Steve McClaren quits 'in tears' after Jamaica pipped to World Cup qualification by smallest ever nation

Former Man Utd coach took over Reggae Boyz 18 months ago

Steve McCLaren tendered his resignation as Jamaica head coach after the Reggae Boyz lost out on World Cup qualification.

Curacao became the smallest ever nation to qualify for football ’s biggest tournament following a 0-0 draw on Tuesday.

McClaren, the former England manager, oversaw a catastrophic Euro 2008 qualifying campaign with the Three Lions, who missed out entirely on the tournament.

McClaren had left Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff at Manchester United to take up the post in the Caribbean, but he saw another major tournament slip away from him, as Dick Advocaat’s Curacao reached a maiden World Cup.

Jamaiaca finished second in Group B behind Curacao, although there is still a chance for them to reach the tournament itself in the play-offs, where they will travel to Mexico in March to partake in the inter-confederation play-offs alongside Suriname as Concacaf representatives.

The 64-year-old, according to Curacao assistant manager Dean Gorre, sobbed on the sideline in the immediate aftermath of the game.

“Steve was crying. It affected him that much," Gorre said.

McClaren announced his resignation to the press straight afterwards.

"Over the last 18 months I have given everything I have to this job," he said. "Leading this team has been one of the greatest honours of my career.

"But football is a results business and tonight we have fallen short of our goal, which was to qualify from this group.

"It is the responsibility of the leader to step forward, take accountability and make decisions in the best interests of the team.

"After deep reflection and an honest assessment of where we are and where we need to go, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Jamaican national team.

"Sometimes the best thing a leader can do is to recognise when a fresh voice, new energy and a different perspective is required to move this team forward.

"These 18 months have been hard - really hard. I have had to learn lessons very quickly.

"The experience of Concacaf football has been unique for me. Caribbean football is different to Central American football, which is different to North American football. I have not experienced that before."