Tennyson in San Jose
News that McKinley Tennyson is currently training with the San Jose Earthquakes of the MLS at their training camp at West Valley College alongside another A-League player, Brain Ching.
posted by the timberlog at 11:32 AMNews that McKinley Tennyson is currently training with the San Jose Earthquakes of the MLS at their training camp at West Valley College alongside another A-League player, Brain Ching.
Tuesday, January 28, 2003
Sancho on Strike
News from Trinidad where Brent Sancho and other T&T squad members walked out of a training session, prior to Wednesday's international friendly against Finland, protesting at the compensation packages being offered by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF).
The TTFF has been reported to be experiencing financial difficulties, but recently assured the players that measures were being put in place to pay out a suitable compensation package for the CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifiers which start in March.
In 1999, the technical staff implemented a pay scale based on seniority which was determined by the number of international caps by each player.
The scale began at $300-$500 US (less than 10 caps) and ended at $3,000 US (75 caps or more) for a full international outing.
An anonymous player was quoted thus:
[update]
Trinidad's training session went ahead with the striking players, led by the CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh quartet of Brent Sancho, Travis Mulraine, Kelvin Jack and Gary Glasgow, looking on, having turned up hoping to resolve the crisis. Among the players benefitting from the walkout was Rochester Rhinos defender Craig Demmin who happened to be home and was drafted into the makeshift T&T squad.
The players on protest held a press conference at the Cascadia Hotel yesterday to voice their opinion and plans of forming of forming a players association. They refused to accept the proposals put forward by the TTFF for friendly internationals and competitive matches from February onwards. The TTFF offered US$200 per player regardless of international caps for friendly internationals, and US$600 per player per match for the Gold Cup Qualifying matches regardless of international appearances.
The players requested US$1,000 for players with 15 caps and over and US$750 per player with 14 caps and under for friendly matches beginning with the Finland friendly. When it was told to them that no money will be offered for Wednesday's friendly, the players walked away. The players’ wish list also included insurance coverage; medical supplies at training sessions; sports drinks on a regular basis; meals; access to unbiased professional advice; and a long-term pension scheme.
The players' actions received this response from the TTFF:
In addition, a number of players have been suspended by their clubs for their actions.
posted by the timberlog at 4:02 PMNews from Trinidad where Brent Sancho and other T&T squad members walked out of a training session, prior to Wednesday's international friendly against Finland, protesting at the compensation packages being offered by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF).
The TTFF has been reported to be experiencing financial difficulties, but recently assured the players that measures were being put in place to pay out a suitable compensation package for the CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifiers which start in March.
In 1999, the technical staff implemented a pay scale based on seniority which was determined by the number of international caps by each player.
The scale began at $300-$500 US (less than 10 caps) and ended at $3,000 US (75 caps or more) for a full international outing.
An anonymous player was quoted thus:
"It is something that has been brewing for a long time. Our whole effort is geared towards making World Cup and being a successful national team. We just want the best situation in place for the players who are making that journey."
[update]
Trinidad's training session went ahead with the striking players, led by the CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh quartet of Brent Sancho, Travis Mulraine, Kelvin Jack and Gary Glasgow, looking on, having turned up hoping to resolve the crisis. Among the players benefitting from the walkout was Rochester Rhinos defender Craig Demmin who happened to be home and was drafted into the makeshift T&T squad.
The players on protest held a press conference at the Cascadia Hotel yesterday to voice their opinion and plans of forming of forming a players association. They refused to accept the proposals put forward by the TTFF for friendly internationals and competitive matches from February onwards. The TTFF offered US$200 per player regardless of international caps for friendly internationals, and US$600 per player per match for the Gold Cup Qualifying matches regardless of international appearances.
The players requested US$1,000 for players with 15 caps and over and US$750 per player with 14 caps and under for friendly matches beginning with the Finland friendly. When it was told to them that no money will be offered for Wednesday's friendly, the players walked away. The players’ wish list also included insurance coverage; medical supplies at training sessions; sports drinks on a regular basis; meals; access to unbiased professional advice; and a long-term pension scheme.
The players' actions received this response from the TTFF:
Players who have indicated their unwillingness to represent Trinidad and Tobago in this match are hereby suspended from all football activity under the aegis of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation and all its affiliates, both local and international, pending a full scale inquiry into their withdrawal from the National Squad.
In addition, a number of players have been suspended by their clubs for their actions.
Friday, January 24, 2003
Napoleon Retires!
The Portland Timbers have announced the retirement of goalkeeper Matt Napoleon. The 25-year-old Napoleon, his wife, Amy, and his daughter, Gianni (2), have relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where he has accepted a position as a financial analyst with the Red Capital Group.
"My family and I had a great time in Portland," said Napoleon. "I was given the opportunity to play and the support from the organization and the fans was unbelievable.
"This move was made to give my family the opportunity to gain more stability and to explore future growth possibilities. We made so many friends in my three years here in Columbus. That has made the transition very easy."
"This move was made to give my family the opportunity to gain more stability and to explore future growth possibilities. We made so many friends in my three years here in Columbus. That has made the transition very easy."
"Not only shall we miss Matt's great goalkeeping," said Bobby Howe, head coach of the Timbers, "but also, we shall miss his dedication and leadership both on and off the field."
Napoleon was very active in the Portland community as well, serving as a goalkeeper coach with the Lake Oswego Soccer Club and as an assistant coach at Portland State University.
The Timbers will have their work cut out filling Matt's boots. Good luck Matt and thanks for 2 seasons worth of great performances.
Going, Going, (Almost) Gone
Greg Howes quoted on the speculation that he will be a signing for the new Milwaukee Wave United team. Looks like the position of White Knight riding into PGE Park with his entourage to save the Timbers will fall to someone else this year!
{source}
posted by the timberlog at 10:28 AMGreg Howes quoted on the speculation that he will be a signing for the new Milwaukee Wave United team. Looks like the position of White Knight riding into PGE Park with his entourage to save the Timbers will fall to someone else this year!
"I'm kind of expecting some talks could come, and I'm pretty sure it's something I'll consider," said Howes, 25.
{source}
Thursday, January 23, 2003
Timbers Season Openers and Full Schedule Announced
Today the USL announced the 2003 A-League schedules with the Portland Timbers opening their season in the usual double-header against the Seattle Sounders. The Timbers open the season at PGE Park on Thursday May 1st at 7pm and then travel to Seattle's Seahawks Stadium the following evening. Both games will count for A-League points and US Open Cup qualifying.
Timbers Head Coach Bobby Howe had this to say:
"The way the schedule lays out this year, it's vitally important for us to be competitive against our closest rivals, and with nine matches in May, it's also important that we get off to a fast start and prepare accordingly in our preseason training."
The full schedule can be found on the Timbers website (note the correct dates of the games against Seattle on Aug 9th and 10th) and over there...look!...on the right side of this page
Tuesday, January 14, 2003
Dundee invite Sancho to train
Dundee FC, who are currently in Trinidad for a week long stay, have invited Brent Sancho to train with them with a view to a possible trial in the future. The Scottish side, who will play 2 games this week against a Trinidad and Tobago President’s Eleven and CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh, have also selected Kelvin Jack and Ian Gray to train with them. Sancho has reportedly had interest from other Scottish sides since his return to Trinidad where he is part of T & T's technical director Hannibal Najjar's national squad preparing for the forthcoming Gold Cup.
posted by the timberlog at 11:46 AMDundee FC, who are currently in Trinidad for a week long stay, have invited Brent Sancho to train with them with a view to a possible trial in the future. The Scottish side, who will play 2 games this week against a Trinidad and Tobago President’s Eleven and CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh, have also selected Kelvin Jack and Ian Gray to train with them. Sancho has reportedly had interest from other Scottish sides since his return to Trinidad where he is part of T & T's technical director Hannibal Najjar's national squad preparing for the forthcoming Gold Cup.
Friday, January 10, 2003
Not sure how the "Milwaukee problem" is going to pan out, but I can tell you that at least one person doesn't seem to be optimistic and is searching for ways to organize an 18 team league!! Could it be???? No it couldn't...could it?