DEFENDER Amari’i Bell says Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz are enjoying Steve McClaren’s start to life as head coach as they look to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

McClaren was appointed at the end of July on a two-year contract, replacing Icelander Heimir Hallgrimsson who resigned after two years in charge.

The former England manager, and most recently Manchester United first team coach, started his stint with a disappointing goalless draw against Cuba at the National Stadium and an important 2-1 away win against Honduras. The unbeaten start sees Jamaica top of Group B in the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League A on four points and in pole position to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Left back Bell told the Jamaica Observer that though McClaren has been in the job for fewer than three months, he has reinvigorated the team.

“It’s very good. Obviously when a new manager comes in they bring fresh ideas and add a little bit more life in the camp. That’s what he’s done and it’s been good for us. We haven’t a lot of time together but the more time we work with each other, it’s only going to get better,” said the 30-year-old Luton Town player.

Noting the mix of European-based (predominantly from England), United States-based and locally based players, Bell said he expects the camaraderie within the team will continue to improve.

“When we’re back in England it’s hard to meet up because life takes over and what not. But when we come to Jamaica and we play with the players playing in England or Blakey [Andre Blake] and Nana [Damion Lowe] who are overseas, we just gel as a team. The chemistry [within] the team is good on and off the field but it can only [get] better the more time we spend with each other,” he said.

The Reggae Boyz return to action next month with games against Nicaragua and Honduras. Bell believes the Nations League contests are great preparation for their goal of getting to the World Cup.

“All these games are crucial, because when it comes to qualifying for the World Cup we don’t want to mess around. We want to be in the final stage of the tournament when it comes so every opportunity [arises,] we need to use to gel as a team and become the best team we can,” he said.

Bell is returning to top form after having his 2023/24 season cut short due to injury. After lasting just five minutes in Luton’s defeat to Aston Villa in the English Premier League (EPL) last February, it was revealed that Bell tore his hamstring and underwent surgery which ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign. During his absence Luton were relegated to the championship after just one season in the top flight.

Although he was named in Jamaica’s Copa America squad last June, Bell didn’t recover in time to make an appearance as they were knocked out at the group stage.

However, he’s started four of the five games for Luton so far and captained them in their 1-0 victory over Millwall — which was their first win of the season.

Bell says he’s happy to have overcome his injury issues and wants to help Luton and Jamaica reach their objectives.

“The injury was tough, very tough mentally — obviously it was my first big injury and needed surgery. It was very tough but, thank God, I got back fit and feeling strong now, hopefully trying to get promoted back with Luton, so the best form I can be for Luton is going to help Jamaica too,” he said.

Bell is expected to play for Luton on Saturday in their clash against Sheffield Wednesday. His team currently sits in 20th place. At the end of the season only the top two teams automatically advance to the EPL while third to sixth vie for the final spot to the top flight. The bottom three will suffer relegation to League One.

Reggae Boyz Head Coach Steve McLaren (right) instructs members of Jamaica’s senior football team during a training session at the National Stadium on September 5, 2024. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

BELL… obviously when a new manager comes in they bring fresh ideas and add a little bit more life in the camp (Photo: Richard Bell)