PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad - Former Trinidad international Russell Latapy has had the interim tag removed from his title as manager of the Soca Warriors, agreeing to a two-year contract to coach the side.

Latapy, who replaced Francisco Maturana on a temporary basis in April after three of 10 matches in the final round of World Cup qualifying, was one of several announcements made by the Trinidad federation, including technical director Lincoln Phillips taking over as goalkeeping coach of all TTFF teams, particularly the senior and under-23 teams.

Other announcements included the retention of David Muhammad as senior team manager, and Zoran Vranes and Cheryl Abrams remaining in their posts as head coach and manager of the under-23 and under-21 teams.

"It is indeed a pleasure to stand before you today as the newly reappointed coach of our national football team," Latapy said. "This is a task that I again accept with a great sense of pride, honor, gratitude and humility. "

Trinidad won only one of seven World Cup qualifying matches under Latapy, a 1-0 victory over El Salvador on August 12, and finished last in the six-team "hexagonal". It's only other victory was a 3-2 friendly victory over St. Kitts and Nevis on July 12.

The Soca Warriors became the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup when it accomplished the feat in 2006, but failed to qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2009.

Latapy played 22 years as midfielder before retiring as a player last year, including stints with clubs in his native Trinidad, Portugal and Scotland. He is one of three players to participate in six World Cup qualifying efforts along with compatriot Dwight Yorke and Northern Ireland goalkeeper.

He was an assistant coach at Falkirk, where he played for six years, as well as under Maturana before taking over as interim manager.