-year-old has provided a focal point for Paul Sturrock's team and he won the majority of his battles with former Hillsborough captain Dean Smith, linking excellently with partner Steve MacLean and holding the ball up to bring in his midfield runners.
Sturrock will be keen to make the switch permanent but Southampton boss Harry Redknapp has played down the chances of Kenwyne Jones’ loan move to Sheffield Wednesday becoming permanent.
Former Saints boss Paul Sturrock has expressed a keen admiration for the Trinidad and Tobago international who has hit three in three games since moving to Yorkshire but Redknapp insisted that he is still eager to run the rule over the 20-year-old himself.
He explained: “I haven’t seen enough of Kenwyne yet really. “He has played three times up there and done OK but before I make any decisions on players I like to have a good look at them and I haven’t really had the chance to do that with him yet.”

Loan star Jones aiming for more of the same.

Sheffield Wednesday Website.
22-Dec-2004 - Sheffield Wednesday manager Paul Sturrock reckons Kenwyne Jones will add a new and much-needed dimension to his side's game.
Sturrock was full of praise for the 6ft 2in Trinidad & Tobago striker, who arrived on loan from Southampton late last week with a view to a permanent deal, following the 4-0 derby-day success at Doncaster.
"With the big boy being up front we had more of an aerial threat," said Sturrock after watching Jones' new strike partner Steve MacLean cash in with a hat-trick to take his tally to 12 for the season.
"We could chuck a lot of things up to Kenwyne and things weren't coming back at us.
"Things were breaking around him and Steve's a better player when he's in and around the last third.
"I always knew there were goals in the laddie, but he's worked his tail off and thoroughly deserved them," Sturrock told the club's official website.
Kenwyne Jones has his sights set on a repeat attacking performance when Wednesday take on Walsall on Boxing Day. The Trinidadian's link-up with Steven MacLean paid immediate dividends at Doncaster last Sunday as Jones struck on his debut while MacLean netted a hat-trick.
With that display in the bag, the loanee is aiming to produce more of the same against Paul Merson's Saddlers. "It is about going out there and giving probably an even better performance than I did in the last game," Kenwyne EXCLUSIVELY told WednesdayWorld. "I'm feeling pretty sharp right now and I'm looking forward to the match. "It was a great start (at Doncaster). First of all winning the derby 4-0 and obviously me getting that goal on my debut.
"There are always pluses and negatives with a striking partnership, there were a lot of pluses on that day and hopefully we can continue."

Kenwyne Jones on one month loan to Sheffield Wednesday.

Southampton Website.
17-Dec-2004 - Saints have released their young strike pairing of Kenwyne Jones and Leon Best on a month’s loan. Trinidad and Tobago international Jones, 20, who scored his first goal for the club in the reserves 2-2 draw against Fulham on Tuesday has signed for Sheffield Wednesday until January 15 while Best has linked up with QPR until January 14.
Having helped dumped the Hoops out of the FA Youth Cup the 18-year-old clearly made an impression but Saints have made sure that he will be back in time for the next round of the competition when they face Norwich in January.
Best could line up against Reading at the Madejski stadium while Jones may get a taste of a derby action when Wednesday take on local rivals Doncaster on Sunday.
Saints manager Harry Redknapp welcomed both moves as he commented: “I think it will be good for both of them. Leon is a good young player but he is still only 18 so it would be a great experience for him to have a run in their first team.
“Kenwyne looks like he could be a good prospect as well so going to go Sheffield Wednesday and playing a bit of league football would do him the world of good.
“I think if I can get a few of our young players out and playing that is all important and certainly much better than playing reserve football. I remember at West Ham Frank Lampard went out on loan to Swansea for a couple of months, Rio Ferdinand, Jermain Defoe and Michael Carrick all went out on loan as well and it was a great experience for all of them. “Hopefully this can be the same for those two.”
Meanwhile, Wednesday manager Paul Sturrock has said he may look to sign Trinidad & Tobago international Kenwyne Jones on a permanent basis, after bringing the Southampton man to Hillsborough on a one-month loan deal.
But first of all he has called on the 20-year-old utility man to make an "instant impact" after confirming he will start Sunday's South Yorkshire derby at Doncaster in an attacking role.
Sturrock said: "He's very exciting player - 6ft 2in and very quick. He was my first signing at Southampton. He came as a 19-year-old utility player. I signed him as a centre-half, but he has played in midfield and up front for Southampton's reserves."
The boss says the Saint gives him options in a number of areas going into the Christmas period but he might look to extend Jones' stay after his loan period ends following the Bournemouth game:
"Most loan deals go for a month first and we'll look at it after that," he said. "He's also got international games for Trinidad & Tobago in February. They play an awful lot of games in a season, which has sometimes been a hindrance to his individual career. But it's nice to have a utility player who can fill in for several positions."

Kenwyne Jones scores his first goal for Southampton

Southampton Website.
15-Dec-2004 - With Harry Redknapp watching from the side-lines at Staplewood last night Saints reserves’ 2-2 draw with Fulham was a chance for several first-team hopefuls to impress the new boss.
Eight of the starting XI have already featured in the Premiership and Chris Baird also came off the bench to stake his claim. Although Saints were held to a draw by the Londoners, there will have been plenty of food for thought for Redknapp.
After going behind, Dexter Blackstock blasted Saints back to level terms from the spot and then Kenwyne Jones bagged his first goal for the club with a well taken finish at the end of the first half. Jason Dodd turned in a commanding performance at centre-half for the first 45 minute and versatile defender Martin Cranie also caught the eye with a strong game at left-back despite playing out of position.
After the match, reserve team manager Stewart Henderson reflected: “It is a fresh start for everybody and it gave them an opportunity to impress the new manager.
But there was also good news in the form of a first goal in a Saints shirt for Trinidad international Kenwyne Jones. Henderson smiled: “I’m delighted for him that he has scored a goal now because I think his performances have merited that but in terms of his best position he is still a difficult one!
“In the last game away at Leicester he played centre half for me and did very well but prior to that he had two or three games up front and looked menacing. He has also played in midfield for me as well and looked comfortable so we seem to have an all purpose player on our hands but I think for the time being we will persevere with him up front.
“It was a good finish last night, he has got terrific spring and heads the ball well which is an asset and one thing he hasn’t shown us yet which he has got in his armoury is a real powerful shot.

Stewart Henderson impress with Kenwyne Jones.

Southampton Website.
05-Nov-2004 - Southampton's coach, Stewart Henderson has earmarked Kenwyne Jones as a front-runner for the front-line after the Trinidad international impressed in attack for the reserves last night. Saints rolled over Leicester City 3-1 at Staplewood, the 20 year-old Jones twice went close with headers, hitting the bar in the second half, as well as setting up strike partner Leon Best for the opening goal in his first run out leading the line. After the match Henderson explained: "I think we are still trying to work out what might be Jones best position. He has done very well in the middle of the park but I thought he looked very useful up front as well last night.
We are still trying to get to the bottom of him, he is a big lad with good potential, he is athletic, good in the air and I don't think he has been brought up in a specific position really. I have had three or four games with him in the center of midfield where he has done well but I think after that performance I will have to have another look at him in that position. He has got fantastic spring and considering he has had very little experience playing up front I thought he did very well and was a handful for City.
“Obviously I know it was not going to be easy but at the moment I’m settling into the way things are done here. I have been playing regularly with the Reserves and that is a plus. The coaches have been looking at me in a few positions and I’m just basically giving it my best shot each time,” Jones said.

Kenwyne Jones deal done.

By Graham Hiley.
20-May-2004 - Saints have completed the signing of Trinidad and Tobago international Kenwyne Jones. The deal was struck at the end of last month when the promising 19-year-old passed a medical here and signed a pre-contract agreement.
However he was unable to complete the formalities until the transfer window re-opened this week and he flew back to put pen to paper last night. Although he has only two full caps he is able to come in and play for Saints on a two-year student visa because he is from a Commonwealth country.
By the time that expires he should have played enough internationals to qualify for a full work permit and he has already been included in his country’s squad for the friendly against Iraq and Scotland later this month. He played for W Connection as a centre-back but Saints are bringing in the six foot two youngster as a midfielder. Jones though is not short on self-confidence and believes he can make the Premiership grade in either – or indeed any – role.
He said: “I can be anything they want me to be! I can score goals but I can defend too. I can play wide, through the middle, up front of at the back.
“I am quick and strong, I can jump very high, I can pass well and strike the ball with both feet.
“I am delighted to be here because it has always been a dream for me to play in the Premier League. Southampton is a lovely place which already feels like home and I am already looking forward to coming back. “Then it will be a case of trying to work my way into the team – but I don’t think it will take me long. I am very confident I can do well here.”
Wiry and strong, Jones is every inch an athlete. He could have been a cricketer or a top runner and also excels at basketball, swimming and tennis. Saints though have to harness that athleticism to make him a top quality footballer but tests show he could well be the fastest player at the club and have the highest leap. He impressed so much on a week’s trial that Saints immediately signed him up. Chairman Rupert Lowe said: "He is a tremendous athlete and the coaching staff believe they can turn him into a very good footballer. "He has done well on trial so we have got him signed up quickly because a lot of other clubs wanted him. We have paid a fee to his club W Connection and we hope we have got ourselves a very good player. He is certainly not short on confidence!"
According to a Shaun Fuentes report, national T&T coach Bertille St Clair is backing young defender Kenwyne Jones to settle into the Trinidad and Tobago senior team and at English Premiership club Southampton. Jones was snapped up by Southampton last month and on arrival with the T&T squad in England, he was whisked away to the club office by an official to tie up some unsettled business before returning to the T&T camp at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre.
St Clair said of Jones: "From the first set of sessions he had with the team since I took over it was obvious that the young man had the attributes of a good player.
He has dedication and a will to learn and also has the perfect sort of build to be a defender or any other position.
"I realise that Southampton are very happy for him to be in the national team and for him to get the caps for his work permit, but I also hope they will continue being happy when he gets his permit and has to continue playing for the country."
"This is big times for us and we are all looking forward to the two matches against Iraq and Scotland," Jones told Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) media officer Shaun Fuentes.

Home is where the heart is.

By: Graham Hiley.
27-Apr-2004 - Kenwyne Jones chose Southampton over a string of other clubs because he already feels at home here. The versatile 19-year-old turned down approaches from Rangers, Spurs and West Ham United to sign for Saints from Trinidad club W Connection.
The club rushed the deal through on Saturday night, persuading the youngster to sign a pre-contract agreement following an impressive week’s trial.
Jones has already had a spell with Glasgow Rangers and West Ham United but revealed that Southampton held a special sway. It was not necessarily the best financial offer but the one which instinctively felt right. He said: “I had trials with Rangers and West Ham before I came here. They both wanted me but this felt like home. I feel comfortable here.
“It is a good club with a nice bunch of players, a good manager and coaching staff. “I think they have very good players and that was a big factor in my decision.
“The club is very well run, with good facilities and everyone has made me very welcome.
“And it is a nice place to live – not too busy, not too quiet. It is a very mellow place with beautiful coastline – it is just right ! “My girlfriend and son have come over with me and they are delighted with the idea of living here.” Jones will come in initially on a two-year student visa which permits him to work as he is from a Commonwealth country. And he is already looking forward to the challenge of establishing himself in a league he has long admired.
He said: “I am overjoyed to be here. It has always been my dream to play at the highest level ever since I first kicked a ball around at the age of six.
“I played for various schools sides and then the national teams at Under 15, Under 16, Under 17 and Under 20. “I played for the Olympics under 23 side and recently won the first of my two full caps. Hopefully I will get a couple more soon as we have games coming up against Iraq and Scotland when I could be up against Neil McCann and Stephen Crainey.
“Our World Cup qualifiers start in June and hopefully I will be in the squad for that too although it might mean missing a bit of pre-season which would be disappointing. “But I am confident I can do well here. Obviously I will have to wait for my chance but when it comes I have to take it with both hands.”
Terry Cooper is backing new boy Kenwyne Jones to tread the same path as Yoann Folly and Leandre Griffit. Both youngsters were picked up by Saints last summer and have already come through to play in the first-team.
Now the club’s chief European scout is hoping their latest capture can make it a hat-trick by making a similar impact next season after signing from Trinidad club W Connection.
Cooper said: “It is always a gamble signing young players like this because you never know how they are going to develop and fit in.
“It was the same with Folly and Griffit but they have both come through and it will be interesting to see how he does. “He has one foot on the ladder but there are a lot more rungs to go. It is up to him whether he can climb it and how fast. "Over there he is rated as one of Trinidad's best prospects since Dwight Yorke but it all depends how he progresses.
“What we have done is sign bags of potential and we have given him the opportunity to become a player. “Everyone is looking for big quick players and he is certainly an athlete. We have to ensure he makes the grade as a footballer.”
The six foot two 19-year-old starred for his club in the centre of defence but Saints see him potentially more as a midfielder. Cooper added: “I have a contact over there who has been sending me tapes of players for the last four years and he recently sent one of this lad playing in the middle of defence.
“He looked good on the ball but it was hard to judge his defensive qualities because the opposition was poor and he was not really tested.
“Then Rangers took him on trial for 10 days. They wanted to sign him but were not prepared to pay the fee. “I said they would not get what they were asking but offered to bring him here for a few days and the staff liked what they saw.
“He has played centre-back for four years but we think he may be a better midfielder. But that will be down to the judgement of the coaching staff when he comes in full-time next season. “He has all the right attributes. He is big and quick and strong. We have done a few tests on him and he was lightning. He has a great spring and has two good feet and we just hope he develops.

Kenwyne Jones signs for Southampton.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
26-Apr-2004 - Southampton have beaten Rangers to the punch by agreeing a deal to sign Trinidad & Tobago international Kenwyne Jones. The teenage midfielder recently trained with the Scottish giants and Gers boss Alex McLeish was optimistic of snaring Jones from his club W Connection. But the 19-year-old trained with Premiership side Southampton this week and Saints have been quick to thrash out a deal.
Jones will officially move to St Mary's when the transfer window reopens in the summer, subject to receiving a work permit, and will link up with Paul Sturrock's squad. Kenwyne Jones has signed a pre contract with English Premiership side Southampton.
The news was revealed by Jones’ representative Louis Affor on Sunday evening. The former National Under 20 captain last night passed a medical and signed a pre-contract agreement to join the club as soon as the transfer window reopens in July, subject to the granting a work permit, according to Affor. The deal is reportedly worth two years.
The 19-year-old Jones was expected to arrive back in Trinidad on Sunday following a one-week trial at his new club.
Jones, attached to Vibe CT 105 W Connection, had been linked with Scottish Premier League side Rangers, West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Panathanaikos but Southampton won the race to sign the former St Anthony’s College player.
“It’s a big move for Kenwyne because he has signed for a Premiership team and he also had the chance to sign for other big clubs. This will be a tremendous opportunity for him and we hope all goes well from here,” Affor told TTFF Media. Affor also represents Silvio Spann who signed with Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb last week. “The door is opening more for footballers from Trinidad and Tobago and Kenwyne is certainly going to attract attention here as he follows in the footsteps of other Trinidad and Tobago players playing in Europe.”
Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe was delighted to have snapped up Jones saying “He is a tremendous athlete and the coaching staff believe they can turn him into a very good footballer. He has done well on trial so we have got him signed up quickly because a lot of other clubs wanted him. We have paid a fee to his club W Connection and we hope we have got ourselves a very good player. He is certainly not short on confidence!"
Southampton Jones are confident they will secure a work permit because of new regulations regarding the Commonwealth countries.
These will enable him to get a two-year student visa which will entitle him to work while he is here. By the end of that stint, Saints are confident he will have played in the 75 per cent of full internationals to make a full work permit pretty much a formality.
The Southampton website stated “Jones becomes Southampton's first player from Trinidad but follows fellow countrymen Stern John, Dwight Yorke and Shaka Hislop into the Premiership. It is a relatively cheap gamble for a player of great potential and with proven athleticism.”

Kenwyne Jones set to join Glasgow Rangers.

By: Flex.
29-Mar-2004 - According to a close source based in Scotland, Kenwyne Jones is on a trial spell with Scottish Premiership club side Rangers FC former club of ex-T&T national Russell Latapy and has impressed all so far and that the club was keen on offering him a deal. However the only complication at the moment was him securing a work permit. Apparently Rangers was un-successful trying to get the service of Marvin Andrews and may look to Jones once signed to be the next Big Marv ? The Rangers manager (Alex McLeish) is a close friend of Alex Ferguson at Manchester United - who recommended Kenwyne Jones to him. Jones is no stranger to Ferguson as the player was once on trial with Manchester United sometime in January 2002 along with team-mates Jerol Forbes and Nkosi Blackman.
Should Rangers wish to sign Jones, it's more than likely he may be sent out on loan somewhere until he can get a work permit to play in Scotland.
English First Division club West Ham United also had a look at Jones before the youngster opted for the SPL. Jones has made an impact since making his full debut for Trinidad – and he could even line up against Scotland next month when T&T face Scotland for the first time at Easter Road, May 30th 2004.
"Kenwyne has not signed, but I am going to try to get him into the top-team squad over the next few days and take a closer look at him," McLeish told his club's website. "The youth coaching staff have been very impressed with him and, by all accounts, there is a lot of interest in him." he has already shown that he is a step ahead of the Rangers youths with whom he has been training.
Jones, who plays with T&T club W Connection made his debut for Trinidad and Tobago in January 2003 against Finland and can play in attack as well as defence.

Kenwyne Jones & Michael Carrington fell ill at Dutch trials.

TnT Guardian Reports.
31-Dec-2002 - Talented young footballers Kenwyne Jones and Michael Carrington will have to try again if they hope to play professional football in Holland. Local agent Dion Sosa said yesterday that both Jones and Carrington fell ill on arrival in Holland, earlier this month, and were unable to attract the attention of Dutch officials. Because of the drastic change in the weather, said Sosa, the duo was unable to survive the change from hot conditions to “very cold” and couldn’t train for the first couple of days.
Sosa also related that Jones developed an ankle injury and was instructed to rest.
“The plan was for them to move to two to three different clubs,” Sosa indicated.”But instead they spent time, only with Telstar, a First Division team in Amsterdam.” Sosa said that the agent in Holland, Humphrey Nijman, made arrangements for Jones and Carrington to work with a personal trainer when they arrived in Holland, “to have them fit and ready for the training programme.”
“However, both of them fell ill and that put a damper on their training programme,” stated Sosa.
New arrangements for the two players, said Sosa, will be made and it is expected that they will be returning to Holland in April when the weather is better.
Jones and Carrington, who both had a successful season in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL), are due to return home on Saturday. Jones played a leading role in helping St Anthony’s to make a clean sweep in the SSFL, while Carrington was the top scorer for Scarborough in the Tobago Zone.

No fear for Cuba says T&T skipper: Kenwyne Jones.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
27-Aug-2002 - “We are not afraid of the Cubans”.
That was the view of Trinidad and Tobago Under 20 captain Kenwyne Jones after he accompanied his teammates at a training session at the Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya on Tuesday.
Jones, an integral member of the T&T Under 17 team which participated at the FIFA World Under 17 Championship last year, was well aware that Cuba sent out a stern warning with their commanding victories in the recent preliminary stage of the Caribbean Football Union Under 20 qualifying competition. The Cubans pulled off 3-0, 3-1 and 7-1 victories over Grenada, Dominica and St Lucia respectively.
Michel Alvarez and Luis Perez are reportedly the two dangermen for the Cubans after scoring a double and a hattrick respectively against St Lucia and Jones and fellow defenders Lee Haynes and Devon Bristol will have no room for errors on Sunday. The Cubans are expected to arrive in the country on Friday. Jones was quietly optimistic of T&T’s chances in Sunday’s encounter which plays at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 3:30pm.
“We had our first session in this camp and I think we will come together well in time for the game on Sunday. We are not scared of the Cubans. Even though they are coming off an impressive performance in their last game, we know that we just have to play our game and play with confidence. We have no reason to fear them,” Jones told TTFF Media. He added that the break since the last qualifying matches in Suriname last month meant that the players now had to begin focusing on representing the country again. “We know we have to get focusing again and win this game. We will be pleased with a win here, especially by about two or three goals because we want to go to Cuba for the next leg with a comfortable advantage. On Sunday we will just like the fans to come out and give us the support because we really need it,” ended Jones.
Defence Force striker Devon Jorsling is coming off an ankle injury but is keen to get going again. He was largely responsible for T&T’s 4-0 victory over Suriname in the Caribbean Zone qualifying group last month in which he scored a double while playing with the injury to pace his team to the win.
“The experience in Suriname I think would have made the team stronger and more aware of what it is to play in an international competition. For me it was a really good feeling being able to come on and score those goals. It meant that the country was able to go forward in the competition as well as it was good for me as a player,” Jorsling told TTFF Media. “Even though we have not played much training games against other countries I think that the team we have can play good football and we will have to do the job if we want to go and play against the other better teams in CONCACAF and then move on to the World Cup.” The away leg is scheduled for September 14 with the winner of the tie advancing to the final CONCACAF Qualifying group in Panama from October 16-20 with the top two teams from that group moving on to the World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates next March.

T&T trio reflect on time of their lives.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
01-Feb-2002 - Nkosi Blackman, Jerol Forbes and Kenwyne Jones are still caught up in the “experience of the lives” since returning from England on Tuesday night.
The trio described the stints at Manchester United and Middlesbrough as learning, enjoyable and unforgettable.
Blackman, a student of St Benedict’s College, spoke of the difficult times at Manchester United while training at the Academy but also had some good occasions to talk about.
“It was a little cold at Manchester. But we got along all right. The guys there were not giving us the ball too much and we couldn’t hold ball and show off anything. We more or less had to fight it out on our own,” said Blackman. “It was really good because we have seen they are very developed there and we learnt quite a lot,” he added. He added that Dwight Yorke would come and say “You guys make sure and take care of my Trini brothers.” “The professional players were very cool and kind to us. Gary Neville, Van Nistelrroy, Veron and Dwight all came and spoke to us on the second day.
They give us some jerseys and Dwight gave us some funds that he had on him at the time and that was very nice. He told us he would meet us up at Middlesbrough but he didnt’ sign the deal. Sir Alex Ferguson also came and spoke to us and told us to enjoy ourselves and make the best of the experience,” added Blackman. Forbes mentioned that he performed better at Middlesbrough and the club has also expressed interest in having them return.
“Boro was a little warmer and we performed much better there. We had a lot of the ball. We played some training games and were scoring in most of the matches at Manchester also,” said Forbes. “I wanted to gain something from the experience and I got that.” “The experience was great as i got a chance to make something of my career. Different times at both clubs. The guys were nice to us but as soon as went on the field and showed what we had in the first session, I realised we started getting less of the ball so we had to fight for ourselves but it was great,” Forbes stated. As for Jones, he too was in good spirits. “We had to adapt to the weather but we worked hard and came out well Middlesbrough I was allowed to play centre forward and centre midfield. The experience was all good,”
All three players made a written statement about the experience saying “Thanks to Pro Sports Caribbean Limited, we have had a wonderful experience in England, participating in trials with two of their Premiership clubs. We worked hard against a lot of the other quality players all hoping to secure a contract at these clubs. We are now awaiting the official reports from each club to be sent to Pro Sports Caribbean on how they felt we performed and whether they are interested in pursuing us further. In the meantime, our sincerest thanks go to Pro Sports Caribbean Limited and CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh coach Terry Fenwick and FCOTT CEO Peter Miller who have made this possible to us and to KFC for equipping us and providing spending money for our trip. The work Pro Sports are doing in Trinidad and Tobago is giving local talent an opportunity to be recognised around the world.”

TnT trio returns from Manchester stint.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
30-Jan-2002 - This country's National Under 17 trio were scheduled to return from their English training stint on Tuesday evening. FIFA Under 17 All Star member Nkosi Blackman, Kenwyne Jones and Jerol Forbes were given high remarks following their short stay with Manchester United and are likely to be recalled to the United Kingdom.
All three members spent just over a week at the United academy and were allowed the opportunity to meet and spend time with former National striker Dwight Yorke and were also treated to a day out in the Club's merchandise shop by midfielder Roy Keane.
As this country's national team campaigned at the 2002 Gold Cup, Blackman and company represented the "Soca Warriors outside and FIFA Vice President Jack Warner was high in praise of their achievements. Warner complimented sports marketing company Pro Sports Caribbean Limited for arranging the stint for the youngsters. The Anguilla-based company is represented in T&T by Terry Fenwick and Peter Miller.
"Undoubtedly the invitation to these three youths by Manchester United has made a positive impact on local football, moreso, local youth football. Those already involved in the game are now encouraged to strive harder and many of those who were undecided about which sport they should pursue after school will opt to continue playing football more seriously," Warner said while in Miami last week.
He also added that this experience has boosted the image of local football.
"It has certainly boosted the local image and bears testimony as to the quality of the raw talent that abounds here and throughout the Caribbean. It is quite an accomplishment indeed when one realizes that Manchester United is the leading Club in the English Premier League with youth academies in several parts of the world. Within those academies are youngsters who have been nurtured on football and have been selected from hundreds, probably thousands of their peers. It is against such a background that the invitation is extended. This simply means that our three youths possess something special to have earned that invitation from such a prestigious club as Manchester United," ended Warner. Blackman, Jones and Forbes were also given the opportunity to train at Premier League club Middlesbrough during their stay in England. Further details on their stint will be released later this week.

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29-Aug-2007	Kenwyne signs on for Sunderland AFC.
29-Aug-2007	Jones $$ for W Connection.
24-Aug-2007	Striker Jones on strike at Saints.
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