Bora out, Simoes in! . . . sources say JFF unanimous in decision to sack coach By Howard Walker Observer writer walkerh@jamaicaobserver.com Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Technical director Velibor "Bora" Mulutinovic has been booted by new Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president Captain Horace Burrell, impeccable sources told the Observer, in light of some shocking revelations from the JFF.
According to the sources, Mulutinovic will be replaced by Jamaica's most successful coach, Brazilian Rene Simoes, who is expected to take charge in the Reggae Boyz's next International Friendly on November 21 against Guatemala. Simoes was in charge when the Reggae Boyz made an historic appearance at the World Cup Finals in France back in 1998.
New treasurer, Gary Sinclair (right), outlines irregularities in the JFF accounts while president Captain Horace Burrell (centre), and general secretary Horace Reid look on during a press conference at the JFF headquarters yesterday. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)
At yesterday's press conference at the JFF headquarters in New Kingston, Burrell refused to confirm or deny Mulutinovic's sacking, saying they (the JFF) had reviewed the latter's contract and made a unanimous decision.
Said Burrell: "I know most of you are indeed waiting to hear all the details surrounding this matter and it has to do with coach Bora. The new board, having met on two occasions, have taken a unanimous decision on the issue of the technical director, the details of which... I cannot disclose at this time as I have not yet met with Mr Bora."
According to Burrell, he is expected to have dialogue with the technical director today.
SIMOES. Guided historic World Cup qualification in 1998 Quizzed repeatedly as to the future of the Serbian-born coach, Burrell held firm, saying, "The board has taken a unanimous decision as to the future where Mr Bora is concerned."
Mulutinovic, 63, took over as technical director on November 15, 2006, and is the person along with former president Crenston Boxhill, who has been most chastised for Jamaica's poor FIFA ranking and lack of confidence among the players.
In some shocking revelations yesterday, Burrell and his executives made informed reports that the JFF coffers are empty and as such, he has had to suspend the female programme.
"The treasurer has discovered that there is absolutely no money in the JFF coffers," revealed Burrell.
The female National Under-17 team is due to depart on November 19 for their World Cup Qualifiers in Antigua, and the Senior squad scheduled to leave on November 22 for their second-round Olympic Qualifier either in Cuba or Puerto Rico.
"Due to the precarious financial position of the JFF we are unable to proceed with two training camps which were planned before. There are two important international engagement for the female national teams," noted Burrell. The training camps were immediately dismantled and according to Burrell, he will be meeting with the government to assist with the $4 million needed for the female programme.
New treasurer, Gary Sinclair, said he spent the better part of yesterday (Monday) going over a variety of issues and has put together a preliminary financial report which shows the JFF "in the red" to the tune of $95m.
"The current bank balance on a consolidated basis is $-7.4m. Inclusive in that are cheques drawn for $1.3m in salaries due to JFF staff members. In addition to this are outstanding cheques drawn and not issued to a variety of local providers of good and services, which has left us in negative cash position," said Sinclair.
According to the treasurer, the JFF receivables are $27.7m and payables are $83.4m. The JFF owes $23.9m to the technical director; $22.5m to the English Football Association; $16.4m in statutory deductions, including $9m due to PAYE, and $5m to the Premier League clubs. "This is frightening. The entire nation was led to believe that the Federation was making a profit," said Burrell.
In the meantime, striker Marlon King's disciplinary ban has been lifted by the JFF for what they say was too harsh a penalty, after reviewing the Watford player's case.
"As in respect to Marlon King, based on representation received, we have looked at the issue and a reprieve has been granted to Mr King. King is now eligible to represent Jamaica," confirmed JFF's first vice-president, Dale Spencer.
Jamaica should also play El Salvador on November 18, but Burrell said it has not been confirmed as he has not yet received the letter from the El Salvador football authorities. He said every overseas-based Jamaican player will be called up for the two friendlies to be played at the National Stadium.
_________________________ " HOPE FOR THE BEST BUT ALWAYS PREPARE FOR THE WORST.....GO HARD OR GO HOME."
"The current bank balance on a consolidated basis is $-7.4m. Inclusive in that are cheques drawn for $1.3m in salaries due to JFF staff members. In addition to this are outstanding cheques drawn and not issued to a variety of local providers of good and services, which has left us in negative cash position," said Sinclair.
According to the treasurer, the JFF receivables are $27.7m and payables are $83.4m. The JFF owes $23.9m to the technical director; $22.5m to the English Football Association; $16.4m in statutory deductions, including $9m due to PAYE, and $5m to the Premier League clubs. "This is frightening. The entire nation was led to believe that the Federation was making a profit," said Burrell.
So if Bora wins in court, how will we pay 2 coaches?
Quote:
Jamaica should also play El Salvador on November 18, but Burrell said it has not been confirmed as he has not yet received the letter from the El Salvador football authorities. He said every overseas-based Jamaican player will be called up for the two friendlies to be played at the National Stadium.
I hope we field 2 different 18 man squads.
_________________________ " HOPE FOR THE BEST BUT ALWAYS PREPARE FOR THE WORST.....GO HARD OR GO HOME."
He said every overseas-based Jamaican player will be called up for the two friendlies to be played at the National Stadium.
Burrell are you nuts?
Nicholas Addlery-DC United Rudolph Austin-Portmore/JAMAICA for now Ramon Bailey-Waterhouse/JAMAICA Trevor Benjamin-Hereford Teafore Bennett-Östers IF Deon Burton-Sheffield United Darren Byfield-Bristol City Jamal Campbell-Ryce-Barnsley Shane Crawford -Unattached Omar Cummings-Colorado Rapids Omar Daley-Bradford City Claude Davis-Derby County Fabian Davis-Tivoli/JAMAICA Fabian Dawkins-Village/Montreal Stephen deRoux-DC United Jason Euell-Southhampton(?) Damien Francis-Watford Sean Fraser-Miami FC/Sweden trials Ricardo Fuller-Stoke Ricardo Gardner-Bolton Ian Goodison-Tranmere Joel Grant-Aldershot Town Jermaine Hue-Harbourview/JAMAICA Micah Hyde-Peterborough Jermaine Johnson-Sheffield Wednesday Ryan Johnson-(Unattached) Marlon King-Watford FC Richard Langley-Luton Town Kevin Lisbie-Colchester United Jobi McAnuff-Watford Trevor McEachron-Richmond Kickers Tyrone Marshall-Toronto Fc Jason Morrison-Belgium Mugsy Nosworthy- Sunderland Demar Phillips-Stoke City Garfield Reid-Waterhouse Dane Richards-New York Redbulls Donovan Ricketts-Bradford City Ricky Sappleton-Leceister City Reserves Luton Shelton-Sheffield United Khari Stephenson-AIK Damion Stewart-QPR Demar Stewart (Belgium) Fabian Taylor-Harbour View/JAMAICA Shavar Thomas-Chivas Oniel Thompson (Notodden Fotballklubb-Norway) Wollery Wolfe (Portmore/JAMAICA) Rafe Wolfe (Belgium)
Assistant Coaches (Candidates) Wendell Downswell (Resident Interim Dude) Paul Young (Formerly of Portmore) Theodore Whitmore (Seba United) Linval Dixon (Portmore) Chris Dawes (Sporting Central)
Edited by LINCOLN (11/07/0712:15 AM)
_________________________ " HOPE FOR THE BEST BUT ALWAYS PREPARE FOR THE WORST.....GO HARD OR GO HOME."
I had a smile on my face when I heard that Simoes is coming back.
I have nuff love for Simoes. Not the best coach in the world but his love for the game shines. His good heart shines. Just a Brazilian version of Wendell Downsell in my opinion.
I disagree that Bora gave the Jamaican players a confidence kill.
So many Jamaicans got a boost knowing that possibly an internationally known and in some circles respected coach would possibly give them a taste of the bigger stage in football.
I think this political tactic of beating down a guy to make your decision look a bit better shows that the decision maker didn't really make an informed decision !!!
There is an argument that could be posed to suggest Has Rene Simoes still have what it takes to be a top coach??
I mean some of us were fooled that Bora was the man !!!
Personally, I dont think we need nuh big name fi coach the players. We need a big name fi coach the coaches.
We need to invest in WD and other prospects within the Jamaican Die as poorer.. heh heh..
But with Burrell's policy of full speed ahead. Every farin player wi gwine call is a real confidence boost for the locals. You go Burrell. The bestest presi... Back ina di Garrison.. Autocratic some mistake it for dynamic, but if a guy say nutten, wi gooda haffi buss wi matic..... Boom Bang Banggg... Connect..
Just a simple question to the forum folk. Did the Portia administration put aside monies for the hire of a US3mil dollar coach?? And if so, why would the JFF owe Bora any monies??
Another question if you may?? Is there anyone else out there besides Burrell and Gary Sinclair that believe that Boxhill was operating on a profit and had the JFF rolling in monies???
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They make the world so hard
When I saw the second part of the news. That Burrell, the man who some claim did a lot for women's football was deciding to suspend the U17 ladies training camp and their involvment in the WC qualifiers in Antigua I felt sick.
I was scouring the place for my Princess's telephone number. I thought we have to organise some fundraisers. Some initiatives to get these girls to the competition.
How can you just suspend arrangements suh Burrell?? I cant believe its just money that is the issue. You had no problem loaning the JFF monies b4. ( Oh sorry, its a new Burrell) I mean yu have no problem sponsoring football in the pass. Five trip pon the helicapta must can help out di girl dem fi reach antigua. What about boating them their. Boating develops bonding and teamwork also...
But why does the male players involvment take preceedence over the ladies?? All that big talk during Boxhill's reign about who is the only person to support the ladies game was just that big talk.
And instead of announcing suspending the U17ladies program why didn't he ask the ministry of sports (who also paid for Bora I believe) to help out.
But more importantly I would love to start a massive public campaign to assist the ladies to raise this $4million budget/cost to get them to Antigua. We only need 40 thousand people to give $100 each. more if yu can afford it.
My only hindrance is that Burrell is not as approachable and as accepting as Boxhill was. Burrell gives me the impression that accepting help will uncover other shady dealings and so its easier to just shut everyone out. ( Throw figures in the sea mek everybody guh swim for it)
But seriously. Can we really bother the Government for monies when the finance minister cant even pay back the school fee's yet.
Appealing to all the pepes with contacts. Is there a way we can help fund the u17 ladies campaign for their World Cup qualifiers till Burrell get pon him feet???
I do hope Burrell and his finance minister will be as forthcoming as they are now with the accountability and figures later on within their campaign to dominate Jamaican football.
Especially after the two upcoming games???
Psst !! I only see one possible game. Thats against El Salvador. Who is the other one against???
Ok.. All the local players. Dont despair just yet. The policy to invite all the farin players I'm sure is just to ram out the stadium and mek a little change fi operate the JFF.. I know Burrell has a lazy streak and the tendancy to tell everyone fi guh jump ina sea but rest assured that wont happen until we get knocked out of the WC campaign.
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Some information on Simoes...his current contract with Cortiba FC in the Brazilian Serie B runs until November 30th. The club has already secured promotion to the Serie A and Simoes has not resigned a new contract for the next season.
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The simple reason for calling all the overseas based players is to seat down and meet with them about expectations, before WCQ starts. Which means sort out the player fees, travel fees and other services now, so that we do not have a player rebellion when qualifiers start.
Yu mad El feego... Jamaica nuh find new people. Someone have to give yu a bring in..
Its funny Geoff.. I asked the same question in an earlier thread and got another reason. Shaggy said bcoz Simoes was vex his salary details were made public. Zee said some adda ting bout coaching and that after the WC Simoes was found wanting and inept. The bottomline is that no one really knows why Simoes was dismissed on his previous reign. So mi could even say maybe Simoes didn't want to play ball the Burrell was so he had to go !!!
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They make the world so hard
I said he got exposed at the Bigger level and that he had a bad relationship with some of the players... I said I questioned some of his coaching methods, but never did I say the man was inept... In fact I said that although I may have found his methods questionable and ad hoc at times, credit should still be given to him for qualifying us for 3 different World Cup age group categories...
Did I say that I thought he should be brought back... I said NO, but now that mi check it out, who the hell else can we turn to at the moment... The JFF bruck, we are ranked 103, and qualifiers soon start... Which big coach woulda put himself in such a predicament when his international reputation is on the line????
This is a no lose situation for Simoes to come back into... If he fails to qualify, no one can blame him because of the lack of time he had to work with the players... If he qualifies, good for us and we will be back in the world cup...
Looking at the list of players that someone posted, Jamaica should have a very good chance of qualifying... It just takes the right person to assemble the pieces of the puzzle... Is Simoes the right man for the job???
I don't know, but he is familiar with those in power now and the salary he is getting at Cortiba (US$17,300 per month) is paltry to what he could get from Burrell and the crew...
I say, double his salary, even make it US$50,000 a month, but everything after that MUST BE INCENTIVE DRIVEN... None of this US$1 million bulls hit... And that go for ANY COACH that come here...
Perform first and we will pay you... Nuh bodda come jack we up an go laugh behind wi back and tek we fi eediat...
Another thought I had on this coaching thing... Maybe we should look into having discussions with Johnny Barnes... He lives over in England so he could be watching our ballers over there week in and week out... And his father is an old army man like Captain.
Mi nuh know... Just a throw up someone else worth looking into for the time being...
Sorry Zee.. I thought thats what I said. So then Geoff. According to Zee, Simoes never got sacked. Him tek weh himself. So he felt he was being disrespected. Maybe now wi nuh get nuh where Simoes glad wi haffi beg him fi come back..
Try argue or tell Simoes nutten now if yu tink yu bad... Hey Burrell.. (With a Brazilian accent) Just sekkle yuself.. A unuh beg me fi come back. Dont mek mi haffi tek weh miself again...
Is Simoes the right man?? Dont care.. But I like Him. Is Burrell the right man?? Never Can we make it to the WC with Burrell?? Of course Is Burrell the right man for the Job?? Hell No. Do I hope we make it to the WC with Burrell? Of course Is Burrell the right man for the job?? Mi say no. Was Bora the right man for the job?? After a year we still dont know. 1million for a guessing game... Please.
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They make the world so hard
JT- Good points. It is not a good thing when you of to suspend preparation for a qualifying tournament- result of that you won't make it. If you kick start that fundraiser you have my $100.
I thought all along Boxhill and him crew was phony and did not have any money to organise games and posible send the under-15 team to Trinidad but at the same time they were saying the JFF was profitable.I wondered where was the money coming from to pay Nigeria last month?
Hopefully Bora will be fired based on his cost and the JFF can put together a programme to develop football and go out and seek sponsorship. It is about time the game is approach like a business and the right investment come aboard on a long term basis so that football can pay for itself eventually. They can start with infrastructure, developing coaches, players like Burell suggest and the sponsors and fans will show up in bunches.
