 
HAMILTON ISRAEL
RADIO SHOW
WED. 9-11.30pm
SAT. 6-9.30pm
102.3fm Miami
Listen Now
|
|
|
#41746 - 07/12/06 10:25 PM
Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
Offline
|
|
Thomas patiently awaits JFF's call
PAUL A REID, Observer writer
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
MONTEGO BAY - Former national Under-23 captain Shavar Thomas is cautiously welcoming news that he is still in the plans of the Jamaica Football Federation's (JFF) technical director Wendell Downswell to play for Jamaica's senior team.
Meanwhile, the 25-year-old Kansas City Wizard defender says he is still waiting for the call. "I guess I'm happy that I'm being considered," he said.
Despite starting in central defence during the qualification for the 2002 World Cup, Thomas has not played for the national team in at least three years, but Downswell recently told the Observer that "the door was still open" for Thomas and others to be recalled.
"He (Thomas) is one of the players who we know will form an integral part of our programme.," Downswell said over a month ago.
"We have invested heavily in him. He is playing in the MLS and we have been looking at him and he will get his opportunity; the door is wide open," he added
Thomas told the Observer by telephone that he and his agent, Patrick Maccade, had heard the same thing for a number of years, but the call has still not come.
He said he had been in "constant contact" with members of the JFF staff, including general manager Howard Bell, but other than that there has been no contact from the JFF since he played in an Under-23 Olympic qualifier in Mexico.
Thomas, who was selected to the senior Reggae Boyz outfit by Brazilian coach Clovis deOlivera, has never played for his country at this level under Downswell's watch. He played two games with Carl Brown at the helm.
But despite his non-selection, Thomas said he never "considered that I was not a part of the team... I thought maybe the coaches chose to look at other players".
Thomas said depending on his availability from the Wizards he would make himself available to don the national colours nonetheless.
The burly defender, who played all 15 games for the Wizards this season, is in the final year of his contract, but said he is willing to stay in Kansas City if the club requires his service.
"I have been here three years and loving every minute of it," he told the Observer.
The astute Thomas has played 80 games in his three years at Kansas City, starting 74 and scoring twice - both in his first season with the Wizards back in 2004.
Seen by many as a natural replacement for outstanding central defender Durrant 'Tatty' Brown in the Jamaica set-up, Thomas was drafted 10th overall by Dallas Burns in the 2003 American MLS Super Draft and appeared in 15 matches for them, including 14 starts.
Previously, he stood out during his two years at the University of Connecticut, playing in 36 matches and being named to the All-Big East first team, NSCAA/Adidas All-America second team, and the NSCAA/Adidas All-New England first teams.
He was named Connecticut's high school Player of the Year in 1999 while attending Hotchkiss Prep in Lakeville, where he also took part in track & field.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#41747 - 07/12/06 10:26 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Shavar should look to join Shelton, Ralph and Stephenson in second-tier Europe leagues
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#41748 - 07/14/06 03:02 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Thomas ready for recall
BY GORDON WILLIAMS, Contributor
Shavar Thomas - FILE
SHAVAR THOMAS IS anxious to return to the Reggae Boyz' fold, although the big central defender remains puzzled by his continued omission from the national football programme, especially as the senior team has conceded 16 goals in its last four internationals.
"Honestly, I could not put my hands on anything," the 25-year-old said on Monday when asked for the real reasons for his extended absence.
HEART OF DEFENCE
Thomas, who stood at the heart of the Reggae Boyz', defence in 2002 World Cup qualifiers while still a teenager, and once captained Jamaica at world youth championships, both at under-17 and under-20 levels, plus Olympic qualifiers, has not played for Jamaica since taking part in Digicel Caribbean Cup qualifiers late 2004.
Although technical director Wendell Downswell has publicly stated that the door is still open for Thomas's return, and that he is likely to be recalled, the defender has found himself on the outside of the programme looking in, and the view has not been pleasant.
DISCOURAGING
"Sometimes it was discouraging (not being selected)," Thomas said, especially since he is now a regular starter with the Kansas City Wizards of the United States Major League Soccer (MLS).
It was perplexing that Thomas was not recalled even as the Reggae Boyz' once sturdy defence has been shredded recently, starting with a 5-1 hammering by Australia in late 2005, and this year's drubbings - 4-1 by Ghana and 6-0 by England. Another goal was conceded in a draw with the U.S. in April.
A Kansas City team official confirmed on Monday that Jamaica made no request for Thomas's services for either the U.S. game or the recent two-match tour of the United Kingdom for the Ghana and England games, although the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) asked for - and received - permission to select Jermaine Hue. The midfielder played against the U.S. and England, but was recently released by the Wizards.
When pressed further for a reason he has been excluded, Thomas speculated that an incident during the 2004 Digicel qualifiers is likely to have played a role.
According to him, he was chosen for a four-team tournament in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but was used in only one of the three games.
WRONG FRAME OF MIND
Thomas said he was disappointed and frustrated that "I was benched" and said he later explained to the team's management that he was not "in the right frame of mind conducive to perform" in the next round of qualifiers, asking not to be selected.
"I didn't understand what my position was or purpose was," he said.
A youthful Jamaica team, minus nearly all its overseas-based players, went on to win the Digicel Caribbean Cup in early 2005 and Thomas was never picked again, despite making repeated contact with JFF representatives requesting to be considered.
"I called numerous times, personally, asking if I was part of the programme or when I could get a look," he said.
Others stepped in on Thomas's behalf as well, including national team-mates and his agent, who made appeals to Downswell and the JFF for his return. The months - and games - dragged by and still the call did not come. Friendlies against Guatemala and Honduras, the Gold Cup tournament, all in the U.S. in 2005, came and went.
Thomas said he wrote a letter to JFF President Crenston Boxhill in January to explain what he had done in late 2004 and to apologise. He said he was then asked to attend a meeting with the JFF to iron out the matter. He hinted that the meeting could have been a criteria for his recall. However, it still has not happened. First, it was scheduled for the same day - Feb. 1, 2006 - Thomas said he was due to leave Jamaica to begin pre-season training with the Wizards, therefore he could not attend. Future meetings in Jamaica were not possible, Thomas said, as he is in the middle of the MLS campaign.
In April, when the Reggae Boyz visited the U.S., there was no meeting either, although some of the JFF's top officers, including Boxhill and General Secretary Burchell Gibson, along with Downswell, were present in North Carolina.
Today Thomas, who has 12 senior caps, insists he did not walk out of Jamaica's camp, as had been speculated. But he admits his decision to decline selection was wrong.
"It was a mistake on my part," he said on Monday.
One he may have been paying dearly for ever since. Yet Thomas said he continues to work hard at his game and receives constant encouragement from others, including former clubmates in Jamaica and Reggae Boyz such as Tyrone Marshall and Damani Ralph. He started in nearly all of the Wizards' games so far this season and claims he is in top shape. He believes his commitment to Jamaica should no longer be questioned.
"I think by me writing the letter, by me calling, I think I'm showing I want to play for my country," Thomas said.
"If Jamaica called tomorrow Shavar Thomas will be there (if allowed by his club)," he added later. "There's nobody prouder than me wearing the national colours."
Meanwhile, Thomas said all he can do now is focus on his immediate task as a professional - "I just control what I can control," he said - and wait for a national call-up. He is currently in the final year of a four-year MLS contract and believes his game has matured appreciably. He also brushed aside lingering suggestions that he may be too slow to compete at football's top level.
"You don't have to be the fastest player," said Thomas, who is now married. "Coming up, I think my only issue was staying fit and I'm doing that right now. I work with a fitness trainer here."
He also follows the Wizards' off-season workout programme. The recently concluded World Cup did not escape his attention either. Thomas has watched players he has competed with at many international youth tournaments - like Omar Daley and Khari Stephenson - stake claims for permanent places among the senior Reggae Boyz. He has also seen opponents from those same tournaments, and even practice games, blossom into world-recognised names. Kaka, from Brazil, Argentina's Juan Roman Riquelme and Javier Saviola, DaMarcus Beasley and Landon Donavan of the U.S., come readily to mind.
He knows he belongs on their stage. He just needs another chance to show it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Williams is a Jamaican journalist based in the United States.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#41749 - 07/14/06 03:05 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Shavar Thomas and several other foreign-based player have developed nicely into solid professional players. One of the positives of the Reggaeboyz not qualifying for Germany 2006, is that our players had time to re-establishes their club careers and grow professionally. The JFF needs to hire a coach and leader who will treat the player accordingly.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#41750 - 07/15/06 12:19 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
|
pressafoot
Member
Registered: 01/13/03
Posts: 967
Loc: NYC, NY, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
In attempting to find balance/redundancy in the defensive scheme, who would he play with and in what combination under what conditions?
Reading here i see where Tranmere uses Goodison as a left back, left mid and as center back.
Some of our Defenders playing locally can offer more in terms of versatility/redundancy like Marshall does.
Goodison was strictly marker/center back for us.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#41751 - 07/19/06 03:38 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
K.C. Wizards Fire Coach Bob Gansler
By STEVE BRISENDINE
AP Sports Writer
July 19, 2006, 3:01 PM EDT
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Bob Gansler, the longest-tenured coach in Major League Soccer history, has been fired by the Kansas City Wizards.
General manager Curt Johnson said Wednesday that he asked for Gansler's resignation after a 30-minute conversation Tuesday night. Gansler will be paid through the remainder of the season, Johnson said.
"This is a results-oriented business. I know that's a cliche, but that's the way it is," Johnson said. "We've won six times in our last 26 games and that's not acceptable."
Assistant coach Brian Bliss, who played his last professional season in Kansas City and played under Gansler at the 1990 World Cup, was named interim coach.
"Today is somewhat bittersweet, if you can use that term," he said.
Bliss, a midfielder and defender during his playing days, played for Kansas City in 1998. He joined Gansler's staff following the 1999 season, after one year as the head coach of the minor league Connecticut Wolves.
The Wizards won the 2000 MLS Cup and the 2004 U.S. Open Cup under Gansler, but slumped late and missed the playoffs in 2005. They have lost six straight to fall to 6-10-2 this season and are tied with the Chicago Fire for third place in the MLS Eastern Conference with 20 points.
Gansler, 65, was hired to replace Ron Newman after Kansas City started the 1999 season 0-7.
In 1990, the Hungarian-born coach led the United States to its first appearance in the World Cup since 1950. The U.S. has not missed a World Cup since.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#41752 - 07/19/06 03:39 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Shavar might start looking to transfer during this transfer window.
Club halt Thomas' international return
Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
The long overdue return of national defender Shavar Thomas to the national side may have to take a while longer.
Twenty-five-year-old Thomas, who last represented the country in November of 2004, was yesterday recalled to the Reggae Boyz squad to play in the first leg of a home and away series against Canada on Monday September 4. He will not take up the offer as his club, Kansas City Wizards, has 'begged' the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) not to invite him this time.
In a telephone interview with STAR Sports yesterday, Thomas confirmed that he will not make the trip to Canada.
"Basically, the club had no problem with me coming to represent the county. It is just the situation that the club is in. We are battling for a play-off position right now and a number of defenders are injured so I think the club called the JFF and begged them not to have me involved this time," Thomas explained.
"We played a game last night (Sunday), we have a game on Wednesday and we go to Los Angeles on Friday for another game, so as you can see it is a crucial time for the club with stretched resources. Because of this, I think all parties have agreed that I will stay here in the US," he added.
While he understands his club's position and their valuation of him, Thomas was a bit disappointed that his return will have to wait another month.
"I really wanted to go because it has been quite a while since I have represented the country, and I was really looking forward to it. Maybe it is just working out that the next time I put on the national colours it is in the return game in front of the home fans so maybe it was meant to be that way," Thomas said looking towards the October 8 return match.
For Thomas, who has represented the country at Under-17, Under-20, which he captained to the 2001 World Championship in Argentina, and the Under-23 before forcing his way into the senior team, the recall was recognition of his consistency.
"It is not something I wrote off. I felt that if I kept doing what I was doing then I would be recalled." he said.
"Another way I looked at it too is that even though the federation owed me nothing, based on all that they had invested in me, at some point a recall would come. Now that I am back I am optimistic about the opportunity."
Full squad: Donovan Ricketts, Fabian Dawkins, Shawn Sawyers, Teafore Bennett, Richard McCallum, Ricardo Fuller, Demar Phillips, Kevin Lamey, Damion Stewart, Shavar Thomas, Desmond Breakenridge, Shane Crawford, Fabian Davis, Jermaine Johnson, Lovel Palmer, Omar Daley, Jermaine Taylor, Jason Morrison, Xavian Virgo, Khari Stephenson, Oneil Thompson and Tyrone Sawyers.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#41753 - 07/21/06 11:32 AM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
|
George
Member
Registered: 01/06/06
Posts: 198
Loc: jamaica
|
|
Offline
|
|
shavar can take foo fool stewpeas space. 
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#41754 - 11/28/06 06:59 AM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Wizards hire U.S. assistant Onalfo
Posted: Monday November 27, 2006 5:48PM; Updated: Monday November 27, 2006 5:48PM
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Curt Onalfo was hired as coach of the Kansas City Wizards on Monday after spending the last four years as an assistant on the U.S. national soccer team.
Onalfo replaces Ken Fogarty and Brian Bliss, who served as interim coaches following Bob Gansler's departure in July. He inherits a team that went 10-14-8 this season, next to last in the Eastern Conference.
This will be Onalfo's first professional head coaching job. The former assistant coach with D.C. United is the Wizards' third coach. He assisted the national team at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where the Americans were ousted in the first round.
"After evaluating every facet of the team and interviewing several top-notch candidates, Curt Onalfo stood out," Wizards technical director Peter Vermes said. "He is an excellent evaluator of talent, a tremendous communicator and has outstanding organizational skills."
Onalfo reached the MLS Cup final with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 1996 and was part of a D.C. United team that captured the MLS Cup in 1999. The former University of Virginia player was co-captain of the 1992 Olympic team in Barcelona.
"This team will play an aggressive, attack-oriented style and it will be fun to watch," Onalfo said. "The key is to not change who we are, whether we play at home or on the road. We will be hard to play at home and we need our fans to help ensure this."
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#41755 - 11/28/06 07:54 AM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Now that he has rejoined the national team picture, how does a new national team coach and club coach at Kansas City affect Thomas?
How long is Shavar's contract with MLS?
It is time he gives Europe a chance.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#41756 - 11/28/06 08:24 AM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
|
Shatta_Cleve
Member
Registered: 04/26/01
Posts: 4448
Loc: Inglewood CA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Fool fool Stew Peas aka players player and fans player of the year award leading the way for our defenders to look beyond the MLS as their salvation.
Congrats to stew peas and Claude Davis. Time fi Shavar fi fly out but his lack of speed might hurt him elsewhere, who knows his excellent sense of positioning might help offset that.
respect
_________________________
Leggo the Pearl!!! do me a beg unnu just leggo the Pearl
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#41757 - 11/28/06 08:38 AM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Our players have made different paths to the top. Some went to Scotland(Fuller), some England(Gardner, Davis) and some Sweden(Shelton). Right now, Shavar does not have the neccesary national team CAPS to play in the UK, so he needs to try elsewhere.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#41758 - 11/28/06 09:14 AM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
|
my2cents
Member
Registered: 07/14/05
Posts: 482
|
|
Offline
|
|
I am not a fan of Shavar. He has alot of physical attribute of a quality defender but doesnt have the desire. At times is is excellent but his lack of consistency and crucial mistakes will always hurt him. His has a good touch maybe he should start playing a Viera Type game. Him and Khari would not be a bad combo. 6' 4" Khari and 6' 3" Shavar it would be hell of earth for opposing teams. As a defender he is not that good, but maybe Bora put him in a M position.
"Back2Africa" looking good.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#41759 - 11/28/06 08:54 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
well, mls will decide on his contract on Nov. 30th.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#41760 - 01/16/07 11:23 AM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Is Shavar Thomas back in MLS or has he moved on to Europe(Sweden)?
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#41761 - 01/18/07 04:00 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Anyone have news on where Shavar Thomas will be playing in 2007?
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#41762 - 01/19/07 09:56 AM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
|
Shatta_Cleve
Member
Registered: 04/26/01
Posts: 4448
Loc: Inglewood CA
|
|
Offline
|
|
He is on trials in Sweden
_________________________
Leggo the Pearl!!! do me a beg unnu just leggo the Pearl
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#41763 - 01/23/07 06:40 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Do you know which club(s)?
http://expressen.se/index.jsp?a=832395
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#41764 - 01/23/07 06:46 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
IFK Gothenburg gave him a run......truly hoping Shavar can land someone profitable.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#62061 - 03/23/07 10:41 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
[Re: jamatl]
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Los Angeles Galaxy acquire defender Thomas from Kansas City
Los Angeles Galaxy Media Relations
Buy Tickets!
Shavar Thomas has joined Los Angeles after a trade with Kansas City.
Shavar Thomas has joined Los Angeles after a trade with Kansas City. (Eric Schlueter/MLS/WireImage.com)
CARSON, Calif. - The Los Angeles Galaxy have acquired defender Shavar Thomas from the Kansas City Wizards in exchange for a conditional second round pick in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. The Jamaican international and four-year MLS veteran center back comes to the Galaxy after spending the last three years with the Kansas City Wizards. The Galaxy currently have three picks in the second round of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. Kansas City will now receive L.A.'s final pick in that round.
Thomas was originally drafted by the Dallas Burn in the first round (10th overall) of the 2003 MLS SuperDraft, playing in 15 games as a rookie for Dallas before being traded to Kansas City at the end of the 2003 campaign. In three years with the Wizards, Thomas played in 76 games, starting 70, primarily as a center back. In 91 career MLS regular season games, he has three goals and one assist, with the last of his three goals coming against the Galaxy on Sept. 2, 2006.
Thomas is a veteran of the Jamaican National Team where he has often partnered his new teammate Tyrone Marshall in central defense. Thomas made his National Team debut in 1999 and has earned 12 caps with the full National Team while also representing Jamaica at every youth level.
Prior to coming to MLS, Thomas played two years at the University of Connecticut, helping the Huskies compile a 32-11-2 record during his two years with the team. Thomas appeared in 36 of those games, missing nine games while helping the Jamaican National Team in its attempt to qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. As a sophomore in 2002, Thomas was named to the All-Big East and NSCAA All-New England First Team and was a second team All-American
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#64887 - 05/05/07 03:51 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
[Re: jamatl]
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Galaxy trade defender to CD Chivas USAAssociated Press
CARSON, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Galaxy traded defender Shavar Thomas to CD Chivas USA on Thursday for a second-round selection in the 2009 MLS superdraft.
Thomas was acquired from the Kansas City Wizards on March 23 for a conditional second-round pick in next year's superdraft. Thomas appeared in one U.S. Open Cup game, one preseason game and one friendly match. He didn't play in the Galaxy's three regular-season games
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#64949 - 05/06/07 11:01 AM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
[Re: jamatl]
|
jt
Moderator
Registered: 02/16/01
Posts: 8669
|
|
Offline
|
|
Shavar fi just believe in himself and just realise that the JFF, Kansas and Galaxy are just about business and using people..
Concentrate omn yourself, make something of yourself and the JFF, the users they are will come begging...
The JFF has no respect for any of the players much less yu keep begging them a game..
_________________________
They make the world so hard
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#65233 - 05/10/07 12:58 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
[Re: jt]
|
Ballaprof
Member
Registered: 10/20/06
Posts: 902
Loc: Jamaica
|
|
Offline
|
|
shavar should be in the programme for jermaine taylor who has been very careless around our backline.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#65234 - 05/10/07 01:26 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
[Re: Ballaprof]
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Shavar Thomas has not started a match in MLS this year. He seems to be having an average MLS career making about US$72,000 per year.
2006 Kansas City 22+ starts
2007 LA Galaxy 0 starts
2007 Chivas USA 0 starts
You would bench the captian of the U22 team for him?
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#65236 - 05/10/07 02:36 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
[Re: jamatl]
|
pHoQrY
Member
Registered: 07/24/00
Posts: 2326
Loc: Jamaica
|
|
Offline
|
|
yow JT yu know seh a nuff of our ballers feel da way deh...apparently alot of our talented youths are not recognizing any importance in playing for the national team and as such a either think bout other pastures or carry them football elsewhere...
where's Akeem Priestley?
_________________________
Truly great madness cannot be achieved without significant intelligence
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#65984 - 05/20/07 06:51 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
[Re: pHoQrY]
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
It is good to see Shavar Thomas go the full 90 for Chivas USA
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#66719 - 05/31/07 06:30 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
[Re: jamatl]
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Lucky number four for Shavar?
Shavar Thomas, Reggae Boys training before their match with Peru at the Stadium Field on Monday 13.11.2006. - file
GORDON WILLIAMS, Contributor
The third time is usually a charm. But Jamaican Shavar Thomas is hoping his fourth club in five seasons of United States Major League Soccer (MLS) will be his best move as a professional footballer.
Thomas was recently shipped from the Los Angeles Galaxy to Chivas USA, roughly a month after he was acquired in a trade from the Kansas City Wizards where he had spent the past three seasons. He played his MLS rookie year in Dallas.
Nothing personal
Yet bouncing from one club to another has failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the big central defender, who has captained several Jamaican age group teams, including the squad which made it to the Under-20 FIFA World Youth Championships in 2001. Thomas also made his debut for the senior Reggae Boyz as a 20-year-old. He accepts the trades as part of the professional experience.
"It's nothing personal," Thomas explained yesterday. "Just business."
Thomas has so far started three games for Chivas, a club with deep Spanish-Mexican roots.
He partners Claudio 'El Emperador' Suarez, the legendary Mexican who has earned 178 caps for his country in the heart of the club's defence. Together they helped Chivas record a shutout win on Saturday against Thomas's old club Dallas.
Communicating in spanish
Thomas said he is comfortable at Chivas, although he must communicate with Suarez in Spanish, drawing on exposure to the language starting from his days at Excelsior High. He admires the veteran's knowledge of the game and his humble approach. However, Thomas admitted that moving from club to club did shake his confidence a bit at first.
"In the initial stage, when you go from one club to the next, it kind of makes you feel down, like you're not wanted," said the 26-year-old, who has played 94 MLS games, starting 87 and scoring three goals.
No bitter feelings
"But after meshing with the guys and they treat you well, (the bad feeling) just goes away."
At least for his latest move he did not have to go far - literally across the hallway. Chivas shares the Home Depot Center in Carson, California with the Galaxy.
"The only thing changed is my jersey and the locker room," Thomas said with a laugh.
And, maybe, his mindset as well. Thomas said he has no bitter feelings against the clubs that traded him. He knows the Wizards were seeking a playmaker. With a surplus of defenders at the club and him being listed among the limited number of allotted 'foreign' players on the roster, the move seemed logical enough.
"At the Wizards, they wanted to go in another direction and I had no problems with that," he said.
There's no grudge against the Galaxy either, although he "had no idea" the club, which also employs fellow Jamaican Tyrone Marshall, would ship him away after only one U.S. Open Cup knockout game and before he had played a single MLS minute.
"I'm only disappointed that I didn't get a chance to prove myself (at the Galaxy)," he said.
At Chivas, he believes he will get adequate opportunities. Preki, the head coach, was Thomas's teammate at the Wizards. He has assured him that the club needs him for the long haul.
"He told me 'we want you here, not to trade you'," Thomas said. "Chivas wanted me."
So maybe now he can rest easier, and even unpack his bags for a while.
"I'm in a good situation right now," Thomas said.
Gordon Williams is a Jamaican journalist based in the United States.<
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#66720 - 05/31/07 06:31 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
[Re: jamatl]
|
Jamaicanyouth
Member
Registered: 05/05/07
Posts: 3564
Loc: Kingston,Jamaica
|
|
Offline
|
|
But he took part in the Lunar New Year Cup
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#66721 - 05/31/07 06:54 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
[Re: jamatl]
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Disappointed he did get a call since he has no official matches between 5/26 - 06/09
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#67513 - 06/10/07 12:40 AM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
[Re: jamatl]
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Shavar Thomas continues to look impressive in the central defensive for Chivas USA. It seems that him former teammate Preki has a lot of confidence in him.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#75048 - 09/14/07 10:13 AM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
[Re: jamatl]
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Shavar Thomas was once again impressive last night in the match against LA Galaxy. He continues to lead one of the best defences in MLS. IMO, he definitely deserves a call-up. He is not a superstar but he will be a solid addition to our backline.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#79294 - 11/13/07 01:04 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
[Re: jamatl]
|
jamatl
Member
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 6006
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
Shavar finally getting a grip on MLS
GORDON WILLIAMS, Contributor
Shavar Thomas ... now considered one of the best defenders in the MLS. - ricardo makyn
Jamaica international Shavar Thomas shrugged off early uncertainty to complete a solid season in United States Major League Soccer, and his name is now being whispered among those considered the best defenders in the MLS.
COMFORT ZONE
And although he is not quite ready to call it home, the burly central defender is hoping that after his first season with California-based Chivas USA, Thomas' latest stop during a five-year roller coaster career, he has finally established himself as a cornerstone player in the MLS - and found a comfort zone.
"I would think so," explained the 26-year-old, who joined Chivas late, but started all 25 games he played for the club in 2007, including two in the playoffs. "That would be a yes for me."
Yet few could blame Thomas if he was far less confident at the start of this year's MLS campaign.
The man who captained Jamaica at the under-20 FIFA World Youth Championships and made his senior team Reggae Boyz debut at age 20 was already linked with three different MLS teams before Chivas. The latest omen of instability popped up when he was traded from the Kansas City Wizards to the Los Angeles Galaxy prior to the 2007 season, then shipped to Chivas before he had a chance to play an MLS game for the Galaxy.
Fortunately for Thomas, Chivas embraced him from the beginning. Preki, who was eventually named MLS 'Coach of the Year', assured Thomas that he was no longer trade bait. The coach also encouraged him to assert himself.
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
"Preki allows every player to do what he does and more," said Thomas, "to express yourself and to think outside the box."
Then Preki paired Thomas with legendary Mexican Claudio Suarez to form the core of one of the league's stingiest defences. Chivas allowed just 28 goals in 30 regular season games, second best in the MLS. Meanwhile, the last two teams which cast him away floundered badly. The Galaxy (48) and the Wizards (45) conceded the second and third most goals in 2007. The Jamaican's contribution has not gone unnoticed.
"Thomas has been nothing short of spectacular with Chivas USA this season", reported MLS.com.
Preki told the website that "Shavar has been a great piece that we found."
With Suarez rumoured to be on his way to retirement, Thomas anticipates a more influential role with the club, a right he believes he earned following an impressive season.
"I would think so, most definitely," the former Excelsior High star said. "I would have to show more responsibility."
MENTAL LEAP
While the Galaxy-to-Chivas trade did not move Thomas far geographically - the clubs share home stadium - the mental leap was decisive. As Preki's guidance allowed Thomas to shine as a player, the California weather offered a sweet reminder of his homeland. Chivas fans - a huge, passionate, knowledgeable primarily Spanish-Mexican crowd - made him feel welcome too. If Suarez is king, Thomas is an adopted prince.
"It's amazing for me," he said. "The response I get from them is great."
Unless some European club swoops in and carts him off to a better league, Thomas can look forward to at least a couple more seasons at Chivas USA.
"The focus is on Chivas," he said. "I am happy here."
Just not ready to get too comfortable. Not just yet. Past experiences have taught him well. After spending three seasons with the Wizards, he was ready to settle there too. until the reality of life as a pro greeted him rudely.
"I thought I had found a home in Kansas City," Thomas said with a hearty laugh.
At least he has learned to enjoy the roller coaster.
Gordon Williams is a Jamaican journalist based in the United States.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#79297 - 11/13/07 02:00 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
[Re: jamatl]
|
alfinite
Member
Registered: 06/01/04
Posts: 613
Loc: spring valley ny usa
|
|
Offline
|
|
where is he in the new Reggaeboyz lineup? I'm sick and tired of these guys overlooking talent. Get a us citizenship and I guarantee the us international team will call him up immediately and then you'll see these guys at JFF start talking crap.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#79305 - 11/13/07 02:56 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
[Re: my2cents]
|
youngballa
Member
Registered: 07/15/05
Posts: 1187
Loc: NY ,USA
|
|
Offline
|
|
ok why the heck does he sound like a brit lol
_________________________
I want all my dam money back mate
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
#79306 - 11/13/07 03:17 PM
Re: Shavar Thomas awaits his next move for club and country
[Re: alfinite]
|
Lionpaw
Member
Registered: 09/12/02
Posts: 1390
Loc: Sunshine City, Jamaica
|
|
Offline
|
|
where is he in the new Reggaeboyz lineup? I'm sick and tired of these guys overlooking talent. Get a us citizenship and I guarantee the us international team will call him up immediately and then you'll see these guys at JFF start talking crap.
Calm down bredrin he is in the squad for the upcoming friendlys.
_________________________
 The Greatest
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
Moderator: Jagga, truetrini, jt, Princess
|
