IVERNESS, Scotland, CMC- Former Trinidad and Tobago International Footballer Russell Latapy has signed a deal to become the assistant manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club which competes in the Scottish Premiership.
Latapy, who represented Trinidad and Tobago 79 times, has signed a two and a half year contract with Thistle to assist the club’smanager John Hughes.
“John and I have had a great relationship over the years and I’ve taken the decision to leave Portugal to link up with him again,” said Latapy.
“Caley Thistle is a community club and I look forward to working with John and everyone there to make an effective contribution.”
Latapy’s return to Scotland was delayed by weeks of wrangling over the terms of departure from his past club Boavista in Portugal.
He was scheduled to fly into Inverness Thursday night to join Thistle which secured fourth spot in the Scottish premiership last season, its best ever placing.
“Russell, I’m delighted to say, is flying up to Inverness at tea-time tonight, so he will be on the training ground with us tomorrow. What does Russell bring? He will be a perfect part of the team here and fit right in to the dynamics of the club,” said Hughes.
“He is very clever on tactical work and his philosophy on how the game should be played. I’ve spoken to him about where we are as a club, and where we want to be. He totally understands that”.
The 45-year-old former Porto, Hibs and Rangers midfielder was also embroiled in a $5 million court action against the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA). An out of court settlement was reached resolving the pay dispute over his role as coach of the national squad.
“He’s just a fantastic character and a very approach-able, humble guy,” said Hughes. “He is the sort who would give you the last penny in his pocket. He was a world-class footballer and, trust me, I don’t say that lightly”.
Caledonian Thistle F.C. were formed in August 1994 following the merger of Caledonian and Inverness Thistle.
The Thistle manager says players will reap the benefits of Latapy’s experience.
“He can work with the so-called technical players at the club and pass on wee bits and pieces, individually and collectively. If any kid here doesn’t take the chance to grasp it and learn from Russell then he’s a fool,” he said.
“I can remember the young lads at Falkirk really taking to him and he has this great trick on him which Scott Arfield picked up and made part of his own game.”