In a dramatic opening chapter to his tenure, Scottish-born coach James Baird has experienced both triumph and setback as the newly-appointed leader of TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) club 1976 FC Phoenix. The Tobago-based team’s recent performances reflect the challenges ahead, with a promising 2-1 debut victory against Point Fortin Civic on December 14 quickly overshadowed by a disappointing 4-1 defeat to FC Eagles just one week later.
The 42-year-old former goalkeeper brings extensive international experience to Phoenix, having played professionally across Scotland, Iceland, the United States, and Trinidad and Tobago. His coaching credentials include positions with the British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos, and most notably as goalkeeper coach for the Trinidad and Tobago women’s national team in 2021.
Baird’s connection to Tobago runs deep, having married on the island and previously played for Tobago United in 2007 during what he describes as a career ‘down spell.’ This personal history makes his current role particularly meaningful. ‘Tobago means a lot to me. To coach a Tobago team is something special,’ Baird told Newsday in a recent interview.
Despite Phoenix’s precarious position—just two points above last place in the 12-team league—Baird maintains realistic optimism. His immediate target is a mid-table finish this season, with ambitions to build a more competitive squad in subsequent years. ‘If we could get a little extra in the transfer window, I think we could make a push for mid-table,’ Baird stated, emphasizing the importance of creating an attractive environment for players despite geographical challenges.
The coach identified several key players including defender Jeremiah Bristol, midfielder Antonio Pantin, veteran Trevin Caesar, and forward Teejay Cadiz—who leads the league with eight goals—as foundations for improvement. Baird believes the marginal nature of Phoenix’s defeats demonstrates untapped potential rather than fundamental inadequacy.
Baird’s coaching philosophy emphasizes tactical sophistication over his goalkeeping background, favoring aggressive, high-intensity football. With their Boxing Day match against Caledonia postponed, Phoenix and their Scottish coach now look toward 2026 as an opportunity to transform their struggling season into a redemption story.