JFF won’t budge on Bailey
Published:Wednesday | August 14, 2024 | 12:11 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
WHILE NEW Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren is willing to give Leon Bailey a clean slate, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has maintained its bottom line when it comes to the Aston Villa winger.
Bailey is still required to write a letter to clear the air with the federation before he can be recalled to the Reggae Boyz squad, said JFF General Secretary Dennis Chung.
Chung did not indicate that the JFF took issue with new Reggae Boyz coach Stephen McClaren talking to Bailey in lieu of such a letter, but pointed out that the winger will not be available to McClaren for selection until one was presented.
During his unveiling last week, McClaren, a former England manager, declared a ‘clean slate’ for Bailey, and that from all his discussions with members of the federation, Bailey remains a valuable asset to the programme.
He said he intends to reach out to the exiled player and have dialogue with him to see where his head space is.
“I like connecting with players,” McClaren had said.
“I like talking to players and the most important thing with Leon is to talk to him, to connect, to communicate. And it’s a clean sheet with me coming in.”
“I know a little about the history (of the situation). I know a little of what’s going on. I understand top players. I understand them and it’s a conversation we will definitely have.”
He revealed that on his return to England, he will be reaching out to Bailey and all he requires is that the player be fully committed.
“I only left Manchester on (last) Monday, and came here to meet everybody. As soon as I go back, (I will make) phone calls to all the players, go see all the players, quite fortunately he (Bailey) is not far from where I live.
“I can contact him and meet. See what the situation is like, see what his mind is like,” he said
COMMITMENT
“They say he is an asset. He is a good player, and I know that you need good players. We need him to commit, that’s the most important thing,” he commented.
Nevertheless, before Leon can even be considered for selection, Chung insists he must make his intention to play for the Reggae Boyz known to the JFF.
“The situation is still the same. We suspended his selection and asked that he write to us stating his desire to play for the team, so that we would not have the previous misunderstanding,” Chung told The Gleaner.
The JFF made the decision to temporarily suspend Bailey’s selection to the team, following comments he made in a podcast questioning the JFF’s professionalism, and explaining his non-participation in the 2024 Copa America, despite being selected. He also made himself unavailable for selection for the foreseeable future.
The JFF release, in June on the issue, stated that. “Consideration was also given to his stated desire to take a break from national duties, and suspending his selection will guard against any further miscommunication.”
It also pointed out that the matter was referred to the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee.
There has been no word on whether or not the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee has deliberated on the matter.