Coach Wayne Dover said he is open to assisting Guyana’s football development, following the appointment of former Jamaican international and UEFA Pro Licence holder Michael Johnson as the new Head Coach of the Guyana Men’s National Football Team.
The Guyana Football Federation on Monday announced the appointment of Johnson to the post, stating that he “was the standout candidate from more than 200 applications received from all over the world.”
Dover, who had also applied for the position, stated in a social media post that he is prepared to lend a helping hand to move Guyana’s football forward.
“After been officially notified by President Wayne Forde of the GFF choice of a new Head Coach and the rationale used to justify same, I was quite satisfied since it’s all aimed on moving Guyana Football forward,” Dover, who previously held the Interim Head Coach position, said.
“Congratulation to Guyana’s new Head Coach Michael Johnson on his appointment. Let me go on record to say if called upon to assist I’ll give 100% support to help you and the GFF achieve their goals.”
He added, “Let me use this opportunity to thank the President, the Executive Committee members, the office staff, my staff members and players who worked with me throughout my stint as Interim Head Coach for their support. I also want to thank the many faithful supporters who stood with us during very bad times.”
Dover has for years been widely regarded as the coach to fully take over the lead role of the national Men’s team. Despite missing out, he is respectful of the decision made by the governing body for local football to seek overseas expertise.
“I have everything else for the job, except a Pro Licence or a UEFA A Licence, which is no fault of me or any coach in Guyana who didn’t obtain the two mentioned licences, despite myself doing the preparatory UEFA A Licence Course and an English Advanced A Licence Course. However, I respect the GFF’s position.”
According to the GFF, all but one of the shortlisted candidates selected by the Federation following a rigorous recruitment process had obtained the UEFA Pro Licence – the highest coaching qualification in global football.
“The GFF team is delighted to welcome Michael Johnson on board – the best qualified national coach in the history of the Golden Jaguars. With his professional expertise and top-level experience as a player, Michael will set a new gold standard for the football in Guyana,” said GFF President Wayne Forde.
“I also would like to take this opportunity to offer my heartfelt thanks and respect to former interim coach Wayne Dover for his ongoing service to football, and to the many impressive applicants for the huge interest generated by this role,” Forde added.
Meanwhile, Dover also used the opportunity to call on football stakeholders to support the efforts of the new Head Coach.
“Just note the journey isn’t an easy one and the new coach needs your continued support and I implore upon you to be very patient since there’s no quick fix, despite the goals set by the Federation,” Dover said.
Dover, who had his first stint as a national coach in 2004, pointed out that he’s very proud of his track record as a coach for the country’s senior national Men’s team, the Golden Jaguars.
“I coached in four World Cup Qualifiers, five Caribbean Cups and took Guyana to the highest rank in our football history #86. I won the only senior tournament for Guyana to date. At club level, I took Alpha United FC to two semi-finals of the CFU Cup and was one time finalist. I also took Alpha United to two CONCACAF Champions League, as well as the highest rank for any club in Guyana football history #92. I would not talk about local championship which are too numerous to mention,” Dover shared.
Read more about the new Head Coach here: http://newsroom.gy/2018/06/04/michael-johnson-is-new-golden-jaguars-head-coach/
