Discipline, injection of youth aid Police FC’s fast TTPFL start

Under the tactical guidance of coach Todd Ryan, Miscellaneous Police FC has emerged as the surprise package of the 2025/26 TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) season, combining physical enforcement with attacking flair to claim top position in the standings. The lawmen’s squad currently holds a two-point advantage over defending champions Defence Force, having scored a league-equaling high of 21 goals alongside Club Sando through nine matches.

The team’s transformation stems from a strategic offseason that blended veteran international experience with youthful exuberance. Ryan’s recruitment of emerging talents including midfielder Isaiah Hudson (25), right back Jardel John (23), winger Kelon Williams (20), and goalkeeper Raheem Lee (25) has injected fresh energy and competitive intensity into the roster. “We wanted to balance international experience with young players who could learn yet still bring energy and pace,” Ryan explained to Newsday.

Police’s offensive success has been a collective effort, with scoring distributed across multiple attackers. Flanker Kadeem Hutchinson leads with five goals, while forwards Kwesi ‘Jep’ Allen and Mickaeel Jem Gordon have contributed four each. Veteran playmaker Joevin Jones has added crucial goals, including a dramatic last-minute winner against Caledonia AIA on December 14.

Ryan emphasizes that no attacking player has a guaranteed starting position, maintaining competitive pressure through performance-based selection. Defensively, the team relies on experienced campaigners like Elijah Belgrave, Kaydon Gabriel, Martieon Watson, and Mekeil Williams, with Lee capably filling in for injured veteran goalkeeper Adrian Foncette.

The team faces a critical Boxing Day test against fourth-placed Prisons FC, who started the season with five consecutive wins before encountering recent difficulties. Ryan acknowledges the threat posed by Prisons’ quality striker Ricardo John and their overall fitness, vowing not to take the challenge lightly.

Beyond immediate results, Ryan identifies securing a top-two finish and Concacaf Caribbean Cup qualification as the primary season objectives, while acknowledging the squad’s ambition to finally capture silverware after several seasons among the league’s elite.