Dennis Chung, General Secretary of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), expressed that the organization would have expedited their search for a replacement for Heimir Hallgrimsson as Reggae Boyz head coach had they known of his long-standing plan to resign.
Chung’s statement followed the surprising announcement that Hallgrimsson had been appointed as the manager of the Republic of Ireland, less than two weeks after resigning from his role as Reggae Boyz head coach.
“It was unexpected for me, for the president [Michael Ricketts], and for everyone, including the staff. When we met him on Sunday, June 30, he mentioned that he no longer enjoyed the Jamaican environment, without providing specific football-related reasons, just that it wasn’t enjoyable for him anymore, and he preferred working in an environment that he enjoyed,” Chung stated.
“During our meeting on June 30, he informed us that he would resign immediately, as he didn’t want to burden the JFF with a notice period, although it became apparent that his primary reason was his acceptance of the [Ireland] position.”
Hallgrimsson, who joined in 2022, stepped down from his position with the national senior men’s team shortly after their group stage exit at Copa America last month, where they were defeated by Mexico, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
However, Hallgrimsson’s period of unemployment was brief, as he was swiftly appointed by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) as manager for their men’s team, which is ranked 60th globally, on Wednesday.
