Former national GK sets sights on future Boyz opportunity

Having gotten his first major head-coaching job, former national goalkeeper Ryan Thompson hopes that it is the first step on a path that could result in coaching the senior national team in the future.

Thompson, 36, was named the new head coach of United Soccer League (USL) Championship side Austin Bold FC, becoming the second Caribbean head coach in the league's history and the first Jamaican to land a permanent head coach job in the league.

Thompson, who joined the club as a player in 2018, the year of the club's founding, and later as an assistant coach, took over from Marcelo Sarrano who left the post to become the club's new sporting director. Having begun his education in the coaching craft three years ago, Thompson says should the opportunity present itself to coach the Reggae Boyz in the future he will be ready.

"I'm always open to help my country. I am one of those guys that if Jamaica calls me tomorrow and say I need help I'm there. My country has done a lot for me, gave me an opportunity to wear the national colours for many years and I want to give back," Thompson said.

Among Thompson's responsibilities at the club is helping in the recruiting process. It is something that Thompson is proud of and is committed to doing what he can to give promising Jamaican talent their opportunity to shine.

Work behind the scenes

"I've always done the work behind the scenes, I just don't talk about it. The first time I was appointed as assistant coach I brought a lot of Jamaicans here. We had Demar Phillips, we have Nathaniel Adamolekun (capped for the under-17 and under-20 national teams), we have Owayne Gordon. I'm always looking to bridge that gap so I can give back to my country. If the opportunity presents itself for me to coach the national team, I would gladly accept," Thompson said. "I have the profile to add value anywhere in the organisation."

His immediate focus is with the Austin Bold as he took charge of his first game earlier this week against San Antonio. Thompson says that he wants to bring an attacking approach to the team, and believes with the current personnel, he can produce results.

"I like attacking football. I want us to be quick in transition whether that be in attack or defence. We want to be strong defensively and have a lot of speed and power up top. And I think a 3-5-2 system is best to highlight those strengths that we have based on the personnel," Thompson said.

- D.W.