Tostao Kwashi

[David Holden]

This is what has happened:

 

As you know, we agreed a two year contract with Tostao on the day that we played Stevenage. That contract was sent to the FA, but was eventually returned by them, unrattified because Tostao didn't have a work permit.

 

We applied to the Home Office for a work permit, but this was refused. This also meant that no other English club could get a work permit for him either.

 

So effectively he has been playing on an non-contract basis and any English club could have approached him on a 7 day notice basis, which is why we did not publicise the fact that there was no contract in place.

 

Because he has gone to an Irish club, the 7 day rule does not apply and the work permit rules are different there so he will get one.

 

The Club knew nothing about this until yesterday when Tostao rang to tell us he was going, which is why nothing has been mentioned before now.

 

 

[Richard C]

<blockquote><font class="small">Quote Matt (GNFC):</font><hr />

No doubt if he's gone it'll be on a free which will make a mockery of the contract he signed.

 

<hr></blockquote>

 

Just agreeing with Matt. Still a bit shocked to be honest, sod money, we are losing a class act - If true.

[Stu M]

<blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr>

we are losing a class act - If true.

 

 

 

<hr></blockquote>

 

 

Well, from what Dave's said it looks like it is true. He's rung the club to say he's going, and St Pat's have confirmed they've signed him on the Irish Independent website.

 

Now where did we put that Berkley...? Ooops. <img src="/forums/images/icons/crazy.gif" alt="" />

[Bate'o]

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angryfire.gif" alt="" /> Its good to see that loyalty to your club is officially dead.

 

Anyway, good look for the future Tostao, and if you ever get sick of potatos and Cabbage you can always come back

[Alan W (GNFC)]

Well, to be fair, its not his fault we couldnt get the work permit sorted out & if he wants to get back to international football, he clearly wants to be playing at the highest level possible. Given the lack of a work permit his future in UK football would potentially have been limited as well? (I guess this is hjow we got him on a free from Fisher, so its swings and roundabouts)

 

With due respect to ourselves, I guess the Eircom league is higher level and he may even get the chance to play

Champions League Footie next season, so cant blame him (never mind the fact that his wages will also be higher no doubt)

[Bate'o]

Yeah, good luck to him...I would love to see hime taking on (and skinning) Roberto Carlos in the Champions League next year.

[Richard C]

I cant handle players that just get up and go, but im afraid that in this day and age thats the way things happen, especially when more money is invloved. I wonder if St Patricks know exactly what they are getting - pure genius.

 

Im still shocked, poor Andy. Just when the problems have hit, then 1 more bombshell like this. Lets respond By Beating Halifax.

 

Anyway good luck to Tostao in the future, the short time he was here he was superb and all good players move on, its inevitable, Portway et 'al.

[Stu M]

<blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr>

I cant handle players that just get up and go,

 

<hr></blockquote>

 

 

**I'd agree if he'd just buggered off to another Conference club for a few more quid, but when you're talking about young, part-time players who have other concerns outside football, then an offer from a higher club in another country is probably quite a pull - especially if you're a free agent.

[Richard C]

Ok point taken. Im only 20 and have plenty on my plate too, so I fully understand. Its just frustrating to lose your best player. But I fully understand why Tostao has had to go and I respect, that it was his only option.

 

Frustrated, but Upbeat.

[Slartibartfast]

Good luck Kwashi and thanks for the memories especially the goal Boothie got against Canvey...that left back is still spinning.

When Liam and the Fridge come back from their injuries I think we need a ban on any paddies in sheepskin coats smoking big cigars.

 

 

[Matt (GNFC)]

Perhaps its more of a case that we werent forward looking enough and that his work VISA has in fact run out...As with any Aussie, SA student/backpackers they only get so long in the country before they're turfed out.

[David Holden]

Perhaps you should read the my earlier posting!

 

We applied to the Home for a work permit, and it was refused, (because he had not played a sufficient percentage of Zimbawe's international matches or because Zimbawe don't have a high enough ranking in World Football)

[Matt (GNFC)]

i did but he still has to leave after a certain amount of time. Unless he holds a UK passport he cant stay indefinately.

[David Holden]

Possibly so, Matt, but unless you have some facts to work with, this is not the time to accuse club officials of not doing their job properly.

 

<blockquote><font class="small">Quote Matt (GNFC):</font><hr />

Perhaps its more of a case that we werent forward looking enough

 

<hr></blockquote>

 

 

[Matt (GNFC)]

Im not, i would have made the same mistake, after all its not like we have a Zimbabwean coming through the squad every season....Who was that player we had abt 12yrs ago from Mozambique?!!!!! It was better to have Tostao for 15 games or so than for zero. Im just totally depressed Dave by this. Ive got the sports editor at Bloomberg looking at this story.. He may even run a story to give us a little publicity.

[Ronnie]

Blimey...the only time we've ever had a mention on Bloomberg (as far as I know) was a report prior to the Villa game.I just wish we could be mentioned for better reasons......still absolutly gutted.

 

<img src="/forums/images/icons/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/icons/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/icons/frown.gif" alt="" />

[Richard C]

Look everybody, it is depressing to say the least. But lets all agree that Tostao was an inspiration to some of the others at the club and I hope others can learn from him. Gravesend and Northfleet will still be a force in thier own right and one player doesnt make a team - we know that from the team spirit buzzing around this season.

 

Well done Tostao. Ive eaten humble pie from what Stu m said earlier about Tostao. I think he has done only what he could do to continue his career in this part of the world and I admire him for that. Im sure he didnt want to leave, especially not without warning.

 

Lets have continued support for the team, continued drum noise, and continued team spirit.

 

Up the reds

[Guest]

well said richard as you mentioned it dosn't take one player to make a team so lets wish him all the best and get behind our directors + andy as i am sure they are as upset as us . <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wavey.gif" alt="" />

[Guest]

True. One man does not a team make. All we need to do is to get a few players back to full fitness and everyone to employ their efforts in keeping this reasonable start to the season going for as long as possible.

Good luck in the future Tostao. We'll look out for you in the UEFA/Champions next year.

 

PS: How old's Schweiso now....?!!!????

[Ronnie]

Agreed....whats done is done. Can't imagine how Andy must have felt when he got the news,but I'll bet he's already being positive and looking to strengthen the squad. We've just lost a hell of a good player, a real crowd pleaser who could have been an all time favorite at Stonebridge Road. It's one of those rare situations where nobody is to blame. I'm sure the club did everything they could to sort the situation out, and you can't blame Tostao, he couldn't stay with us as a non-contract player without a work permit forever. He seemed like a really nice guy and I hope he does well wherever he plays. The important thing for us is to try and get something out of the Halifax game and to keep backing Andy and the boys.

 

COME ON YOU REDS