Sancho retires from international duty

By Jack Nolan
October 9 2006

Gillingham star Brent Sancho has retired from international football at the age of 28. The Gillingham defender and eleven other Trinidian internationals, have chose to retire over a payment dispute concerning the 2006 World Cup.

Sancho - with the exception of his own goal in the final group game against Paraguay - was one of Trinidad & Tobago's star players in Germany. Sancho played every game of Trinidad & Tobago's world cup journey thanks to an injury to Marvin Andrews and the Gillingham star was tipped for bigger and better things but Ronnie Jepson claimed that no offer was made for the defender.

Sancho is currently out with injury and will be a major blow to Trinidad & Tobago, but could mean more international caps for fellow Gills defender Ian Cox. Cox travelled to Germany but didn't play a single game, whereas Kelvin Jack played in the final group match against Paraguay.

The Gills duo chose not to retire over the payment dispute probably to get a few more international caps under their belt. Speaking on behalf of the twelve players to quit the international scene, Dwight Yorke released the following statement, "We, the players of the National Team that participated in the World Cup 2006, would like to announce our consideration to retire from international football immediately after our next two games.

'We all recognise the fact that eventual retirement must come to us all, but certainly didn't anticipate this decision, especially following so hotly on the heels of what has been our proudest and most memorable achievements in the game this summer.

'Prior to our qualification for the World Cup, we entered into negotiations with representatives of the TTFF regarding a number of different aspects of our own performances, behaviour and representation of our beloved country. Issues we felt we upheld and delivered on,' Yorke read.

'It was recently revealed to us that very disappointedly, the TTFF did not feel the need to deliver on their promises and contractual obligations. Following Government's promise to reimburse the TTFF for all their expenses incurred during this historic achievement, it makes the TTFF's stand even more confusing... This all comes at a time when we feel we should be building for the future with our eyes firmly on South Africa 2010.'

Like goalkeeper Kelvin Jack, Sancho is set to miss the next two Trinidad and Tobago games due to injury meaning the Sancho may well have played his last game for the Soca Warriors. Speaking to www.socawarriors.net, the fans favourite Sancho said "It's not just monetary. They have made certain contractual arrangements which they have now reneged on."

Joining Sancho is retirement are Dennis Lawrence (Swansea), David Atiba Charles (Glenavon), Avery John (New England Revolution), Chris Birchall (Coventry City), Carlos Edwards (Luton), Collin Samuel (Dundee United), Stern John (Coventry City), Kenwyne Jones (Southampton), Jason Scotland (St Johnstone) and Cornell Glen (LA Galaxy).

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