Veteran Coach Calvert Fitzgerald says the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) is simply ticking the necessary boxes in its coaching search, convinced that the decision has already been made to appoint Rudolph Speid as the permanent head coach of the senior men’s team.

On Thursday, the JFF issued a release inviting “suitable candidates” to apply for the position that has been vacant since Englishman Steve McClaren stepped down in November last year after failing to guide the Reggae Boyz to the FIFA World Cup.

Speid, who has held several positions within the JFF, including chairman of the Technical Committee, was appointed interim head coach following McClaren’s departure. He has since overseen Jamaica’s participation in the FIFA Intercontinental play-offs in Mexico in March and the Unity Cup in London last weekend, where the Reggae Boyz lost in both finals.

Former Jamaica football interim head coach Rudolph Speid (centre) oversees a practice session at Verde Valle training center in Zapopan, Mexico, on March 30, 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup Play-off match against DR Congo on March 31. Photo: AFP

The release outlined several requirements for the role, including possession of a valid Concacaf A Licence or an internationally recognised equivalent such as a UEFA Pro or A Licence. Candidates are also expected to have a proven track record at the elite level, preferably with senior national teams or top-tier professional clubs, along with strong leadership, tactical and communication skills.

While a number of local coaches declined to comment, Montego Bay United Head Coach Xavier Gilbert said the federation should look close to home for its next appointment.
“They should hire someone local,” Gilbert told the Jamaica Observer.

Football coach and administrator Andrew Price echoed that view, arguing that the successful candidate should either already understand the Jamaican football landscape or be capable of adapting quickly.
“They should hire someone immersed in our culture or someone who is able to adapt to the culture and who can develop talent,” Price said.

Fitzgerald, who described Speid as “the most powerful man in football in Jamaica”, dismissed the JFF’s recruitment exercise as little more than a formality, and said he believes the outcome has already been determined.
“We have to speak the truth. If Speid wants the job, he will get it,” Fitzgerald told the Jamaica Observer.

The veteran coach argued that Speid’s years of involvement within the federation have placed him in a commanding position.
“He positioned himself in the JFF’s organisation, put in the work, and is in the cat bird seat,” Fitzgerald said.

FITZGERALD…We have to speak the truth. If Speid wants the job, he will get it (Paul Reid)

Fitzgerald also stressed that managing a national team requires a different skill set from coaching a club side, largely because of the limited time available with players during international windows.

“The coach should be experienced in working with national teams and familiar with the kind of football that is played here. That would make his job easier,” he said.

Having worked with Dunbeholden FC during the recently concluded Jamaica Premier League season, Fitzgerald said the next national coach must also be capable of inspiring players to embrace the responsibility of representing Jamaica.

“He has to be motivated and be able to instil a high level of patriotism in the players, and they must play for the badge. They must know they represent the Jamaican people,” Fitzgerald added.
Meanwhile, Price believes the JFF should appoint someone with a long-term vision extending through the next FIFA World Cup cycle to 2030.

“This person must be willing to go the long way. He has to walk the streets and lanes and scout for talent. He has to develop players and nurture them so when teams are selected they will be able to gel quickly,” Price said.
He also maintained that cultural understanding would be a key factor in the appointment and called for greater continuity within the national programme.

“The person who gets the job must be immersed in the culture or be able to adapt. The team must have an identity and philosophy. We have seen too much chopping and changing with a number of different coaches coming and going,” Price said.

Price further argued that international experience should be a non-negotiable requirement for the role.

“The coach must understand the nuances of the international game,” he said.

Asked specifically whether he would support Speid’s appointment, Price acknowledged the Cavalier SC technical director’s football knowledge but questioned whether he possesses sufficient experience at the international level.

“He has knowledge of the game, but he lacks experience at the international level,” Price said.