PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Football authorities here say they are shopping around for a new coach to replace Russell Latapy and are hoping to have an international figure in place by month end. This was confirmed by Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation technical adviser Keith Look Loy who said the entire coaching staff would be replaced.
The move comes following nearly a month and a half of speculation over Latapy’s future, after he presided over T&T’s failed campaign in the Digicel Caribbean Cup Finals in Martinique last month.
“Following discussions by the technical committee it was concluded the entire staffing of the senior team should be reviewed,” said Look Loy.
“It was also recommended an experienced foreign coach be appointed no later than by the end of January. Qualification for FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 begins in early 2012 and we need to resume our preparations in earnest.
“Actually we are soliciting applications from various coaches at the moment and we are looking to select the best available person who we feel can do the job.”
There has also been speculation that the TTFF were eyeing a Dutch candidate, with legend Ruud Gullit said to be interested.
However, Look Loy said while had seen applications for the post from several countries including Holland, no decision had been taken.
“There are a number of applicants from Holland but we also have applications from coaches in Germany and some South American countries so we have not made a decision as yet,”
Look Loy is the chairman of the TTFF’s technical committee which was instructed by the federation’s executive committee to troubleshoot the issues within the local game and national teams.
The other members of the committee are former 1990 Strike Squad member, Marlon Morris, TTFF executive member Roland Forde, Dr Iva Gloudon and Dr Alvin Henderson.
Prior to being given the mandate to make its recommendation, the committee reviewed technical reports from the national side’s management team, which included Latapy’s.
T&T failed to reach the semi-finals of the DCC after losing their two opening matches.