Eagles FC coach, president Michael De Four dies at 62

FORMER Eagles FC coach and president Michael De Four has been hailed as a “mentor and friend to many” by Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards in the wake of his sudden passing on July 10, with numerous people in the football fraternity also expressing their shock after learning of his death.

TTFA confirmed De Four’s passing via a media release on Wednesday.

“The TTFA is today deeply saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Michael De Four, president and head coach of TTPFL club Eagles FC. He had been warded in the Intensive Care Unit of the San Fernando General Hospital for the past few days,” the TTFA release said.

“His dedication to the club and local football and his passion for the game were truly inspiring.”

De Four, 62, was at the helm of Eagles (formerly known as Cunupia FC) since 2012, and he spearheaded the club’s rise from a “sweat team,” to Super League football, the TT Pro League and the eventual TT Premier Football (TTPFL), which concluded its second season earlier this month. Cunupia FC rebranded to Eagles FC before the start of the 2023/24 TTPFL season, with De Four then plotting his club’s rise on the local football landscape.

In November 2023, De Four told Newsday the following on his team’s rebranding, “we wanted to rebrand and change our name in keeping with our goals and aspirations going forward.”

On April 17, 2024, De Four and Eagles took another step on their forward surge with the launch of their website (www.eaglesfctt.com). On the sidelines, De Four was vocal and demonstrative. Off the field, he was ambitious in his drive to make Eagles FC become the best team in the country.

In March 2017, De Four visited Brazilian club Cruzeiro, where he inspected their infrastructure and interacted with players, with the aim of implementing some of the club’s characteristics and playing style to his very own club.

Led by the influence of the heavy-scoring striker Kevon Woodley and an entertaining brand of football, Eagles finished third in the 2018 Super League season and also lifted the Super League knockout competition in the same season after getting by QPCC in the final. They were then accepted into the Pro League for the 2019/20 season which was interrupted by covid19.

Eagles brought up the rear of the 12-team TTPFL table in the inaugural season in 2023, before finishing tenth in the 2023/24 season.

In an immediate statement, Edwards said, “this is extremely sad for the local football fraternity. He touched the lives of many with his leadership, wisdom, passion and unwavering commitment to the game and his club.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire Eagles community during this difficult time. His guidance would have helped shape not only better footballers but also better individuals,” the TTFA president said.

“He was more than a coach, he was a mentor and a friend to many. His absence will be profoundly felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Coach De Four’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in peace.”

On social media, local football figures such as Huston Charles, Richard Hood and Devorn Jorsling weighed in on De Four’s passing.

Charles, a former “Strike Squad” player, said, “Condolences to his friends and family. May he rest in eternal peace.”

Jorsling, a former Soca Warriors and Defence Force standout, said, “Life (is) really fragile.”

Hood, who most recently led the TT women’s football team in friendly action last month, said, “How very sad. Condolences to his family and Cunupia FC.”