Former national senior men’s assistant football coach, Miguel Coley says he is more than ready to take the next big step in his coaching career. Coley, regarded by many as an accomplished tactician, has spent several years in the in the Middle East honing his craft. Over the last four years he has been with Umm Salal in the Qatar Stars League and is aiming for more opportunities.

“I equipped myself well and I am ready to take my career a step further,” said Coley, who currently serves as the reserve team head coach at Umm Salal.

Last November, he stepped into the role of interim head coach for the first team, a position he held for one month. His versatility and dedication have seen him take on a number of roles within the club.

“I have been with Umm Salal for four years now and I have changed different roles over the years and hopefully, maybe soon the club will have the confidence in me to make me head coach. But I have always been looking for new opportunities in the Caribbean, in Concacaf, and [other] places in Asia,” he said.

Coley, who now holds a Pro License, is actively exploring his next move.

Backed by agents and buoyed by interest from several clubs, he noted that the time is right for him to make a major step.

“I am here anticipating a big move. I came here at 35 and now I an 42, and I have achieved a lot from coaching the Reggae Boyz to making my mark in Asia. I feel I have gotten enough experience not just to coach, but to manage at the highest level,” Coley said.

That level of ambition is matched by a track record of results.

Under his leadership, Umm Salal’s reserve team has won the league and is currently fourth this season, a commendable achievement for what Coley describes as a small club. He stated that his dual focus has always been player development and performance.

“Each year, I try to do my best with the team we have and I try to produce players for the first team when I am the reserve coach. When I am with the first team, I focus on results.”

Coley, who led Jamaica College to five-straight urban area Manning Cup and all-island Olivier Shield titles, respectively, in schoolboy football, said that while setting his sights on more prominent roles, his ultimate goal remains clear. He wants to compete at the highest levels of football.

“My desire is always to do better and to compete against the best minds in football. I think it is just a matter of time. I believe this is my year to do something big and impact football — snot just in a small space, but globally,” he explained