Hall hopeful for a permanent place with Reggae Boyz
Published:Thursday | June 16, 2022 | 12:12 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
WITH GOLD Cup qualification out of the way, Reggae Boyz interim head coach, Paul Hall, now has time to look at those off-the-field matters that threatened to derail the progress of the team in the Concacaf Nations League.
That progress was marked by a 1-1 draw against Mexico at the National Stadium on Tuesday night, a result that gave the Reggae Boyz five points, the group lead for the moment, and an unassailable top-two finish ahead of the final game, a return leg in Mexico next year.
Before that March 23, 2023, date with Mexico, Hall may need some assurances about his future.
In fact, Hall wasn’t a happy camper when asked about his contract situation, at one point telling reporters that he wasn’t answering any further questions about the issue.
Also before March of 2023, Hall wants to shore up certain aspects of the team he believes are of concern.
“Yes, the right back area is one. I’m always looking for players. I’m looking for competition for Shamar Nicholson up front and competition in the middle of the park for Ravel, but that takes time,” he said.
During the break, Hall has promised to remain eagle-eyed about pinpointing talent in the local Jamaica Premier League.
“Like I said, anyone that is of Jamaica heritage I consider them a national team player, especially in the Premier League. We have two players now in the Premier League who are in the squad, hopefully we can see more and give those guys hope.”
As far as off-the-field issues are concerned, after the coach threatened to resign in the wake of player frustration over the handling of travel arrangements and subsequent threats if the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) did not get rid of General Secretary Dalton Wint, there is now some amount of peace.
SUPPORT
According to Hall, he is happy with the support he has been getting from the Michael Ricketts-led JFF.
“When this dust is settled, I’m sure we can sit down and talk about the future. So at this point, yes, I’m happy with the support,” said Hall.
Returning first-choice goal keeper and captain, Andre Blake, who missed the previous two games because of an undisclosed injury, spoke more of on-the-field issues, saying he was happy with the way the team played.
“We did a great job. We started off very well, got an early goal but lapsed towards the end of the first half, which is always dangerous,” he said.
“It’s sad to have given up a goal at that time, but we are happy for the point, and there’s a lot we can take from this game,” he said.
Blake, a two-time winner of the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award, was also pleased with his performance during the game.
Blake’s saves were significant in keeping Jamaica in the game.
“I’m happy to have kept more out than that which went in. The team is still relatively new, but it’s a step in the right direction.”