Simpson for Gen Sec role - Schaefer

Former national senior men's football team head coach Winfried Schaefer believes that current team manager Roy Simpson should be made the Jamaica Football Federation's (JFF) new general secretary.

Various names had been mentioned as candidates for the position, however, Schaefer said that Simpson is the best option, but is being overlooked by the JFF.

"Roy Simpson has a very good relationship with CONCACAF, Roy Simpson has a very good relationship with FIFA and that is what we need," Schafer told The Gleaner.

Football heart

"Roy Simpson, his heart is with football. All he wants is to make football better. He had very good ideas in the past for the development of football in Jamaica. Roy is the best man, believe me."

The German also said that Simpson was an important factor in the team getting to back-to-back CONCACAF Gold Cup finals in 2015 and 2017.

"If you look at both tournaments, Roy Simpson was there both times, this is no coincidence," Schaefer said. "He is crucial to the team and the team's proper administration. He is needed as GS (general secretary)."

Simpson, who is currently in Jeddah with the national team as it prepares for its international friendly with hosts Saudi Arabia on Saturday, declined to respond to Schafer's endorsement.

Current general secretary Raymond Grant had tendered his resignation on September 16, the same day as the JFF's presidential election, but has remained in the role to help the federation make what he had previously described to The Gleaner as a smooth transition.

Since then, current Manchester Football Association president Dalton Wint had been reported as one of the favourites to replace Grant, with JFF president Michael Ricketts, confirming the federation's interest.

Board discussion

"This is something that has to be discussed by the board," Ricketts told The Gleaner on September 18. "We have had discussions, and of course, in our minds, we are looking at persons, but there ought to be a period of transition, so we will still have discussions as it relates to Raymond (Grant) demitting office. We will make a release when the time comes, but we cannot continue to speculate."

Schaefer, had also previously recommended his former assistant, Miguel Coley, for the technical director's position, left vacant by Vin Blaine, who took up a similar role in Grenada.

Schaefer, who was removed as head coach of the Reggae Boyz in September 2016, also became the new manager of Iranian side Esteghlal FC on Tuesday. His contract runs until the end of the season.

rachid.parchment@gleanerjm.com