By LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter
Clyde Jureidini - file
Jamaica's 6-0 thrashing by Colombia in the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games on Sunday is the latest in a spell of poor results the national football programme has had in the last nine months.
The Reggae Boyz have been sorely off beat and their missteps have caused much debate as to the the way forward as the country looks to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Former national player and coach Allie McNab was decisive when asked what needs to be done to revive the national programme.
"The current administration needs to resign en bloc," said McNab.
SPEEDY HIRING
Harbour View's general manager and football analyst Clyde Jureidini suggested that the speedy hiring of a "credible international coach and technical director" should be of high importance to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).
McNab, who made his debut for the senior team at 15 years old in 1963, and coached between l987-88, argued that the administration, led by president Crenston Boxhill, is uninspiring.
"This administration has failed to inspire the programme and the players. We need someone with vision who can inspire the players and the nation and move the programme forward." he said.
Jureidini, who said he was surprised by the margin of defeat to Colombia, believes a careful examination is needed in order to make the next move. However, he was clear that the JFF needs two qualified coaches.
WIDE-MARGIN LOSSES
The recent run of wide-margin losses began in October last year when Australia thrashed Jamaica 5-0. On May 29 Ghana's Black Stars, who made their debut at the 2006 World Cup, beat the Boyz 4-1 before England hammered them 6-0 five days later.
An Under-21 side, which included senior player Jermaine Taylor, played at the CAC Games where they had an unimpressive 2-1 win over Haiti followed by a 2-1 loss to Costa Rica and the 6-0 defeat by Colombia.
COACH'S RESPONSIBILITY
Technical director Wendell Downswell has been receiving the brunt of the criticism in the losses. His 4-4-2 formation and tactical aptitude have been questioned.
"The coach bears the responsibility of poor results," said Jureidini. "I don't think we have to get a foreign coach but they generally tend to receive more support. Sponsors tend to come on board, players are more receptive and we haven't had a local coach with any real international success."
McNab reasoned that the players need to be playing more international matches so they are accustomed to the atmosphere.
He also said the football academy being built in St. Elizabeth should play a key role in the development of players.
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
"We have to put certain infrastructure in place and the academy is one way of grooming our young players." he said.
Jureidini also agreed and added that a technical director for the academy should be one of the coaches hired.
"The academy should be the technical director's main responsibility. He should be responsible for planning the programmes and developing the younger players for the long term and preparing them for the senior team." he said.
"The coach now would be focusing on the senior team and the Under-23 team." Jureidini added.
Meanwhile, football analyst Alton Gordon said the JFF should consider another local coach before hiring a foreigner.
"I am fully convinced that Geoffrey Maxwell can do the job if he gets the backing as Rene Simoes did," Gordon said.
"Having worked with him, Geoffrey is tactically sound and knows the game very well."
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