Lowe was instrumental in helping the Boyz defeat their rivals 3-2 at the BMO Field in Toronto on Tuesday to secure a spot in the semis as well as next year’s Copa America.
The final score over the two legs was 4-4 with Jamaica advancing based on the away goals rule.
“It’s up there. I think top two. I think beating Mexico 1-0 at the Rose Bowl is still the best moment of my national team career but this one is up there for sure especially with all the talking that has been going on from the Canadian team but the guys showed real heart today,” Lowe said in an interview after the game.
In what can only be described as a masterstroke by head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, Lowe, who started the game at his preferred centre back position, was moved into the midfield in the second half, a move that completely changed the game in Jamaica’s favor.
The first of Shamar Nicholson’s two goals on the night came after an excellent assist from Lowe after winning the ball in the final third.
“Nothing too hard for me to think about because I’ve played there and have experience there,” said Lowe about the move to midfield.
“I just tried to analyze the spots that I should be in and just try to help the team as much as possible. I didn’t really think about it at all. Coach just told me I’m playing central midfield and I said okay then just went in and gave my all,” he added.
A national team member for over seven years, the 30-year-old hopes that this is the first step of Jamaica consistently getting over the line and qualifying for big tournaments.
“It’s big! As I said to the guys, it’s no more almost. Every year, every two years it’s almost getting to the finals; almost getting to the semi-final; almost getting to the world cup. Now it’s time to get over the line and we’ve achieved one goal in getting to the Copa America. We’re in the semi-finals of the Nations League so I’m grateful,” he said.
Lowe will now turn his attention to an MLS Cup Conference Semi-final for his Philadelphia Union as they are set to take on FC Cincinnati on Saturday.
“That’s the focus right now. We’re going back into camp tomorrow to prepare for that and get some recovery done and Saturday we have a big semi-final against Cincinnati,” he said.
Lowe, 29, was last apart of the Reggae Boys setup for an international friendly against Jordan on June 19 last year where he was an unused substitute.
“Feels really good. It’s been a while since I’ve been involved in a camp so it’s nice to be back. It’s a great opportunity for me and for the team to go and create history. That would be amazing,” he said in an interview on Monday.
Currently on loan at Swansea City from AFC Bournemouth, Lowe was sidelined for a month earlier this season with a knee injury and says that is behind him now.
“Since I got injured I’ve been trying to get back to full fitness and hopefully I can bring some goals to the team. I’ve watched all the games in the build-up and it’s been unbelievable, the transformation that we’ve gone through. Just want to keep pushing us in the right direction,” Lowe said.
“Everyone’s working hard towards the same goal. It doesn’t matter who the eleven on the field is, everyone’s pushing towards the same ambition so it’s good,” he added.
Lowe has scored seven goals and registered two assists in 27 games for Swansea in the EFL Championship so far this season.
“Swansea’s been good. It’s given me an opportunity to play real minutes and it’s a familiar place. The new manager’s come in and showed trust and belief in me,” he said.
He has two goals in four appearances for the Reggae Boyz.
You can watch the Concacaf Nations League semi-finals live on SportsMax on March 21.
The National Stadium is set to host a series of high-profile events, starting with the Jamaica Athletics Invitational on May 11, followed by the Jamaica Premier League final on May 19, and the INSPORTS Devon Biscuits Primary School Championships from May 23-25. Additionally, the Racers Grand Prix will take place on June 1, just five days before the crucial World Cup qualifier.
With various athletic competitions taking place, including throwing events like the discus, Major Brown expressed concerns about maintaining the integrity of the playing surface, particularly due to the potential damage caused by shot put activities.
"The discus and the javelin are not a problem. It’s the shot put that is the problem," explained Major Brown, highlighting the challenges posed by the heavy metal ball which can create deep divots in the field.
“We did it sometime ago for Champs when we had to do it for like four days. What we did is that we took it up every night and put it back in the mornings otherwise it would kill the grass. If they throw the shot put, it takes three to four weeks to sort it out.
“It’s a sand field so (the shot put) compresses the sand and then you have to dig it up so that the grass can grow back through it.”
To mitigate this issue, Major Brown detailed a specialized plan involving the use of plywood and sand to protect the grass from damage caused by shot put. This method, although expensive, is effective in ensuring the field remains playable and in good condition for the upcoming football qualifier.
Despite the rigorous schedule of events, Major Brown emphasized that the playing surface has significantly improved in recent years, thanks to dedicated efforts to control weeds and maintain overall quality.
"We have a group of people who are very dedicated to getting that field back in good condition, so even with the events that we had recently, we are working on it to get it back," assured Major Brown.
Importantly, organizers of the international track meets have confirmed that only the discus will be contested during the upcoming Jamaica Athletics Invitational and the Racers Grand Prix, alleviating concerns about potential damage caused by shot put competition.
With Major Brown's strategic plans and diligent efforts, football fans can rest assured that the National Stadium will provide a suitable and safe venue for the Reggae Boyz as they kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign against the Dominican Republic on June 6.
It has been widely reported that Olympique Marseille winger has started the process after the English Football Association was approached by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) to formally request a transfer of Greenwood’s international registration.
The 22-year-old former Manchester United starlet, who made his England debut in a UEFA Nations League game at 18 years old, has not featured for the Three Lions since, as he has endured international exile since being charged with attempted rape and assault, which he denied. The charges were later dropped.
As per FIFA rules, Greenwood can change allegiances as he was under 21 years old when he competed for England in 2020.
The JFF’s initial attempt to get Greenwood to switch his international allegiance was unsuccessful, as the player declined with hopes of reviving his career with England.
However, this latest breakthrough was said to be aided by the recent appointment of McClaren as Reggae Boyz Head coach, as the former Manchester United assistant has persuaded Greenwood, who, according to The Sun, is eligible to play for Jamaica through his father, Andrew, to make the move.
Greenwood, who played one season for Spanish La Liga club Getafe last season on loan from Manchester United, later moved to Marseille, where he scored twice and contributed two assists in a 5-1 win over Brest last weekend.
McClaren’s first game as Reggae Boyz Head coach will be a Concacaf Nations League fixture against Cuba on September 6, followed by an away contest against Honduras. However, Greenwood’s transfer may not come through in time for him to play.
The Englishman is under no illusions that the challenge ahead will be easy but remains confident in the Reggae Boyz ability to perform at the highest level. The Boyz will bow into Nations League action on September 6 against Cuba at the National Stadium before visiting Honduras on September 10.
They will then visit Nicaragua on October 10, followed by a return-leg fixture against Honduras on October 14.
“I’m excited; I’ve been excited from day one. The biggest thing is to get started. I’ve called a few players and watched a few games in getting ready for Cuba on September 6. The Reggae Boyz have great potential and I’m very proud to be a part of this journey, as it’s a privilege for anybody to coach a national team because you are representing a country,” McClaren said during an interview with Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) media.
McLaren, who boasts a wealth of experience coaching in and around Europe, including a stint as Manchester United’s assistant coach, underscored that the Nations League will serve as a crucial stepping stone in the team's preparation for World Cup qualification, offering them a platform to build momentum and fine-tune their strategies.
With the powerhouses Mexico, the United States, and Canada already qualifying for the World Cup as hosts, McLaren knows they can take nothing for granted, as every other team across the region will fancy their chances of booking a spot at the global showpiece.
“Every team in the Caribbean now will be thinking they have a chance. In football, there’s never an easy game; complacency is the biggest killer of all,” McLaren noted.
“Therefore, we can’t be complacent in the Nations League or the qualifiers for the World Cup. We must be committed, we must want to be here, and we must all be aligned to the goal of World Cup 2026, from the president [Michael Ricketts] all the way down,” the former England manager added.
That said, the 63-year-old welcomed the camaraderie among the current crop of players, which he believes will make his job that much easier, as his aim was always to ensure there was such a foundation.
“They look like they have great togetherness. I have spoken to players and staff, and everybody loves coming to join up for Jamaica. You have got to enjoy what you do, and that’s a great advantage. All I want to do is carry on with the good work that has gone on,” McLaren declared.
McCleary had signed a short-term contract to help the club through the final matches of the campaign, but Reading has decided not to extend it. The decision marked the end of the 33-year-old’s eight-year tenure with the club who he joined in 2012. The player, who took an active part in the team’s 2012-2013 Premier League campaign, recently reflected on the situation via his Instagram account.
"After 8 years & 270 appearances, my time at Reading FC has come to an end! The farewell wasn’t how I envisaged it would be, receiving a call whilst on my holiday after season finished, BUT.....
"I want to say a huge thank you to the all the players past & previous I’ve played with (in football they say you never have friends but I’ve made some for sure) and staff especially the people behind the scenes,” McCleary posted.
"I’ve built up some great relationships across the years with kit men, canteen staff, pa’s, groundstaff and more so without naming you all you made my time that extra bit enjoyable,” he added.
"No matter who you are, treat every person with respect I’m genuinely sad there are still so many people I haven’t seen to have a proper natter and hug.
"To the fans who’ve stood by me and stayed positive throughout all the drama, sometimes a message you may not think is seen always is and I’m touched by what’s been said.”
One of the most successful schoolboy football coaches in recent history, former Jamaica College head honcho, Miguel Coley sat down with Tanya Lee on ‘Sports Chat’ recently and pointed to another way of looking at that development.
According to Coley, all the arguments about developing fields to generate good habits among young footballers will count for nought if the country does not understand how to manage its talent.
“Management of players is very, very important. We have not lacked talent but what we lack is properly managing our players,” the former Reggae Boyz assistant coach explained.
Coley compared the way other more successful sports in the country, like track and field are treated and believes football should take its cue from them.
“If you look at any other sport, like track and field, for example, that athlete needs management around him, he needs maybe his doctor, a physiotherapist, all different stakeholders that support him. In football, when we have very good players, we don’t have a good management system around them. They are injured, they cannot go to the doctor, they cannot find finances to do this and that,” he said.
Coley, who rose to fame after his Jamaica College units won every title you could think of over the course of seven years, said putting a good management team in place for good young players will engender professional habits and lead to better footballers.
“We have to identify our good young players from early, put a good management team around them and let them start feeling and seeing themselves as being on the doorstep of being a professional player,” he said.
Coley was not ignoring the other issues within football in Jamaica but said he believed development would occur even without them being resolved.
“People will say you need a lot of resources and money, but what we need more of is personnel. We know the problems with our fields, and many countries have issues with fields, so it is no problem sometimes you play on a bad field, and you grow from that level. We definitely need better fields in the country, but I think more than anything else it’s the management,” he said.
Coley, who is assistant coach at United Arab Emirates side Banniyas, also believes that management goes hand in hand with good coaching and wants the coaches in the country to up their level.
“We also have to get our coaches to a level where it is not only about being certified but to have the experience now to take our talents to the next level,” said Coley.
“For our football to improve, or for education on anything to improve, your teachers and coaches have to be at a certain level. You’re not going to be lecturing at the university with a diploma, you need a doctorate or maybe a masters, so that is something that has to improve. And this has nothing to do with our coaches not being good, but they have to be at a certain level to bring that talent because Jamaica has the raw, raw, talent, just bring the coaches to a certain level.”
With the time running out for the deadline to sign contractual obligations, the parties remain far apart in terms of wage demands put forward. The Reggae Boyz have asked for US$7000 ($1,050,895) per player, per match for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The JFF has insisted that, due to financial constraints, US$ US$2000 ($300,256) is the highest that they are able to offer.
“I think that there can be a lot more marketing done to get sponsors on board and there are a lot more ways that funds can come in to compensate the players,” Blake told the SportsMax Zone.
“I think that there’s a lot more that can be done. I don’t think there’s enough being done. It’s almost like I am asking someone to come and work for me and that person must figure out how they are going to get paid or how I am going to pay them. Our job is to come and play not to worry about how we are going to get paid. The JFF has a job and they must do their job," he added.
With a 22-man squad, the players’ current demands could see the federation spend US$2,156,000 ($323,675,752) on wages for the 14-match World Cup qualification round.
The 29-year-old former standout youth prospect signed with the then Championship club at the start of last summer, following his release by Dutch side ADO Den Haag. The midfielder went on to have a decent campaign for derby, scoring 5 goals in 37 appearances.
Following the club’s relegation from the second division, however, a number of players and the team’s manager, former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, have announced their departure. The Reggae Boy confirmed his departure from Pride Park via social media platform Instagram.
Thank you @dcfcofficial all the players, staff & fans for making me feel at home, was a season full of ups and downs but was a real honour to be part of such a wonderful club," Morrison wrote.
"I wish everyone at the club success moving forward."
The player has had loan spells with Birmingham City, QPR, and Cardiff City and spells aboard with Lazio, Atlas, and Ostersund. He returned to Sheffield United in 2019 for a season, before another single season in the Netherlands concluded with him moving to the East Midlands.
In addition, the Jamaicans, currently ranked third in the Concacaf region, have retained the core of a talented Jamaica-born contingent that has appeared at back-to-back Concacaf Gold Cup finals in recent years.
While admitting that the country could indeed boast a formidable unit, Brown was quick to point out that current coach of the team Theodore Whitmore had to be afforded adequate opportunity to prepare the squad.
The Jamaica national team will take part in the Concacaf Gold Cup in July, before beginning the qualifiers in September. “The English season finishes in May, so June is going to be a very, very important month for the coaching staff in terms of preparing the players and getting the right team for the Gold Cup,” Brown told FootballGps. “The Gold Cup offers at least three quality practice games before the World Cup qualifiers and if we do well in getting to the semifinals and final then we have at least five games. I don’t think we can ask for anything better leading up to the qualifiers,” he added. “So, I am very optimistic and just hope that we can offer the sort of preparation that is going to be needed because we have to understand that we are still faced with the Mexicos and United States' and the Canada's and the Costa Rica's and the Panamanians. We cannot just take it for granted that we have a good crop of players, probably the best we have seen since 1998 but it’s about preparation. If we don’t properly prepare for the World Cup qualifiers we really could find ourselves struggling.”
The details of the report caused bulging eyeballs, with claims the national team’s representatives had requested a few eye-watering sums for the upcoming campaigns. Among the standout details was a US$7000 ($1,053,791.20) per player, per match request, in addition to a US$1,000 (150,541.60) win bonus, for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
With an assumed squad of 22 players, at that rate, excluding the bonus, the JFF could be forced to fork out US$154,000 ($23,183,406) per match for the 14 match qualifiers. In total, the bill would amount to US$2,156,000 ($324,567,689) for the period and that would be the wage bill, exclusive of other expenses like travel and accommodation. If the reports are accurate, the parties remain miles apart as the JFF has insisted the most it can offer is US$2000 ($301,083) per match.
In addition, the information released claimed the players have requested US$5,000 ($752,708), for an international friendly, which includes a US$1,000 dollar win bonus. For the CONCACAF Nations League, that amount would fall to US$3,000 ($451,624.80).
According to the release issued by the players’ attorney, negotiations remained ongoing and it was premature to offer details on the issue.
“The players have indicated that it would be premature to make comments on an ongoing negotiation of such national importance,” the release read.
“The players, upon request by the JFF through their attorney, were asked to keep details of the current negotiations confidential. The players are therefore exercising this responsibility and will not dishonour that request.
The players consider qualification to the World Cup and maintaining Jamaica's top 50 rankings as an important responsibility and remain committed to an amicable resolution with the JFF.
They look forward to continuing meaningful discussions with the JFF around a number of outstanding issues, including, but not limited to, match remuneration.”
Having signed a four-year contract, the 55-year-old dentist who guided Iceland to FIFA World Cup qualification in 2018 has been tasked with aiding the development of Jamaica’s football and qualifying for the 2026 World Cup that will be held jointly by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Ricketts described the signing of Coach Hallgrimsson as the ushering in of a new era that will see the controversy-plagued administration change direction.
“The federation has been making important internal changes that will position the federation to fully support what we will announce today as well as a number of other national activities,” he said during the press conference to announce the new coach at the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston on Friday afternoon.
“The changes I will not speak about too much except to say that the call to action for optimism is based on efforts that we will all make effective immediately. On behalf of the Jamaica Football Federation, I wish to formally announce that Mr Heimir Hallgrimsson has accepted the offer of the JFF to become the head coach of the senior men’s national team for a period of four years.”
Declaring that he chose to take the Jamaica project because of the great potential for success, Hallgrimsson was under no illusions regarding to the magnitude of the undertaking.
“When I was looking for projects to coach, I was really selective. It was not about money, it was about the project and for me, it was a perfect match to come now to Jamaica and to try to fix what is broken, obviously, there are some obstacles we have to cross and we have to improve some big things but for me, it was a perfect match. I see so much potential here and if I compare this one to the Icelandic project I think the potential is much more than in Iceland,” he said.
That said, Hallgrimsson is also aware that he does not have much time to right the many wrongs of Jamaica’s football.
“We have a year until we start playoffs (World Cup qualification) the group stage of the World Cup so we have to start quickly and try to stabilize the Jamaica national team. The second job is assisting in the improvement of football here in Jamaica through coaching education of elite players and we are happy to be a part of an assist in that,” he said.
“While going this, we all know that in every match there is pressure to win. There is an expectation to win and no coach will survive in his job without winning football matches. So two different things, first to develop talent and the second to improve the national team and I think both of these projects can support each other.”
To do that, Hallgrimsson will bring with him two other coaches, who he believes will be assets to his plans.
“I will bring two coaches with me. One assistant his name is John Wall. He is a teacher, has a BA in Sports Science, coached at many levels in Sweden. He was a tactical coach for the Finnish national team. He is good in player development and really useful in the transition getting local players to a higher standard and eventually and hopefully to the national team,” he said.
“The other staff member I will bring with me is Gudmundur Hreidarsson. He will be our goalkeeper coach. I worked with him for seven years in the national team. All the years I was there he was the goalkeeper coach. He is, in my opinion, one of the best ones I’ve seen. He has the highest education possible for goalkeeper coaches in Europe, very experienced.”
Hallgrimsson’s first test will be against Argentina in less than two weeks and he believes that the encounter against the number-four ranked team in the world will be a blessing in disguise.
“It’s a great opportunity because they will expose all of our weaknesses, especially defensive weaknesses,” he said.
“Probably, we will be defending more or less, most of the game so it’s really a good chance to see how are when we compare to the best in the world.”
The 24-year-old forward recently secured a move to Russian Premier League club Spartak Moscow after spending two years at Belgian club Charleroi. The move will represent a step up for the Jamaican player, with the Russian club routinely taking part in Europe’s top competitions.
Football in Russia has, however, been plagued by controversy in recent years with fans often known to direct racist and xenophobic chants towards players of different races who represent various clubs. The issue had become so prominent in recent years that there was a campaign to address the issue ahead of the country's hosting of the 2016 World Cup.
However, according to Nicholson’s agent Kevin Cowan. Issues pertaining to racism impact players everywhere.
"There is racism everywhere," Cowan told Voetbalkrant.com.
“That shouldn't be a factor. Shouldn't all players be playing in Italy or Russia otherwise?"
"Spartak came and wanted Shamar, then we are not concerned with possible racism. In the long run, he wants to go to an absolute top competition, but this is a nice step and a very nice club."
Nicholson, who recently completed a move from Belgian Pro League team Charleroi to Russian Premier League outfit Spartak Moscow, scored three goals in 11 appearances for the Reggae Boyz in 2021.
The former Boy’s Town attacker has been in sensational form this season scoring 13 goals in 18 games for Charleroi before making the move to Spartak.
Swaby, who captained the Reggae Girlz for the first time this year, was part of a Roma team that won their first major Women’s trophy in May by defeating AC Milan on penalties in the Copa Italia final after keeping a clean sheet.
On December 21, it was announced that Swaby would be joining National Women’s Soccer League expansion team Angel City FC following the completion of the Supercoppa Italiana this January.
Nicholson will miss the Reggae Boyz January 20, friendly with Peru in Lima but could next be in action for the Boyz on January 27 when they play Mexico in a World Cup Qualifying fixture, while Swaby's Reggae Girlz will next see action in the CONCACAF Women's Championship beginning on February 17.
With the JFF and some national representatives yet to agree to terms on player contracts, several players will not suit up for the friendly. President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Michael Ricketts, however, believes the situation is an opportunity.
“The show must go on,” he said. “We will be missing some of our best players, but this game provides a perfect opportunity for coach Whitmore to see other players who could possibly help to bolster his squad going forward. It is not a perfect situation, but it could be useful.”
At least one member of a 15-man local squad, called by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) to prepare for the upcoming friendly against the United States, tested positive for the coronavirus and is now isolating at home.
The rest of the contingent, including head coach Theodore Whitmore, ancillary staff, and administrative staff, tested negative for the virus and are now in camp at the UWI/JFF/Captain Horace Burrell Centre.
The local unit will train at the venue for the next few days before leaving on the weekend of the 20th to join the overseas-based players, who will fly directly to Austria by March 22. The match will take place on March 25th at the SC Wiener Neustadt. The match will be Jamaica’s first international friendly since they faced Saudi Arabia over two legs, in November of last year.
Having failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, the national team is set to return to action with a fixture against the Spanish region Catalonia on May 25. The friendly will be followed by matches against Suriname in the Nations League and another friendly against Uruguay in June.
The 27-year-old Clarke-Harris has been one of the most dependable scorers outside the Premier League in recent years and is a player the Jamaica Football Federation has kept close tabs on. Since joining Peterborough in 2020, the player has scored a healthy 44 goals in 87 appearances for the club.
In 31 appearances in the English Championship, this season, the forward has scored 11 times, coupled with 3 assists. The club will, however, be relegated from the division this season after finishing second from the bottom of the league table.
Hall, who served as the assistant coach under former national coach Theodore Whitmore, took charge of the national team in December of last year, following the dismissal of the head coach.
He would go on to coach the unit for 10 matches, which included the successful qualification of the team to the Concacaf Gold Cup from the Concacaf Nation’s League competition. Hall last took charge of the team in a 1-1 draw against Mexico in the Nations League in June.
Since then, the JFF announced that Merron Gordon had been named interim coach for the team’s most recent fixture against Morocco and Qatar and is expected to announce former Iceland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson as head of the program in the coming days.
In a release posted to the social media platform Instagram, Hall attempted to bring some clarity to the issue.
“I felt I had to resign as many of my requests, such as the standard of the training pitch, additional kit for cold weather in Canada and in particular organistion for transport were well below par,” Hall said via the release.
“After qualifying for the Gold Cup and with the situation with administration being strained. I felt like my position had become untenable. I was still being expected to be part of conference calls, team talks, and matchday selections, but my role, contract, and remuneration questions were being ignored,” he added.
The coach went on to claim that he was yet to receive full monetary compensation for his period with the team, despite receiving a payment last week.
The 27-year-old Morrison made his debut for Jamaica’s senior team in November 2020 during a two-match friendly series against Saudi Arabia. The teams split the series 1-1 with Morrison distinguishing himself over the two matches.
Simpson said the discussions with centre around the player’s immediate future what with the critical CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers coming up later this year as Jamaica seeks to qualify for a second World Cup, it’s first since 1998.
However, he said, there is a reason for optimism.
“In speaking with Ravel's agent, he said they would not have cancelled if they were not pursuing positive options and they will confirm his new club in a few days,” Simpson told Sportsmax.TV this morning.
The mercurial Morrison has had an erratic career since signing for Manchester United in 2010 when he was seen as an extremely talented youngster poised for greater things.
Since then, he has gone on to play for 11 different clubs that have seen flashes of his brilliance.
Among the clubs he has played for in the last decade include West Ham, Queens Park Rangers, Cardiff City, Lazio, Sheffield United and Middlesborough.
The forward has been a part of the Watford squad since 2017 but spent the last season on loan at Queens Park Rangers. During his stint at Queens Park Rangers, Gray scored 10 goals as they narrowly missed out on the play-offs.
Gray has had a productive stint in Championship football since joining Burnley in 2015. The forward notched 20 in 52 at Brentford and 33 in 78 at Burnley before making a reported £17m switch to Hertfordshire in 2017.
According to reports, the player has also drawn interest from Birmingham and Preston North End where another Jamaican Daniel Johnson is a part of the squad.
