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Steve McClaren is now set to recruit Isaac Hayden.
That is according to media reports from the Jamaica Observer and elsewhere.
If you remember. Steve McClaren edged out Steve Bruce in the battle to take over as manager of Jamaica back in July (see below).
Now it is claimed that Isaac Hayden is going to be playing for Jamaica under McClaren.
The midfielder is training with the Newcastle United Under 21s and recently played for them, as he is still contracted to NUFC until end of June 2026 under a ridiculous Mike Ashley and Steve Bruce contract, but not in Eddie Howe’s plans. For whatever reasons, Isaac Hayden not having found another club yet.
However, Isaac Hayden could get some first team football shortly at international level, with claims that Steve McClaren has convinced him to turn out for Jamaica.
The midfielder qualifies to play for the Reggae Boyz through his Jamaican-born father.
Isaac Hayden having represented England from the U16 to U21 level but nothing further, so he is eligible to play for Jamica.
Michail Antonio, Demarai Gray and Mason Holgate have already committed to Jamaica, with claims recently that Mason Greenwood may also do the same.
The Mag report – 31 July 2024:
Steve McClaren or Steve Bruce?
What a choice!
That is where Jamaica ended up, as they looked to fill their Head Coach vacancy after Heimir Hallgrímsson resigned at the end of June.
Jamaica exited the Copa America without picking up a single point, three defeats in their group matches.
After interviewing both Steve Bruce (see below) and Steve McClaren, Jamaica have now arrived at their decision.
The Athletic now revealing that Steve… McClaren has been appointed as the new Head Coach of Jamaica on a two-year deal.
Having been assistant manager to Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, Steve McClaren seeing his role reduced to senior first-team coach this summer. Helping to convince him to leave Old Trafford.
As for Steve Bruce, he will now be moving to 22 months out of work after his most recent sacking at the Hawthorns in 2022.
After getting the Jamaica job, Steve McClaren declaring:
“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 Advisor on their Global Eco Analysis project.
“Jamaica was one of the teams I worked with and I quickly came to realize the potential the country possessed.
“In the years since, that potential has grown significantly and there is every reason to believe that with continued hard work and development a bright future lies ahead.”
The Mag report – 30 July 2024:
‘Steve Bruce has been out of work for 21 months now.
The now 63 year old unable to get another job in management, since having been sacked by West Brom 21 months ago back in October 2022, leaving the Baggies in a desperate state.
That coming only 12 months after having been sacked by Newcastle United in October 2021, leaving them in a desperate state.
Whilst before that, Steve Bruce sacked by Aston Villa in October 2018 after a run of one win in eleven games. Following the Villa sacking, Bruce spent six months at Sheffield Wednesday but then walked out on them when incredibly Mike Ashley paid compensation to the Owls, having forced out Rafa Benitez.
Remarkably though, somebody else could be prepared to take him on.
The Mail reported that Steve Bruce could be the new head coach of Jamaica.
They say that their information is that Steve Bruce has been interviewed for the job and a decision is expected in the near future.
Former boss Heimir Hallgrímsson resigned at the end of June after Jamaica exited the Copa America without picking up a single point, three defeats in their group matches.’