Spann on Sheffield United trial
Wednesday, July 4th 2007
Trinidad and Tobago and Vibe CT105 W Connection midfielder Silvio Spann is on a two-week trial with English Championship Division club Sheffield United.
Silvio left Piarco International Airport on Monday for England, where he will meet his W Connection and national teammate Jan Michael Williams at Sheffield.
Goalkeeper Williams, along with T&T captain Densill Theobald, spent the previous two weeks with Hungarian First Division team Ujpest FC on trials.
Spann spoke with ttproleague.com before his departure and was in a very positive mood.
"I am confident of my ability and my fitness right now. I really want to land a contract with the club (Sheffield Utd) because it would mean a lot for me and my family."
Spann represented Trinidad and Tobago in the recently-concluded CONCACAF Gold Cup where he scored one of the goals of the tournament with his 40-yard free kick against El Salvador in T&T's opening match which they lost 2-1.
Spann said the Gold Cup experience has boosted his confidence ahead of the trial.
"This trial was more or less organised before the Gold Cup and I don't know how much it has done to persuade the Sheffield managers, but now they would have a chance to see me perform up close and personal."
If he does obtain a contract, Spann stated it would be bitter sweet.
"Of course I would miss my teammates should a contract be obtained. At W Connection it was more than just a team, it was more of a family and I would always be a part of that family.
"I would feel sad at first but it would also mean better for me and my family. I also believe that if I earn a contract with the English club then I would be marketing my club W Connection and the Pro League," added the former J League player.
Since his contract with Japanese club Yokoyama FC expired before the 2006 World Cup, Spann had a trial with English Championship club Crystal Palace which didn't come through and he returned to W Connection.
W Connection owner/president David John Williams said the trials were being organised even before the Gold Cup in June.
Williams said: "These trials for both Silvio and Jan were in the making since late last year through our contacts in England. They (Sheffield Utd) were interested the players long before the Gold Cup."
According to Williams, his club and Sheffield United have a great relationship which is continuing to grow.
