Butler Demands Some Changes Before Bailey Returns To The Reggae Boyz Squad
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He wants to the JFF to stop snubbing Phoenix Academy players from the national programme
The Jamaican Football Federation is looking to invite Leon Bailey back into the Jamaican national football team. Bailey clashed with the JFF after he was involved in a controversial interview where he accused the institution of unprofessionalism. He claimed that he was taking a break from international football so that he can concentrate on his club career. The interview happened after he was punished for indiscipline by coach Heimir Hallgrimson.
Michael Ricketts, the JFF president, has told journalists that he is hoping to settle the federations differences with Bailey. The Aston Villa winger has been in red hot form and the national team could certainly benefit from his services. Craig Butler, Bailey’s agent and adoptive father, has said that he is willing to speak to the JFF. However, he insisted that the federation should meet certain conditions before Bailey can make a comeback.
Butler said that the JFF has to treat Bailey and other graduates of his football academy with respect. He wants to the JFF to stop snubbing players who are associated with him when they are choosing squads for the national programme. Butler is the owner of the Phoenix All Stars Football Academy.
Phoenix Academy has produced world-class talents like Chelsea’s Dujuan Richards and Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey. Other graduates like Denzel Mckenzie, Robino Gordon and Dante Peralto have been undergoing trials at Aston Villa. It’s is surprising that he JFF has been snubbing these players considering hey are wanted by some of the biggest clubs in the world.
The Reggae Boyz fans will be hoping that the two parties can resolve their issues because this conflict might affect the team’s performances on the pitch. The squad is gearing up for a crucial summer. The next two games will be World Cup Qualifiers against the Domincan Republic and Dominica. The two games will happen on 6th June and 9th June respectively.
Ricketts said that he is yet to open talks with Leon Bailey. He claimed that he has always had love for the talented winger. He believes that that they can convince him to return to the national team because the winger loves his country.
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