Fri | Jul 24, 2026

Goodison: I will never say no to my country

Published:Saturday | May 21, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Pause
Ian Goodison (left) with former Reggae Boyz captain and goalkeeper coach Warren Barrett at the Jamaica Football Federation's head office on Thursday. Both Goodison and Barrett were members of the Jamaica team which played in the 1998 World Cup in France. - Contributed
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia 'Babsy' Grange (left) is all smiles as she receives a plaque from Captain Horace Burrell, president of the Jamaica Football Federation, at the 2010-2011 Digicel Premier League awards ceremony at the Courtleigh Auditorium on Thursday night. - photos by Colin Hamilton/freelance photographer
Chairman of the Premier League Clubs Association Edward Seaga (right) hands over a plaque to Captain Horace Burrell, president of the Jamaica Football Federation, at the 2010-2011 Digicel Premier League awards ceremony.
1
2
3

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Despite not lacing up for the national team since the 2009 Gold Cup, Ian 'Pepe' Goodison has not called it quits on his international career.

Goodison, who has made more than 100 appearances for the national football team, making him one of the most-capped players, is currently back in the island during his club's offseason. He plies his trade with Tranmere Rovers in England's League One, which is the third tier of their football system.

"I will never hang up my boots or say no to my country," Goodison shared with The Gleaner. "Once they call upon me I am like a soldier, always happy to represent. I am always interested and will never say no to my country," he added.

The 38-year-old played for local club Olympic Gardens before joining then English Third Division side Hull City. He then returned home to play with Seba United before returning to England to join up with Tranmere, where he has been for six consecutive seasons.

"Representing Tranmere Rovers in the First Division has been very lovely," Goodison stated. "From I have been there they have shown me a lot of love; fans and everyone," he added.

The central defender and club captain has amassed over 300 appearances during which he has been named the player of the year on four occasions, as well being crowned the best player in the northwest for three successive years (2006-09).

Goodison still tracks the progress of the national teams and is very pleased with the Under-17 team's qualification for the World Cup and the senior team's progression to the Gold Cup.

keeping track of JA's performance

"I have been listening and keeping up to date with what's going on with the national programme," Goodison disclosed. "The young lads have done the country proud by going back to the World Cup and it just brings back football memories to the people on a whole. So with the young team qualifying and the senior team at the Gold Cup it is a good start back for the football federation.

"I just wish the young kids and the national team all the best in the tournaments," he added.

He is of the view that the main difference between football in Jamaica and that in England is the competitiveness and the speed at which the game is played.

"The big difference between football in England and out here is that it is very competitive in England," Goodison said. "You don't have time to rest your brain for a second on the pitch; it is like Iraq, so you are always at war," he added.