GFF appoints former Reggae Boy

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) announced former Jamaica defender, Michael Johnson, as head coach of its senior men's team yesterday.

The 44-year-old, who represented Jamaica between 1999 and 2003, is the highest qualified coach in the Golden Jaguars history, as he holds a UEFA Pro coaching licence. The GFF said his appointment was made after being recommended by the English Football Association and former England and Mexico manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Eriksson was a director of football at English club Notts County, while Johnson was a caretaker manager in 2009.

Johnson said in a GFF statement that he cannot wait to get started.

"I'm really looking forward to the project the GFF president and the technical director have set out," he said. "The attraction of the role was the direction of Guyana: The GFF is looking to really make strides to qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup and to break into the FIFA top 100. But it's not just about results, it's also about helping to grow the infrastructure of the country regarding coaching education, youth talent, and the possible links between our nations - that's what's exciting."

GFF president, Wayne Forde, said that "With his professional expertise and top-level experience as a player, Michael will set a new gold standard for the football in Guyana. The GFF is determined to elevate Guyana to the next level it belongs - a Caribbean football powerhouse at the top of the regional rankings."

Johnson, who spent his entire playing career at English clubs represented Notts County before playing English Premier League football with Birmingham City and Derby County. He also had coaching stints at Birmingham and in Wales at Cardiff City, and is currently a Derby ambassador.

The GFF said Johnson's objectives are to qualify the Golden Jaguars for next year's CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.