Donaldson open to interim Girlz role

Former national senior women’s football team assistant coach Lorne Donaldson says the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has not contacted him about being the team’s interim head coach.

Donaldson has been mentioned as one of four coaches on the shortlist for the role after the indefinite suspension of Hubert Busby Jr after an allegation of sexual misconduct in a previous coaching job.

However, Donaldson who left national women’s programme in 2019 because of tension with the JFF, said he would be willing to hold discussions.

Busby, who has denied the allegation, will remain suspended until FIFA completes its investigation into the matter.

The Gleaner has been reliably informed that the shortlist also includes former senior women’s team assistant coach Merron Gordon, who is now in the same role with the men’s team. Two overseas applicants have also been mentioned.

“I haven’t talked to anybody, so I have no idea,” Donaldson told The Gleaner. “I am not going to say anything until that happens.

“There is nothing to offer on a topic I know nothing about. But I will have a discussion if contacted, if not, life goes on.”

Donaldson was Hue Menzies’ assistant when the Reggae Girlz qualified for and competed at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France three summers ago.

He took over as interim coach in October 2019 after Menzies left the role, and guided the Reggae Girlz through the Caribbean leg of Olympic qualifiers in Jamaica.

Donaldson was then offered the role permanently but declined in January 2020, citing unprofessional behaviour by the JFF.

After his departure, Busby, the team’s goalkeeping coach at the time, was placed in charge of the programme.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com