Hue Menzies return on the horizon

Hue Menzies, the architect of the national senior women’s team’s 2019 World Cup Qualifying campaign, could be on the verge of returning to the programme with a view to helping the Reggae Girlz’s World Cup campaign, according to Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) General Secretary Dennis Chung.

Menzies resigned from the programme in December 2019 citing irreconcilable differences with the JFF regarding an update on his long-term future as well as failure to reimburse him for personal funds used during the team’s successful France qualifying campaign.

But a return to the programme that he helped shape years ago in an advisory capacity could be a part of the future under recent structural changes within the federation.

The 58-year-old attended two international friendlies between the Reggae Girlz and Paraguay where Jamaica won the first 1-0 in Montego Bay, but uffered a 2-1 defeat in Sunday’s return game in Kingston.

Chung said that while there is nothing concrete, there is strong interest from President Michael Ricketts to bring Menzies back into the fold in some capacity.

“We don’t have anything formal yet, but I know that the president wants to get him back into the programme. We are trying to work with him to come back in because I know he wants to come back in and help us with development,” Chung told The Gleaner.

“Hue is a very good resource. He has the experience, he has a football school in Florida with 2,000 children. Even now, while he was here, he has provided a lot of advice, and a lot of international connections. We would love to have him back but that is the president’s call. And I know the president is looking that way.”

Menzies is coming off a short stint as interim head coach of National Women’s Soccer League outfit Gotham FC, becoming the first black head coach in the league’s history. Menzies, who was appointed in August, left the role at the end of the season with the understanding that he was not the long-term replacement.

LONG TERM

According to Menzies, the appointment of Chung to the general secretary position was the catalyst that rekindled his interest in returning to the project he left behind three years ago, not from the sidelines this time but in another capacity to strengthen the programme for the long term.

“When Dennis came on board it kind of electrified me, because I know his potential of fixing things, fixing different companies,” Menzies said.

“The JFF needed a lot of structure and I think he is going to do a good job to make that happen. With that said, it kind of gave me the urge to get involved, not in a coaching role, but more of an advisory role.”

Menzies said that his role has not been defined and is awaiting conversations with Ricketts shortly to determine in what capacity he could be lending his knowledge as the Girlz prepare for the World Cup in eight months time.

Jamaica will face France, Brazil and a playoff team which could be Taiwan, Panama, Papa New Guinea or Paraguay, their recent international opponents.