...but our hearts in right place, says TTFA boss.
Under fire T&T Football Association (T&TFA) president David John-Williams and Soca Warriors coach Stephen Hart both opted to stay mum on an alleged dispute over the scheduling of a fourth friendly international match for the team during its warm up campaign over the next month.
It was reported yesterday that John-Williams attempted to introduce a fourth match against Equatorial Guinea on June 10 at home, which was turned down by the team management.
According to yesterday’s report, John-Williams was criticised by the players for interrupting a training session and attempting to influence them to take part in the match despite its rejection by coach Hart.
Pressed yesterday at a media conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, to explain what transpired, a visibly upset John-Williams said he was only talking about positive things at the event. “I’m not answering those questions. We are here for a celebration of things today, (in reference to a $600,000 sponsorship from Shanghai Construction Group)”.
John-Williams noted that the game of football was much bigger than him, coach Hart and the players. He noted that long after he leaves as president of the T&TFA, the game will live on.
“I know a lot of people are afraid of change, but change is the only thing that is consistent in life and there will be growing pains as we go along the journey, but trust me the association that I head, I think our heart is in the right place. Our coach Hart has a big heart for T&T football, and we will do everything in our powers to make this work.
“I am also happy to announce that for the first time in a long time that players and technical staff will be paid part of their match fees without kicking a ball.”
Hart who also stayed clear of discussing issues from Tuesday’s training session, admitted that discussions about playing a possible fourth friendly international did take place, but he did not think it was needed at this time.
“We have to remember that the players only have three weeks of vacation and are also obligated to spend some time with their family before heading back to their clubs.”
He added: “I rather move on and look towards what is to be done with the team.”