PRESIDENT OF the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Michael Ricketts, says the organisation is expected to reach an agreement today with coach Miguel Coley regarding the possibility of him taking up the role as interim assistant coach of the Reggae Boyz.
Ricketts told The Gleaner that the JFF and Coley’s representatives are scheduled for a final meeting today, and once that discussion is completed, he is confident both parties will arrive at an agreement.
“We have almost all the details of his contract, and we will have the final tomorrow (today). We have been in contact with Coley and he is very interested, and Coley wants to help the country and he is very committed to the process. I am confident that he will take up the role based on the discussions that we have had over the past couple of days,” Ricketts said.
If Coley accepts the job, he will serve as interim assistant coach alongside newly appointed interim head coach, Rudolph Speid.
Speid, the sporting director of defending Jamaica Premier League champions Cavalier, replaces Steve McClaren, who resigned last week after Jamaica failed to secure automatic qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Reggae Boyz were held to a heartbreaking 0-0 draw with Curaçao at the National Stadium, a result that sent the Blue Tide to their first-ever World Cup after topping the group with 12 points, one more than Jamaica.
Despite the disappointment, the Reggae Boyz still have a pathway to qualification. They will face New Caledonia of the Oceania Confederation in the semi-finals of the FIFA Intercontinental Play-offs in Mexico next March. A victory would see the Jamaicans advance to a decisive clash against the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a place at the World Cup.
Ricketts said Speid and Coley have already discussed their roles and are aligned in their mission.
“Both Speid and himself have had discussions and they will be looking at what their backroom staff will be. But like I have said, I have had discussions with Speid, and Coley would have had some discussions, and both men are very comfortable with their respective roles, and both of them are very intent on getting us to the World Cup,” he added.
“It is just for us to work out the logistics and remuneration, backroom staff, and for the approval from the board of directors,” Ricketts explained.
“Everything will be presented to the board, because I think we have a meeting on December 11, and once we get the approval, then these gentlemen will take up their respective roles on December 15,” Ricketts added.
Coley, who is currently an assistant coach with Zakho Sports Club in Iraq, said he would not comment on the matter at this time.
The vastly experienced Coley previously served as assistant to Winfried Schäfer from 2014 to 2016. He also guided Jamaica College to five straight Manning Cup and Olivier Shield titles and holds a UEFA pro licence.
