No one can accuse David John-Williams when it comes to getting started with their journey to a progressive term of office from the very beginning.
Despite the fact that the decline in our economy has been clearly defined by both our Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the rapid start has indicated to the football lovers that the machinery is in motion.
Unfortunately, the initial step made by our national team turned out to be anticlimatic in terms of the recent bit of success which Stephen Hart and his team had demonstrated with victory over Guatemala and a draw against the mighty USA, where the battle is on for a spot in the World Cup finals Russia 2018.
Our omission from the Copa centennial tournament has deprived this association of a good sum of money for simply qualifying to participate in the competition.
What a wonderful start it would have been for the Warriors personally, and for the association generally, seeing that there are so many financial commitments eagerly awaiting to be paid, notwithstanding the recent predicament which confronts our former president Oliver Camps with regard to a financial responsibility for which he may have taken on the TTFF's (T&T Football Federation) behalf when he was in office.
On the brighter side came the news that the clubs in the Pro League have been able to negotiate solid financial support from the Ministry of Sport by way of subventions to the 10 clubs in the Professional League.
This will clearly bring some stability to these clubs and also the league as well, seeing that they too have not been able to deal effectively with the funds that they generate from gate receipts, sponsors, etc.
Can I humbly suggest that while the priority for granting this subvention for the professional league will be helpful to the players and coaches involved in club activity, it would have been very much appreciated if the zonal clubs were also afforded similar financial assistance, even if the quantity is less.
For some strange reason, the lack of importance placed upon the zonal associations could lead one to believe that these clubs and players are not contributors in the process of preparing the youth to proceed to the professionals eventually. I may even suggest that subventions sought from the Government to all associations be approved from an annual budget which should include local, regional, national and international activity.
As someone involved in zonal competition for many years, I am confidently able to assess the competence administratively as abysmal in the East Zone, while some folk in other zones claim similar problems.
Zonal clubs invest approximately over $25,000 just to play in the competitions, where matches are played in various parts of the east west corridor, a factor which involves travel expense for the players.
There is no gate receipt attached for these clubs and there is evidence to prove that prize monies for winning the leagues have not been paid for two years. The same is not the case for the Pro League as they partake of the gate receipts, the sponsors find their investments valuable only to these professional units.
So please understand that funds given directly to clubs in the professional leagues should not be considered subventions towards the development of football in T&T, unless the entire club structure is assisted for the benefit of improving the quality of the game in the communities.
As the current president has mentioned the numerous persons and organisations who are waiting on payments, all of which are long standing, I can imagine the extent of his debacle.
Of course, this situation is similar to what the previous president had experienced and heaven knows what is the solution to the problem. Also of interest was the appointment of the technical committee which replaced the entire one who were in office prior to the elections. The importance of this committee is of paramount importance to the business of football, and while there are always people who will cherish the opportunity to be a member of such a committee, the credentials needed should be well documented before making announcements.
This comment is not addressed to those selected, but the details of the assignment must be clearly defined so that there will be a smooth understanding between the executive committee and the technical committee.
The case of the selection of a coach has forever been flawed for many years, where the process quite often was dealt with by the president in recent times, and by the special advisor in years gone by. I assume that the new management would like to revert to the authentic practice of advertising the coaching positions at least 30 days before starting the search for the right person.
Coaching is a profession, not an arbitrary responsibility given without substantial qualification, especially when it comes to our national teams. This best practice is not unfamiliar with the business sector and even the government ministries.
It is my wish that these recent appointments do justice to the responsibility which are given to them, as it will reflect the quality of their performances in no time flat. In two months time, our national teams will return to the competitive field and all eyes will be on the immediate approach which is supposed to bring the expected results.