Steve McClaren, the former manager of the England national team, has been appointed as the head coach of Jamaica’s men’s national squad.
The 63-year-old has inked a two-year deal following his departure from Manchester United’s coaching staff.
According to the Jamaica Football Federation, McClaren’s goal is to lead the Reggae Boyz to the finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Their sole World Cup participation so far was in 1998 in France, where they were eliminated in the group stage.
McClaren expressed that he was “very proud and thrilled” to take on his first managerial role since being dismissed by QPR in April 2019.
“I had no doubts in accepting a role that aligns perfectly with my career goals at this point,” he remarked.
Previously, McClaren worked as an assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United before heading Middlesbrough, where he secured the League Cup.
He took over as England’s manager in 2006, succeeding Sven-Goran Eriksson, but was dismissed after the team failed to qualify for Euro 2008.
In May 2022, McClaren returned to Manchester United as part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching team.
Before that, he had collaborated with Jamaica while serving as a technical advisor at FIFA.
“I quickly recognized the immense potential that the country had,” he stated.
“Over the years, that potential has expanded greatly, and there’s every reason to believe that with ongoing effort and development, a promising future awaits.”
