Paul Hall tipped as new head coach of the Reggae Boyz
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has promoted former Reggae Boyz’ assistant coach, Paul Hall, as the new head coach following the sacking of Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore on Thursday.
An official statement from the JFF confirmed the appointment, and he is now tasked with managing the Reggae Boyz for the remainder of the 2022 World Cup qualifying games set to resume next month. “Bearing in mind that the World Cup campaign is still ongoing, the JFF has decided to appoint former assistant Paul Hall to lead until the World Cup cycle ends,” the statement read.
Whitmore, who was at the helm at the start of the World Cup qualifying campaign, has been relieved of his head coaching duties because of the team’s poor performances, so far, in their eight games played. The JFF’s technical committee’s recommendation has influenced the Michael Ricketts-led executive decision.
For his service to the Reggae Boyz over the years, Whitmore was also acknowledged by the statement released by the federation. “The JFF wishes to thank Mr Whitmore for the work that he has put in with the team over the years.”
Hall is no stranger to the Reggae Boyz. He was a part of the Reggae Boyz’ 1998 squad that qualified for the World Cup held in France. However, he will be playing a different role from the touchline on this occasion. His first fixture in charge will be at home to Mexico on Thursday, 27 January 2022. After that, the Reggae Boyz will travel to Panama on the 30th, and host Costa Rica and El Salvador on 2 February and 24 March respectively.
For the final two games, the Reggae Boyz will play away to Canada on 27 March before playing their last game here at the National Stadium against Honduras on 30 March.
Only the top three teams are sure of an automatic qualifying spot to Qatar. However, the team that finishes fourth will get a chance at a playoff spot against an Oceanic team yet to be named.
At this juncture of the campaign, Canada leads the group on 16 points, USA a point behind in second, Mexico with 14 in third, Panama also with 14 in fourth, Costa Rica with 9 in fifth, Jamaica with six in sixth, El Salvador and Honduras, seventh and eighth with six and three points, respectively.
