Duckie calls for national appointment

Waterhouse FC coach, Donovan Duckie, believes his impressive work locally is being overlooked by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and argues that he deserves a place in the national football programme at this time.

The former national under-20 coach took that age group team to the brink of World Cup qualification in 2009, when they needed a win in the last match against Honduras to secure qualification, but crashed out after a 4-0 loss.

However, after almost a decade out of the national programme, Duckie believes his work warrants another opportunity to work in the JFF. He also believes he is one of the best teachers of the game locally and should be afforded the chance.

"Yes, definitely (being overlooked). The work (I have done) is there. JFF now has an academy, and if you have an academy ,you scout the best teachers. I'm not trying to be the best coach in Jamaica, but I am one of the best teachers in football (locally) for a number of years ... and they (JFF) should be looking for some of the best teachers," he said.

"So there is a place in the JFF (football programme) for me in the academy, or for teams challenging qualifications or cups. I have all intention to get back at the national level. The work is there and I don't want to think I am being overlooked," Duckie said.

He believes he is best suited to work with young players at the national level and favours a job with the under-20s or under-23s.

"I am very good with youths. Twenties and 23s is where I belong, based on my experience with youth and senior players. I have a place there," he reasoned.

"I have never expressed this (thought) because that talk is cheap. My work should speak volumes. I have been doing things (to improve teams) that are surprising and shocking to people and my work just shouldn't go unnoticed.

"I was there before (national programme) and my track record wasn't too bad. We just missed a spot for the World Cup against Honduras, but coaches get better with age and I have to been patient and have continued to work, so hopefully one day I will be there again," he added.