Yorke introduces staff additions
Yorke introduces staff additions
Port of Spain, November 14, 2024 – Dwight Yorke has confirmed three key members of his backroom staff who will accompany him as he embarks on his role as Head Coach of the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Team.
Yorke introduced former Trinidad and Tobago international and close associate Russell Latapy as his Assistant Coach, joining the players at the provisional training squad’s residential camp, which commenced on Monday at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
Having presented a comprehensive coaching plan to the TTFA Executive, Yorke outlined the critical roles of chosen staff members who will play pivotal roles in his strategy.
Alongside Latapy, Yorke has secured the expertise of former Manchester United U-23 Head Coach Neil Wood as another Assistant Coach while also serving will be Australian Strength and Conditioning Coach Anthony Crea. Additionally, Derek King has been retained in an Assistant Coach role, ensuring continuity within the team.
Yorke expressed strong confidence in the team he has assembled, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and contributions to football at various levels.
Wood began his playing career in Manchester United’s academy and had loan spells at Royal Antwerp, Peterborough United, and Burnley before signing with Coventry City in 2004.
Transitioning into coaching, Wood started with Aston Villa’s academy before returning to Manchester United in 2014. He progressed through various coaching roles, culminating in his appointment as the Under-23s lead coach in 2019. Under his guidance, 17 academy players made their first-team debuts.
Wood’s extensive experience in player development and team management positions him as a valuable asset to the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Team’s coaching staff. His coaching philosophy aligns with Yorke’s vision of nurturing and advancing the national team’s capabilities.
Crea brings a prior connection to Trinidad and Tobago, having served as High-Performance Coach with the Australian U-17 Men’s Team during the 2001 FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup. In a memorable group-stage match, Australia narrowly defeated Trinidad and Tobago 1-0. At that time, the Australian team was led by their then-head coach, now-current Tottenham Hotspur boss coach Ange Postecoglou, reflecting the esteemed company Crea has kept throughout his career. Crea also led the high-performance division for Australia during their 2006 World Cup Finals campaign.
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) is confident that Yorke’s appointment and the formation of this high-caliber coaching team will strengthen the Men’s National Team as they work towards their ambitions on the international stage.
Expressing confidence in his assembled team, Yorke stated, “Each member brings a unique set of skills and experiences that are crucial for our journey ahead. Their collective expertise will be invaluable as we strive to elevate Trinidad and Tobago football on the international stage.”
“I’m quite positive about these guys. I didn’t second guess here. Of course the selling point is coming to Trinidad and Tobago and trying to take us to the World Cup. I’m delighted that they’d joined us and hopefully going forward everyone will see the difference they make to the national team,” Yorke added.
