‘I had to resign’

FORMER REGGAE Boyz interim head coach, Paul Hall, indicated that inadequate support and lack of responsiveness left him with no choice but to resign from his position.

Hall made this disclosure in a press release yesterday, days after it emerged that Heimir Hallgrimsson will be officially named as the team’s coach tomorrow.

Hall, a member of Jamaica’s historic 1998 World Cup qualifying team, the first from the English-speaking Caribbean to do so, was recruited to assist former head coach Theodore Whitmore. He was promoted to interim coach when Whitmore was dismissed, with the campaign practically over last year.

“I felt I had to resign as so many of my requests such as the standard of the training pitch, additional kit for cold weather in Canada and in particular organisation of transport were well below par,” Hall related. “It is important to note that whilst I handed in my resignation, I was prepared to continue to manage the team for those last three games,” Hall said.

Hall, the holder of a UEFA A Licence and who coaches with English EFL Championship side Queens Park Rangers, explained: “I have made this decision to speak out after a lot of deliberation and with a heavy heart, as it has been my dream role since playing for Jamaica at the 1998 World Cup. I was proud and honoured to be appointed interim head coach.

“I had a clear long-term strategy and philosophy, including the development of youngsters and coaching staff, while recruiting new and exciting players to the squad,” he added.

The man, who along with Fitzroy Simpson and Deon Burton paid their way to try out for Jamaica’s team, made the cut and played a significant role in the team qualifying, said he always tried to maintain high standards.

“I am ambitious and set myself and those around me – on and off the pitch – the highest standards. That is the only way for any team to drive forward and achieve success, as a whole group,” he emphasised.

“This means the team being professionally organised on the pitch and behind the scenes, fully resourced with everyone pulling in the one direction. Without this, it is very difficult to be successful and achieve your goals. A successful organisation must act with transparency, openness, objectivity, leadership, selflessness, integrity, accountability and honesty.”

OPEN AND FRANK CONVERSATIONS

Despite the absence of a number of the ingredients for success, Hall said he tried to keep dialogue open throughout his term as coach, having open and frank conversations with the technical committee, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts, and his team and backroom staff.

The trigger point Hall said were events just ahead of the Suriname game in June. Then, the players decided that they would not take to the field if JFF General Secretary Dalton Wint did not resign or was replaced. This after another series of foul-ups on the part of the administration, including no arrangements for a flight home from the Dutch-Caribbean country.

“After qualifying for the Gold Cup and with the situation within the administration strained, I felt my position had become untenable. I was still being expected to be part of conference calls, team talks and matchday selections, but my role, contract and remuneration questions were being ignored,” Hall shared.

“I have tried multiple times to make this work for the federation, myself and my family. Since I was a young man playing for Jamaica, my dream was to manage them to great success. However, I am a man of integrity, standards, and principle. I don’t believe there are any current international managers who have played that number of games, created a long-term strategy plan, and brought in new players without pay. Some remuneration was received on 8th September 2022, the first since last year. However, even this is still nowhere near the full amount,” Hall said.

Despite everything Hall remains supportive of his country and wished the team and the new coaching staff success.

“I have not taken this decision to speak out lightly and I wish every success to the future manager, the players and of course the 12th man on the pitch, our dedicated fans of the Reggae Boyz. I am an honourable man who is passionate about football and the country. I felt it was important for my voice to be heard,” he concluded.