David Hoilett - forgetaboutit

At this point in time I am just focussed on establishing my role as a player with Blackburn. As a young player, I think it is the right thing to do to keep focussed on cementing my role in the starting line-up before thinking about international duty at this point in time.

David Hoilett

Red Nation Online spoke to David Hoilett recently and briefly brought up the elephant in the room – just where is he going to play internationally (and as 19-year-old that is getting starts in the EPL, he’s going to play internationally somewhere). His answers will sound familiar to long-time Canadian fans.

For those unaware of his story, Hoilett was born in Ottawa and played in Canada for much of his youth until he was 16. Then he went to Blackburn, where he fought his way to the first team squad after a stop in Germany on loan with Crazy Hippy FC St. Pauli. When he was 13 he was cut from an Ontario u14 team. His dad is still pissed about it and because of that Hoilett is widely believed to be leaning towards playing internationally for Jamaica.

His case is eerily similar to the de Guzman’s, right down to the fact that there is another brother involved that seems to be leaning towards Canada as an international option. Those close to Janiel Hoilett tell me that he acts, feels and thinks like a Canadian. His international loyalty is only to Canada.

However, those same sources tell me that David is as good as gone. Part of the reason I never write about him is that I already think of him as Jamaican.

It’s absurd, this supporting Canada thing. It’s very difficult to imagine a time when the team is playing up to its abilities when it can’t even convince its own citizens of the value of representing it.

Or, if the players and or their parents hold petty grudges against the provincial programs that cut them. But, here’s the thing. The blame for these disputes shouldn’t fall completely on the player, nor should it fall on the technical staff of the provincial programs. Rather, it’s the system that is sick.

Designed to encourage competition over development, it stand to reason that u14 coaches are cutting small, underage players like Hoilett in favour of larger, more physical players. Screw skill, I’ve got a national championship to chase, the coaches are essentially saying.

None of that justifies turning your back on playing for a country that has provided you with the opportunity and freedom that you need to make it as a pro athlete. But, it helps to explain it.

Hoilett is as good as gone. Sadly, you can mark my words. We’d be best to forget about him and instead try to prevent the next one from happening.


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