Former England international and returning San Juan Jabloteh coach Terry Fenwick has selected 21 year-old Adrian Romain as his assistant coach for the upcoming 2010 season.
Romain who had coaching stints at St Mary’s College and El Dorado Secondary East, coached the Ma Pau SC U-18 and U-16 teams back in 2008, followed by a assistant managerial role with the Caledonia AIA reserves last season.
“I think he is very good at grassroots football,” said Fenwick. “I believe I’m giving somebody brand new, the opportunity at the top.
“He has worked in the minor leagues before. He has a great understanding of the young talents in the schools systems and I think we will work great together,” added the Jabloteh coach who watched his side fail to defend three titles—League Championship, Big Six and Toyota Classic—last season.
Fenwick who withheld his services last season because of financial problems face by the club which was unable to cover his salaries also noted that midfielder Marvin Oliver will assist as player/coach in 2010.
The former back-to-back League winning coach said, “Marvin will continue as a player because he is still one of the best midfielders in the country. But he will also have a role as one of my assistant coaches. When you reckon on it, I was the one who turned Angus Eve into a coach and Wesley Webb into management. Marvin can't play forever and my time with him at Jabloteh has been good personally. He is a great person and deserves this opportunity.”
Romain and Oliver will also have input in the Jabloteh youth teams along with assistant Reserve Team coach Ronald Primus as Fenwick looks to restore Jabloteh to its winning ways.
Fenwick further confirmed the continued relationship with goalkeeper coach Brian James, physiotherapist Oswald Birchwood and the ‘old faithful’ kit manager Ken Martin.
Fenwick is currently working on getting his team together for the 2010 season that begins with Caribbean Football Union Club Champions Cup followed by domestic competitions as well as the possibility of the CONCACAF Champions’ League.
Romain hopes to play a major role in the club’s recovery and national football as assistant Jabloteh coach.
“Seeing where our football is politically I believe I can come into the football in a positive way,” said Romain. “Part of my mission is also to show youths that it’s better to shoot a goal rather than pick up a weapon and be part of Trinidad and Tobago 2014 World Cup campaign.
“It’s a new challenge. No disrespect to Caledonia but I think Terry is a great coach and it’s a great pleasure to work alongside him. I can’t forget not to thank Ma Pau and Caledonia for the opportunities they gave me.”
Romain further explained that it wouldn’t be difficult fitting into the role as assistant to Fenwick—which was last occupied by Ma Pau SC assistant coach Angus Eve.
“I don’t think it will be hard fitting into the Jabloteh system. They have shown respect during the trials we had. I think it’s an honour for me being the youngest coach in the League. Yes I may be younger than some of the players and young in the coaching, but I believe once I show respect, I will get respect. And already Terry and the players have given me that respect and support,” ended Romain.