McClaren quits as Jamaica manager

This was not how it was supposed to end.

After failing to qualify for a significant tournament when England did not advance to Euro 2008, Steve McClaren left one international position.

He had no intention of feeling that way once more.

Yet there he was, accepting a 0-0 draw with Curacao, which on the one hand represents a fairytale for the tiny Caribbean island that has now become the smallest nation to reach the World Cup, but on the other hand represents a monumental failure for the “Reggae Boys” in the bowels of the National Stadium in Jamaica.

McClaren remained dignified as he announced the end of his 18-month coaching role in Jamaica, much like he did after his England defeat.

He claimed, “Over the past 18 months, I have given everything I have to this job.” One of my greatest accomplishments has been playing for this team.

“Footer is about results, and tonight we have missed our goal, which is to qualify from this group.”

The leader has a responsibility to advance, accept responsibility, and act in the team’s best interests.

I’ve made the decision to step down as the Jamaican national team head coach after much reflection and honest assessment of where we are and where we need to go.

McClaren’s professional pride is being greatly diminished by the words.

Given that the three current Concacaf heavyweights, the USA, Mexico, and Canada, all have automatic automatic qualification for next year’s tournament as co-hosts, the attraction of signing the contract with Jamaica was the opening opportunity it opened to play.

McClaren promised to be “back” after the torment in England. This was supposed to be it on the global stage.

Jamaica never had a better chance of winning the World Cup for the second time in their history than the 1998 team of Robbie Earle, Fitzroy Simpson, and Frank Sinclair.

It wasn’t simple.

Mason Greenwood’s unsuccessful attempts to join the group initially fell through due to a documentation issue, and then he turned down a call-up the following month because he argued he was not ready to commit to Jamaica.

In the hours leading up to the game, McClaren had been anticipating the availability of Brentford defender Rico Henry, who was only allowed to make his debut in Thursday’s draw against Trinidad and Tobago.

Michail Antonio was anticipated to be a part of his squad, but the former West Ham striker hasn’t played a competitive game since returning from a terrible car accident six months ago.

Additionally, being a member of a Confederation can cause the weather to suddenly change from icy cold and snow to blistering hot, blistering heat.

McClaren remarked, “These 18 months have been difficult, really hard.” I was forced to pick up lessons quickly.

In retrospect, Jamaica’s late equalizer against Trinidad and Tobago last week proved crucial, leaving Curacao with only a draw in the final game.

Jamaica struggled to get a grip on the game in the first half and toiled badly on a night when they managed just one shot on target, giving way to the heady optimism of a capacity crowd at Kingston’s National Stadium, where songs were sung and vuvuzelas were blowing.

In a frantic second period, they three hit the woodwork three times. The video assistant referee only had the option to make a decision regarding an injury penalty after it appeared as though they were going to save them.

They couldn’t possibly be inspired by Usain Bolt, Jamaica’s most well-known sporting son, who delivered the opening speech before the game.

Jamaica still stands a chance of qualifying. However, they now have a chance to win two games in a six-team mini-tournament in Mexico. A final will be played between DR Congo and Iraq.

There is a different safety net for McClaren.

Ironically, he lost his job in England and found refuge in the Caribbean while on vacation in Barbados.

He is now leaving the area, having been unable to provide some respite to a population still accepting the destruction brought on by Storm Melissa, and unable to bring back the Jamaican cheers he so passionately praised.