Ricky Hill Ready to Return to Jabloteh

But, should Jabloteh's board of directors choose to go British once more, they will find ex-England international and Luton star, Ricky Hill, to be an intriguing contender for the managerial position, which is currently held on a temporary basis by team captain and Trinidad and Tobago international midfielder Angus Eve.

Nine months ago, Hill abruptly left his position as Jabloteh technical director to return to England on "urgent family business".

However, Express Sports learned yesterday that Hill would jump at the opportunity to complete "unfinished business" at the Bourg Mulatrasse-based club after a similar exit by Steve Rutter, who replaced him at the club.

"If I were welcomed back, I would love the opportunity to carry on with the development of the club," said Hill. "It gave me immense pleasure to have a group of players who were so determined and capable. I have always said I found my job to be immensely satisfying.

"Being (in England) has left a bit of a void because I know I left a group of outstanding individuals and people behind."

The loss has not been Hill's alone.

The 45-year-old ex-Luton stand out was adjudged the 2003 Pro League Coach of the Year after helping Jabloteh to the most

successful season in their history as they retained the League, which was first won under the guidance of his compatriot Terry Fenwick, while also securing the Caribbean Club title and FCB Cup.

He also brought Jabloteh within touching distance of a CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final spot as the "Green Men" thrashed United States MLS club, Chicago Fire, 5-2 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain, in early March only to lose 4-0 in the return leg to bow out on aggregate.

It was Hill's last game at the helm as he departed to join his ailing wife, Sharon, and subsequently resigned.

He explained that Sharon's illness was potentially critical and, although he was sad to leave so abruptly, he felt there was little alternative.

However, his wife is now fully recovered and he believes his family, which includes 20-year-old daughter, Shona, and 16-year-old son, Shane, is even stronger for the experience.

Hill explained that uncertainty about new surroundings and anxiety over the welfare of your family in England is a big concern for foreign managers.

But he believes his prior experience should be an asset rather than a deterrent.

"The first time around, it was an unknown situation," he said. "It was the first time I was away for that length of time But since being back, I realise that my children have matured while my wife has always been very supportive in everything I have done. So, I don't have those same concerns about leaving again.

"If I do (return), it won't be for a year but a minimum of three years to set up roots, and my wife would be with me."

Hill, who was born in England of Jamaican parentage, admits he would have been happy to ply his trade in England but was frustrated by the lack of opportunities for persons of black descent.

Hill was one of Britain's pioneer black players in the 1970s alongside the likes of Luther Blissett and Cyrille Regis and his silky abilities helped him to distinguish himself as a player in England, Scotland, France and even the United States.

He was voted among the best three Luton Town players of all-time and won three international caps for England-then, quite rare for a non-white player.

If it was tough work breaking the racial barrier as a player. Hill suggests it is even more difficult as a manager.

A four-month stint at Luton apart, Hill's abilities are largely shunned in Britain where he and ex-Liverpool star John Barnes, also of Jamaican extract, have been vocal in their call for equal opportunities.

Barnes, one of England's most dazzling players in the '80s and early '90s, barely lasted a season at Scottish Premier League outfit, Celtic, and is yet to attract another worthy suitor.

Hill claims he is in the frame for the managerial position at League One club, Milton Keynes Dons, or at League Two outfit, Wycombe Wanderers, after the resignation of ex-Arsenal and England captain Tony Adams, but was not encouraged by the fact that less than five of England's 92 professional teams are managed by persons of African descent.

"In the harsh reality of things, it is very evident that there are very few black managers who have been given opportunities in recent times," he said, as he counted the Torquay United's Leroy Rosenior, Lincoln City's Keith Alexander and caretaker Carlton Palmer who, ironically, is filling in for the suspended Keith Curle. "There is not an abundance of black managers in the game. I can wait here forever and be more than capable of fulfilling criteria and still not get the opportunity. The pleasing thing about being in Trinidad is I was able to work in an environment conducive to improvement and to take part in something that is building momentum."

It is uncertain whom Jabloteh have earmarked for their vacant managerial position.

Since Hill's resignation, the club have gone trophy-less while Sangre Grande outfit, North East Stars, have risen to become the new powerbroker in the local game.

Express Sports discovered, though, that Hill feels he can set things right for the Bourg Mulatrasse boys.