‘No grudge’ – Hallgrimsson speaks on resignation as Reggae Boyz coach
Published:Monday | July 1, 2024 | 10:31 AM
Former Reggae Boyz head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson says “there is no grudge” following his resignation on Sunday at the end of a disappointing trip to the Copa America.
He also says he believes he is leaving the senior programme in “a better place than when I came”.
Hallgrimsson took the time to reflect on the positives throughout his two-year stint with the national programme in a video-recorded statement released on Monday.
Hallgrimsson said he believes there was a lot of progress with the national team and hopes his successor can continue the growth in the programme.
“We have at least seen to it that the growth can continue and we don't need to restart from zero and there is a basis that we can work from,” he said. “I've given a lot of work and time to this project and I would really love to see it continue to grow.”
Hallgrimsson took charge of the Boyz in 2022 and immediately faced a daunting task against South American giants Argentina, which resulted in a debut 3-nil loss.
He got his first win months into his tenure with a 4-1 drubbing of Caribbean rivals Trinidad and Tobago in the group stages of the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
He led the team to a semi-finals appearance in the same tournament before claiming a third-place finish at the most recent CONCACAF Nations League.
A historic victory away to Canada paved the way for Jamaica's qualification to the 2024 Copa America.
His last game was on Sunday, a 3-nil loss to Venezuela to bow out of the Copa America without a win.
- Gregory Bryce
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