Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer
Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president Captain Horace Burrell (left) shakes hands with interim Reggae Boyz coach, Theodore Whitmore (right), yesterday at the JFF headquarters as Digicel's marketing manager, Wayne Miller, looks on. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer
FORMER NATIONAL captain and midfield maestro Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore has been appointed interim head coach of Jamaica's senior Reggae Boyz team for their two upcoming friendly internationals against El Salvador and Guatemala at the National Stadium.
The announcement was made yesterday by Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president Captain Horace Burrell at a press conference at the federation's headquarters on St. Lucia Avenue, New Kingston.
Burrell said Whitmore will be assisted by former national women's coach Bradley Stewart.
Star player
The Reggae Boyz are ranked at 103 in the world and will play their first game against El Salvador on Sunday with the second against Guatemala three days later. Both matches will start at 6:00 p.m. and have been sponsored by Digicel to the tune of US$100,000.
Whitmore was a star of Jamaica's historic France 1998 World Cup team and he scored both goals against Japan in their memorable 2-1 Cup victory.
He said he was humbled by his appointment.
"This is a opportunity that I will cherish," said Whitmore who last played for the national team in 2004 and now coaches Seba United in the Cash Plus Premier League (CPPL). "It makes me proud to see that my international career has now gone one step further.
"I know the love that I have for this country and the confidence of this administration and Jamaica, and so I know that success is a must. "I know that I will command the respect and admiration of all the players and this will make my job much easier."
Surprise appointment
Stewart, who is also a FIFA instructor, said he was surprised by his appointment to the senior team.
"It was a bit surprising at this stage because I thought that I had passed that stage where you would be considered to be important to the national programme," Stewart said. "I will be helping Theodore to settle down in his role because it really not about my own ambitions in this area, it is more to make sure that he has the experience and support around him."
The JFF also announced a list of 10 overseas-based players who have been invited for both games.
Among them are central defender Ian 'Pepe' Goodison.
Goodison, who was also a part of Jamaica's 1998 World Cup team, is currently representing Tranmere Rovers in England.
The rest of the overseas-based players are fellow France '98 veteran Ricardo Gardner, Luton Shelton, Ricardo Fuller, Omar Daley, Jermaine 'Teddy' Johnson, Donovan Ricketts, Damion Stewart, Tyrone Marshall and Jamal Campbell Ryce. The rest of squad for both matches will be announced tomorrow.
