New Boyz Coming Published: Sunday | January 29, 20120 Comments
Jermaine Beckford ... plays for Leicester City in the English Championships. - File Nodley Wright, Sunday Gleaner Writer
The Reggae Boyz could be taken more seriously in a very short while with the possibility of three high-profile England-based additions to the unit.
Blackburn Rovers livewire David "Junior" Hoilett, Leicester City's hitman Jermaine Beckford, and Bolton Wanderers' midfield steel Darren Pratley could soon be available to coach Theodore Whitmore for selection. That the players could soon be taking instructions from Whitmore was confirmed by Jamaica Football Federation president, Captain Horace Burrell, yesterday.
"Right now, I am in touch with his father. We spoke at length and we are hoping that plans will work out," Burrell said of Hoilett.
"His father hails from Ocho Rios, speaks with a strong Jamaican accent and is a proud Jamaican. In fact, he was overwhelmed when we called him. What I can say is that we have the seal of approval from his father who promised to have a father/son discussion with him and guide him in the right way."
Offer to represent Canada
The 21-year-old lightning-quick winger, who was the subject of a number of speculations linking him to more highly placed clubs than Blackburn for figures ranging from £8m-£15, was reported to have turned down an offer to represent Canada on the instructions of his father, who serves as his adviser. The reported reason was that his father felt that Jamaica would have been a better fit for the Canada-born star.
Beckford a 6' 2" goalscorer, who stood out for Leeds before earning a dream premiership move to Everton in 2010, transferred to Championship team Leicester City at the end of season for £2.5m after a reasonable season and has been a hit since. Just yesterday he struck a double for Leicester, who recorded a 2-0 win over Swindon Town in the FA Cup. It was Beckford's 14th goal in 14 FA Cup matches.
Beckford interested
"Myself and general secretary Horace Reid attended a game in Leicester City and had a lengthy chat with Jermaine (Beckford) after the game. He is extremely interested and our internal staff is extremely busy in proceeding with the necessary paperwork," Burrell said of the 28-year-old, who started out as a Chelsea trainee, indicating that only a passport stands between the player and an official Jamaica cap.
Like Beckford, Pratley was also watched by Reid and Burrell during a recent visit to the United Kingdom.
"We attended a Bolton game and we had an interview with Pratley. He is excited about the prospects of representing Jamaica and, as with Beckford, the internal staff is working on the necessary paperwork," Burrell said of the six-footer.
Pratley, a former mainstay at Queens Park Rangers before transferring to Bolton Wanderers in July 2011, first came on the Jamaica radar in January 2009, when he was invited by then coach John Barnes for a friendly international against Nigeria on February 11 of that year. The midfielder, who qualifies to represent Jamaica through his grandparents, pulled out of the friendly after suffering a broken shoulder shortly before the game.
"What I can say is that we have the seal of approval from his father who promised to have a father/son discussion with him and guide him in the right way."
We are nearly at the four month mark and we have just making contact? Wow? What a load of Kaka!!!
Giving the people bread Burrell before they storm the castle?
_________________________ "Victory" in wars are never about who is right or wrong but more about who is left standing.
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Originally Posted By: LINCOLN
Quote:
"What I can say is that we have the seal of approval from his father who promised to have a father/son discussion with him and guide him in the right way."
We are nearly at the four month mark and we have just making contact? Wow? What a load of Kaka!!!
Giving the people bread Burrell before they storm the castle?
Lincs,
Mi just start thinking dis is the Horaces' new marketing Kool aid/bread to call out di massive to storm the "castle".
But let us keep our expectations humble, until we hear from the players themselves and that they have their Jamaican passports in hand. But the communication is good.
"What I can say is that we have the seal of approval from his father who promised to have a father/son discussion with him and guide him in the right way."
We are nearly at the four month mark and we have just making contact? Wow? What a load of Kaka!!!
Giving the people bread Burrell before they storm the castle?
Lincs, dig deep down inna the archives and pull out the first time the name Beckford, Pratley and Humphries name mentioned by the JFF, this had to be around August or early September of last or even earlier.
We were told we could have seen Beckford in the first friendly after the 2011 goldcup and up til now him paperwuk nuh ready yet..? aah-bwoy!!
Ah same suh sum ah dem breddah deh deal wid dem personal relationships to yuh nuh....dem nuh seh wha dem mean ah mean wha dem seh!!
Lincs, dig deep down inna the archives and pull out the first time the name Beckford, Pratley and Humphries name mentioned by the JFF, this had to be around August or early September of last or even earlier.
We were told we could have seen Beckford in the first friendly after the 2011 goldcup and up til now him paperwuk nuh ready yet..? aah-bwoy!!
Ah same suh sum ah dem breddah deh deal wid dem personal relationships to yuh nuh....dem nuh seh wha dem mean ah mean wha dem seh!!
I remember the JFF list. Maybe they leaked the list so that the players would come running to them.......instead of making contact with the players first. How about getting a committment from the players first? You know, like vetting these players........letting them know where the JFF organization is going.............. Once again the cart is doing 150 MPH while the horse is just chilling.......doing 35 MPH
_________________________ "Victory" in wars are never about who is right or wrong but more about who is left standing.
Lincs, dig deep down inna the archives and pull out the first time the name Beckford, Pratley and Humphries name mentioned by the JFF, this had to be around August or early September of last or even earlier.
We were told we could have seen Beckford in the first friendly after the 2011 goldcup and up til now him paperwuk nuh ready yet..? aah-bwoy!!
Ah same suh sum ah dem breddah deh deal wid dem personal relationships to yuh nuh....dem nuh seh wha dem mean ah mean wha dem seh!!
I remember the JFF list. Maybe they leaked the list so that the players would come running to them.......instead of making contact with the players first. How about getting a committment from the players first? You know, like vetting these players........letting them know where the JFF organization is going.............. Once again the cart is doing 150 MPH while the horse is just chilling.......doing 35 MPH
I'm starting to feel sorry for us the fans, because it's obvious the administration we rely on is clueless of administering the federation, and they are doing their very best, but their best just ain't good enough, they are all lost...clueless...ole "Nincompoop" di wul ah dem!!!
Totally clueless. And not only the Horaces, but include also,that football dunce Tappa.It is the ites on the forum who have seen the deficiency in the current team as constituted; it is the ites on the forum who have identified the Jamaican diasporans in Britain; it it the ites who have recognized that professional players at this level need to be respected, and not be given $50/day food money and bunk bed accomodations.It is the ites who have proposed a strategy to identify and get players early in their development,before they attract the England coach,e.g.Sturridge. Players like Nathan Dyer(Swansea), and Leon Barnett (Norwich), need to be brought in the fold right away. Add to this the incompetence of the print media in their role as advocates for an improved team. Total incompetence on their part, and I don't see it changing given the present administration.
Totally clueless. And not only the Horaces, but include also,that football dunce Tappa.It is the ites on the forum who have seen the deficiency in the current team as constituted; it is the ites on the forum who have identified the Jamaican diasporans in Britain; it it the ites who have recognized that professional players at this level need to be respected, and not be given $50/day food money and bunk bed accomodations.It is the ites who have proposed a strategy to identify and get players early in their development,before they attract the England coach,e.g.Sturridge. Players like Nathan Dyer(Swansea), and Leon Barnett (Norwich), need to be brought in the fold right away. Add to this the incompetence of the print media in their role as advocates for an improved team. Total incompetence on their part, and I don't see it changing given the present administration.
Suh mek wi kontinue wid di buning a di fyah nuh...wi know seh dem nuh ave nuh sense but wi nah fi a loud it up soh...a ole heap a people read dis yah site enuh (JFF, players, potential players et al) if ebry day wi a cuss cuss di man dem soh potential players wi get diskourage an nuh badda waan represent wi...Yuh si weh mi a seh...Let's congratulate the JFF for making an effort...even though dem neh ave nuh sense...
_________________________ It takes sadness to know happiness, noise to appreciate silence & absence to value presence
Granted Javincy that we should not be airing dirty laundry, but as pointed out on previous post, the ideas nah come from them. They are destitute of idea. Nor is it coming from the media in Jamaica,but is only from the ites here and a sprinpling ah yaad, that the ideas and vision come.JAMAICA FOOTBALL NOT ONLY NEEDS THE HELP OF THE DIASPORAN BALLAS, BUT THE DIASPORAN FANS.
These so call contacts are coming from the mouths of the JFF staffs, and it's been ongoing before last summer and ah now wi ah hear seh no commitments nuh mek from Beckford, Hines, Pratley, McAnuff, Humphries, Pennant, Nyron et al.....So, tell me why should I be excited again for the article posted above? gimme ah fricking break...I'll believe it when I see it.
Originally Posted By: zacja2010
Reggae Boyz eye Beckford
Andre Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter
Jermaine Beckford
Everton striker Jermaine Beckford is one of several international players being eyed by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) in its efforts to widen the pool of players for the national senior programme.
West Ham prodigy Zavon Hines and Birmingham City product Luke Hubbard are also among the players being scouted and approached by JFF officials as the federation stretches its tentacles beyond the island's shores in a continued effort to secure more talent ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign later this year.
Beckford, 27, has scored seven goals in his first season with Everton after making a big switch last summer from Leeds United, for which he had scored a famous FA Cup Third Round goal that knocked Manchester United out of the competition in the 2009-2010 season.
According to sources close to the discussions, Beckford is said to be seriously considering the idea but will not be able to make a commitment to the Jamaican programme until later this year due to family reasons.
Hines, 22, another attacking player who was actually born in Jamaica but has represented England at the Under-21 level, is expected to decide on his future one way or the other in a matter of days, while Hubbard, a midfielder who actually plays in the Birmingham City reserve team, has already filed his citizenship application and should figure for the Reggae Boyz soon.
Nathan Smith, a 24-year-old left back with English League One team Yeovil Town, has also committed fully to the programme and has filed his citizenship application with local authorities.
The situation is slightly different with German-born Daniel Gordon, who represents Rot-Wei§ Oberhausen in Bundesliga 2. Twenty-six year-old Gordon, who has represented top-flight German clubs VfL Bochum II and Borussia Dortmund, is said to be extremely excited by the offer but is looking to sort out his club situation this summer before making a commitment as he is currently a free agent.
Another player who was reportedly contacted but cannot make a commitment at this point despite being interested is Reading FC's Jobi McNuff, who has a surgery scheduled for this summer.
JFF general secretary Horace Reid confirmed that discussions were under way with several players and underlined the importance of each player showing a level of commitment to the programme.
"A number of players have expressed an interest in representing Jamaica and we have also reached out to some. In most instances it's very preliminary and I'm not sure if I can confirm any names at this point but, yes, we are looking, we have been recruiting and the scouting process in ongoing," said Reid. "Except for Humphrey, nothing is concrete at this point."
"The players who do come here must show a level of commitment and professionalism; well, you expect a certain level of professionalism from the European players to begin with but more so, we will be looking for those who are truly committed to the country and that is why the recruiting process is so important," Reid added.
Noted UK-based player-agent Romel Wallen, who is close to a number of the players involved, gave an insight on the situation.
"Jermaine Beckford would like to be considered in the near future. Same for Jobi Mcnuff and Daniel Gordon. For various reasons, these players are unable to commit to playing this summer," said Wallen, who represents Pro-Goals Sports Management.
"Myself and general secretary Horace Reid attended a game in Leicester City and had a lengthy chat with Jermaine (Beckford) after the game. He is extremely interested and our internal staff is extremely busy in proceeding with the necessary paperwork," Burrell said of the 28-year-old, who started out as a Chelsea trainee, indicating that only a passport stands between the player and an official Jamaica cap.
Like Beckford, Pratley was also watched by Reid and Burrell during a recent visit to the United Kingdom.
"We attended a Bolton game and we had an interview with Pratley. He is excited about the prospects of representing Jamaica and, as with Beckford, the internal staff is working on the necessary paperwork," Burrell said of the six-footer.
So where was Tappa Whitmore sitting while all this "scouting" was taking place?........or is it......."Hey chef, mih just bring back some food from market...salt fish.....It innah the trunk......sih wha yuh can do wid it. BTW - the guests arrive at 6:00 PM and dem want filet mignon."
_________________________ "Victory" in wars are never about who is right or wrong but more about who is left standing.
Hoilett's dad has been reported to be pushing him to play for Jamaica for years, this isn't news. I don't see what his dad having "a strong Jamaican accent" has to do with anything. His brother Janeil Hoilett still plays for Canada's youth teams. He won't be declaring for any national team until he finds a new club this summer. In any event, it's been rumoured he's been a lock for Jamaica for quite some time: http://www.24thminute.com/2009/12/david-hollett-forgetaboutit.html
Everton striker Jermaine Beckford is one of several international players being eyed by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) in its efforts to widen the pool of players for the national senior programme.
According to sources close to the discussions, Beckford is said to be seriously considering the idea but will not be able to make a commitment to the Jamaican programme until later this year due to family reasons.
Hines, 22, another attacking player who was actually born in Jamaica but has represented England at the Under-21 level, is expected to decide on his future one way or the other in a matter of days, while Hubbard, a midfielder who actually plays in the Birmingham City reserve team, has already filed his citizenship application and should figure for the Reggae Boyz soon.
Nathan Smith, a 24-year-old left back with English League One team Yeovil Town, has also committed fully to the programme and has filed his citizenship application with local authorities.
The situation is slightly different with German-born Daniel Gordon, who represents Rot-Wei§ Oberhausen in Bundesliga 2. Twenty-six year-old Gordon, who has represented top-flight German clubs VfL Bochum II and Borussia Dortmund, is said to be extremely excited by the offer but is looking to sort out his club situation this summer before making a commitment as he is currently a free agent.
Another player who was reportedly contacted but cannot make a commitment at this point despite being interested is Reading FC's Jobi McNuff, who has a surgery scheduled for this summer.
JFF general secretary Horace Reid confirmed that discussions were under way with several players and underlined the importance of each player showing a level of commitment to the programme.
"A number of players have expressed an interest in representing Jamaica and we have also reached out to some. In most instances it's very preliminary and I'm not sure if I can confirm any names at this point but, yes, we are looking, we have been recruiting and the scouting process in ongoing," said Reid. "Except for Humphrey, nothing is concrete at this point."
Originally Posted By: Lincoln
I remember the JFF list. Maybe they leaked the list so that the players would come running to them.......instead of making contact with the players first. How about getting a committment from the players first? You know, like vetting these players........letting them know where the JFF organization is going.............. Once again the cart is doing 150 MPH while the horse is just chilling.......doing 35 MPH
Originally Posted By: BlessedLove
I'm starting to feel sorry for us the fans, because it's obvious the administration we rely on is clueless of administering the federation, and they are doing their very best, but their best just ain't good enough, they are all lost...clueless...ole "Nincompoop" di wul ah dem!!!
Originally Posted By: graham
Totally clueless. And not only the Horaces, but includes also, that football dunce Tappa.It is the ites on the forum who have seen the deficiency in the current team as constituted;
it is the ites on the forum who have identified the Jamaican diasporas in Britain;
it is the ites who have recognized that professional players at this level need to be respected, and not be given $50/day food money and bunk bed accommodations.
It is the ites who have proposed a strategy to identify and get players early in their development, before they attract the England coach e.g. Sturridge. Players like Nathan Dyer (Swansea), and Leon Barnett (Norwich), need to be brought in the fold right away.
Add to this the incompetence of the print media in their role as advocates for an improved team.
Total incompetence on their part, and I don't see it changing given the present administration.
Bwoy a lot to consider from the points the I dem mek.
The most revealing is the fact word had gotten out that they are in contact with Beckford, Humpries, Pratley. Etc. and they were working on their paper work.
Beckford in particular supposedly would join us late last year and after this meeting with Burrell their paperwork is just now going to be processed.
Mr. Burrell you can’t fault the fans for the wrath, venom and ridicule being displayed here. I t could very well be someone –a reporter, JFF staff- got ahead of themselves and gave premature info about contacts being made last year. Now it just seem it was just players you desire to look at and contact.
Well at least we now know contact has being made by the actual travelling and meeting with players. This is the proof in the pudding that we can eat –Link, BLove , Distrib. , Graham. Some man na come within a mile a dat deh pudden, much less fi eat.
LINC said “maybe the info list of players was leaked so as have players come running to them.” Bwoy I’m hoping the JFF is not this disillusioned, to think that Jamaica football has reached prominence where top flight footballers will knocking down our doors.
Another ‘ite BLove said “because it's obvious the administration we rely on is clueless of administering the federation….” “Clueless” well, after the JFF release the list of players last summer we were expecting a second wave of recruits –at least they have us expecting- behind Elliot, Smith & Bean by November or December. Recruits coming in early enough for friendlies, giving them time to gel.
Now with only two friendlies to go and with all that wasted time of four friendlies past with no new blood injected was much cause for consternation.
Adding Elliot & Bean gave us some joy but it did not noticeable address the dire need for attacking/creative midfielders. Therefore in many fans eyes based on these things the cluelessness of the organization seem more likely than otherwise.
We may not know what goes on in the day to day operation of the JFF, but their action, or lack thereof in the handling of the senior team affairs speaks loudly.
We now, I think can take some comfort in the fact that they did travel, they did meet with 3 players.
For the attacking midfield Hoilett & Pratley can work for us fans, but Hoilett is not a lock as yet. The JFF should have contacted at least one more attacking/creative player just in case Hoilett falls through.
Nevertheless, these two can bring a difference to our middle attack which we are in dire need of, along with Beckford seemingly finding his form recently.
Will they be enough to carry us through? Well with Dane, Phillips in form there’s enough strength, in the middle compete and possible dominate some teams.
Pratley will bring a lot of energy and box to box work rate to our attack. He’s not as skilled and deceptive as McAnuff, but he can mix it up going forward.
Hoilett is a complete package who plays anywhere in the midfield, we Hope if we do get him that Tappa would give him the attacking midfield role in a 4-5-1 set
