Burrell

Many readers have given their full endorsement to the sacking of René Simoes as technical director of the national football programme. Others disagree entirely. Below, we publish two articles giving contrasting positions.

The Editor, Sir:

It was with mixed emotions that I accepted Captain Burrell's firing of coach René Simoes. I think the action was definitely justified and I give him a nod for being able to make a strong, firm decision that sends a clear message - that we need to see results. The Reggae Boyz have not displayed a World Cup-calibre performance or aura. Simoes had been hoping that other teams would under-perform so the Boyz would get by. Well, Honduras has taken care of their business. 'Sorry'.

One thing that I am hoping is that the Captain and other football decision-makers are taking note of mistakes, in order not to repeat them. We made the mistake of just bringing an old coach back and expecting him to do wonders, just like before. Surprise! The times have changed.

Was there a system in place to evaluate and assess his tactical approach and performance throughout his campaign? It appears that there was no such strategic assessment in place. Now, it is too late to fix the problem. We have squandered an opportunity to make, at the very least, a legitimate run at this World Cup.

Another point I want to make is in regards to the Canada results. Everyone thought this was just great. We drew with Canada and were expected to lose to Mexico and hoped for a draw with Honduras. Where is the bar here? It's almost as if we were not sure of ourselves all along. Simoes applauded the guys for a draw after one opportunistic goal during the entire game. The bar or expectation for the team was set very low.

CULTURE OF MEDIOCRITY

We have a culture of mediocrity in our football pro-gramme that needs a paradigm shift. I need all my passionate Jamaican football supporters to start using the Captain's firing of Simoes as an example of how to act when players or coaches don't perform. It's all about performance, both for coaches and players. If they don't produce, let them go.

Football is not won on emotions and big talk. It is won by outplaying the competitors on the field. I am tired of hearing a lot of lip service about players and what they can do but, on the field, they don't demonstrate.

It seems to me that we use some of our players based on favouritism. This will not produce a World Cup-contending team. If we don't have the talent to compete at the highest level, we should not kid ourselves.

I know the local vs foreign based players continue to be an issue of conflict but, once again, it is all about per-formance. We must compete with the best that we have.

The vision starts by establishing a reputable football programme and league in Jamaica that will produce players who can compete on the big stage. Missing this World Cup might just be the right time to put a structure and vision in place. Hopefully, we will reap lasting and not just occasional fruit from a vision that invests in the development and sustaining of a comprehensive programme.

I am, etc.,

BRUCE MORGAN

brucenathan50@hotmail.com

Connecticut, USA