Dwight Yorke appointed senior Soca Warriors Head coach
YORKE...I am proud and privileged to receive the honour of leading the Trinidad and Tobago national team.
Former Soca Warriors and Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke has been appointed Head Coach of Trinidad and Tobago's senior men's team.
According to Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards, Yorke's appointment marks a new chapter for football in the Twin Island Republic, as his primary focus will be on upcoming World Cup qualification efforts.
“With World Cup qualification in our sights, we’re thrilled to welcome Dwight Yorke as the new head coach of our men’s national team,” Edwards said in making the announcement on Friday.
“Dwight’s experience, leadership, and commitment to the red, white, and black are exactly what we need to inspire our players and our nation," he added.
Yorke expressed delight at the opportunity.
“I am proud and privileged to receive the honour of leading the Trinidad and Tobago national team. The opportunity to work with this talented, close-knit group of players is something I look forward to. Having helped Trinidad and Tobago to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2000, captained the side at the 2006 World Cup, and been assistant manager, my love and commitment to my national team are well documented,” Yorke declared.
“I saw firsthand as a player how working together to achieve our targets brought joy and united our country. I see that same ambition and desire at all levels of the current set-up. So I look forward to building on the work of someone who I played alongside with for a number of years from youth level right up to senior team, a good friend and former teammate, Angus Eve, and the current interim head coach, Derek King. As a player, I experienced some incredible moments in a Trinidad and Tobago shirt. With this squad, I hope they can continue as head coach,” he shared.
Yorke, one of the nation’s most celebrated football figures, brings his extensive international experience as both a player and leader in the sport to his new role. Known for his tactical insight, passion, and dedication, Yorke’s appointment aligns with the TTFA’s mission to elevate T&T football to new heights.
“Dwight’s journey from a standout player to a seasoned leader in football brings a unique vision that aligns with our ambitions. We are confident he will guide us forward with purpose and pride as we work to make Trinidad and Tobago’s presence felt on the world stage once again," Edwards noted.
Yorke’s tenure as head coach begins immediately, with plans to energize the team’s training and development in preparation for the rigors of international competition. As the TTFA continues its commitment to advancing football standards in Trinidad and Tobago, Yorke’s leadership is anticipated to bring new energy and dedication to the national team.
He was captain of the Trinidad and Tobago 2006 World Cup squad during an illustrious playing career that saw him enjoy playing spells at Manchester United, Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers, and Sydney FC.
Yorke also served as head coach of Australian Premier Club Macarthur FC most recently and assistant coach at Sunderland for a brief period in 2008/2009. He also served as assistant coach of T&T in 2009.
On 25 May 2022, Yorke managed the Australian A-League All Stars in their 3–2 loss to a star-studded Barcelona.
Related items
-
Garvey Maceo rise from cusp of defeat to stun McGrath High and clinch third daCosta Cup crown
It is often said that it’s never over until it’s over, and Garvey Maceo High epitomized that saying when they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a 5-3 win on penalties against first-time finalist McGrath High in a pulsating ISSA/Wata daCosta Cup final at the National Stadium on Saturday.
The Linstead-based McGrath High seemed destined for glory after Devone Davis struck in the 15th minute, but Omarion O’Brian shattered their dreams with a last-gasp equalizer in the 90+7 minute to send the game into the dreaded penalty shootout.
Much like they did in the semi-final against Glenmuir High, the Clarendon-based Garvey Maceo held their nerves best from the 12-yard spot to secure their third title, adding to their triumphs in 2007 and 2021.
Acting Head coach Lester Hibbert was overwhelmed with pride, having stepped in seamlessly for Merron Gordon, who took a sabbatical this season.
“We just had to believe. We never gave up, even when the odds were stacked against us, because a true believer is a real believer. We did it. Being past students of the institution is what drove us and gave us the passion to keep going. Even when it seemed as if the time was going to run out on us, we fought, and this one is for those who never stopped believing in us,” a beaming Hibbert said in a post-game interview.
Both teams began the contest with attacking intent, and McGrath drew first blood when Davis dispossessed defender Malik Robinson and unleashed a fierce left-footer that whistled past Garvey Maceo’s goalkeeper Garfield Tomlinson for his 12th goal of the season.
Garvey Maceo pressed for an equalizer and created half-chances but failed to capitalize.
McGrath, eager to extend their lead, also missed crucial opportunities, as they remained 1-0 up at the break.
The second half offered little in terms of clear chances. However, McGrath’s Dontae Anderson nearly doubled their lead in the 53rd minute, but Devany McIntosh cleared his header off the line after Tomlinson spilled a corner from Shane Pusey.
Minutes later, Jim Mitchell had an opportunity to seal the game for McGrath but fired into the side netting in the 77th minute.
With time ticking away, Garvey Maceo launched a desperate push, and it paid off in the dying moments of added time when O’Brian twisted and turned before finding space for a low right-footed shot from outside the 18-yard box that sailed past Orlando Griffiths, sparking wild celebrations.