When Richard King calmly slotted home a late penalty to seal Jamaica’s 3-2 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup on Tuesday, it was a celebration of a dramatic result as much as it was a statement of intent from a player knocking loudly on Europe’s door.
While questions have been raised about the inclusion of Ravel Morrison and the omission of Shamar Nicholson, Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren stands by his selections, as he insisted that each decision was made on form, fitness, and the needs of the team heading into crucial World Cup qualifiers.
Though bitterly disappointed with Jamaica’s dismal Gold Cup campaign, head coach Steve McClaren believes the early exit could prove to be the blessing in disguise his Reggae Boyz need to reset, refocus, and realign ahead of September’s crucial World Cup qualifiers.
While many Jamaican fans remain fixated on how the Reggae Boyz should play, head coach Steve McClaren is more focused on who can execute the job. The Englishman, known for his tactical nous, admits that though he came in with a specific vision for Jamaica’s midfield and overall style of play, reality has forced him to adapt—and quickly.
Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren expressed confidence in his team to bounce back in decisive fashion as they prepare for a must-win Concacaf Gold Cup Group C showdown against Guadeloupe at PayPal Park in San Jose on Friday.
Head coach Steve McClaren reaffirmed that he and his Reggae Boyz are fighting for the Jamaican people, as he believes 2026 World Cup qualification is within reach and is determined to help the country get there.
Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren has poured cold water on speculation of a personal rift with fan favourite Ravel Morrison, as he insisted that the midfielder’s omission from Jamaica’s national team setup is based solely on performance standards, not personality clashes.
Luck was not on the side of Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz during the first leg of their CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifier against St. Vincent & the Grenadines at the Arnos Vale Stadium on Friday.
McClaren was announced as the new Head Coach of the Jamaica Men’s Senior National team last week, replacing former head man Heimir Hallgrimsson, who has since taken up the position of Head Coach of Ireland.
The 63-year-old, who has 35 years of managerial experience with clubs like Middlesbrough, FC Twente with whom he won the Dutch Eredivisie in 2009-2010, Newcastle United and Manchester United who he left to take up this job.
The Fulford-born McClaren also has experience at the international level, serving in the roles of coach and assistant manager for England from 2000-2007.
He has signed on as Head Coach for Jamaica for the next 18 months, with his main objective being to lead the Caribbean Island nation to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted jointly by the USA, Canada and Mexico. Jamaica’s only previous trip to a World Cup was back in 1998.
“The moment I got on the plane to come over yesterday, through the airport, at the hotel and coming to meet the staff this morning, I’ve had a real warm welcome and a really good feeling about coming here and taking this job with the vision of the World Cup in 2026,” McClaren said at Thursday’s press conference.
McClaren first became aware of Jamaica during his stint as a technical expert for FIFA analyzing the FIFA ecosystem.
“I always knew that this country had unbelievable potential and talent because I was technical expert for FIFA for two years working on the ecosystem which really analyzed every country in the world. We analyzed 210 countries. I analyzed about 20 of which Jamaica was one of them,” he said.
“After doing the analysis and the report three years ago, Jamaica has always been in the back of my mind because it was the one country in which the potential and talent is here and there is such a lot to do. What I’ve seen over the last two years is unbelievable development. It’s my job now to take the baton and carry that on,” McClaren added.
One of the main questions posed to McClaren during Thursday’s proceeding was the fact that he left a club like Manchester United to come and coach Jamaica, a third world country.
McClaren insists that resources are not the main drivers to success of national teams.
“It’s not about resources. It’s about people, it’s about behaviors and it’s about standards. They are the three main things that will be targeted. We might not have the greatest resources but it’s the people, commitment, standards and behaviours that will make the difference that we are all here to work towards,” he said.
President of the JFF, Michael Ricketts, is excited for the future of the National Team under McClaren’s leadership.
“When you think of Mr. McClaren’s achievements as a coach, it gives us reason to feel extremely optimistic. The big picture here is the 2026 World Cup and coach will be charged with getting us there,” he said.
Chairman of the JFF Technical Committee, Rudolph Speid, commented about the process of hiring McClaren.
“We got people from all over the world but at the end of the day it was always going to be one coach. He literally ticked all the boxes,” he said.
“It was a no-brainer to choose him,” he added.
McClaren’s first assignment will be a CONCACAF Nations League clash with Cuba on September 6.
Jamaica Men’s National Football Team head coach Steve McClaren sees his team’s upcoming Unity Cup stint as a vehicle to prepare his players for their long-term goal-qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Head coach of Jamaica’s Men’s National Football Team, Steve McClaren, says he is proud of his team and grateful for the experience gained by both players and staff at the 2025 Unity Cup.
A win is the only result on the mind of Reggae Boyz Head Coach Steve McClaren heading into the decisive second leg of his side's CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifier against St. Vincent & the Grenadines set for Tuesday at Sabina Park in Kingston.
Michail Antonio may have only played 10 minutes in Jamaica’s Concacaf Gold Cup opener, but his appearance, and the story behind it, has already become one of the tournament’s most compelling talking points.
Amari’i Bell always knew wearing the Jamaican shirt meant something bigger. But leading his country as captain in West London with friends and family cheering and silverware on the line has taken that pride to an entirely new level.
Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren is hoping for a stronger performance from his team as they look to close out the Concacaf World Cup qualifying group stage on a high and build valuable momentum heading into the final round.
With one win in the bag, Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren is optimistic that his team will finish the job in the decisive contest of their two-match friendly series against Trinidad and Tobago at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Sunday night.
Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren urged his players to embrace the opportunity and showcase their talent in the upcoming two-match friendly series against Trinidad and Tobago, as he pointed out that these games could shape their future in Jamaica’s squad for major international tournaments.
As Brandon Cover prepares for his first outing with the Reggae Boyz in almost two years, the midfielder exudes the kind of quiet confidence that comes from growth, gratitude, and unfinished business.
When Rumarn Burrell got the message, he had to read it twice. A call-up to the Reggae Boyz camp was not just a career milestone, but it was the culmination of a lifelong connection, generations deep, and a dream nurtured by talent, persistence, and identity.
Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren believes Jamaica may have uncovered a gem in Rumarn Burrell, who marked his senior international debut with a goal in Tuesday night’s thrilling 3-2 win over Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup.