Golden Jaguars new Head Coach formally introduced by GFF - Set 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup qualification as priority

Golden Jaguars new Head Coach formally introduced by GFF – Set 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup qualification as priority

Jun 08, 2018 Sports

Senior Men’s Head Coach Michael Johnson receives his Golden Jaguar jersey from GFF’s Wayne Forde (right). TD Ian Greenwood shares the moment.

Michael Johnson, the newly appointed Head Coach of Guyana’s Senior Men’s team, ‘Golden Jaguars’, arrived in the ‘Land of Many Waters’ yesterday and was formally introduced to the medai and public by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) at a press conference held at the Sleepin International Hotel and Casino.
The Forty-four-year-old British-born Johnson, who is a former Jamaica international, English Premier League and Championship player, became the highest qualified national coach in the history of the Golden Jaguars.
The former defender, who played more that 550 games combined in England’s top flight league and championship, has a UEFA Pro Licence to go along with his League Managers’ Association Diploma in Football Management. His references for the role included former England Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, the Premier League and the English Football Association.
The new coach was pleased to be selected from the pool of some 200 applicants and posited that he was excited to get working. During the press brief, Johnson also stated that, “What I bring to the table is my professionalism and expertise from being at the top level of football. I will also be able to engage with the (championship) Club Derby County in numerous ways including sports science along with players and coaching exchange so there is a bigger picture here but I understand from match results, is where I am going to be judged.”
One of the more immediate aims Johnson stated would be qualification for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup; the region’s premier tournament which the Golden Jaguars has never qualified for. When quizzed about feeling pressured after only now joining the side, the former veteran defender noted that, “I’ve played in environments where pressure has been part of it. Where it has been pressure to get (promotion) to the (English) Premier League or to qualify internationally and I always strive with pressure.”
GFF Technical Director, Ian Greenwood, welcomed Johnson: “We are delighted to have someone of Michael Johnson’s caliber into the GFF’s technical department and the GFF football Family. He is the perfect candidate for the job and he stood out from the 200 applications. With his references and experience at the top level and also playing for Jamaica in the region, I think he will be able to develop and progress the senior programme.”
Greenwood further stated that Johnson’s background in youth development (after serving as Notts County U-16 Manager in 2008- 09’ and their Youth Team Manager in the 2009- 11’ seasons) will allow him to serve as the missing link between the Academy Training Centers (ATC) and the Senior Men’s team.