New Boyz brace for 'Office' debut

Gordon Williams, Gleaner Writer

His first training session with Jamaica behind him, Jermaine Beckford's smile mirrored an optimistic mood Monday evening.

"It was good fun," the striker from Huddlesfield Town in England said from the national football team's training ground in Mona. "But it was tough getting used to the climate. It's hot."

There will be plenty more unfamiliar heat, not all climate-driven, awaiting Beckford and five other players in Jamaica's squad for the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier against Panama on Friday. For him, Marvin Elliott, Theo Robinson, Lloyd Doyley, Joel 'Jobi' McAnuff and Garath McCleary, all raised in the United Kingdom, it will be their first match at 'The Office', the National Stadium the Reggae Boyz believe is their personal fortress.

It's also where the passion and expectations of Jamaica's football faithful, expected to exceed 30,000 flag-waving, gold-clad supporters roaring against a background of thumping music on Friday night, are usually charged to flaming intensity.

Despite playing for big clubs in front of huge crowds during their careers, the six players admit some nervous anticipation as they enter virgin territory. But the stories, warnings and advice, from teammates, coaches and others, have also stoked their ambitions.

"I've been told (The Office) is an amazing atmosphere," said Beckford, who is set to make his debut for Jamaica.

"But I don't believe in pressure. As long as you do what you know you can do, you will be all right. It will be a new experience and I'm looking forward to it."

Brimming with expectation

The curiosity, however, is hard to contain.

"I've been asking about the atmosphere at the stadium," said Elliott, who played once away for the Boyz before manning a midfield role in Jamaica's historic 0-0 draw with Mexico at the Azteca in February.

"They say it's gonna be very loud. But you've got to enjoy it," added the Bristol City player who appeared in the 2004 English FA Cup final against Manchester United at age 19. "You don't take it as bad pressure."

For Jamaica's coaching staff, the job of keeping Friday's game in perspective, including for those making their Office debut, began shortly after the squad assembled.

"We had a brief meeting (Monday) to discuss what is expected and what they can do," head coach Theodore Whitmore confirmed. "We have to help them guard against any letdown (from Mexico)."

Highly fancied visiting teams have buckled in the charged stadium atmosphere. For Boyz in line for their own baptism of fire, the task will be to balance anxiety while showing what they can do.

"You would expect a bit of nerves," explained Doyley, a defender from Watford seeking his first national cap.

"But it's for me to prove I'm worth being here."

McCleary, who made his debut in Mexico, has extra incentive to do well at The Office. Family members he'll meet for the first time while here will be watching.

"I anticipate a great atmosphere," said McCleary. "I see it as support."

McCleary's Reading midfield partner McAnuff gathered impressions of The Office primarily from Adrian Mariappa, another teammate.

"Mariappa has told me about it," said McAnuff. "When he came back from the United States game (Jamaica's historic 2-1 win in September), he was on cloud nine with excitement."

Robinson, a striker at Huddlesfield, has heard similar tales. He too is eager to feel The Office experience.

"The other players say the fans are very passionate," Robinson said. "To be involved is very exciting. I'll be very happy playing here."

The new Boyz anticipate no bad side effects at The Office. McAnuff, for example, is not worried Friday's crowd will hold a grudge in the wake of his missed scoring chance against Mexico.

"There's pressure in all football matches," said McAnuff. "Missing goals is part of the game."

FAN SUPPORT

The Reading captain believes the fans will back all Boyz on match day.

"What I hear it's a very good crowd," McAnuff added. "Loud. Passion and colour."

For players who have already embraced The Office, it's hard to imagine better vibes.

"It's a special stadium," said Mariappa. "I try to tell (the new Boyz) to just try and take it all in. I tell them it's a special experience."