Former Falkirk and current Hibernian manager John Hughes is such a big fan of national coach Russell Latapy, that he has volunteered to be the kit man for the current national team's head coach. Hughes and Latapy were team-mates at Hibs and ended up together at Falkirk. And when Latapy returned home as assistant coach of T&T, Hughes was given the top job at "Hibs" and backed Latapy to get the top post for the "Soca Warriors." He was so confident that Latapy would go on to become a favourite just as he was while being a player, that he said he wouldn't mind doing the extra runs for the "Little Magician."
"That's why I told him when it happens he is to give me a call if he needs a kit man. Five years ago Russell was contemplating calling it a day. I think he'd still be playing football, just not in the SPL," Hughes said. "He'd give you the last penny in his pockets and he's always dishing out boots to the young guys. I see young guys like Scott Arfield who have picked up so much from him. He's been outstanding for Falkirk and we've been lucky to have him." And former team-mate Lee Bullen also said he wasn't surprised on hearing of Latapy's move to head coach, comparing him to a can of WD40. "You just have to forget his age because at heart he is just 18. I was at Dunfermline when he was at Hibs and Rangers and I could see how influential he is. He was the player that made Hibs tick at the time. He is like WD40–he makes everything run smoothly," Bullen said
Roberts in Turkish relegation battle
Turkish-based striker Darryl Roberts is trying to help Denizlispor avoid relegation from the Turkish First Division. He says he's enjoying the challenge as his team is second from the bottom of the table with 21 points. Bursasspor are current leaders with Fenerbahce and Galatasaray second and third. Roberts, who's biggest contribution to the senior team was scoring one of the crucial goals that got T&T past Bermuda 2-0 in the second round of the 2010 World Cup qualifying, is determined to remain a campaigner in the Turkish Top League. "At this point, my main concern is trying to help Denizlispor avoid relegation by picking up as much points as possible in the last six games," Roberts said in a socawarriors.net interview. The supporters site is run by US-based Trinidadians Inshan "Flex" Mohammed and Nigel "Tallman" Meyers. In related news, another T&T Turkish-based forward Juma Clarence made a 75th minute appearance for Hacettepe SC in their 3-1 win over Kartalspor on Sunday in League Two action. The win pushed Clarence's team to 15th spot on the 18-team standings.
Edwards promises better run next season
Carlos Edwards is promising Ipswich Town fans a better season in July, confessing that he hasn't been his usual best for Roy Keane's team in the English Championship. "Speaking very openly maybe I've been taking things for granted. �It's not just me who's been saying I'm too laid-back, the gaffer [Roy Keane] has mentioned it to me and so has my wife so I have to prove them wrong," Edwards told the BBC this week. The 31-year-old has scored two goals in 30 Ipswich appearances following his September move from Sunderland. "We should put this disappointing season aside and I think that next season is going to be a very different ball game. "I have no concern that I won't be here next season but you never know, it's a strange game but at this present time I'm fully committed to the team and the club and don't see any reason for me to be leaving unless the manager thinks otherwise," Edwards added. Ipswich are 12th on the table while Stern John's Crystal Palace are one place above the relegation zone. John played the full 90 in their 2-0 loss to Queen's Park Rangers on the weekend. Jake Thomson meantime, was on the bench as Torquay United defeated Aldershot 2-0 to move to 19th spot and safe from relegation in the English League Two.
US Div Two team signs Marshall
After one season in the MLS with LA Galaxy, defender Yohance Marshall has been snapped up by US Division Two club Austin Aztex. Marshall was drafted by LA last season but was not a fixture in the first team even though he trained in the squad alongside Chris Birchall. Now he is hoping to get regular playing time with the new deal having been on loan at the same club last season. "We're delighted to have Yohance back and look forward to him making a big contribution with us this season," club president Phil Rawlins added. Marshall was an unused sub in his team's 2-0 win over Montreal Impact on Sunday. Meantime Birchall started and played for 84 minutes in DC United's 3-2 loss to newcomers Philadelphia Union on Saturday. Cornell Glen came on in the 85th in San Jose Earthquakes' 2-1 win over Chicago Fire.