Dwight had missed practice yesterday and this morning, and Latapy had only just returned from Scotland wher he flew this week to sign a contract with Glasgow Rangers in Scotland.

When interviewed on natioanl television, Team Manager Neville Chance said that Dwight did not think he was mentally prepared for the match and preferred not to play.

Dwight was quoted as saying that he would issue a statement tomorrow on the whole issue. Latapay was quoted as saying that he would say what he had to say after the match as he felt that his team mates needed to concentrate on the match

Readers may also be shocked to know that it was Dwight Yorke who broke the news of Porterfield's firing to Porterfield in Miami airport. Porterfield still had six months left in his contract when he was fired (accordingg to local media).

"As a father, I think we have got to steer our children in the right direction, give them the best choices, and let them understand that life is not only about nice clothes, sex and partying."

"In my time, when Zeno Constance was my Coach, he was a disciplinarian, and he would hit me a clout on my head if I messed up.Nowadays you cannot do that, " said Hasely who is a part time coach at the University of West Indies on Mondays and Thursdays and also assists the Burnley team under the direction of his close friend Joan Thomas.

Hasely is a San Fernando child by birth, having grown up on Sutton Street with his five other brothers and five sisters. When asked where he fitted in, this larger than life but modest hero stated," Number seven, lucky seven and I have been blessed all my life, by having love all around me, we were not a rich family, but I had rich friends,and we were so close as a family that we all took strength from each other"

"So every afternoon after we played together and my friends went home and went out for dinner and cinema and I stayed home because we were poor, I knew then that I wanted to find a way to overcome this poverty and this is where running came in."

Hasely also recalled that famous day in July 1976, when he scorched the earth and brought joy, ecstasy and jubilation to this twin island republic, this year marks the twenty fifth anniversary of that event .

"Many people don't know this, but it was O J Simpson that called the race and my name was never called until the end, when it was it was obvious that I was going to win. It was all about those big name countries and O J Simpson was only calling"Borzov, Borzov and Quarrie, Quarrie and in the final metres it was Crawford, Hasely Crawford of Trinidad and Tobago. They did expect me to win that race and I felt as well, were it not for the injury in the 200metres I would have won that race also,"

Hasely Crawford says that coaches in Trinidad and Tobago have to learn to take advice. It is this sort of behaviour that keeps Hasely outside of the business of coaching in Trinidad and Tobago.

"I am very particular in giving advice, I really do not want to be accused of stepping on anyone shoes,"

He is determined that as part of the National Gas Company family, it is necessary to educate teenagers on the whole question of parenthood. In particular he believes that young teenage boys need to understand what being a father means," We have to teach these youngsters that being a father is not about having a child here and there and then going your way, there is more to fatherhood than that," Hasely warned.

Perhaps it is interesting that during the course of this interview, Harlan has remained within close proximity to his father at all times, causing Hasely to remember that he needs to find his 1976 Olympic Gold Medal, Olympic shoes, Olympic jersey, Olympic short pants, because Harlan has asked him to visit his school later this week to meet his friends.

Even as you exit his home at Federation Park, where he has been residing for the last four years and you look at the sloppy work done by the contractors, Hasely admits, it is home now and he will stand by it. There are tiles of different shapes and sizes in his dining room; the wood that was used clearly was not of a high standard with a lot of termite holes still visible.

But Hasely Crawford is not a complainer; he is a private man, strong in his conviction that in the end, all will be solved with fairness and objectivity.

Just a word of caution to all readers, if you see Hasely running the savannah on evenings or mornings, please don't ask him for a race.

"Yes, it may seem incredible but up till now, if I am in the savannah and someone sees me walking or running, they will come up to me and challenge me to a race."

As I leave, he is about to engage his children in the rudiments of running, and there is a broad grin on his face as he watches them go through their paces. His wife Paula is at his side very much involved.

Fatherhood becomes Hasely Crawford. This is a man who has attained the highest honour in track and field athletics on the international stage, a "Gold" medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympics in the men's 100 metres final.

Hasely, as he likes to be called, has progressed from the fastest man on earth in 1976, to a philosophical but realist father of two young children who worship him. His son 6 years old Harlan (named after and English seaside town) and 3-year-old daughter Halle (named after Actress Halle Berry) have his full attention at all times and together with his attractive wife Paula (a school teacher) they are determined to ensure their childrens future is secure.

"My family comes first, sometimes I am not interested in talking about track and field, and my aim is to ensure that my family is secure. When I look at Harlan and Halle, I see hope and I see life," a relaxed Crawford told the Trinidad Style Magazine at his Federation Park home.

Fifty years old Crawford admits that he started parenthood at a late stage, but confesses his father Lionel and mother gave him the base to grow into this role.

"Being a parent, a father or a mother is never easy, it is a huge responsibility, and it is something that you only get better with practice, I love my children and my wife, and we are not afraid to show each other affection," says Hasely as Harlan leans on his legs and watches admirably into his father tough but kind eyes. It is only than, that I understand, that I am interrupting a father/son afternoon training session. Even though Harlan is only six, he is now under the watchful eyes of his father, so too Halle not to be forgotten.

"Every afternoon, we go through the regiment of running and Harlan has got it almost perfect, except for maybe his legs, his back lift may be a bit to high. But he is getting there. Of course Halle wants to run, once she sees her brother running, but she will be a good runner as well, I just have a feeling."

It is a feeling that this top Executive (Head of Communities Relations at the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago) will not allow however to diminish his goals of a proper education for his children.

"A parents role is to ensure that you do as much for your children as possible, so that they can have the best life possible, and that they can have a chance to appreciate all that there is in life. I want to give them that opportunity as well."

Hasely was only fifteen years when his father Lionel, a Health Inspector with the Ministry of Agriculture died and he has one regret to this day. "That he did not witness me winning the Gold Medal in Montreal. That still hurts because he was the type of father that if he were alive, you could bet anything, everyone out there would have known that Lionel Crawford was around. He used to walk around very upright and proud."

"In fact, his nickname was "the kid", because everywhere he went, I was there with him, we were very close. It is just like my relationship with my son, till today he sleeps with me, even if we put him in his own bed he comes across by me," noted Crawford.

Hasely also reflected on the relationship between his parents, "My father and my mother never had a fight, he never raised his hands to her and for that I can say, I believe in that same sort of relationship. To me dialogue is important. People can disagree but they must talk it out, it is the only way."

Hasely is at six foot three inches, still quite an intimidating sight, and when he barks at the nine dogs, which patrol his home, there is an errie sense of command, but his wife Paula dismisses a lot of this as show.

"Hasely is tough, but gentle, he sometimes likes to keep to himself and people may mistake that, but my husband really cares for his family," said his wife Paula. Hasely listening with a glint in his eye responds, "Halle is more like her mother, there is no doubt, she is very close to her, but she is warming up to me, and in time Paula will have to watch out," he says with a large smile.

It is a smile that comes easily to this man of the World, this man who has given Trinidad and Tobago visibility, but who has also endured his own personal pain. His elder sister Lynette died from cancer, and he had had to endure the pain of people not understanding that he is a human being.

Hasely related an incident where one day his daughter was pretty sick and he rushed to the pharmacy to buy some medication, when a father with two children stopped him and asked for him to meet and talk with his children. When Hasely explained the situation, that he was in a hurry to reach home to attend to his daughter and he would not have time this day, the man proceeded to abuse him verbally, "Because someone may be considered to be famous, does not mean they are not human, and they do not have a life. We have problems like everyone else, and people should understand that. I love this country, I really do, but my family is the most important thing..........on my job, I am on call every day, but I will do my best to maintain my quality time with my children."

Hasely admits that he almost cried when he hit his son for the only time last year, "That blow, still lives with me, it was not so much the physical lash with a belt, but more what it did to our relationship for a while. Harlan appeared to walk around with this for 3 weeks on his mind, I have told Paula it will not happen again. I now leave it up to her. I just allowed his school work to affect me that day," confessed Hasely.

Harlan attends Newtown Boys in Port of Spain, the Alma matter of sprint sensation Ato Boldon, who has won four Olympic Medals himself (1 silver and 3 bronze).

"I have to give Ato Boldon a lot of credit for what he has done on his own, but I really wished that we had some sort of system in place for there to be continued success." Hasely also remarked, "That thanks to Ato, people now recognize how difficult it is to win a Gold Medal at the Olympics, because he has tried so hard and been so close, it has made my achievement more significant. But inwardly it pains to know that since 1976, we cannot make any serious long term impression in athletics. Both Ato and Daryl Brown did not come through any system, but instead were just very special."

"On the topic of athletes, in my view there are too many drugs in the sports and this has caused me to lose interest in the sport at the higher level, but instead look to the youths."

Continued tomorrow in Part Two

Informed sources have told this newspaper, that the West Indies Cricket Board has been aware of the status of this matter involving the investment of $496,000 by Richard Jodhan (Chief Financial Officer of the WICB). It was revealed that in mid-march this was brought to the attention of the WICB, and this matter was discussed in detail, so none of this is unknown to the WICB members.

It was discussed at least three times previously by the Executive and on one occasion by the Executive, but there was never found to be any problems with the explanations given both verbally and formally by the parties involved.

There is no denying that Mr. Jodhan is the brother in law of Richard De Souza.

Sources close to Richard Jodhan told this newspaper," That none of this is surprising as Mr. Rousseau is prepared to do anything now that he has found himself without any support from anyone, but Mr. Jodhan will not respond as yet to this, leaving for the West Indies Cricket Executive committee to do that,"

"All the facts are there, there is nothing to hide and in fact what has happened strengthens the view that Rousseau really was a dictator in leadership style," he added.

"Unfortunately at the moment, there are no directors in the West Indies with a lot of them away on holidays, so this may take a time.... there was always a lot of pressure on Jodhan from Rousseau because of his link to previous CEO Stephen Camacho, but he was always able to fight it off," he noted

"There are also a lot of inaccuracies and can you believe that he would still be in the job if all these things were true,"

Trinidad and Tobago's leading athlete, sprinter Ato Boldon, is not only known for his blistering speed, but also he is well known because of the active role his father Guy has played in his career, both on and off the track. Ato is certain that a father's love cannot be touched or surpassed and as he looks ahead to fathering a son in the near future, he gave the Sunday Express a look at Guy Boldon from a son's perspective.

"My Father and I have not always got along, especially when I was a teenager, it was very difficult because we were both very strong willed and stubborn and wanted our own way, it was rather difficult", says Four time Olympic medallist Ato Boldon of his relationship with his dad, Guy in the early years.

28 year old Boldon admits though," That I would rather have a father who cares so much and is at times over-bearing than one who does not care what you are doing or where you are going."

"My Father more than anyone was very instrumental in my career, he was totally responsible for me being involved in athletics, he has by his work behind and in front of the scenes, given my career the strength it needed to move where it has financially and also given me a piece of mind," he added.

Ato says that," My father is not an easy man to get along with, but at this time we are probably getting along better than we ever did in my life. We are both very opinionated, but now I think he recognizes that I am no longer 18 and that I am a man and will make my own decisions, and even though he may still disagree with some of them, we manage to work it out."

But Ato is quick to add on Father's Day," That there are things that my father does for me still, that I would not be able to handle like him, and in the way he does,"

"A lot of people say that my Father is arrogant, but people say the same things about me, and that will be so once you are in public life, but I rather have my family around me rather than anyone else,"

"Because if you take the good with the bad, the good is always better as your Father is always seeking your interest and what is best for his son or daughter, even if at times he may do or say things which could have been done differently," he remarked.

Ato who left Trinidad and his father's home when he was fourteen years and moved to the United States with his mother (Hope) and brother (Okeera), dismisses distance as any hindrance to his relationship with his father," I speak to my father at least three times a week, he normally comes to Los Angeles at least once a year and I come to Trinidad and Tobago, at least five times a year, so distance was and is still no problem, in fact because of my schedule, I probably see my father as much as my wife (Cassandra)."

There is a lot of pride in Ato's voice when he adds," My Father is the most honest person on my team, he would not sugar coat anything, just like me, if I have run a bad race, he will call me on the phone and tell me, what went wrong. I want to hear the truth and I appreciate the way he speaks."

Ato who is a father himself to 9 year old daughter Bri disclosed that he has learnt a lot of lessons from his dad, Guy," I have learned that you need to give your children more rein, in my case, my father held the reins very tight, just as in horseracing, and if my brother and I were not intelligent enough we could have rebelled from this love, some people call it tough love, but we understood his intentions, if not always the means."

"In my case, I have been a lot more free with Bri, but She is still very disciplined and matured and I have been able to get the same results, my father got with us,"

Ato stated that he was considered to be a "nerd" in school (Fatima College) and were it not for his father, who knows how he would have turned out," I was a whimp in school, I was a little nerd, but my Father was the one who went out and bought me stuff that changed my life and got me more athletic, he encouraged me from small to pick up sport and nurtured my juices, I have a lot to love and thank my father for."

"He is a strong competitor and does not like to lose, just like me, we have some similarly and anyone seeing us can know we are Father and son, when he defends me, it is done with a Father's passion and with a wish for me to be the best I can,"

"During the time this year when there were poor times, he kept on behind me to do better and to give more, and that the rewards will come, he never lost faith like so many others,"

"In a time of crisis, I know that I can turn to my father, because he will always be there for me.....the road ahead in sport is full of twists and turns, one day you may be up, the next day you may down, but you have to live through both days and look forward to making the remainder better," said Ato Boldon.

"A Father's love is something you cannot ever replace, My Father, my brother and I share a special relationship, which gives me the desire, will and ability to live each day knowing there are people out there who love you,"

"I would not give up my father or my mother for the World, they are both great parents in their own different way, each brings their special attributes to my life, I thank them both for where I am today, "he concluded

With all the talk of firing, banning and just plain termination in sport, Trinidad's resident expert, DR Braveword (no relation), who spends most of his life in his local rum shop, doing language research, has offered his clarification on unclear words and definitions.

Dear DR Braveword, As I was watching Brian Lara's last walk off the field today, I was thinking of my boots, the boot up the behind and royal bootlegger or what we also call a spirited puncheon drinker, and I was wondering idly if there was any particular difference between a bootlicker and bootless."

Dr. Braveword writes: Is that your question?

No, it isn't. I am sure there is no particular difference between the boot and a boot. It is quite interesting, however, that we have two different expressions for exactly the same type of dismissal, which seems a case of over-production.

Dr. Braveword writes: Just a one-off, surely. There is no other example of an incident that has two similar names.

Well, that's not quite true, is it? After all, there's West Indies cricketers and failures. There is West Indies cricketers and non-tries. There is clueless and West Indies Cricket Board. And even the West Indies players know that there are panties and knickers. There's.

Dr. Braveword writes: All right, all right, wise guy! So, when I said that no other incident has two names, I should have said that EVERY other incident related to West Indies cricket has two names. Big deal. Now, what's your question?

Well, I was thinking that it's interesting that the name "cricket boots "has survived as well as "booty "has, even though "bootlegging "has no linguistic by-products.

Dr. Braveword writes: How do you mean?

I mean that there are no slang words or expressions associated with "cricket boots." We don't say "I'm going to put on my crickety boots" or anything like that. Whereas we do talk about a pair of ducks in the same boots in West Indies cricket very often. We even say "give them all the boot ", meaning it is time for the WICB to put their feet down, and we also use "booty "as one of the many synonyms for drunk stupor many of the West Indian players find themselves in on the morning of many a test, at home or abroad.

Dr. Braveword writes: Do we?

Yes, we do. We also don't talk about the "boot --camp," as a shorthand reference to the kind of camp, several of the West Indian players need to experience so that they can stop talking only in loud voices at parties.

Dr. Braveword writes: Do we?

Oh, yes. Of course, a cricket boot is not like other --booths-, which are meant to be a temporary shelter, and to wear a West Indian one should mean pride, integrity and discipline. Some boots are like bats, they are made from trees.

Dr. Braveword writes: Which one is that?

The Lastbootingchancenia.

Dr Braveword writes: Yes, it is about time, someone at the top of the tree makes a stance and then stands by it.

But they need to have testicular fortitude in cricket for that to happen, and most of these guys sleep with their boots on, because they suffer from cold sweating and fits of fright.

Dr. Braveword writes: Right! I'm with you. I think.

Of course, we mustn't make the mistake of thinking that it was Vivian Richards, Gordon Greendige or Larry Gomes 's boots that made them better players. For one thing, they all had different sizes. For another thing, they hadn't invented fame, fortune, self gratification, unbridled sex and lack of proper control and focus by then.

Dr. Braveword writes: It is time to maybe stop putting the --boot- on the other foot, and by the way what were some of your cricketers doing building a betting booth?

But Doc.....

Dr. Braveword writes: Have I offended you, I am sorry but I thought with Warney and Waugy due here shortly, they were just being very good hosts.

Am, Am ....Do you know that the wellington boot derives its name from Arthur Wellseley, the 1st Duke of Wellington.

Dr. Braveword writes: Look, have I missed something or have you asked your question yet? It wouldn't matter so much, except the bars have just opened and I think it's my shout.

My question is this. As I was putting my cricket boots on this morning, I realised consciously for the first time that there is a certain technique involved in avoiding tucking your trousers into the tall back of the boots. You don't just want to stuff your trousers down the boots, because they wouldn't fit. What you do is pull the leg back as far as it will go, then fold it round to the side and, while holding the trouser into the side, slide your leg into the boot, then leave go of the trouser.

Dr. Braveword writes: Yes, I've got that. Now, what's your question?

I just wanted to know if there was a word to describe that very particular and quite unusual technique given the BIG BOOTS that this current West Indies team have still to fill. Maybe I should sell my West Indian boots ?

Dr. Braveword writes: I shouldn't think so for a moment, it is damn near impossible for that to materialize in your lifetime. As for selling, who would buy a West Indian boot ?

Do you realise, Dr. Braveword, that all the information contained in this column has been provided by the readers and not a bit of it by you? Just what kind of an expert are you?

Dr. Braveword writes: A very thirsty one, sir, and a very annoyed one at having been dragged out of the St. James drinking hole just to answer madcap questions about cricket boots. You will find me in five minutes' time at the bar of -- My Lovely Jags -- till then, good day, sir!

With all the talk of firing, banning and just plain termination in sport, Trinidad's resident expert, DR Braveword (no relation), who spends most of his life in his local rum shop, doing language research, has offered his clarification on unclear words and definitions.

Dear DR Braveword, As I was watching Brian Lara's last walk off the field today, I was thinking of my boots, the boot up the behind and royal bootlegger or what we also call a spirited puncheon drinker, and I was wondering idly if there was any particular difference between a bootlicker and bootless."

Dr. Braveword writes: Is that your question?

No, it isn't. I am sure there is no particular difference between the boot and a boot. It is quite interesting, however, that we have two different expressions for exactly the same type of dismissal, which seems a case of over-production.

Dr. Braveword writes: Just a one-off, surely. There is no other example of an incident that has two similar names.

Well, that's not quite true, is it? After all, there's West Indies cricketers and failures. There is West Indies cricketers and non-tries. There is clueless and West Indies Cricket Board. And even the West Indies players know that there are panties and knickers. There's.

Dr. Braveword writes: All right, all right, wise guy! So, when I said that no other incident has two names, I should have said that EVERY other incident related to West Indies cricket has two names. Big deal. Now, what's your question?

Well, I was thinking that it's interesting that the name "cricket boots "has survived as well as "booty "has, even though "bootlegging "has no linguistic by-products.

Dr. Braveword writes: How do you mean?

I mean that there are no slang words or expressions associated with "cricket boots." We don't say "I'm going to put on my crickety boots" or anything like that. Whereas we do talk about a pair of ducks in the same boots in West Indies cricket very often. We even say "give them all the boot ", meaning it is time for the WICB to put their feet down, and we also use "booty "as one of the many synonyms for drunk stupor many of the West Indian players find themselves in on the morning of many a test, at home or abroad.

Dr. Braveword writes: Do we?

Yes, we do. We also don't talk about the "boot --camp," as a shorthand reference to the kind of camp, several of the West Indian players need to experience so that they can stop talking only in loud voices at parties.

Dr. Braveword writes: Do we?

Oh, yes. Of course, a cricket boot is not like other --booths-, which are meant to be a temporary shelter, and to wear a West Indian one should mean pride, integrity and discipline. Some boots are like bats, they are made from trees.

Dr. Braveword writes: Which one is that?

The Lastbootingchancenia.

Dr Braveword writes: Yes, it is about time, someone at the top of the tree makes a stance and then stands by it.

But they need to have testicular fortitude in cricket for that to happen, and most of these guys sleep with their boots on, because they suffer from cold sweating and fits of fright.

Dr. Braveword writes: Right! I'm with you. I think.

Of course, we mustn't make the mistake of thinking that it was Vivian Richards, Gordon Greendige or Larry Gomes 's boots that made them better players. For one thing, they all had different sizes. For another thing, they hadn't invented fame, fortune, self gratification, unbridled sex and lack of proper control and focus by then.

Dr. Braveword writes: It is time to maybe stop putting the --boot- on the other foot, and by the way what were some of your cricketers doing building a betting booth?

But Doc.....

Dr. Braveword writes: Have I offended you, I am sorry but I thought with Warney and Waugy due here shortly, they were just being very good hosts.

Am, Am ....Do you know that the wellington boot derives its name from Arthur Wellseley, the 1st Duke of Wellington.

Dr. Braveword writes: Look, have I missed something or have you asked your question yet? It wouldn't matter so much, except the bars have just opened and I think it's my shout.

My question is this. As I was putting my cricket boots on this morning, I realised consciously for the first time that there is a certain technique involved in avoiding tucking your trousers into the tall back of the boots. You don't just want to stuff your trousers down the boots, because they wouldn't fit. What you do is pull the leg back as far as it will go, then fold it round to the side and, while holding the trouser into the side, slide your leg into the boot, then leave go of the trouser.

Dr. Braveword writes: Yes, I've got that. Now, what's your question?

I just wanted to know if there was a word to describe that very particular and quite unusual technique given the BIG BOOTS that this current West Indies team have still to fill. Maybe I should sell my West Indian boots ?

Dr. Braveword writes: I shouldn't think so for a moment, it is damn near impossible for that to materialize in your lifetime. As for selling, who would buy a West Indian boot ?

Do you realise, Dr. Braveword, that all the information contained in this column has been provided by the readers and not a bit of it by you? Just what kind of an expert are you?

Dr. Braveword writes: A very thirsty one, sir, and a very annoyed one at having been dragged out of the St. James drinking hole just to answer madcap questions about cricket boots. You will find me in five minutes' time at the bar of -- My Lovely Jags -- till then, good day, sir!

Leading Trinidad and Tobago sprinter Ato Boldon is hoping for a baby boy soon, to complement his daughter Bri and he is expecting that by the end of the year, he could become a father again.

"Certainly , I would like to have my first child with Cassandra for the latest to be around the end of this year or maybe by March next year, I know what family means and I am looking forward to that, in a short time, I may have a better idea of some kind of date, but a child is what we (Cassandra , his wife and him) both want at the moment,"Boldon told the Sunday Express.

"The time is right for a child , there are a lot of things going on in my life which are negative and I need the positive aspect of a child, and the knowledge that admits all the rumours and talks, that I am about being honest, fair, loyal and loving to my country and family and will not do anything to harm that,"

"I have a preference of course and I want a boy now because I have a daughter already and this would be the perfect complement, there are a lot of things that I want to do with a son, I have to admit that after the Olympics , I thought by now, I would have been well on my way to having a child, but it is my fault , I have been out of the country so many times,"he added.

26 year old Boldon says he will stop at two children though," I really don't want any more than two children, that is enough, I feel that is the right mix and that is a good total , two, it is what I consider manageable,"

"I know that Cassandra wants about three or four children , so it is something that I will have to work out with her and see how it works, because she likes a large family,"

"Being a father changes your life and changes your perspective on life and also of course your finances, you have to be able to adapt to a lot of changing situations, but it is something , I am looking forward to even more,"

"My first child with Cassandra will be something very special, I can not wait, I know we both want a child, because there is a lot of love in the Boldon household," "Both my parents have taught me the right way to get things done and I am aiming to reciprocate this in my action with all my children,"

"Despite whatever , fame, fortune , success , there is nothing more important than having a family and sharing your love with them,"

Sprinting is considered one of the most self-centred sports in the world and Ato admits,"As a sprinter you are very self centred , and always concerned with all the glory , or all the scorn, but now you have to change your thinking, which is good." "I know that a young child and a boy at that, because that is what I want will be able to learn a lot about his parents from us, we intend to bring him up as best as possible and he must know about Trinidad and Tobago,"he noted.

West Indies Captain Carl Hooper is calling on the authorities to bring an end to the Brian Lara matchfixing charge as soon as possible. He is also aware of the pressure under him and expects a defeat in Zimbabwe could cost him West Indies Captaincy.

In a wide ranging interview, 35 year old Hooper who made a sudden but welcomed return to West Indies cricket as captain for the South African series, Hooper spoke on a lot in West Indies cricket, including the controversial West Indies Cricket Board resignations of Patrick Rousseau and Clarvis Joseph.

Hooper's West Indies led team have played a full five days of test cricket against the worlds second best team South Africa and Hooper himself has instilled a modicum of toughness and fight not seen in five years in the team, but yet still this talented allrounder admits his job could be lost if the Zimbabwe tour goes awry. Hooper speaking on the termination then reinstatement of Manager Ricky Skerrit told the Sunday Express,

"Any team that is not doing well, there will be fingers pointed, if we go to Zimbabwe and lose, then fingers will be pointed at me, so you have to prepared for that, so the most important thing is that we have got to do the job as best as we can, it is unfortunate the situation with Ricky Skerrit and so on, but that is part of life and I am sure he is going to bounce back."

"He (Skerrit) is excited and ready to go and do the best he can do as well once we get to Zimbabwe and the same for Roger (Harper), there has also been rumors and speculations about him as well, but I am aware that despite what may have happen in the West Indies, that my position would be questioned if we do poorly overseas, so I have to ensure that we do well as a team, for all concerned"he added

"I am going out there to lead the West Indies to victory, that is my single minded goal,"

Hooper has made a plea for unity ahead of the tour of Zimbabwe"One of the things that will probably show up If you are not a team and not playing as a unit, it will probably even show up more overseas than at home. Playing at home you have got home support, when you are playing in Jamaica, you have got familiar faces, familiar conditions, but when you go overseas, you need more bonding together as a team if you want to pull through, especially difficult tours, so certainly if we are do to well in Zimbabwe, we must play together as a team, we must gel together and play as a unit"

"That is the only way we can be successful, if we have individuals pulling in different directions and we are not working together as a team we will lose,"he added Hooper says now is the time to regain winning ways overseas,"Obviously, we are looking for the tours to Zimbabwe and Kenya to be a successful one, winning the one day series and test series, and continue to improve from what we did against South Africa and try and make greater strides, it is ideal tour to do well on an overseas tour, so it will be great to win this one,"

"In previous years we had a battery of fast bowlers and no spinners but now the mode of the selectors thinking has changed a bit, bringing two specialist spinners abroad which is not normal for a West Indies team, and that is good and yes the composition is good, we have both a good mix of younger and older players,"he added

On the just concluded South African series where the West Indies lost a close five test series 1-2,"In the South African test series, we were up against a very tough and experienced team, but when you look back at the test series a couple of the matches could have gone our way, certainly if the one in Trinidad could have gone our way, it would have thrown a different complexion on the whole series, we take heart from that, we played well in Guyana and even after being two nil down and going to Jamaica, we came back and won the final test match,"

"Now a lot of people may say that was the final test match, but we lost the series, but knowing the South African side they are going to try in every game, but to come back and win the test match was good...we were totally outplayed in the one days, but still some times we showed some heart, at least we ended the tour in the one days on a positive note,"he remarked. The West Indies management committee recently introduced a system of fines and Hooper says "That is obviously a decision for the management team, but as the captain I would certainly like it to continue, It was something that we tried and it is still in its early stages, we still have to fine tune it, it was beneficial, but like everything else, it has its negative and its positives and it would certainly do good for this team here,"

"The overall discipline in the side is good, of course you are going to have a few things here and there, but nothing of major concern, like any other team, the South African went reasonably well and things can only get better,"

On the question of the ever present matchfixing he told the Sunday Express,"Matchfixing has been in the air for so long now, that we are trying to concentrate on winning matches and not worry about that, although some names have been called in West Indies cricket, nothing has been proven."

"Brian has got the support of the whole team as regards that issue, but obviously as an individual, he would like the whole thing to be cleared up so that he can get on with his cricket. But I don't think it affected him too much against South Africa and I don't see why it should affect him as he goes on,"

"It should be cleared up immediately because Brian is a world recognized figure and you just cannot have these things hanging over your head, it puts a damper on it, and it should be cleared up one way or the other, and we can get on with the game," "Never have I ever seen any matchfixing in West Indies cricket because we always go out to win every match, I have never been able to point a finger at a player and say he did something and something is going on,"

Hooper says, the West Indies Cricket Board situation came as a surprise to all of the players,"The good thing was that we did not know the full facts on what was happening as regards the president and vice-president, we were just like Joe public getting our information from the newspapers, so we did not get any special information and this apart we had a busy training schedule starting early in the morning and finishing late at night by which time everyone was tired,"

"It is always surprising when a vice-president and a president resign, there was no indication that this would happen, but you just have to pick up yourself and go on," "Whoever it is, it is important to realize that the cricket is bigger than all of us, people come and people go, and we need to put West Indies cricket First, sort out this cricket, so that sooner rather than later we will back to where we were,"he concluded.

Trinidad & Tobago fans left the Hasley Crawford stadium very disappointed as they saw their team lose 4-2 to Honduras.

This loss has washed away any chances of T&T of making it to the World Cup unless a MIRACLE occurs. This game saw the end of the Trinidad & Tobago dream to go to Japan/Korea.

Already there are calls for the resignation of Ian Porterfield, the man promised by Jack warner to take our team to the World Cup.

The game which was poorly attended by T&T fans due to the reported high prices ($150 for uncovered stands and $300 for covered stands) saw humiliation after humiliation as it was obvious that our teams' strategies and tactics were useless against the Honduras team.

Latapy scored T&T's first goal to make the score 3-1..but then we saw Honduras easily securing a penalty kick to move to 4-1, which prompted the commentators on RADIO 102 FM to call for the refereee to "have mercy and stop the match".

Another goal for T&T in the last 40 seconds by Stern John, did nothing to alleviate the obvious pain that was etched across the fans who had shelled out their hard earned dollars to see their team lose.

Andre E. Baptiste and Ken Butcher were amongst the commentators to relay a match to listeners who were unable to go to the stadium and could not even see it on TV due to decision by those in authority to prevent it from being shown on national TV.

T&T is now officially in mourning!

Dwight Yorke and Anthony Rougier have been reinstated in the T&T national Team. Dwight has sent a letter consisting of a six paragraph-apology to the nation and his team members.

News was carried live on RADIO 102 FM...Andre E. Baptiste was hosting a talkshow on the issue when the news was broadcast by RADIO 102 FM Sports Editor in a live connection with the talkshow!

Reports are that the intervention of Jack Warner saw this matter which was heading towards choas was amicably resolved in a press conference this afternoon.

The talk show was hosted by Mr. Baptiste for with Mr. Brian Lewis - Assistant Secretary of Trinidad & Tobago Olympic Committee, joining him for a two-hour show.

English-based professional, Manchester United's Dwight Yorke has resigned from Trinidad and Tobago football, following the rejection of his appeal against a ban for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Honduras. Yorke was given the ban after the technical committee of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation found him guilty following his non appearance for the Trinidad and Tobago versus Panama friendly on Sunday in Panama.

Sources close to Dwight Yorke told the Caribbean News Agency (CANA)," Dwight is annoyed and he has received a lot of support from the players because they feel he is being made a scapegoat because the new technical director wants to show that he is tough, and that he will not allow indiscipline,"

"But a lot of this is unfair, because his sister is very ill, and we have to ask, if they would have done similar in the same situation,"he added.

"Also it seems that his close friend Russell Lataphy is so upset that he is going to have a meeting with officials, because he wanted to have his best team on the field and without Yorke, (Anthony) Rougier and Angus Eve, Trinidad and Tobago will be understrength,"he noted.

"It should not surprise anyone to hear that Lataphy is also considering his future as well and if he still wants to play for Trinidad and Tobago in this situation and with Yorke resigning, Lataphy could follow before the Honduras match, which will disrupt Trinidad and Tobago football at a crucial stage,"he added.

"Jack Warner is expected in Trinidad this afternoon (Thursday) and everything could change or get worse in 24 hours,"he told CANA

Tim Nafziger, Yorke's Local representative confirmed," That we made an appeal on behalf of Dwight, explaining all the circumstances involving his non appearance, we discussed how Dwight had arrived at the American Airlines ticket counter was in the line for over half a hour, and then we got up to the counter, he was told the flight was close, as they were checking all American Airlines flights as usual one time in Miami,"

"We must understand that Dwight had planned to come back to Trinidad on Wednesday night to join with the team before they left for Panama, but they the Trinidad Football authorities agreed it did not make any sense as the team was flying on Thursday anyway and coming through Miami, so he could meet them there,"

"Dwight saw some of the players checking in, so everyone knows he was there, it was just a mix up, Dwight called home to tell them what had happened and he found out his sister was very ill, and he then called me and asked me to make the arrangements which I did,"

"They were going to put her in the Mount Hope Complex, but because of the seriousness of the problem, I took her to my doctor Dr Pooran and he said she had to be admitted immediately because of her low blood count, so this was a serious matter and anyone who says otherwise, is crazy according to my doctor,"

Nafziger contends that they sent their appeal in writing and he spoke with Oliver Camps (President of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation),"It is clear that they are not going to back down from their position on the ban, and that Oliver Camps will not over rule them, so after practice I told Dwight what happened and he went up to Ian Porterfield (coach) and Neville Chance (Manager) and shook their hands and thank them for the time together,"

"But he is not going to be at practice again, he has made up his mind that he will not play again, he thinks that in the circumstances this treatment is unfair,"he added

It seems that a lot of the decision making surrounding Yorke's ban was done by Brazilian Born Technical Director Rene Simones, who is out of the country attending his mother's funeral.

Nafziger was uncertain."If all the relevant information was brought to Simones before the decision to ban Dwight from that one match was made,"

"I really hate to say this, but at the moment unless there is some sort of compromise, it seems that Dwight has made up his mind,"he noted.