Ex-Man United coach Steve McClaren quits as Jamaica boss after World Cup qualification upset | OneFootball

Former Manchester United coach Steve McClaren has stepped down from his position as boss of the Jamaica national team.

Jamaica suffer World Cup qualification disappointment

McClaren had two spells at United, initially as an assistant to the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, before he returned more than two decades later as part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff.

He was part of the coaching set-up that completed the unprecedented Treble in 1999. He then helped United secure back-to-back Premier League titles and the 2000/01 FA Cup.

McClaren departed United for the second time in 2024 after Ten Hag’s men beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

He was appointed by Jamaica soon after, putting pen to paper on a two-year contract.

However, his time with the Reggae Boyz has come to an end after their failure to clinch World Cup qualification with Tuesday’s goalless draw at home to Curaçao. Jamaica can still book their place in the tournament through a March six-team mini-tournament in Mexico, where they will have to win two games.

In his post-match press conference, McClaren announced his exit in a statement.

McClaren quits

He said [via The Athletic], “Leadership is a service, tonight I think the best thing I can do is stepping aside. They will succeed in March. Thank you Jamaica, it has been an honour, one love to you all.”

“Tonight we’ve fallen short in our goal to qualify. It is a responsibility of the leader, myself to step forward, take accountability, and make decisions in the best interests of the team from them to go for.”

“After deep reflection and an honest assessment of where we are, and where we need to go I have decided to step down as the head coach of the Jamaican national team.”

McClaren continued, “This decision comes from respect. Always the respect of the badge. Always the support, and the place. And sometimes the best thing a leader can do is to recognise when new energy and a different perspective is required to move this team forward. I want to take this moment to clearly thank the players.”

“I’m positive this team will succeed in March.… I think I’d best serve this team by stepping aside, and allowing someone else to take this team forward, which I know they’ll succeed in March.”

“There so much talented ability on this island, things are developing. They will succeed. So I thank you, Jamaica. I will be forever grateful to have led the Reggae Boyz, really has been an honour, respect and one love to you all.”

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