Former Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Bruce has apparently missed out on a coveted position following the announcement of a Manchester United coach’s appointment.
The 63-year-old, who has also managed Sheffield United along with several other clubs, oversaw 18 matches with Sheffield Wednesday in 2019 before departing under contentious circumstances to join his childhood club, Newcastle United.
His most recent position was with West Bromwich Albion, where he departed the Hawthorns in October 2022. This week, national media widely reported that he had discussions about a possible return to coaching with Jamaica, who are aiming to qualify for the next World Cup.
However, the position was ultimately filled by Steve McClaren. The former England manager, who last oversaw QPR in 2019, has since taken on senior coaching roles at Derby County and Manchester United. McClaren’s return to international management follows his previous stint with England from 2006 to 2007, which ended after a 3-2 defeat to Croatia at Wembley, resulting in England’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008.
McClaren will oversee the immediate international career of Wednesday defender Di’Shon Bernard, whom he briefly worked with at Old Trafford. Bernard, who is at the start of a promising international career, played every match for his country at the Copa America earlier this summer.
In a statement confirming his new role, McClaren expressed his enthusiasm: “I am incredibly proud and excited to become the Head Coach of the Jamaica Men’s National Team. I had no doubts about accepting a position that aligns perfectly with where I am in my career.
“Before my second stint at Manchester United, I worked as a Technical Advisor for FIFA on their Global Eco Analysis project. During that time, I collaborated with Jamaica and quickly recognized the country’s potential. Over the years, this potential has only grown, and with continued effort and development, there is every reason to believe that a bright future awaits.”
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