Russell Latapy’s fantastic feelings.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
19-Nov-2005 - National midfielder Russell Latapy has made his feelings known about this country’s historic qualification for the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany.
The team’s oldest player at 37 was the first player to break down in tears on the pitch seconds after the final whistle blew to signal T&T’s 1-0 win over Bahrain last Wednesday and almost immediately the likes of skipper Dwight Yorke, Marvin Andrews and others broke down. They all embraced each other, head coach Leo Beenhakker and goalscorer Dennis Lawrence too as the T&T faithful at the venue and the rest back home and in other parts of the globe was overcome by the joy of the triumph.
Emotions were higher than ever for Latapy and the “Soca Warriors”.
“Yes definitely it was. It’s a feeling that you cannot describe because this is what we have been dreaming of from the moment we realized what football was about,” Latapy told TTFF Media moments after the victory.
“It’s unbelievable because the older you get as I have, the more you understand things and at 37, having the opportunity to go to the World Cup is something that words cannot really describe.”
Latapy contributed significantly both on and off the field since his return to the team, scoring in the 3-2 win over Guatemala but didn’t see all the action in the playoff with Bahrain. But he commended Beenhakker’s decision to leave him out of the starting eleven last Wednesday.
“It was 90 minutes of do or die and the coach’s decision was fantastic. I’m doing a lot of coaching now and when I looked at things I probably would have made the same decision because we needed to play with two strikers because we had to score and we needed the young legs on the pitch and that decision worked wonders for us,” said Latapy who braved the temptations to return home for the victory parade last Thursday and opted to return to his Scottish home. He is however looking forward to joining T&T with the full team for further receptions.
He also spoke of his gratitude towards Jack Warner and the rest of the Federation, the Local Organising Committee and other people behind the scenes who contributed to making the dream a reality, not forgetting the T&T public at large.
“Without them this achievement would have been a harder one to see today. This is something that we must all feel great about.”
The ex-FC Porto man also remembered the experience of missing out on qualification 16 years ago yesterday (Saturday). Now with reality stepping back in and with the lifetime wait for qualification now over, Latapy is hoping that the second major part of his ambitions will be realized.
“It’s just fantastic for me. But I must say that one of the factors in me making my decision to come back and play with the national team after four years was probably the social state of Trinidad and Tobago with all the violence and killings. I was hoping that if I can come back and make a positive contribution and help up us to get to the World Cup then that would take the focus of a lot of the negative things. Now I have done the first bit which is helping the team to get to the World Cup and I’m hoping that my decision will help the country to realize that we can also accomplish the second feat which is being positive as a nation and I will be happy if that can happen,” he ended.

Latapy keen on ‘serious’ fun for ‘Warriors’

By: Shaun Fuentes.
09-Nov-2005 - National midfielder Russell Latapy wants Trinidad and Tobago to have the fun of playing the second leg of the 2006 World Cup qualification half slot playoff from being comfortably ahead after Saturday’s first leg with Bahrain at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
The Falkirk star was saying that in order for this to be the case, he intends to put his best football forward in aim of trying to help the “Warriors” come through with a positive result on the weekend.
“My views are that if we can pull together as a team and a  country to get the result we did against a Mexico team ranked sixth in the world, then I see no reason why we can’t do it against a team ranked lower than us,” Latapy told TTFF Media.
“At the same time rankings don’t mean much but there’s a point we can draw from it and we must fancy ourselves against Bahrain at home. We have to be positive at home and if we can go on and get a couple goals and then go there and play from on top, which is more fun than coming from behind, then we should definitely should be able to pull it off,” he added.
The former FC Porto man said he felt the current team can definitely learn from the experience of 1989.
“As a team we have reach this far because we have done it together and hopefully we can realize our dreams as a nation, maybe not just in football terms but other things as well. Nothing is easy to achieve and no football game is easy. But we need all the support we can get if we are to do it as a nation.
“I’m in this position for a second time. Sixteen years ago we were in the World Cup before World Cup and we ended staying home. What I can say now is that for all of us and definitely myself coming out of retirement, it’s been a life long dream to qualify for a World Cup and this is our chance now.”
Both he and Yorke were hard at work with their teammates on Wednesday at the match venue and the former Manchester United crackerjack mentioned that he is in no way counting Bahrain out.
“We need to play to our maximum potential and surely then we can be in for a good time. Surely too we will expect a tough game. Like if we were playing England or Brazil, we would have to prepare and go into the game exactly the same,” Yorke said.

Calling the 'Magician' one more time.

By: Stewart Fisher.
06-Nov-2005 - A few months ago, as Trinidad and Tobago faced the prospect of yet another failed World Cup campaign, team captain Dwight Yorke decided to use the country's last lifeline. He phoned a friend.
The man he called was his old pal Russell Latapy who, after spells at Porto under Sir Bobby Robson as well as Hibernian and Rangers, is now player-coach of Falkirk. It could turn out to be the most important phone call Yorke has made.
The consequence of their conversation is that on Saturday the tiny Caribbean country, better known for producing world-class cricketers than footballers, will host Bahrain in the first match of a two-leg play-off. For both teams, the prize is a place in the World Cup finals for the first time in their history.
Yorke, who now plays his club football for Sydney FC in Australia, had previously approached Latapy a couple of times about coming out of international retirement, but without success. Latapy, a talented playmaker known at home as the 'Little Magician' for his pace and creativity, quit the national team in 2001. He told Yorke he would be interested in a coaching role but, at 37, his international playing days were over.
This time, after a defeat by the United States had all but ended the country's World Cup hopes, Yorke tried again, begging his friend to change his mind and put on the red Warriors shirt for just two games. For old time's sake. Latapy thought about it and finally relented.
"Only Dwight could have persuaded me," he says. "We've been close for a number of years. We grew up together and we played together. I realised it was really a last opportunity, not just for me but for Dwight as well."
In September, Latapy took the field against Guatemala, who were three points ahead of T&T and virtually assured of taking the CONCACAF play-off spot. After Guatemala took the lead, Latapy equalised and then created a second for team-mate Stern John, the Coventry striker, in a 3-2 victory. The magic was still there.
The win was followed by a defeat by Costa Rica but Latapy was persuaded to extend his international career by a further two games. Three points were secured against Panama before T&T faced mighty Mexico in their final match. They came from behind to win 2-1, securing their play-off place and sending the country into a state of delirium. Now Latapy is looking forward to two more games, and perhaps half a dozen more next summer.
"It was fantastic," he recalls. "Mexico are a great team and the only chance we had of getting to the play-off was to beat them. When we did it, the whole place just went mad. It gives us a lot of hope because Mexico were ranked fourth in the world. If we work as hard and play as well as that, there's no reason why we won't beat Bahrain as well."
The pre-match build-up has been soured, however, by the revelation that former T&T captain David Nakhid, who was recently sacked as an assistant coach to the national team, has accepted a job as a coach in Bahrain, which makes him about as popular in his homeland as a sneezing poultry worker. Nakhid claims he is only helping out with the under-20s and that he will not be passing on any secrets - a plausible explanation if you happen to have been born yesterday.
"This is a boy who played in three World Cup campaigns for Trinidad," says Latapy. "He's an ex-captain of the team and he knows the players very well. But, to be honest, I would think that at this level there isn't much that he'll be able to tell them."
For Latapy, there will be an extra motivation on Saturday. In 1989, he and Yorke were in the T&T side who needed just a point against the United States to qualify for the 1990 World Cup finals in Italy. They lost 1-0, plunging the country into mourning.
"I don't think we were ready professionally," he says. "I think we just got too excited at the prospect of playing in the World Cup. We felt we were already there."
Qualifying for the World Cup would also answer those critics who claim Latapy wasted his talent with too many late nights, more often than not in the company of Yorke. He admits he still smokes "between six and eight" cigarettes a day but goes to bed earlier these days.
"I've enjoyed my life and had a lot of fun but the fact I'm still playing at 37 shows I've worked hard as well," he says. "I think it is part of the West Indian mentality. We're not the kind of people who go to bed at nine and get up at 7.30." If Latapy and his colleagues prevail, it could be a very late night in the Caribbean.

TSTT deal for 'Latas'.

By Shaun Fuentes.
17-Oct-2005 - Trinidad and Tobago's Scottish-based midfielder Russell Latapy has signed a one-year sponsorship deal with TSTT. Under the terms of the agreement, Latapy, a player/coach with Premier League Scottish side Falkirk, will make appearances and undertake promotions on behalf of TSTT.
In 2004, TSTT agreed to sponsor the national football team, the Warriors, to the tune of $3 million for a two-year period. Additionally, TSTT has attempted to raise $9 million to assist in the team's extensive training programme with the launch of the Go Team text messaging campaign earlier this year.
After resigning from the national squad during this country's 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign, Latapy returned to the fold to revive Trinidad and Tobago's World Cup aspirations on September 3 when T&T eked out a 3-2 win over Guatemala.
Since then, with Latapy in the line-up, the Warriors have registered victories over Panama (1-0) and Mexico (2-1), with their lone setback being a 2-0 defeat in Costa Rica, and have progressed to a home and away play-off with Baharain next month for a place in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Q and A with Russell Latapy.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
08-Oct-2005 - 1.What’s your most memorable moment or match, whether for country or Club?
In a positive way it would the 1-0 win over Mexico at home when I scored the winner in 85th minute. Obviously from a negative point what happened on November 19, 1989. The situation was that at 21 with your whole career in front of you, you had opportunity to go to the World Cup and then anything could happen and then you wake up next morning and realize that all the dreams were dashed away. What does the World Cup does is put you on the world stage and if you are lucky enough to do what you can do, then whole world is at large for you. After the disappointment of not qualifying, I then had to use a different route which is through club football and you then do that until you can qualify for a World Cup.

2. Name two persons, whether relative or not who have been an inspiration to you.
One would definitely be my Mom. She has always supported me with all the decisions and I have had some hard ones to make. I had the opportunity to go to University (FIU) when I was 19. And the at the time I was offered a professional contract and she said she would leave it up to me which is a difficult thing for parents. Normally they would say forget the football especially at the time when I was growing up when there were not much professional footballers coming out of the Caribbean. I made the decision to play football and fortunately it didn’t turn out to be such a bad one. (laughs).
The other influential person would be Jean Lillywhite. He definitely is one of the most influential persons in my career from that young stage. I’ve had a lot of other positive influence but he saw my potential as a young age and because he did, he worked with me from the age of 12 on my technical game. I remembered it used to be just be me and him on the (Queen’s Park) Savannah, helping me to use the right and the left foot. It’s something I will never forget because kids at that stage of their lives, especially now, probably would be thinking about Carnival. For me it was going to the grounds and playing with a football. Even he as an older person didn’t think about Carnival. He was with me right through on Carnival Monday and Tuesday in the Savannah.

3. Any favourite player or team?
The team I like the most is FC Porto and a lot of it has to do with me passing through the club. It’s just one of those things. It’s just the way I was treated there, the spirit and history of the club. The player is also one of my best friends and it’s not just because of that. I’ve had the chance to train and play with him and we’ve been in close quarters. The best player I’ve played against is Roberto Mancini of Sampdoria. He was just frightening in the two games we played against them. I was also fortunate to also play against Javier Zanetti of Inter Milan.

4. What would be your preferred other profession?
It would have to be football. I definitely want to get into management. I think beside being a player, it must be the next best job in the world.

5. Who’s been among your most admired coaches and why?
I would definitely have to say Bobby Robson. And a lot of coaches are not really recognized but Victor Manuel is also one I admire. He was my coach when I was at Academica in Portugal. At 21 this guy realized what I could do and changed the system of play in the team to suit how I was playing and I had that free role to develop. Another massive influence because I’m still playing at 37, has to be the one I’m for playing at the moment in Scotland. That’s John Hughes. He’s still young but I think what is good about him is being able to get the best out of me at age 37. His management ways have been good. Just a quick example is before we played Hearts I wanted to come in and train as usual before the Sunday game and he told me to take Friday and Saturday off and just come in on Sunday for the match. What’s he doing in that sense is just making sure that I don’t really need to do all the hard work, once I can produce on matchday which is perfect for me at the club level.

6. What do you think of T&T’s chances of making it to the 2006 World Cup.
It’s just one of them situations that once I retired from international football when I was 32 or 33, I thought that was going to be the last chance as a player. But now having come out of retirement and seeing the bunch of players we have around, I see that we have a good chance. We should have picked up more points in the early part of the campaign but that’s football. It’s not impossible now. If we get a favorable result tonight (against Panama) it takes us ten points and hopefully Mexico can beat Guatemala and that means it would then come down to the last game. If we get into the playoffs it means too that anything can happen so we definitely have to fancy our chances.
When asked to reflect on what should be done to ensure the team does give a better attempt in these late stages, he replied.
I think when you are playing football at a high level, the most important thing would be to be able to pass the ball and you cannot get flustered in possession. Once you do that and maintain that composure then the rest just happens for you. What happens a lot in international football is you play a lot of teams who play behind the ball and if you give the ball away cheaply then you end up putting yourself under unnecessary pressure. The other thing is something which we won’t need if we qualify for the World Cup which is for the players to be motivated and have the right mental attitude.
The game tonight obviously is a must win one but Mexico is a more difficult one in terms of the quality of the opposition. It’s a situation whereby, like all other games, we need to ensure that we don’t concede goals and of course we must convert. We need to play like the home team against Panama and take the game to them. We have to attack and play the ball forward as much as we can and get at them from the word go. We don’t have a choice really. We are kind of depending on other teams too but the reality is that if we win tonight’s game it might be enough to send us through because Guatemala could also lose their next two games or we can be hoping that Guatemala get only one point or even three which means we just have to beat Mexico at home.

7. Any instances or plays that you always reflect on?
I think, I know a lot of people say it’s not enough, but one of the major factors which has kept me going is the understanding and love for the game. The game doesn’t owe us anything but we might be owing it more because when having come out of a humble background, now everything you have is due to the game.. You have to always play with the hunger and passion to succeed.
One of the things you draw strength from is people just being around you like friends and family people. You may not be having the best of times but then you tend to think about the good times and you talk to your family and so on and it keeps you strong.

8. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received.
In my particular situation, the best piece of advice ever given was to keep working hard and keep your feet on the ground. In my case it was good to me and I have always played a lot of football and fortunately I had a bit of talent to go with it. I came from a very sporty family with uncles, brothers and cousins always involved in some way or the other. I used to play other sports as well but I think just having a knack for football made it for me. For some reason I always seemed to be better at football and other persons were always wanting me in their team and protecting me.

9. What do you do to relax away from the game.
Normal stuff like hanging out with friends and family.

10. What’s your favorite dish?
The thing is because I’ve lived in so many other places I’ve had no choicet used to the different cultures. But there’s nothing like home food. A typical Trinidad Sunday lunch is best thing ever like some stew chicken and beef, nice red fish and calaloo. That is the real thing self.

11. Favourite drink? 
Depends on what mood I’m in. If it’s alcohol then I definitely would want some bitters in there.

12. What’s been the high and low points in the past six months?
High points definitely is getting promoted to the Scottish Premier League because its kind of fulfilling ambitions not as a player in that sense but as a coach being involved with my team and helping out around the club and giving my input about my philosophy in the game and unlocking heads with the manager and giving solutions. Other high points is just being in a position now to help give other kids the opportunity to do something with their lives. There have been Portuguese players who I was influential in getting to Scotland and if the situation with Densill works well and it seems it should too, it gives me a buzz. 

13. Favourite type of music?
A lot of people said to be when I was younger that it would just be whatever kind of music. But the reality is that I’m a bit older now and when you are away from your homeland you tend to appreciate things more from home. So I’ll tell you that in my cd player in my car (Black X5) right now is some old school Sparrow like Jean and Dinah and Congo man. 

14. Favorite time of year?
I Wish it was carnival (laughs) The thing is I really enjoy my holidays but the other thing is after 3 weeks I need to get back to work and football. I really love the summers but I really love my job, I live a stress-free life at the minute. It’s like me liking the summer but also the winter too. 

15. Most comfortable football boot?
Right now an older players like it as well as you tend to go back to it if you don’t have sponsorship deal. That’s the Copa Mundial boots. Over the span of 18 years as a player, I have had deals with Reebok in Portugal and then Mitre. At one stage I was with FILA at Hibernian and at (Glasgow)Rangers I was with Nike. But now I can basically play with anything and I like that. But of course if we stay longer in the Premier League then some sort of deal may come through again.

16. Name one thing about yourself you would change if given the chance? Even if it meant going back in time.
I have always been the type to do things my way. I’m a bit stubborn and maybe it would be changing that. But also because of that way, it made me always determine to do what I set out to do and that’s a good thing. 

17. Preferred Wear.
Jeans, T-shirt, a pair of trainers, slippers or shorts.

18. Ay advice for others aspiring to make something of themselves?
To give kids advice I would have to say to just keep focused on whatever your objectives are in life. Don’t get sidetracked. Even if it means wanting to be a doctor, before you get there it might mean you would have to work in a store to up some cash to do to school. But don’t get sidetracked when you are working in the store. Keep working really hard at whatever you want and always keep your foot on the ground.

19. What’s the biggest Impact you have had at a club?
That is difficult to say but what I can is that you tend to feel a certain sense of pride when you go back to clubs and places and people treat you with respect. It’s easier to describe it in that way. The fans were unhappy when I left these clubs but when I go back now and the people who I’ve worked with the end up becoming good friends and they treat you with respect and show appreciation for what you did at the club.

20. Tell us a bit about your early days in Portugal as a professional footballer. Was it a struggle?
Its always a struggle. if anyone says to me if it’s different then I won’t take them on. If you go to Inter Milan, AC Milan, Manchester United or Porto, the early days are always a bit of a struggle for one reason or the other. You always have to adapt to football and to life. At smaller clubs you have to do the same as well because there’s a financial difference obviously.

21. What is your ultimate goal. Let’s say next 5, ten or 15 years.
Obviously because I want to go into management, it would be to win big things as a manager. The biggest club trophy is obviously the World Club championship just like it is for national teams. But if I’m coaching in Europe it’s just a dream come true just as you have to start dreaming to reach a high level before you start playing professionally.

22. We remember you with the Afro-hairstyle in your younger days. What’s up with the dreadlocks now.
To be honest, growing up, a lot of the people who had influence on me and I used to be around were those of the Rastafarian background. Then I also played in Jamaica for a while and I always wanted that dreads from since then. But at the time, I was starting to play professionally and back then it statement about what cultural beliefs you had and it depended on what managers may think of it and so on. It may have been a wrong choice especially as it was already hard coming from Laventille and being black.
Nowadays though, people don’t really care if it’s about religion or cultural beliefs. They see it as a hairstyle. But then you get to a stage where you have already crossed that stepping stone and you can now make these kind of decisions based on what you believe. I have always sympathized with the people with these beliefs when I was back home in the early days. I like the kind of righteousness that it stands for. For me it’s not just a fashion statement.

23. Does Russell have any superstitious doings before he takes the field?
My superstition has always been taking a good pass off in the toilet before going to a match, (he says with an even bigger laugh). I tell myself that if I do “my shit” off the field then I won’t do it on the field and I have been doing this since the age of 14.

It's now or never.

By: Lasana Liburd (Express).
06-Oct-2005 - Enigmatic Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Russell "The Little Magician" Latapy talks to Express Sports about his shock return to international duty; November 19, 1989; and how he plans to get T&T to the World Cup.
"Football is a game in which imagination and, many times, stupidity have no limits"-Carlos Queiroz, Manchester United assistant manager and ex-Real Madrid coach.
Russell Latapy had just one request for Express Sports before he began his interview. He would like a smoke, which is funny because he has been on fire for employers, Falkirk Football Club, and the Trinidad and Tobago national team for much of the past month.
Falkirk manager John Hughes told the Scottish media recently that Latapy smokes 40 cigarettes a day. Was there truth to that story then?
"No, he was just winding me up," said Latapy. "I smoke only eight to ten a day."
Ahmmm Nothing to alarm anti-smoking watchdogs then, right "Puff Daddy"?
Yet, perversely, there was a touch of the surreal as Latapy-the sole occupant of the Falkirk dressing room-lit up, leaned back on a bench and stretched his legs before embarking on a journey through his footballing life.
The zenith of his career, fingers crossed, will be Trinidad and Tobago's World Cup qualifier at home to Mexico on Wednesday October 12. The dreadlocked midfielder has it figured out.
Smoke swirling around his head, Latapy gave a monologue befitting of Russell Crowe's brilliant but eccentric character in A Beautiful Mind.
"Everyone wants to be the seeded team in the group," he said, in a soft, raspy tone, "so Mexico wants to win (their final games) as well. So we are hoping that they will be at full strength and they can beat Guatemala in Mexico.
"That would leave Guatemala on eight points. What will happen therefore is if we beat Panama in Panama, that will take us to ten points. So it comes down to the last game as far as who is going to get the play-off spot.
"Obviously, we have got a difficult game, which is Mexico in Trinidad, and they have got Costa Rica at home. Hopefully, there is going to be fair play and Costa Rica is going to go there and try to win the game.
"But I am thinking that if Mexico beats Guatemala in Mexico and we beat Mexico at home and Panama away then it doesn't matter what else happens."
Phew. It probably cost a small fortune for him to explain that over the telephone to his close pal and national team captain Dwight Yorke, who now plies his trade for Sydney FC in Australia.
Should Trinidad and Tobago qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the pact between the two friends will surely be one of the tournament's most intriguing stories.
On his last chat with the Express, Latapy insisted that he would not end his premature retirement from international duty.
Barely two months later, he was back in red, white and black gear and his quality might just tip the scale in T&T's favour.
He laughed when asked about his change of heart.
"There is a good quote from Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz that I really loved," said Latapy, "which goes that, in football, there is no limit to stupidity or imagination. I think that sums up football-just expect the unexpected.
"That is what is happening here. At 37, for some reason, I am having the opportunity to go back (and possibly qualify for the World Cup) as a player and I never thought that would happen."
Sure, Latapy gave the Express a glimpse of the ball but he certainly did not pass it.
Why did you change your mind? Why now?
Latapy confirmed that Yorke played a major role. He went as far as to joke that he was "Dwight's guest player on the national team".
What we do know is that the pair had a very interesting conversation after Trinidad and Tobago's 1-0 away defeat to the United States on August 17 and before qualifiers against Guatemala and Costa Rica in early September.
A chat that could create sporting history for the tiny Caribbean country.
When they spoke, Guatemala were three points clear in the race for the fourth qualifying spot and could have virtually assured themselves of a play-off place by beating fifth-placed T&T in the subsequent fixture.
Latapy returned for that match and scored as well as created another goal for teammate Stern John in a 3-2 win, which breathed life into faltering local hopes.
"(Dwight) said to me basically, 'do me a favour and come and play two games'," Latapy explained. "The reality is that Dwight was the only person who could get me to change my mind for various reasons. Not just the friendship but he understands the football the way I see the football as well...
"He asked me for some time to come back and I stood my ground, but I realised that the team really needed me and were in a position where I was struggling. And I just decided 'okay, two games'."
Was it another step over? Did the team not need him after an opening defeat at home to the United States or a crushing 5-1 loss away to Guatemala?
Perhaps there was a sweetener as well. Latapy made no secret of his desire to take the reins as national head coach in the past.
Did the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) special advisor Jack Warner promise him the position, once it becomes available again?
"(Jack and I) never really got into that," he said. "I quite like my job right now (as player/coach at Falkirk). I am really involved in the coaching side here and I think I am making a contribution. I've got the reserve team and I see some of the young kids I have worked with coming along and I am happy. I am learning my trade here as a coach.
"I am definitely interested in the (national) post and I do think I can make a difference in Trinidad and Tobago football. But it would have to suit everybody.
Latapy was gliding past tackles in the near-deserted dressing room. Perhaps it is best to just enjoy your ice cream before it melts. Latapy has committed himself to two more outings for the national team and it means an additional 180 minutes of one of the most charismatic footballers to wear national colours.
For what it is worth, the Little Magician will happily accept half a dozen more caps, but only if Trinidad and Tobago progress to the play-off spot with Asia and then to the prestigious 2006 tournament.
He might be the last entrant into coach Leo Beenhakker's dressing room but he understands the magnitude of the task ahead better than anyone.
At the mention of the date 'November 19', Latapy stumbles in possession for the first time during the course of the interview.
He represented the likes of Portugal champions, Porto FC, and Scottish giants, Glasgow Rangers, but, Latapy insisted, he never played in a bigger match than the one that plunged the nation into mourning.
The fateful day when, one point away from the 1990 World Cup in Italy, Trinidad and Tobago lost 1-0 at home to the United States in their final qualifying match.
Latapy was 21 years old at the time and consoled himself with the belief that T&T would surely get there in four years' time. It took him 16 years to get close again.
At 37, he is humbled by the opportunity ahead of him. It is the chance to atone that every veteran prays for but rarely receives.
Latapy won titles with Porto, Hibernian, Glasgow Rangers and Falkirk but it is the defeats that haunt him.
In the 1994/95 season, ex-Italy star goalkeeper Walter Zenga blocked his penalty as Porto bowed out of the UEFA Cup, beaten 4-3 by Sampdoria in a penalty shoot-out at the quarterfinal stage.
"Unfortunately, that is the way my career has gone," he said. "November 19 and the UEFA Cup quarter-finals. Those were my big games the ones that could take me a step closer to what I wanted to achieve."
Latapy flirted with worldwide acclaim in his prime but grazed the outside of the post.
At 21, he expected to catch the eye at Italia 1990. It did not materialise and he toiled in the Portugal lower divisions before his break came in 1994 at Porto-his self-proclaimed spiritual home.
His first season saw Porto, under the tutelage of coach Bobby Robson and his interpreter Jose Mourinho, sweep the domestic titles but it was Latapy's missed penalty that ended their UEFA Cup advancement.
He stayed for one more year with Porto, before moving to Boavista, and then to Hibernian in the Scottish First Division.
Again, things could have turned out so differently but for that missed opportunity.
Now, at 37, his playing time is almost up and would not be significantly altered by an appearance in the World Cup. It is about fulfilling a childhood dream and taking his place among the world's greatest players.
Or does he have more grandiose ambitions? Latapy's eyes are dancing through the cigarette smoke again. In football, imagination and stupidity have no limits.

Russell Latapy: Let’s unify T&T.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
10-Sept-2005 - National midfielder Russell Latapy is calling for continued  faith in this country’s chances of advancing to the 2006 World Cup finals.
With the ‘Warriors’ now in a situation where they must go all out in their two remaining matches away to Panama on October 8 and home to Mexico four days later, Latapy, who played the last two games against Guatemala and Costa Rica in its entirety, has signaled his intentions to continue making a contribution to the “Journey to Germany”.
“It’s right after the game still and what I must say is that I thoroughly enjoyed being back with the team but that decision is one where I will have to sit with everyone involved meaning my club, the federation and my family. The good thing about it is that I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and that’s a step in the right direction,” Latapy told TTFF Media.
“We’re definitely still in with a chance. We got three points out of a four we were possibly looking for but it means we are still very much into it. What we need to do is to unify the country and concentrate on the football aspect because we all know what qualification would mean for us and what it can do for the country. In my mind I think I can come back on the playing side and make a positive contribution and I will be happy to do that if I’m invited,” the Falkirk player/coach added.
The former national captain has also made a plea for the country to rally behind the team and use the football fever as a catalyst for positive change in the society.
“If we can get the six points, then we definitely stand a chance but I think the country has to be the 12th man for us every step of the way. I remember watching the Euro Championship in Portugal and every single window of every house had national flags flying and people would be wearing the jersey of the national team days before the game and I think that is a big boost for us and a good thing for unifying the country. Sports has a way of doing that and we can get our minds of some of the other things happening in the society. We as players and other people involved are doing this because we are all professionals and this is what we live to do. In general the country will benefit from it and I’m asking the country to play their part and have that psychological effect by just coming out and supporting us. Let everybody see that Trinidad and Tobago is unifying,” said Latapy who responded by acknowledging the fans with overhead claps when the speakers blasted Machel Montano’s “You” when he first took the field last Saturday before the match versus Guatemala.  “We do this for each other,” he added.
During the interview  in San Jose before departing for London on Thursday, “Latas” touched again on the matter of his position as a player in the current campaign.
“I have mentioned that I’m 37 and it’s not getting any easier. But once the people want me to, then I will make the contribution but after all of this I don’t know how much longer it can be on the playing side. I never turned my back on the country but I have to make decisions that are right for myself and for the country. I don’t want to come back and cheat the country because I have had too many positive times wearing the national team jersey to go out on a bad note so I’m not going to let that happen. In saying so, I think I am still capable of playing and creating offensively and that is the reason that I am back even though I may not really have the legs to get around the way I used to.
“My decision was based on me thinking that if I can come back and contribute in a positive way which is what I wanted to do and I am quite happy with the team spirit and being involved again. I think if we can concentrate on ourselves then we are definitely still in with a chance of making it. We have two games remaining and in my opinion, the coach is in charge and he will play it as he sees it. But we must play to win and once we can concentrate on team Trinidad and Tobago, then we can get the results and of course we also have to look out for the other results because if Guatemala wins their two matches then it goes to them. But they have two difficult games so I’m thinking if we can get six points that will set us nicely for the playoffs and if that’s the route we have to take then so be it because the main objective is to get to the next World Cup,” the “Little Magician” ended.

No miracles says Russell Latapy.

By: Jovan Ravello (Guardian).
31-Aug-2005 - Former national captain Russell Latapy returned home yesterday at 6.15 pm to renew his stint with international football but promising fans no miracles. Latapy will come out of retirement on the weekend in a World Cup qualifier against Guatemala in an effort to boost T&T’s chances of qualifying for next year’s finals in Germany.
The ‘Little Magician’ was whisked away to a press conference in the VIP lounge of Piarco International Airport, where he revealed he was feeling good to be back.
FIFA vice-president Jack Warner and president of the T&T Football Federation (TTFF), Oliver Camps, together with manager of the Warriors, Bruce Aanensen, were on hand to welcome the Falkirk player/coach and the other foreign based players who were on the same flight.
Accompanying Latapy on the flight from London were goalkeepers Kelvin Jack and Shaka Hislop, Chris Birchall, Carlos Edwards, Marvin Andrews and Brent Sancho.
Though he conceded that his age would be a factor, the 37-year old Latapy cited the fact that he has been playing at a higher level for the past three to four seasons and is therefore in good shape for the Guatemala clash. Pointing out that he was promising no miracles, Latapy said the only problem he foresees is with the heat.
He said that it was after consultation with Warner, the T&TFF special advisor and national captain Dwight Yorke, he decided to make a return to the team, realising that the Warriors still had a realistic chance of getting to the World Cup.
“T&T was never far from my heart, although I was so far away. I kept in touch with the team’s progress and kept interested in the cause. It is really heartening to know that I am still appreciated and people think that I can make a difference,” said the ace midfielder, who is coming off a four-year absence from national duty.
Latapy also sought to clarify his position with the team, saying that if they succeed in getting the points in the next two encounters, then it is possible that he will stay on for the remainder of the campaign.
However, he said if the team failed in its mission in the next two matches, then he would return to Scotland to fulfill his coaching responsibilities with Falkirk.
Latapy was also in high praise for national coach, Dutchman, Leo Beenhakker. “Once you were the coach of Real Madrid, then you have to be someone.”
T&T are currently on four points after six matches in their campaign and after suffering their fourth loss in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying final round, when they went down 1-0 to the United States at the Rentschler Field on August 17, will be pressed to get full points against the Guatemalans. Guatemala beat T&T 5-1 in Guatemala in their last clash. They arrive in T&T today and will camp at the Kapok Hotel, Maraval. Warner announced that regardless of the spectator turnout on Wednesday, the match will be televised on NCC TV channels 4 and 16.

Latapy looks to a memorable ending.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
25-Aug-2005 - Returning national soccer midfielder Russell Latapy says he intends to finish his international career with pleasant memories and he is intent on helping T&T to get to a World Cup final before he hangs up his playing boots.
Latapy revealed on Monday that he is willing to return home to be in the national team for T&T’s next two World Cup qualifiers against Guatemala (September 3) and Costa Rica (September 7) in the first instance, after being convinced by FIFA vice-president Jack Warner and his pal, Dwight Yorke, that his services are sorely needed by the country.
And Latapy, now back with Falkirk in the Scottish top flight, added to reporters that he’s now having a time on the pitch.
“Maybe it seems as though I’m enjoying it more, and maybe I am, because I’m kinda seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” he grinned.
“I don’t know how long I’m going to be able to play at the highest level, so I’m really enjoying the last of it. One of the reasons I didn’t quit when I left Rangers is because your last memories of the game stick with you for a long time and I want them to be positive,” Latapy said.
Those words can surely be an indication that the way in which he hung up his T&T shirt in 2001 never really left his mind and now the “Little Magician” is hoping to finish his international playing career with flourish.
“The country needs me now and I’m definitely up for playing at a time when I’ve been asked to come back and make this sort of contribution,” Latapy added. The Scottish media continues to stress that Latapy is the main force in the Falkirk team these days.
Russell Latapy is scheduled to arrive in the country next Tuesday August 30 to join coach Leo Beenhakker’s training camp ahead of the next 2006 World Cup qualifier against Guatemala at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on the Saturday.
Latapy, who made himself available to the National team again following a discussion with Jack Warner on Monday, is expected to play for Falkirk against Aberdeen on August 27 and then has to tie up some personal business before taking the flight out of London along with the rest of the selected UK-based players. Latapy’s local representative Wayne Mandeville also “confirmed that Latapy was scheduled to touch down on the stated date.
Team skipper Dwight Yorke is scheduled to arrive in Port of Spain on Monday August 29 and should be available for the start of the training camp the following morning.
“Russell is set to come in on the 30th after a game with Falkirk that weekend. He has a couple things to see about and then he will be here with us,” team manager Bruce Aanensen said on Wednesday. “He will come in with the rest of the guys on that flight and Dwight along with Silvio (Spann) are expected to be with us the day before.”
Latapy added, “I have commitments at the club and obviously that has been the big thing in my career up to recent times but I have made this decision to come back and be part of the national team and the necessary procedures will follow from here.”
The former T&T captain played 90 minutes and set up one of the goals in Falkirk’s 2-1 win over Partick Thistle on Tuesday. He cleverly split the Thistle rearguard allowing  Stephen O'Donnell to steal in behind and slam a left-footed shot from 16 yards past Kenny Arthur and into the corner of the net.
Several of the current members of the team have expressed enthusiasm in playing with the “Little Magician” again and so far the general feeling has been a positive one regarding the sort of contribution to former FC Porto player can make at this stage of the campaign.
“I met with Russell several times when I was at Dundee and the thought of his return would always pop up but back then it seemed it would never happen. But now that he’s decided to rejoin the team, it definitely will add something extra to what we have at the moment,” Sancho said on Wednesday.
Local-based pro Densill Theobald couldn’t hold back his feelings adding “Since the start of the final round I kept saying how great it would be to have the ‘boss’ back in the team. Even when he said he wasn’t coming back a few weeks ago I still kept my hopes up and now my wish seems to have come true. Even as a young player in the team, I am really anxious to see him on the field for us again,” Theobald said.

Yes to 'Little Magician'

By: Ian Prescott (Express).
24-Aug-2005 - The move to have Scotland-based midfielder Russell Latapy return from retirement to join the Trinidad and Tobago national football team has been met with approval by several persons in the football fraternity.
Latapy, a player/assistant coach with Scottish premier league team Falkirk, has agreed to join Trinidad and Tobago for important World Cup qualifiers here against Guatemala on September 3, and then away to Costa Rica on September 7.
The common view is that Latapy's imminent return was a plus and that his presence will help the team. Those offering comments were Clayton Morris, Muhammad Isa, Harold Taylor and David John Williams.

CLAYTON MORRIS - Strike Squad skipper

"Having Latapy is a plus to any team," Morris says.
But Morris is concerned about the impact calling back retired players will have on young footballers striving to make the national team. Morris said that while he is taking nothing away from Latapy's ability, he wonders whether the Little Magician's return is a marketing strategy meant to fill the National Stadium.
"Russell Latapy is one of the greatest players I have ever seen. But I wonder what happens after the two matches he plays. It also makes me wonder what happens to our football after October when (Leo) Beenhakker's contract ends."
Morris says he had not expected a good result against the Americans because of the national team's interrupted preparation. He added, though, that T&T can beat Guatemala if the players regain the cohesion they enjoyed against Panama and Mexico.

DAVID JOHN-WILLIAMS - owner of W Connection

"There is no question Latapy is a quality player. Latapy will make a difference in any team. However, the question is: Will he make a significant enough impact to take us to the World Cup? We are in a big hole. Even if we beat Guatemala, we go to the same points as them, but with an inferior goal-difference." John-Williams says that would leave Trinidad and Tobago with the difficult assignment of beating a tough Costa Rican team.

MUHAMMAD ISA - former national coach

"Obviously I think Russell will make a difference. He will bring some quality to a team that is lacking in the technical elements. He will also bring confidence to the players around him."
Isa says that conceding the early goal against the United States knocked the confidence out of the team. He is confident, though, that there can be a good result in the upcoming game against Guatemala. "We always play well at home, so despite losing 5-1 in Guatemala, I think the result is reversible."

HAROLD TAYLOR - former CFU general secretary

"I think it's a good thing for them to bring back Russell Latapy. We need, we need, we need someone in the midfield," Taylor stresses. "I heard he played a full 90 minutes for Falkirk in Scotland, so he might be fitter than some of the players we have now."

Russell Latapy to rejoin T&T team.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
22-Aug-2005 - Trinidad and Tobago’s Scottish-based midfielder and former national football captain Russell Latapy has decided to make a return to international duty following a special late plea from Special Advisor to the TTFF Jack Warner and Team Captain Dwight Yorke.
The decision by the “Little Magician” came on Monday morning after Warner spoke to the Falkirk player/coach via mobile and requested, for a final time, his services to the “Warriors” who are now in a must win situation in their next 2006 World Cup qualifier against Guatemala at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on September 3.
In the first instance, the 37-year-old Latapy has agreed to make himself available to the team for the match against Guatemala and the clash away to Costa Rica on September 7. Latapy’s local business handler Wayne Mandeville also said that Latapy met with Falkirk manager John Hughes on Monday morning shortly after speaking to Warner, to reveal his plans to rejoin the T&T camp.
“This has come about after several long thoughts and sleepless nights following the match against the United States,” Warner told TTFF Media. “A big part of it also has to do with Dwight telling me that he has spent so much time thinking it over and he believes that Russell needs to be back in the team. It is also a special plea from me to Russell to come back and play for the country and he has agreed to do this for the next two games in the first instance and we are thrilled about this latest development,” Warner added shortly before jetting off to Peru on FIFA business. He added that he will also be in touch with Latapy from there.
Latapy in an immediate response, said he was willing to make a contribution with the country’s interest at heart, particularly on the requests of Yorke and Warner.
“The situation is one where Dwight spoke to Warner and he spoke to me and a decision was then agreed upon. Warner made it clear that they would like me to contribute and for the cause at the moment, for Dwight, for Jack Warner and the country, I am willing to do whatever I can,” Latapy told TTFF Media.
“Everyone knows my situation with the coaching and my demands at Falkirk now and that is where my bread and butter is coming from so it’s obviously not going to be easy.  The coaching market is a hard one now at the moment and it’s not something that I can just run away from. There are a lot of things to consider with the club as well. But as I said the reality is that I would love to come back and do whatever I can for the country at this time,” Latapy said.
Previously during the “Journey to Germany” campaign, attempts had been made to get Latapy back in the set up but the former FC Porto man had explained that he commitments to Falkirk, particularly his new direction into coaching, would make it difficult to take up duties with T&T, especially as he preferred to contribute as an assistant coach as well.
But his change of heart is an obvious boost for the “Warriors” for the remainder of the campaign. Latapy last appeared for T&T in a 2002 World Cup Qualifier against the United States in June of 2001 before announcing his retirement from international football along with Yorke.
So far this season Latapy has earned plaudits for his performances for Falkirk in the Scottish Premier League, appearing in their four League matches so far.
Former teammate and assistant coach David Nakhid as well feels Latapy’s addition will bolster the T&T outfit. “This is great news especially considering the circumstances. It will give the team just the right boost that it needs at this time,” Nakhid said from Lebanon.
Young midfielder Silvio Spann, fresh from a creditable showing against the Americans, was also ecstatic on hearing of Latapy’s return.
“For a moment I still can’t believe it,” Spann said from Yokohama. “It’s delightful news for us because I for one have been longing for a chance to play with the skipper and I think the team will certainly welcome his return at this time. It’s a crucial period for us and to have him back will be a plus for us.”

The money game that is 'pro' football.

Keith Smith - T&T Express.
10-May-2005 - I don't begrudge them a single pound, given that the working life of a professional footballer is extremely strenuous (all those early morning wake-up training calls), to say nothing of being tenuous, here today, gone tomorrow, a player's status dependent on his last season if not his last few games. Well, in a manner of speaking, if you know what I mean.
Besides, as I keep saying, it is useless railing over the obscene (relatively, anyway) salaries they receive, football being a form of mass entertainment in this television age and whatever the romance of yesteryear (all these players giving their all for more fame than fortune) I don't see, short of world-wide economic depression (and there are those who warn darkly of exactly that), us ever going back to those poor-arse (well, in a manner of speaking, if you know what I mean) days.
For example, at this stage of his career, the aging (only in football terms, only in football terms) Russell Latapy can hardly be commanding top dollar and yet his agent, John Viola, whose job, admittedly, is to get the most for his client, asked of the T&TFF's Jack Warner for the following as payment for "Latas" to serve as assistant coach to Leo Beenhakker from May 1 to October 12:

1. £20,000 (TT$200, 000 at the old exchange rate of 1£=TT$10) per month for four years

2. Accommodation provided throughout contract

3. Car provided

4. Mobile phone provided

5. First option on manager's position if existing manager (read here "coach") moves on

6. £100,000 bonus if team qualifies for the World Cup

7. £2,500 appearance money

8. £2,500 win bonus

9. Health insurance provided for Russell and family

10. Contract can be renegotiated if team qualifies for World Cup.

11. Russell can choose his backroom staff if he takes up manager's option

12. Return business class flights to Europe for Russell and family....

I suppose this was merely the opening wish-bag as it were but, in any case, the old Jack (himself made football-rich by FIFA) had counter-offered:

1. A fee of US$3,000 per week (TT$19,000 or thereabouts) free from all taxes when attached to the national selection, with business class travel on each occasion.

2. Accommodation in a fully furnished apartment, the use of motor vehicle and the use of a mobile phone for such durations as referred to as "1" above.

3. A bonus of US$100,000 should the team qualify for Germany 2006.

4. A fee of US$2,000 when the team wins a match and US$1,000 when the team draws a match.

5. Insurance against accident and injury.

6. A re-negotiation on the extension on the contract after October 12, should the team qualify for Germany 2006.

7. Nothing in the foregoing shall preclude Russell Latapy from being a player on the team if and when the Head Coach and Russell do agree to such a situation.

Later, in the face of what I presume to be Viola's resistance ("Jack be nimble, Jack be quick, Better start talking real money quick") Mr Warner upped the offer thus:

1. Weekly salary of £2,000 or £8,000 per month

2. Car

3. Cell-phone allowance

4. Housing

5. International return travel

6. A bonus payment of £75,000 in the event that the team qualifies for Germany 2006

I doubt that any of this was conclusive but I have to admit to not being privy to any further information and, in any case, nothing seems to have come from all this, the reason (well, public at least) for the closure of the Latapy initiative being Latapy's lament that "the role and responsibility as assistant coach/player as initially conceptualised, discussed and agreed is no longer on the table and what is being requested of me, that is, to be a player only is inconsistent with my career goals and vision".
Thus said, "Latas" then went on to "respectfully decline the opportunity to be a player only, as this is inconsistent with my career, and I will now move forward to seeking new opportunities and challenges in my life".
All this, then, suggests that money was not the problem (although Latapy, it seems to me, would have to have conceded a lot for this to be the case). In which case, the question that, I find, sits up and begs to be answered, is who withdrew the assistant coach/player agreement from the table and why. As I began by saying the football professional, just like the labourer, is worthy of his hire and anybody who follows professional sports even, like me, in a less than focused manner, will realise the large numbers around which the game is played.
In which context I am reminded of Northern Ireland's coach, Lawrie Sanchez, on the subject. In the wake of the Wayne Rooney-inspired 4-0 thrashing his team received at the hands (make that "feet") of England a while back, Sanchez said about the "fabulous wealth thrown at young stars:
"At 17, 18 or 21, they don't have to worry about money for the rest of their lives, so they need to have other goals put in front of them...." Well, "Latas" is 36 and I'd be surprised if at this stage of his European career he has to worry about money for the rest of his life. Which means that the possibility does exist that the breakdown in negotiations didn't have to do with money but with those "other goals". I'd be lying, however, if I said that I wouldn't trade the racquet with which I won Harvard's table-tennis competition more than 20 years ago to find out how close Mr Warner and Mr Viola came to settle the money question now that the English pound is trading at one to more than 12 Trinidadian dollars.

Latapy turns down Warriors.

T&T Guardian Reports.
10-May-2005 - ‘Yes’ to player-coach, ‘No’ to player only.
Russell Latapy would return as an assistant coach/player, but not as a player only.
Falkirk player/assistant coach Russell Latapy will not join the Warriors for the remaining Concacaf World Cup qualifiers.
The 36 year-old Latapy, in a statement yesterday, said he would return as an assistant coach/player, but not as a player only, as requested by coach Leo Beenhakker.
The statement said: “I wish to express my thanks and appreciation to all those who positively contributed to my success both on and off the field.
“Playing for my country is an experience I always cherished, and will continue to cherish even after my playing days are over. “Within recent past, I enthusiastically embraced the opportunity extended my Mr Warner to once again represent my country in the capacity of assistant coach/player, as I am of the view that I can make a significant difference to the team on the field, while sharing the glory with the Trinidad public.
“However, the role and responsibility as assistant coach/player as initially conceptualized, discussed and agreed is no longer on the table, and what is now being requested of me, that is, to be a player only, is inconsistent with my career goals and vision.
“In view of this change, I will therefore respectfully decline the opportunity to be a player only, as this is inconsistent with my career, and I will now move forward seeking new opportunities, and challenges in my life.
“I am deeply disappointed as a citizen of T&T, as this was an ideal opportunity for me to continue to give back to my people, and provide the benefit of my experience.
“This experience and winning background encompasses championships and medals at Academia De Coimbra, FC Porto, Boavista, Hibernian, Rangers, and Falkirk FC ,under the guidance and mentorship of Bobby Robson, Jose Mourinho, Alex Mc Leish, Dick Advocaat and Jaime Pacheco.”

No Russell Latapy comeback for T&T.

By: Lasana Liburd - Express.
09-May-2005 - Trinidad and Tobago football legend and ex-national captain Russell Latapy has turned down the opportunity to return to the international fold and will remain in Scotland to further his own career.
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) selected the 36-year-old Latapy as an assistant coach to new national head coach Leo Beenhakker but the Dutchman preferred his own compatriots Theo de Jong and Wim Rijsbergen.
Beenhakker did offer Latapy and the 38-year-old David Nakhid, who was also earmarked for a coaching role by the T&TFF, the chance to try out as players but the Falkirk player/coach has reportedly declined.
Latapy could not be reached for comment but a Falkirk source revealed the player is not interested in an international comeback.
The ex-Porto, Hibernian and Glasgow Rangers playmaker told the press in an earlier interview he no longer felt able to do himself justice at international level and would not join Trinidad and Tobago for their 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign.
He is not short of challenges in Scotland.
The "Little Magician" played a starring role as Falkirk stormed to the Scottish Division One title and will focus on his duties at the club for the 2005/06 Scottish Premier League (SPL) season, which might be his final one as a player.
More relevantly, an international comeback could affect Latapy's position as Falkirk assistant coach, which he seems unwilling to sacrifice.
At present, Latapy coaches the Falkirk reserve team and could make history if he graduates to first team manager-as Brits refer to their head coach.
He will become the first Caribbean head coach in Britain and, almost certainly, Europe if he ever moves to the crest of the technical staff.
Latapy could also follow ex-Liverpool star John Barnes, who had a brief stint as Celtic manager, as the second black manager in the history of the SPL-Barnes is Jamaican-born but represented England at international level.
In England, there are just four black managers from 92 professional clubs at present despite the abundance of professional players of African descent.
Ex-CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh coach and Trinidad and Tobago Pro League "Coach of the Year" Ricky Hill was one of a few black coaches to lead an English professional team when he briefly steered his former club, Luton Town. Hill is also of Caribbean parentage.
Glasgow Rangers manager Alex McLeish told the Trinidad Express that Latapy had the charisma and knowledge to be an excellent coach, although he stopped short of endorsing him as a promising future manager.
McLeish introduced Latapy to the Scottish game when he signed him for Hibernian and once referred to the diminutive dribbler as the greatest player in the history of the Edinburgh club.

Taxi for Russell Latapy.

By: Alan Campbell - Sundayherald.
24-Apr-2005 - It is not only Scotland which produces poachers-turned- gamekeepers. When Russell Latapy returns home to Trinidad’s Port of Spain this week, he hopes it will be the start of a voyage from errant footballer to respected coach.
“Yes, I have heard of the expression,” he remarks as he sidesteps the trap. Having been sacked, twice, by Alex McLeish for serious mis demeanours, the otherwise beautifully-balanced midfielder is not the most obvious candidate to keep other players off the sauce. He intends, though, to give it his best shot.
Latapy will undergo his final coaching assessment for the SFA’s A-licence at Largs this afternoon. It’s an appropriate venue, because just as Jimmy Johnstone will forever be associated with the Ayrshire coastal town after casting himself adrift from it in 1974, so will Latapy’s playing career in Scotland be recalled for his drink-driving offence just 36 hours before an Edinburgh derby in May 2001. Dwight Yorke and two blondes were also involved. Subsequently too was an unhappy McLeish, at the time the manager of Hibs, and Latapy got his jotters.
“I don’t think that one incid ent should define my career,” he points out. “It did happen, and I wish it didn’t, but it’s in the past and let’s move on.”
In Latapy’s defence, it’s difficult to reconcile that bleary-eyed character behind the wheel with the measured 36-year-old who is sitting in John Hughes’ seat at the Falkirk training ground. But, as the prosecution would point out, the incident in Stockbridge was not an aberration; two years ago in January McLeish again became so exasperated by Latapy’s behaviour he released him from a Rangers contract which had six months to run.
So how, I asked the prospective managerial cand idate, would he deal with players who acted in, er, precisely the manner he had at Easter Road and Ibrox ?
“I will deal with every individual case as it presents itself,” he responds. “I took a lot of chances, but I knew what the consequences would be if I got caught. I’ll say to the players: ‘Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time’.”
Not a refrain you would expect to hear from Alex Ferguson, and one which will reinforce the stereotype that players from the Caribbean are too laid-back to make good managers. But a stereotype is all that it is. Latapy has worked under some of the best managers in the game, and believes he has the exper ience to succeed.
This week, with his new SFA certificate in the bag, he will fly out to Port of Spain to take up a post as assistant coach of Trinidad and Tobago. With three crucial World Cup qual ifying matches on the horizon, it’s a startling elevation for a man whose only relevant experience is coaching the Falkirk reserve team.
Latapy will work under Leo Beenhakker, the veteran Dutch coach who was appointed to replace Bertille St Clair at the start of the month. For those who believe that Latapy is too much of a night club lizard to succeed as a manager, his departure for the Caribbean is instructive for two reasons.
Despite having refused to play for his country in a friendly against Panama in 2001, when he also retired from international football, the T&T federation still had enough faith in him to offer him this position. Equally, a figure as substantial as Beenhakker would not have a patsy foisted upon him. The coach will have checked out Latapy’s character with his old friend Dick Advocaat, and come to the conclusion that it’s worth taking the chance.
So now, four months short of his 37th birthday, Latapy will not only get the top-class coaching opportunity he craves, but also make himself available as a player for the post-season qualifiers against Panama, Mexico and the United States. Trinidad and Tobago are bottom of the six-team pool with just one point from three games, but with three countries having the opportunity to get to Germany next year all is not lost.
If Beenhakker and his inexperienced assistant can turn affairs around, Latapy is likely to be offered a full-time contract in July. If not, it’s back to Falkirk, where he has helped take the First Division side to the title.
The midfielder’s twilight playing days, if not as memorable as those with Porto, Boavista, Hibs and Rangers, offer proof that he can shed his bad-boy image. Young players rave about his helpful advice, and he has never been anything other than loyally dutiful to former Hibs team-mate Hughes.
That was a courtesy not afforded to McLeish, but while regretful about aspects of his past, Latapy does not spend the long hours of the night agonising.
“Some of my best times in Scottish football were under Alex at Hibs,” he says. “His man-management is good, as is his philosophy about the game, he’s a good commun icator and I thoroughly enjoyed working with him.”
Having also worked under Bobby Robson and a young Jose Mourinho at Porto, as well as Advocaat at Ibrox, Latapy has sackfuls of experience to dip into when he becomes a manager in his own right.
“You could tell straight away that Mourinho was an astute, intelligent person and would make a good living out of coaching,” he says. “I knew he’d succeed, even if I didn’t realise just how much.”
The Chelsea manager, a foot balling maverick, was given his opportunity. Will Latapy ?
“Obviously a lot of chairmen would take my past into consideration,” he concedes. “It is a question of somebody taking a chance on me. Eventually, I would absolutely love to manage Rangers or Celtic. I would prefer to be in a difficult job, and having to use all my wits, than to be in an easy one.”
In the interim, if he doesn’t stay in Trinidad, Latapy is likely to be playing for Falkirk for one final season, this time in the Premier-league. “You get more time on the ball there, which suits me fine,” he says, “although it is unlikely I could play all the games. To be honest I would prefer 20 to 25 good games rather than cheat the club with 36 average ones. Falkirk is a good place to be, and I’m happy with the contribution I’m making.”
Latapy’s haul of honours includes two championship titles with Porto, but asked if he would eventually move into management with the sense of a playing career unfulfilled, he replies: “I make no apologies for the way I’ve lived my life. I’ve worked hard and I’ve played hard. That’s the way life should be lived.
“Maybe I could have gone further as a player if I’d behaved differently, but then I wouldn’t have been the person that I am. I’m happy with my career, and if as a manager I can surpass that I’ll be very happy.
“Everything that I have in my life is through football. I absolutely love the game. I’m confident I have something to offer in management.”
At Hibs, where he played sublimely, Latapy was embarking on his coaching certificates. The poacher even then was contemplating life as a gamekeeper.

Latapy ready to exploit passion.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
02-Apr-2005 - Newly appointed Assistant Coach Russell Latapy has indicated that he should be in the country within the next two weeks.
“Latas” beat five players before slotting home in Fakirk’s 3-0 win over St Johnstone on Saturday and is likely to see his team clinch promotion into the Scottish Premier League by next weekend.
“I am grateful for having this opportunity now to come back and exploit this passion that I have for the game by working with the Trinidad and Tobago team in a positive way,” Latapy told TTFF Media.
“I think it’s the best time and way for me to impart my knowledge and I have no doubt that we can pull this off once everything is well orchestrated and the team can rise to the call. I am really looking forward to this challenge,” Latapy said.
In another interview published on the Falkirk website, Latapy said the invitation to become assistant coach came out of nowhere and he will leave options open at Falkirk.
”This offer came out of the blue. I receive e-mails every day from back home, asking me to come back and help my country out. I love it here at Falkirk, and would not have given any other job any consideration at all. I will stay here until we have completed our season, and hopefully see the Club back in the SPL. Depending on the results in the three vital qualifiers in June and July, I will make a decision then. If it is a return to Falkirk, I will be delighted because I love the Club and have made many new friends here.” He added to TTFF Media: “I have confidence that we can work to a plan and come up with the sort of results that we are looking for to take us through the rest of the campaign”

Russell Latapy: I'm better as a coach.

By: Ian Prescott - T&T Express.
06-Mar-2005 - Former national football captain Russell Latapy has spoken his mind.
Latapy, a player/coach at Scottish First Division promotion-hopefuls Falkirk FC, yesterday issued a statement clarifying what he feels are major misconceptions about the reasons for his declining to rekindle his playing career with the Trinidad and Tobago "Soca Warriors".
"The time has come for me to both state my position and clear the air on various issues. There has been speculation regarding my intent to re-join the senior national team; my past and current commitment to the success and continued development of Trinidad and Tobago football; and my discipline while I was a member of the Trinidad and Tobago senior team," said Latapy.
While admitting he never contacted current T&T coach Bertille St Clair, Latapy explained in the past he was never required to do so and also addressed the reason for turning down a recent offer to rejoin the national team.
"My intention at this point, as far as it pertains to re-joining the national team, is very straightforward. I believe that I would best serve my country as a coach. This is not an attack on the current head coach (Mr St Clair) or his staff, but the reality is that my eventual retirement from playing is definitely approaching," stated Latapy.
"Additionally, as a prospective coach I am aware that there are times that I may need to utilise the player/coach umbrella from a tactical standpoint, but I believe that we currently have the talent whereby my playing services would not be needed," he added.
Latapy expressed appreciation at being missed by the people of Trinidad and Tobago and said he strived to be an exemplar throughout his international playing career, which spanned from age 11 until retirement at the age of 33.
"People have been making remarks that I am currently playing in a 'Mickey Mouse' league, however, I would like to point out some of my accomplishments.
"I have won two League Championships and one Super Cup with FC Porto (Portugal); won the First Division and 'Player of the Year' with Hibernian FC (Scotland); won the League and League Cup with Rangers FC (Scotland); and with continued perseverance and a bit of luck I stand to win the First Division with Falkirk FC (Scotland) at the age of 36. I am by no means attempting to point any fingers, but I do ask that my critics look at their accomplishments both nationally and internationally."
Concerning questions about his disciplinary record, Latapy felt he had been a professional throughout his career and had no charges to answer to.
"As such, there are no major incidents that I believe I may need to address. However, the fact remains that I am a public figure, and consequently mountains the size of Mt Everest are being made out of mole hills."
Finally, he wished the Soca Warriors and the technical staff the best of luck in the World Cup qualifying campaign stating: "I will always be available to help Trinidad and Tobago in my entire capacity as a national of my beautiful twin-island Republic, but at the present point this entails the use of my other capabilities as my intentions state above.
"As far as the other suggestions about my commitment, if my unwavering involvement of 22 years does not count, I do not know what will."