REGGAE Boy JeVaughn Watson believes Jamaica’s Premier League clubs should target the US Major League Soccer (MLS) as a transitional market for their players, instead of forcing them into Europe. At least 14 Jamaicans currently ply their trade in the increasingly popular MLS, with three of them — Jermaine Taylor, Donovan Ricketts and Watson — being involved in this season’s championship game.
WATSON… it’s better to start at the bottom and work your way up to the top. (Photo: Oshane Tobias)
Watson has just completed his rookie season with beaten MLS Cup finalists Houston Dynamo and described the experience as “overwhelming but very good”.
“It was my first year and I was just expecting to go there and give a good account of myself as a new player,” he said. “I guess it went well because we went to final and lost 0-1.
“It was a bit overwhelming... because the level of the football is much faster than in Jamaica and it’s more physical, so everyday you have to bring your ‘A’ game.”
The former Sporting Central Academy player added: “At the end of the day, it was good going to Houston and I don’t regret anything. Playing in the final in my first year was very good experience, so I’m proud and I’m giving God all the thanks.”
Watson, who played 25 times for Dynamo this season and chipped in with a goal and two assists, thinks the developing status of the North American league, among other things, makes it a better fit for Jamaican players than Europe, where they have struggled to stamp their authority.
“I know everybody wants to go to Europe, but I think it’s always better to start at the bottom then work your way up to the top, rather than go straight to the top and then fall right back down to the bottom,” Watson told the Observer.
“At the end of the day, you’re getting paid to play and the world is still seeing you. There were like 38,000 people at the MLS finals, so you are still marketing yourself,” he asserted. It is widely believed that attendance at MLS games this season, as well as TV ratings, has improved.
ESPN commentator Ian Darke wrote in his blog dated November 22, 2011: “MLS attendance was up seven per cent this year and TV ratings improved, too.
“Average crowds of more than 17,800 would seem to indicate that if soccer is still a minority sport in the US, it’s becoming a significant one. Average attendance was higher in MLS than in the NHL or the NBA…”
Watson added: “I think one of the big differences (why players tend to do better in the MLS) is because it’s much colder in Europe, so it’s very hard to adopt. In the MLS the weather is almost the same as in Jamaica,” he explained.
“...The players are closer to home, the weather is good and you have family and friends nearby because a lot of Jamaicans are there, so it’s like you’re still living in Jamaica,” said Watson, who has also had trial stints in Denmark and England.
The crafty midfielder is currently in the island on his off-season break from the MLS and took time-out to watch his former team take on Humble Lion in Sunday’s Clarendon premiership derby at Brancourt.
Despite suffering a 0-2 defeat in that game, the former inspirational Sporting captain is backing his ex-teammates to rebound in short order and make a genuine push for the title.
“They’re well gelled now because it’s the same set of players since we came into the league,” he said.
“They’re young but more mature, so I’m expecting them to win the league, no doubt,” Watson said of sixth-placed Sporting, who are eight points adrift of overall leaders Portmore United.
It was a bit overwhelming... because the level of the football is much faster than in Jamaica and it’s more physical, so everyday you have to bring your ‘A’ game.”
Watson has identified the reason why Jermaine Hue and others fail in making the transition to a higher level of play.
“...The players are closer to home, the weather is good and you have family and friends nearby because a lot of Jamaicans are there, so it’s like you’re still living in Jamaica,” said Watson, who has also had trial stints in Denmark and England.
This coming from a player that has fail to make it in Europe twice. Just because he and some others have not made it in Europe, others should not shot for the stars on first go. Ricardo Gardner been in England since 98-99 and has not look back, and stay at high level since then.
It is funny you say that Jamatl because now it open a whole can of worms regarding the selection of players that can barely impress club scouts from European leagues and not that the clubs were of Man U, Real Madrid, Barca, Man City, Munich or other top clubs in their respective country etc. caliber, where mr. Watson has gone on trials/sting to and never impress, but can be a regular in the Reggaeboyz setup. There is inconsistencies in the selection process and also tab of favoritism going on. Surely I am hoping I was not the only one that was troubled that the team for the Gold Cup was hit with injuries prior to the start and with the coaching staffs had the option to have much needed players and they chose not to. We headed up playing players out of their positions and extra unnecessary fatigue because lack of players. The persons in charge of the Reggae boyz (coaching) are the ones hurting the program because of their favoritism, selfishness and I am this and what I do or say goes. Do you know if T. Whitmore know what a lame duck mean,example a lame duck coach?
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A valuable lesson from Major League Soccer
Saturday, December 17, 2011
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We find Jamaica international and Houston Dynamo midfielder Mr JeVaughn Watson's comments in yesterday's edition to be very instructive and timely.
Mr Watson, who completed his rookie season in the US Major League Soccer (MLS) this year, was advocating from a position of authority when he urged Jamaican clubs and their agents to focus their energies more on getting players into the transit US market, rather than attempting to propel them directly onto the more lucrative, yet fiercely challenging and competitive European stages.
"I know everybody wants to go to Europe, but I think it's always better to start at the bottom then work your way up to the top, rather than go straight to the top and then fall right back down to the bottom," Mr Watson was quoted as saying.
Apart from the eloquence with which he delivered that thought and its philosophical content, his words resonate with a degree of poignancy and should be a lesson for all Jamaicans who have set goals and aspire to reach them.
Mr Watson's piece of advice may have unwittingly discredited the get-rich-quick syndrome that has afflicted our beloved island for too long, but it also reminded us that if as individuals we are more measured, deliberate and patient in executing life goals, the chances of success would be greater.
He is living testimony to that.
Mr Watson — a product of the local Premier League, having played for Sporting Central Academy — remains on his football odyssey, but taking a job in the comparatively emerging US leagues should be seen as a stepping stone to hopefully greater things.
We recognise that it may not be the most glamorous of leagues, nor does it deliver the monstrous pay cheques that are commonplace on the other side of the Atlantic, but for now it pays the bills.
The story, we believe, is similar, if not the same, for 13 other Jamaicans plying their trade in the North American leagues — biding their time for more prosperous doors to open.
Mr Watson said: "At the end of the day, you're getting paid to play and the world is still seeing you." We couldn't have said it any simpler, yet so effective.
As we understand it, MLS is no longer considered a Cinderella league. It has seen growth in a country where other sports like baseball, basketball and the American brand of football overshadow it.
It was said that near 38,000 fans saw the championship game between Mr Watson's Houston Dynamo and Reggae Boy teammate Mr Donovan Ricketts' Los Angeles Galaxy. That's a big turnout by American domestic standards.
Another Jamaica senior player, defender Mr Jermaine Taylor, also featured in that final game, playing alongside Mr Watson for Houston.
TV audiences have increased by "seven per cent this year", ESPN commentator Mr Ian Darke wrote on his blog. "Average crowds of more than 17,800 would seem to indicate that if soccer is still a minority sport in the US, it's becoming a significant one. Average attendance was higher in MLS than in the NHL or the NBA...," Mr Drake added.
Assuming his promulgation is on the ball, then the prognosis for the MLS as a big money-spinner looks promising, therefore providing a viable alternative for the Jamaican 'baller.
But we are in agreement with Mr Watson that North American leagues better suit our Jamaican players. For one, it's closer to home, which makes players more readily accessible to the national programme. Also, it's less physically demanding than the English game, where many local-bred players have had successes, but where even more have faltered at the initial trial stages.
So on the eve of the transfer window opening on January 1, local clubs and young Jamaican footballers aiming to join the professional ranks should take heed and follow Mr Watson's lead.
Here again someone else opinion. Many people would beg to differ on this article and the original. My last post prior to this one touch upon interesting findings. Those are of more concerns.
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2012 should be a big year for Mr. Watson. He wears the number 10 for the return league runner-ups Houston Dynamo and he is now an established international. He has a chance to improve he transfer value and gain valuable experience in WCQ and CONCACAF Champions League matches. The key for him will be fitness and focus.
We find Jamaica international and Houston Dynamo midfielder Mr JeVaughn Watson's comments in yesterday's edition to be very instructive and timely.
Mr Watson, who completed his rookie season in the US Major League Soccer (MLS) this year, was advocating from a position of authority when he urged Jamaican clubs and their agents to focus their energies more on getting players into the transit US market, rather than attempting to propel them directly onto the more lucrative, yet fiercely challenging and competitive European stages.
"I know everybody wants to go to Europe, but I think it's always better to start at the bottom then work your way up to the top, rather than go straight to the top and then fall right back down to the bottom," Mr Watson was quoted as saying.
Apart from the eloquence with which he delivered that thought and its philosophical content, his words resonate with a degree of poignancy and should be a lesson for all Jamaicans who have set goals and aspire to reach them.
Mr Watson's piece of advice may have unwittingly discredited the get-rich-quick syndrome that has afflicted our beloved island for too long, but it also reminded us that if as individuals we are more measured, deliberate and patient in executing life goals, the chances of success would be greater.
He is living testimony to that.
Mr Watson — a product of the local Premier League, having played for Sporting Central Academy — remains on his football odyssey, but taking a job in the comparatively emerging US leagues should be seen as a stepping stone to hopefully greater things.
We recognise that it may not be the most glamorous of leagues, nor does it deliver the monstrous pay cheques that are commonplace on the other side of the Atlantic, but for now it pays the bills.
The story, we believe, is similar, if not the same, for 13 other Jamaicans plying their trade in the North American leagues — biding their time for more prosperous doors to open.
Mr Watson said: "At the end of the day, you're getting paid to play and the world is still seeing you." We couldn't have said it any simpler, yet so effective.
As we understand it, MLS is no longer considered a Cinderella league. It has seen growth in a country where other sports like baseball, basketball and the American brand of football overshadow it.
It was said that near 38,000 fans saw the championship game between Mr Watson's Houston Dynamo and Reggae Boy teammate Mr Donovan Ricketts' Los Angeles Galaxy. That's a big turnout by American domestic standards.
Another Jamaica senior player, defender Mr Jermaine Taylor, also featured in that final game, playing alongside Mr Watson for Houston.
TV audiences have increased by "seven per cent this year", ESPN commentator Mr Ian Darke wrote on his blog. "Average crowds of more than 17,800 would seem to indicate that if soccer is still a minority sport in the US, it's becoming a significant one. Average attendance was higher in MLS than in the NHL or the NBA...," Mr Drake added.
Assuming his promulgation is on the ball, then the prognosis for the MLS as a big money-spinner looks promising, therefore providing a viable alternative for the Jamaican 'baller.
But we are in agreement with Mr Watson that North American leagues better suit our Jamaican players. For one, it's closer to home, which makes players more readily accessible to the national programme. Also, it's less physically demanding than the English game, where many local-bred players have had successes, but where even more have faltered at the initial trial stages.
So on the eve of the transfer window opening on January 1, local clubs and young Jamaican footballers aiming to join the professional ranks should take heed and follow Mr Watson's lead.
Reads like some propaganda piece of journalism the JFF write and gi dem fi print.
I read this as the JFF (Burrell and his cronies) running for cover now that WC qualifiers ready fi start and Jamaica no ready.
Feed this line to the supporters now and you have u ready-made excuses why Jamaica don't have its strongest squad preparing for qualiiers....they all play in MLS, not the fiercely competitveleagues of Europe, so what else can you expect from this gang of rux...
Same at the DCC, Jamaica's players earning so much money now that dem fi low Burrell fi rob them so he can repay his debts to his pal, Warner...an if unnu no agree to wi ilkkle slave contract...no Reggaeboyz international caps for u.....blah, blah, blah.
This newspaper fi start do dem own football research and journalism if they expect their views to be respected.
This piece of crap journalism is the worst excuse for football journalism I've read in a very long time.
It was a bit overwhelming... because the level of the football is much faster than in Jamaica and it’s more physical, so everyday you have to bring your ‘A’ game.”
Watson has identified the reason why Jermaine Hue and others fail in making the transition to a higher level of play.
And he's also defined why HE didn't make the transition to a higher level of play as well...he simply isn't good enough.
I've watched him play for Houston and Jamaica, fairly decent for what Jamaica is currently using but...he could not play in the Championship, let alone the Premiereship in England.
Anyone who watched Birmingham City vs West Ham, as opposed to any MLS game, will see the higher level of intensity and football ability necessary to play in the Championship, let alone the EPL.
MLS is a stroll in the park in comparison. If indeed, JeVaughn Watson did have trials at Birmingham City which no else ever heard about officially, he simply wasn't good enough to earn a contract at the club.
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Originally Posted By: Ric
Originally Posted By: jamatl
A valuable lesson from Major League Soccer
Saturday, December 17, 2011
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We find Jamaica international and Houston Dynamo midfielder Mr JeVaughn Watson's comments in yesterday's edition to be very instructive and timely.
Mr Watson, who completed his rookie season in the US Major League Soccer (MLS) this year, was advocating from a position of authority when he urged Jamaican clubs and their agents to focus their energies more on getting players into the transit US market, rather than attempting to propel them directly onto the more lucrative, yet fiercely challenging and competitive European stages.
"I know everybody wants to go to Europe, but I think it's always better to start at the bottom then work your way up to the top, rather than go straight to the top and then fall right back down to the bottom," Mr Watson was quoted as saying.
Apart from the eloquence with which he delivered that thought and its philosophical content, his words resonate with a degree of poignancy and should be a lesson for all Jamaicans who have set goals and aspire to reach them.
Mr Watson's piece of advice may have unwittingly discredited the get-rich-quick syndrome that has afflicted our beloved island for too long, but it also reminded us that if as individuals we are more measured, deliberate and patient in executing life goals, the chances of success would be greater.
He is living testimony to that.
Mr Watson — a product of the local Premier League, having played for Sporting Central Academy — remains on his football odyssey, but taking a job in the comparatively emerging US leagues should be seen as a stepping stone to hopefully greater things.
We recognise that it may not be the most glamorous of leagues, nor does it deliver the monstrous pay cheques that are commonplace on the other side of the Atlantic, but for now it pays the bills.
The story, we believe, is similar, if not the same, for 13 other Jamaicans plying their trade in the North American leagues — biding their time for more prosperous doors to open.
Mr Watson said: "At the end of the day, you're getting paid to play and the world is still seeing you." We couldn't have said it any simpler, yet so effective.
As we understand it, MLS is no longer considered a Cinderella league. It has seen growth in a country where other sports like baseball, basketball and the American brand of football overshadow it.
It was said that near 38,000 fans saw the championship game between Mr Watson's Houston Dynamo and Reggae Boy teammate Mr Donovan Ricketts' Los Angeles Galaxy. That's a big turnout by American domestic standards.
Another Jamaica senior player, defender Mr Jermaine Taylor, also featured in that final game, playing alongside Mr Watson for Houston.
TV audiences have increased by "seven per cent this year", ESPN commentator Mr Ian Darke wrote on his blog. "Average crowds of more than 17,800 would seem to indicate that if soccer is still a minority sport in the US, it's becoming a significant one. Average attendance was higher in MLS than in the NHL or the NBA...," Mr Drake added.
Assuming his promulgation is on the ball, then the prognosis for the MLS as a big money-spinner looks promising, therefore providing a viable alternative for the Jamaican 'baller.
But we are in agreement with Mr Watson that North American leagues better suit our Jamaican players. For one, it's closer to home, which makes players more readily accessible to the national programme. Also, it's less physically demanding than the English game, where many local-bred players have had successes, but where even more have faltered at the initial trial stages.
So on the eve of the transfer window opening on January 1, local clubs and young Jamaican footballers aiming to join the professional ranks should take heed and follow Mr Watson's lead.
Reads like some propaganda piece of journalism the JFF write and gi dem fi print.
I read this as the JFF (Burrell and his cronies) running for cover now that WC qualifiers ready fi start and Jamaica no ready.
Feed this line to the supporters now and you have u ready-made excuses why Jamaica don't have its strongest squad preparing for qualiiers....they all play in MLS, not the fiercely competitveleagues of Europe, so what else can you expect from this gang of rux...
Same at the DCC, Jamaica's players earning so much money now that dem fi low Burrell fi rob them so he can repay his debts to his pal, Warner...an if unnu no agree to wi ilkkle slave contract...no Reggaeboyz international caps for u.....blah, blah, blah.
This newspaper fi start do dem own football research and journalism if they expect their views to be respected.
This piece of crap journalism is the worst excuse for football journalism I've read in a very long time.
How is this a propoganda for the JFF? Watson is sub for both his club and Jamaica when he can make the bench. He might even be traded by his club. However it is simple he is simple saying the transition to the MLs is easier for many of our players and that is a fact.
Some MLS teams can beat a lot of Championship teams and the MLS is getting better and better. You have seen MLS players go to the EPL and perform such as Clint Demsey, Stewart Holden, Donovan and others. If anybody want to make a point it either Watson or the writer.
We find Jamaica international and Houston Dynamo midfielder Mr JeVaughn Watson's comments in yesterday's edition to be very instructive and timely.
Mr Watson, who completed his rookie season in the US Major League Soccer (MLS) this year, was advocating from a position of authority when he urged Jamaican clubs and their agents to focus their energies more on getting players into the transit US market, rather than attempting to propel them directly onto the more lucrative, yet fiercely challenging and competitive European stages.
"I know everybody wants to go to Europe, but I think it's always better to start at the bottom then work your way up to the top, rather than go straight to the top and then fall right back down to the bottom," Mr Watson was quoted as saying.
Apart from the eloquence with which he delivered that thought and its philosophical content, his words resonate with a degree of poignancy and should be a lesson for all Jamaicans who have set goals and aspire to reach them.
Mr Watson's piece of advice may have unwittingly discredited the get-rich-quick syndrome that has afflicted our beloved island for too long, but it also reminded us that if as individuals we are more measured, deliberate and patient in executing life goals, the chances of success would be greater.
He is living testimony to that.
Mr Watson — a product of the local Premier League, having played for Sporting Central Academy — remains on his football odyssey, but taking a job in the comparatively emerging US leagues should be seen as a stepping stone to hopefully greater things.
We recognise that it may not be the most glamorous of leagues, nor does it deliver the monstrous pay cheques that are commonplace on the other side of the Atlantic, but for now it pays the bills.
The story, we believe, is similar, if not the same, for 13 other Jamaicans plying their trade in the North American leagues — biding their time for more prosperous doors to open.
Mr Watson said: "At the end of the day, you're getting paid to play and the world is still seeing you." We couldn't have said it any simpler, yet so effective.
As we understand it, MLS is no longer considered a Cinderella league. It has seen growth in a country where other sports like baseball, basketball and the American brand of football overshadow it.
It was said that near 38,000 fans saw the championship game between Mr Watson's Houston Dynamo and Reggae Boy teammate Mr Donovan Ricketts' Los Angeles Galaxy. That's a big turnout by American domestic standards.
Another Jamaica senior player, defender Mr Jermaine Taylor, also featured in that final game, playing alongside Mr Watson for Houston.
TV audiences have increased by "seven per cent this year", ESPN commentator Mr Ian Darke wrote on his blog. "Average crowds of more than 17,800 would seem to indicate that if soccer is still a minority sport in the US, it's becoming a significant one. Average attendance was higher in MLS than in the NHL or the NBA...," Mr Drake added.
Assuming his promulgation is on the ball, then the prognosis for the MLS as a big money-spinner looks promising, therefore providing a viable alternative for the Jamaican 'baller.
But we are in agreement with Mr Watson that North American leagues better suit our Jamaican players. For one, it's closer to home, which makes players more readily accessible to the national programme. Also, it's less physically demanding than the English game, where many local-bred players have had successes, but where even more have faltered at the initial trial stages.
So on the eve of the transfer window opening on January 1, local clubs and young Jamaican footballers aiming to join the professional ranks should take heed and follow Mr Watson's lead.
Reads like some propaganda piece of journalism the JFF write and gi dem fi print.
I read this as the JFF (Burrell and his cronies) running for cover now that WC qualifiers ready fi start and Jamaica no ready.
Feed this line to the supporters now and you have u ready-made excuses why Jamaica don't have its strongest squad preparing for qualiiers....they all play in MLS, not the fiercely competitveleagues of Europe, so what else can you expect from this gang of rux...
Same at the DCC, Jamaica's players earning so much money now that dem fi low Burrell fi rob them so he can repay his debts to his pal, Warner...an if unnu no agree to wi ilkkle slave contract...no Reggaeboyz international caps for u.....blah, blah, blah.
This newspaper fi start do dem own football research and journalism if they expect their views to be respected.
This piece of crap journalism is the worst excuse for football journalism I've read in a very long time.
How is this a propoganda for the JFF? Watson is sub for both his club and Jamaica when he can make the bench. He might even be traded by his club. However it is simple he is simple saying the transition to the MLs is easier for many of our players and that is a fact.
Some MLS teams can beat a lot of Championship teams and the MLS is getting better and better. You have seen MLS players go to the EPL and perform such as Clint Demsey, Stewart Holden, Donovan and others. If anybody want to make a point it either Watson or the writer.
Good question.
How this is JFF propaganda is the newspaper's interpretaion or use of JeVaughn's statement, not his statement itself.
It is a clear attempt to devalue the use of the Jamaican-qualified players who play in the more competitive leagues in England; read the piece again and read between the lines.
Over the course of a hard Sept to May football season in England, very few, if any, of these MLS clubs would finish in even the top half of the Championship.
When I watch MLS I can see where the speed and intensity of the game, and the space allowed to other teams to play, would simply not be good enough for even top-level 2nd division football in any of the European leagues, over the course of a full 9-month season.
Every professional league in the world has its outstanding players who can play at the highest level, MLS no exception but those players do not determine the overall quality of an entire league.
MLS is getting there and in a few more years will be up there with the best; its just not there yet.
Yes, he is saying that MLS is an easier transition for Jamaica's local players...and why is that ?
Is that because he tried out in England and didn't make it, as some other Jamaican players have as well.
If they didn't make, it simply means, in a majority of cases they weren't good enough, leaving work permit problems out of the equation.
And let's face it; neither he nor Jermaine Taylor has exactly shone at Houston Dynamo or set MLS alight, they are just barely holding their own and hopefully will improve.
Is it not always easier to qualify in a lower standard of anything, than it is in a higher standard ?
Think you reading too much into it. The PLCA is more proactive in MLS connection and transfer than the JFF.
Again MLS teams like LA, Seatle,Colorado, Columbus and a few others could compete in the Championship and do well.
Check who won the Emrates cup in the summer.
On most points here. I agree with you.
Yes, they could compete and do reasonably well...but they would have to step up their game a notch, that is what I'm saying
A pre-season cup tournament is a far different cry from a full European league season...that is the point I'm making.
At the moment, MLS is not as demanding as even Europe's second divisions...even the length of their season should show you that.
Players leave MLS at the end of their season still fresh enough to come out to Europe to train to keep fit until their season starts again or for international duty...what does that tell you ?
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I personally don't think the Championship is much better than the MLS. There are a few teams that would beat MLS teams but remember a lot of players leave the lower leagues and come to MLS and have to play off the bench. An example is Forlan(Sp) at Colorado and so many of them who went to Toronto.
Dread yes it was preseason and I take that but that is a top premiership side we talking about not a championship side. The fact is that we have almost a player or two on every MLS team and more players entering this year. When we place one player a England a musti every 4 years so I can understand the argument that Watson is trying to make. I share the view however that Watson couldn't make Birmingham City team, he also have himself one more year to prove that he is worth his contract in the MLS.
I share much of your enthusiasm and hope for MLS because it is the most improved professional league in world football.
I know exactly where this league is coming from, when it was a pain to watch it until where it is today...it is definitely a plus for Jamaica's players to get into proper professional football...however, as how this newspaper spun Jevaughn's statements, it made it sound like MLS is good enough to sustain Jamaica's international ambitions so players should be satisfied to play there...even if you are giving them the benefit of the doubt, you must admit at least that much.
That is why I take umbrage with the piece.
The current squad that Jamaica now uses, with the bulk of players from MLS, Scandanavia and local-Jamaican league is nowhere near good enough to qualify for the Brazil 2014 WC.
We must be realistic about this...this team is nowhere even near as good as the side that finished the 2010 qualifiers and just lost out on the Hex to Mexico on freaking goal difference.
Do you realise what the results would have been had Jamaica started the 2010 WC qualifiers with that squad ?...Jamaica would have walked into the HEXAGON and quite possibly qualified for South Africa.
Mexico were there for the taking because they did not click until after they had reached S. Africa and the other sides, Costa Rica and Honduras were beatable by that Jamaica side...Honduras ultimatley qualified and we beat them in Kingston and lost with the rux side in San Pedro Sula in a match that was even winnable, much less drawable..I won't even mention the draw with Canada in Toronto. A realistic approach to Jamaica's WC team must have the best players for Jamaica, playing at the highest level possible if Jamaica is to be on par with their CONCACAF opponents or Jamaica reverts right back to the pre-2010 qualifiers when Rene Simoes, or Horaace Burrell must have totally lost their minds to think that anything less than Jamaica's very best players will be good enough.
The bulk of Jamaica's best players are playing in England, whether they were born in Jamaica or England, it does not matter.
What I would like and expect to see is that the English Football League and MLS form a stronger bond; this is already happening so in the next few seasons, a Jamaican side picked from predominantly MLS players might very well be good enough to contend in CONCACAF but right now, it isn't.
If Jamaica wants to taste the success of another WC qualification, Jamaica will have accept reality and sup up its pride and rely on the English-based players, at least for now.
I, for one, do not wish to see 2010 WC qualifying repeated again this time around.
