Captain Horace Burrell, (right) President of the JFF and Theodore "Tappa" Whitmore, interim Coach (left) welcome Jamaica's National Coach, John Barnes (centre) in a recent reception.

The President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) in consultation with recently-appointed national coach John Barnes, has decided that Mr. Theodore Whitmore will take charge of Jamaica’s World Cup qualifier against Canada on November 19, 2008 with support from Mr. John Barnes.

It was agreed that in order to ensure continuity and given the momentum of the team, it was the right thing to do. On September 16, 2006, following an Extra-Ordinary meeting of the JFF Board of Directors at which the severance of ties with former Technical Director Rene Simoes was unanimously ratified, it was agreed that the former England International and Jamaican born Mr. Barnes would be the new National Coach for the Senior Football Team as at November 1.

Among Mr. Barnes’ major responsibilities outlined were the preparation of the national team for the Digicel Caribbean Cup (DCC) between December 1 to 15, the CONCACAF Gold Cup scheduled for June 2009, and the Final Round World Cup Qualifiers in 2009, should Jamaica advance to that stage of the competition. His contract was set to be reviewed following those events.

It was also announced then that prior November 1, Mr. Whitmore, who assisted Simoes would take charge of the remaining World Cup Qualifying games at home and later assist Mr. Barnes once the latter assumes his position. Mr. Whitmore lead the national team to victories in the two matches which have resurrected the country’s chance of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. This made the revision of the original decision, logical.

Mr. John Barnes departed the island today for the UK and will return to Jamaica on 31 October to take up his official duties.