Ex-Sunderland boss enjoys World Cup success with smallest ever nation to qualify as ex-Newcastle boss quits
Former Sunderland boss enjoys World Cup success, writes Peder Leufstedt Nyström
After Jamaica’s 0-0 draw against Curacao in the crucial World Cup qualifiers, the Reggae Boyz have officially missed out on automatic qualification for next year’s tournament.
Following the goalless effort, former England and Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren has announced that he is resigning from the position as Jamaica manager after one year at the helm. In his statement after the match, McClaren made it clear that the decision to step down was rooted in accountability.
“It is the responsibility of the leader to step forward, take accountability and make decisions in the best interests of the team. After deep reflection and an honest assessment of where we are and where we need to go, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Jamaican national team.”
Jamaica were desperate for a win against former Sunderland and Glasgow Rangers manager Dick Advocaat’s side, as it was their only way to finish the group in first. Despite Jamaica’s stronger squad on paper, they struggled to capitalise on their superior talent.
While players like Birmingham City winger Demarai Gray and former Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden in the line-up, Brentford’s left back Rico Henry was left on the bench. The match steadily grew increasingly heated, and in the final minutes, Barnsley midfielder Jon Russel drew his second yellow card and was shown off the pitch.
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But the drama did not end there. After being brought into the action late in the game, Chelsea youngster Dujuan Richards was fouled in the penalty area, leaving referee Ivan Barton no choice but to blow the whistle. The decision could have been a crushing blow to Curacao’s world cup ambitions, but they were saved by the VAR room as the referee’s decision was overturned, putting an end to Jamaica’s disappointing night at the Independence Park and bringing McClaren’s tenure to an abrupt close.
Despite the disappointing result, McClaren spoke highly about his time as Jamaica manager. “Leading this team has been one of the greatest honours of my career but football is a results business and tonight we have fallen short of our goal, which was to qualify from this group.”
The Reggae Boyz can however still qualify for the World Cup, but it requires them to snatch one of two qualification spaces through playoffs, and even though no replacement has been announced, McClaren believes that new leadership could strengthen the team moving forward. “Sometimes the best thing a leader can do is to recognise when a fresh voice, new energy and a different perspective is required to move this team forward.”
President of Jamaica’s Football Federation Michael Ricketts did not hold back as he expressed his disappointment with McClaren’s time as head coach. "To say I’m disappointed is an understatement. We engaged Heimir Hallgrimsson, then he left. We thought Steve McClaren would have been a good replacement, it has turned out that he has not been such a good replacement. We are supremely disappointed."
McClaren’s time as England head coach ended in similar fashion as he led the failed effort to qualify for the 2008 Euros in Switzerland and Austria. The disheartening campaign saw the Three Lions finish third in their group behind Croatia and Russia, resulting in the former Middlesbrough manager being replaced by Italian veteran Fabio Capello.
Curacao boss Dick Advocaat was not present at the sidelines as he was attending a private family matter in the Netherlands. Despite his absence, the Caribbean island have now become the smallest country to ever qualify for the World Cup.
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