Change of focus

A CHANGE in the focus of the national development programme is the reason put forward by Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President, Crenston Boxhill, for the dismissal of Carl Brown as Technical Director.

"Carl (Brown) was not fired for the failure of the team to qualify for the World Cup," Boxhill told journalists at a press conference at the JFF's New Kingston headquarters yesterday. "The senior department which commanded his substantial role has been restructured hence, his major functioning has also been restructured."

NEW MAN IN CHARGE

Wendell Downswell, a long-time coaching partner of Brown in the national programme, is the new man in charge of national football programmes that will place much emphasis on youth development.

The Reno man has been working with the youth for the past 18 months and Boxhill pointed out that "It is only appropriate for a coach who has been working with these youngsters for the last 18 months, Wendell Downswell, to assume that responsibility."

The decision to axe Brown came at a meeting between the JFF hierarchy and top officials from parish football associations on Sunday, just four days after the senior national team was eliminated from the World Cup qualifying in a 1-1 tie against the United States in Columbus, Ohio.

According to Boxhill, this is a crucial moment for the federation, as it now has to decide on a route forward "That is clearly and
convincingly indicative of a vision and solutions that will fundamentally increase the possibilities of success at every level of the sport.

"The possibilities, especially financial, would have been endless had the team progressed further to the final six and ultimately the finals in Germany.

"That's no longer the case, and in an effort to protect the viability of its operations and the long term development plans, things have to change including the general outlook," he pointed out.

"It is my belief that the way forward necessitates radical changes as we embark fully on the only sustainable way forward ­ concentration on youth football and its development," said the JFF president.

Boxhill, as his election manifesto suggested, is strictly about youth development and the JFF top man said it is difficult and unwise to concentrate on funding a senior programme as was done for the World Cup campaign.

"The way forward cannot at this time surround any emphasis on funding the senior programme as it is in its present form," he stated.

Meanwhile, former head coach Sebastiao Lazaroni, in a surprise appearance, spoke about the importance of development of the youth programme while showing his support for the sacked Carl Brown.

FOCUS IN YOUTH

"No doubt the direction is youth," said Lazaroni whose
contract as head coach expired at the team's elimination. "Thank you JFF, journalists and Carl Brown. He (Brown) has the quality to be in this programme."

The Brazilian then used one of his country's most distinguished coaches, Mario Zagallo, as an example while predicting that Brown will be back.

"He (Zagallo) was there in 1970, 1974 then many years and he was back in 1998 and 2004. He (Brown) will be back as soon as possible," said Lazaroni in stuttered English.

Carl Brown did his last duty for the JFF by naming the squad for the upcoming regional Digicel Cup. However, the 26-man squad he named has been revamped to include the core of the Under-20 team as the emphasis on youth begins.

UNDER-20 CHAMPIONSHIP

"If we maintain this core, we could, in the short term, qualify for the Under-20 World Cup Championship from the play-offs in January," Boxhill noted.

The squad includes only two players that are 30 year-olds ­ Fabian Davis and Tyrone Marshall; five players over 23 in Andy Williams, Jermaine Hue, Robert Scarlett, Teofore Bennett and Damion Stewart; 12 under 23s in Shavar Thomas, Damion Williams, Garfield Reid, Roland Dean, Khari Stephenson, Fabian Dawkins, Demar Phillips, Keith Kelly, Lenworth Hyde Jnr., Shawn Sawyers and Richard McCallum; and seven Under-20s in Jermaine Taylor, Ryan Thompson, Adrian Reid, Akeem Priestly, Richard West, Luton Shelton and Mario Harrison.

"If they do good in the Digicel Cup they would have been better prepared to contest the Gold Cup. In any case it's a win-win situation," noted Boxhill.