Sunderland's plan still on the right track – Niall Quinn

Feb 25 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

One of English football’s most decorated players was 35 before his first taste of the World Cup finals. So he does not want to miss a second, even if it means turning down a first coaching contract at the Stadium of Light.

“I’ve got to sit down and think about it,” Yorke said when asked about his future. “Rick might not want me here next year. He might have his concept as survival, getting through this year then bringing in his own people.

“The plan until the end of the season is to try and get into the team. I can see myself playing next year but if I’m to progress as a coach or manager and there’s an opportunity for me, it’s one you have to consider.

“I’m very much focussed on playing for Trinidad in the World Cup qualifiers, hence why I have to try and continue playing, certainly until the end of the season. Then I have to look at where Trinidad and Tobago are in terms of qualification, where I’m at with my playing career, and what is on offer.”

T&T have played one, drawn one in the latest stage of the complicated and convoluted qualification process.

When Sbragia took caretaker charge it was announced Yorke (right) would assist him. The 37-year-old is keen to point out he is not a player-coach, but wants to be a manager.

“Even I’m not sure what I do!” he joked. “I train every day. I’m not standing on the sides telling people to do this or that. I do all the bloody work still, that’s for sure.

“The only change is I have an input in terms of what I think if I see anything that could be beneficial. Before training we have a meeting about players available, what are you going to do, how long are you going to work for.

“I listen to all they’re doing. I try to come out of the meetings about selection but I get involved in every other thing on a daily basis. On the odd occasion I may take a session and do finishing drills or things like that.”