Steve McClaren succeeds Hallgrimsson as Jamaica boss

Steve McClaren is the new manager of Jamaica. Pic: Nick Potts/PA

Ex-England manager Steve McClaren been appointed Jamaica head coach on a two-year contract, succeeding new Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson.

McClaren leaves his role as assistant at Manchester United having returned to Old Trafford in 2022 to form part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom team after previously working with the Dutchman during his time coaching FC Twente.

The 63-year-old McClaren’s last managerial role was at QPR five years ago. He has also been a manager at Middlesbrough, Derby County (twice) and Newcastle.

Jamaica had been without a manager since Hallgrímsson left this month after a disappointing Copa América. The Icelandic coach has since filled the Ireland vacancy following an eight-month search by the FAI.

The Jamaica Football Federation had been assessing candidates in recent weeks and a two-year deal, taking in the 2026 World Cup hosted across the US, Canada and Mexico, was agreed with McClaren.

Michael Ricketts, president of the Jamaican federation, said: “We are truly elated to announce the appointment of Mr McClaren as head coach of the Reggae Boyz.

“We are confident we made the right decision and we are looking forward to him guiding our nation towards the 2026 Fifa World Cup.” 

McClaren said: “I am extremely proud and excited to take up the position of head coach for the Jamaica men’s national team. I had no hesitation in accepting a position that is ideally suited to me at this stage of my career.

“Prior to returning to Manchester United for a second spell, I spent time at Fifa as a technical adviser on their global eco analysis project. Jamaica was one of the teams I worked with and I quickly came to realise the potential the country possessed.”