Anguilla National Team Call Ups

[Martin]

I love their description of a two legged affair:

 

"The opener of the home-and-home, total-goals series will be played Feb. 6 in San Salvador."

 

God bless America.

[Chris]

I just hope Jermaine does well in the offence for Anguilla ;-)

[Guest Tonupthomas]

Hi, I live in El Salvador and will be at the game Wednesday night (6th feb), If you are interested I write a blog and podcast (in english) on salvadorean footy, this week sometime I will do a special on Anguilla

http://dtelsalvador.blogspot.com/

 

Although their record is pretty dismal, this will be the first time they will use players who do not live on the island, as will as the first time ever that they play against a non-Carribean team. It will be a tough fixture, but El Salvador have plenty of scoring problems at the moment, although Anguilla's "home" leg (26th March) will be at the RFK stadium in Washington DC .... where about 100,000 Salvadoreans live...

 

Will also write a comprehensive report after the game - will keep a look out for your lads!

Cheers

DT

[Guest Tonupthomas]

Sorry, I also meant to ask.... The sports daily here, El Grafico, says that Brian Connor's nickname is "Football Genius", is that correct?

 

Cheers

DT

http://dtelsalvador.blogspot.com/

[Matt]

I think that would be interesting for all, thanks. I will also be looking to do a brief write-up of the two games on our official website, especially if any of our players have played.

 

Can't help you on Connor's nickname though!

[Mr Rebel]

Tonupthomas please do inform us on how the games go

[Guest Tonupthomas]

Originally Posted By: Mr Rebel

Tonupthomas please do inform us on how the games go

Of course...

Not sure what your lads are used to playing in front of, but the Estadio Cuscatlan is a 39,000 capacity, and there is no reason to imagine it won't be full:-
Cuscatlan Photo
Cuscatlan Photo 2

In Washington the RFK Stadium has a capacity of 45,500 for baseball, and 57,000 for footy, it was the first stadium to have dual footy (& American Football)/baseball purpose, they move the seats somehow
RFK baseball
RFK American Football

RFK from above

[HorshamRebel]

Our league matches are in the 100's, so this will definately be a new experience for most of them.

 

The stadium looks good.

 

 

 

[HorshamRebel]

We're thinking of doing an interview (for the programme) with the guys on their return to find out what they thought of it all. Please feel free to put forward any questions you want us to ask.

 

Here's a few to start with...

 

What was your reaction when you were asked to play for Anguilla ?

 

How did you feel playing in the stadium(s)

What were the crowd(s) like

Did it phase you at all

 

What did you do for most of the day, when you weren't training or playing.

 

What do you think your experiences bring to the Slough dressing room, and pitch.

[Matt]

Good questions - you're assuming they all play though (hope they do, of course)

[Mr Rebel]

did anyone get around to contacting Fooball Focus or Soccer Am??(it was suggested on here by someone not long ago)

 

its an unbelievable story really

[Guest Tonupthomas]

Thanks for all your help on this, my blog/podcast about Anguilla is up now ...

 

http://dtelsalvador.blogspot.com/2008/01/anguilla-podcast-extra.html

 

Not sure if the stadium will be capacity, but it will certainly be in thousands, rather than 100's...

 

Thanks again

DT

[Guest Tonupthomas]

sorry, forgot to say... don't be surprised if there is a huge crowd in the second leg in Washington - there is an Anguillan community there and about 100,000 Salvadorians, and when any Latin American team plays in the US they tend to get big crowds - should be a great experience, for those that stay in the squad for the second leg.

 

PS I would love to interview some of the players for the blog whilst they are here, do you reckon there is a chance?

Cheers

DT

[brighton_rebel]

I think Gary is right, we do need to make a big thing of this - it's not often we have internationals playing for us. I hope Jenny or someone does a big 2-4 page interview for the programme - its a one off and something worth championing. I also think we could then send that interview to the non league papers etc

 

I think Brian's story is the best one - 39, about to retire from football, gets a call from Betsy and decides to help out his own town team - then gets a call to play in the World Cup!

 

I would also ask them, if they were disapointed that the game had to be switched to America, and are new FIFA groundgrading rulings a bit over the top for such matches.

 

And has any of them ever been to Anguilla ?!

[HorshamRebel]

Warren, I've spoken to Jenny about it, and she is happy to do the interviews with the guys when they get back.

 

It would be nice if we had questions from a number of us, for Jenny to ask them.

[Rebel_Glen]

Just so you all know, I've just emailed Football Focus, Soccer AM and Talk Sport asking if they'd be interested in doing a feature or annoucing live about our international call ups. Hopefully will get positive replys from them all. Can someone knock up a piece about this story so I can send it on to them if they ask for it? Cheers, Glen Riley.

[Mr Rebel]

its worth a go Glen. its the kind of story that a lot of people would be shocked to hear about even if they know nothing about non league football. the kind of surprising story you see on football focus quite often

 

tonupthomas will check out your podcast/blog. i dont see why our players wouldnt want to chat with you

[charlie]

I'd like to know if they feel they have become more bonded by the experience and what effect they believe that will have on their time at Slough Town FC.

 

Also, I'd ask what their opinion was about the quality of football they saw on display there, whether it compares to their previous experiences?

[mal316]

www.nonleaguedaily.com have already picked up the inclusion of non-league personel being chosen by Aguilla.

 

Chalfont St Peter coach Lawrence Richardson has been appointed as their assistant coach and he is taking his son and Roy Gumbs from Beaconsfield with him.

 

With them doing this they should latch onto your players aswell.

[DorneyRebel]

As a press officer by trade I'm happy to knock up a press release over the weekend if needed.