Time’s up!
Reggae Girlz coach set to be unveiled today
Published:Thursday | October 19, 2023 | 12:10 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
AFTER MORE than two weeks without a coach, and with less than a week to go before Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz play Panama in the first leg of their women’s Gold Cup qualification playoff tie, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) is expected to announce Lorne Donaldson’s replacement no later than today, said general secretary Dennis Chung.
Front-runner for the job, Jonathan Gordon, coach of Sheffield United women in the English Super League, was expected to be announced on Monday, however, over the weekend, an investigation was opened into allegations of behavioural misconduct, forcing Morgan to step away until those investigations are completed.
Chung admitted that Morgan was the front-runner and that it was unfortunate that he is faced with this situation at this time. However, the urgency of having a head coach ahead of Women’s Gold Cup qualification has meant that the JFF cannot wait.
‘WE CAN’T WAIT’
“I don’t know what he got himself involved in, but we can’t wait. We have to sort that out now,” said Chung.
Morgan has not been seen in the dugout since September when they beat Leeds 1-0. His assistant, Luke Turner, has taken charge of the first team.
Morgan previously managed Leicester for seven years and then Burnley before his move to Bramall Lane in February.
As a result, the football authority in Jamaica will be looking at the next available candidate on the list and will be attempting to tie up negotiations today.
“The technical committee is trying to sort it out, and we are trying to get it finalised today,” said Chung.
“There is just one person (candidate) that we are talking to now. So we are just waiting to finalise the contract. So by morning, you should hear who is the new female coach,” he insisted.