Steve McClaren, the former England manager, has been appointed head coach of Jamaica’s men’s national football team. The 63-year-old has signed a two-year contract and will officially take up his role after his departure from Manchester United’s coaching staff.
The Jamaica Football Federation announced that McClaren’s primary objective will be to lead the Reggae Boyz to the 2026 World Cup finals. Jamaica’s only World Cup appearance occurred in France in 1998, where they were eliminated in the group stage.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, McClaren stated, “I am extremely proud and excited” to take on his first managerial position since being dismissed by QPR in April 2019. He added, “I had no hesitation in accepting a position that is ideally suited to me at this stage of my career.”
McClaren previously served as an assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United before departing in 2001 to manage Middlesbrough. During his tenure there, he secured the League Cup in 2004 and led the team to the UEFA Cup final in 2006. He took over as England manager in 2006, succeeding Sven-Goran Eriksson, but was dismissed after the national team failed to qualify for Euro 2008.
In May 2022, McClaren returned to Manchester United as part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff. Ten Hag praised McClaren’s contributions, describing him as “an invaluable source of support and advice.” He added, “Steve and I have been friends for 16 years since we first worked together at FC Twente, and that relationship will continue as he embarks on this next challenge, as will his bond with Manchester United.”
Before his return to United, McClaren served as a technical adviser for Jamaica at FIFA. Reflecting on his experiences, he noted, “I quickly came to realise the potential the country possessed.” He expressed optimism about Jamaica’s future, stating, “In the years since, that potential has grown significantly, and there is every reason to believe that with continued hard work and development, a bright future lies ahead.”
As McClaren prepares to oversee the return of Manchester United’s international players to pre-season training, he will depart from the club following the squad’s return from their tour of the United States. In closing, he expressed gratitude, saying, “I wish to say a huge thank you to everyone at Manchester United for their friendship, help and support during the past two years.”
