Kwesi Mugisa, Star Writer

John Barnes - file

The duties of seeing Jamaica through two crucial October qualifiers, will fall to former National player Theodore Whitmore, who has been named as interim coach by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) for the second time in less than a year.

Former Liverpool great and England international John Barnes has, however, been the man selected to officially take over duties from Brazilian Rene Simoes, who was fired last week following a second straight defeat in World Cup qualification. However, Barnes, who is expected to take up a one-year contract, for a figure yet to be disclosed, will not be available until November 1.

Still under contract

Due to the suddeness of the job opportunity Barnes, who is Jamaican born, is still under contractual arrangement with a British television station, where he is still an analyst.

"The departure of Simoes was sudden so we had to move swiftly. Looking around we decided to go in a different direction than a South American coach," president of the JFF, Captain Horace Burrell told Star Sports.

Certain amount of pedigree

"While he may not be the most experienced coach, he comes with a certain amount of pedigree having played at the highest level, and also a number of other attributes that will benefit us tremendously.

"Plus John is in a sense Jamaican so his understanding of local culture and style should also enhance the programme tremendously," he said.

While he will not be available in an official capacity, Barnes is expected to travel to the island by October 9, to view both games and familiarise himself with the team.

The stint as interim coach will be the second for Whitmore, who stood for a couple of international friendlies, following the dismissal of Velibor Milutinovic, who made way for Simoes in November of last year.

From the viewpoint of the administration this leaves the former midfield maestro, a bit short on international experience.

"The fact of the matter is that 'Tappa' is fairly new to this arena and while he has shown some ability, he will need assistance," Burrell told The Star.

"We also have to think of our sponsors and they like to know that whoever is in charge has a certain amount of experience in several areas," he said.

Burrell also made it clear that the federation had not given up hope of qualifying for the World Cup despite the difficult situation the team now finds itself in. After three games the Reggae Boyz have only one point, earned in a 1-1 draw against Canada at the BMO field in Toronto. The team then lost 3-0 to Mexico and 2-0 to Honduras.

Maximum points

In order to secure qualification the team is looking to get maximum points from their three remaining home games.

"We are still quite confident of our chances to qualify, we have three home games, but we have to ensure that our strongest possible team is on the pitch," Burrell said.

That will include a recall for embattled striker Marlon King of Hull City, defender Damion Stewart of Queens Park Rangers and Omar Daley of Bradford City and a few other players left on the fringes for the qualifiers so far.

Jamaican-born former England international John Barnes (right) and interim coach Theodore Whitmore at a Digicel football clinic at the Barbican football field earlier this year. Barnes was named yesterday to replace Rene Simoes as technical director by the Jamaica Football Federation. Whitmore will take charge of the team for the next two World Cup qualifiers on October 11 and 15. - ian allen