WALTER ALIBEY
National football coach Stephen Hart has been sacked. The decision was made by the T&T Football Association’s (TTFA) board of directors following a lengthy meeting at Grand Bazaar, Valsayn, yesterday afternoon.
After the meeting, the TTFA issued a release saying both parties had agreed to part ways with immediate effect.
Hart, who has been credited for guiding the team to a path of stability over the past few years, was yesterday asked to present a case to keep his job, following two defeats in as many matches in the final round of CONCACAF Zone World Cup Qualifiers, that left the team second from bottom on the standings.
But he appeared to be less than convincing, as the board soon after decided to send him packing. It is understood Hart has two more years on his contact with the association, which is likely to amount to a whopping $2 million.
TTFA president David John-Williams thanked Hart for his services and said a new coach will be chosen in the shortest possible time.
He has since been playing with the names of four coaches to replace Hart. Contacted on his choice yesterday, the local football boss said he was tired after two rough days of meetings and would conduct interviews at another time.
Only on Wednesday, the board had agreed unanimously to allow the embattled coach the opportunity to present a case for himself, following a meeting on Monday by the TTFA technical committee, which had recommended that major changes be made on the staff to enable improved performances.
These changes, it is understood, did not specifically refer to replacing Hart as coach, but also included providing more support in terms of advice. Contacted yesterday, Hart said he could not be upset with the fans for wanting results, but said he believed the team is still in a good position to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
“I too felt really disappointed by the results of the team, but it is just the way the game goes,” Hart said.
After losing 2-0 in the opening match to Costa Rica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, the Soca Warriors went down to Honduras in their previous fixture last Tuesday 1-3, in a match that was surrounded by allegations that the coach used injured goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams against the consent of team doctor Dr Terrence Babwah and his assistant Dave Isaac, both of whom later resigned.
Hart has denied this and said yesterday he still believes the team can qualify with eight matches left, including two home games in March against Panama and Honduras which he said looks favourable.
“We have had good results against the Panamanians and we are at home so it looks good for us. We have also played the two strongest teams in the group early which means our chances are good,” Hart said.
Hart becomes the second casualty of the final round of World Cup qualifiers. The United States has also fired Juergen Klinsmann following a similar start to their campaign.