THE EDITOR, Sir:AS A football-loving nation, can we honestly say that we are pleased with the performance of our national Technical Director, Carl Brown?
If you were present at any of the last three matches held at the National Stadium then undoubtedly after 60 minutes your answer would surely not be in the affirmative.
Let me state categorically that I believe that Mr. Carl Brown has done a tremendous job over the years with the national team. However, it is clear that he has reached his optimal level. Surely, he should be part of the coaching staff but to be the head I have a problem with that.
In assessing the last three games played at the National Stadium, it is quite obvious that after roughly 60 minutes into the game the team was in disarray.
Clearly, Andy Williams cannot play the full 90 minutes but our beloved coach refuses to substitute him. The coach is so adamant about getting Theodore Whitmore and Ian Goodison in shape but what about Keith Kelly? He is obviously one of the best locally based midfielders. He has the pass (passion) and vision that Jamaica has been lacking for years in our midfield.
Mr. Brown, why is there no Omar Daley in the team? His class and skill would be a tremendous asset to the national team. Jonathan Williams is definitely a good player but he is nowhere near the class of Omar Daley or Keith Kelly.
Our successful trip to the 1998 World Cup was made on a strong defence line. However, now our strength lies in our all round abilities.
I have no doubt those officials at the Jamaica Football Federation try as best as possible to allow Mr. Brown to manage without interference. However, gentlemen remember the nation is watching closely.
Coach, all the best but step up or else!
I am, etc.,
DEANALL 'VENDOR' BARNES
dbarnes75@yahoo.com
Kingston 8
Boyz have a good chanceTHE EDITOR, Sir:
AS JAMAICA'S soccer team get set to start its campaign against Haiti and once again try to qualify for the World Cup in Germany 2006, our chances are as good as ever.
Almost all the players selected either play professional or semi-pro.
However, while our programme is yet to get into full gear, other teams have and are possibly catching up on us. For instance Haiti, their game against the United States recently was an indicator (1-1 draw).
Technical director Carl Brown watched the game and told the local media right after that Haiti will be tough.
This is not like that time when Rene Simone was here and almost three quarters of the team included local based players. They played together for a considerable amount of time and developed a team chemistry. That was a beauty to see whenever they played a game.
I'm a bit wary that the same has not continued. It's on this basis that the team really needs to improve its standard of play and be able to compete at the highest level as well.
While we know of Mexico, the United States and Costa Rico as the top teams in the region, the team to watch this time around is Honduras with new coach Bora Milutinovich, the most successful coach in terms of qualifying teams for the World Cup.
When Jamaica's preparation gets into full swing, one local based player who I think will be an asset to Brown is Fabian Davis. This player has improved his game so much that I would say right now without any reservation that he is the best player playing in our National Premier League.
I am, etc.,
PATRICK SLOLEY
Cashew Ridge,
Jacks Hill P.O
St. Andrew
The state of Ja's footballTHE EDITOR, Sir:
I WISH to comment on Jamaica's state of football and the progress they are making.
Firstly, the team has not maintained or increased its level of play since Rene Simoes left and the standard of play in the CONCACAF region has grown. This means the team has to double the effort put out in the '98 campaign.
New and inexperienced players have joined the squad which also means the team should have started back from square one. The team must go through a development process again, not only for new players but for the entire team's benefit.
The team has played three practice matches here this year and they need to play many more matches going into the qualifiers. I am aware of FIFA's dates and the problem of having overseas players on a regular basis.
If the JFF gets sponsorships, a regular local selection could go on a six match tour of South America or Europe.
The squad recently toured England. The coaching staff must also try to have the squad tour the island for local encounters.
These are the suggestions I which to make at this time.
I am, etc.,
L. CLARKE
Hail to the 'king of cricket'THE EDITOR, Sir:
THIS IS my impression of Lara's world record innings of 400 not out.
Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!
Brian Charles Lara's name was on everyone's lips, especially the cricket-loving people.
He proves once again that he is the premier batsman, not only in the region, but in the world.
He stood up at the crease for two and a half cricket days, accumulating 400 of the best runs with consummate ease and grace.
He cover-drove, he on-drove; he pulled, he punched; he swept, he hoisted and lofted the ball to the boundary and beyond.
He was superb! He was magnificent! He was invincible! His defences could not be breached. It was a marathon!
He truly dominated the ball with his magnificent bat.
He broke many records, and re-wrote the Record Book. He is now the only man to make 400 runs in the history of Test cricket.
It was glorious to behold.
Let us hail the man!
I am etc,
SISYLINE PERKINS
14 Heathwood Dr.,
Kingston 8.
