Fans say ‘protect Steve McClaren at all costs’ as video of ex-Man Utd coach learning Jamaican slang goes viral
FANS declared “protect Steve McClaren at all costs” after a video of him learning Jamaican slang went viral.
McClaren, 63, made a stunning return to management with the Reggae Boyz in July.
The tactician had been an assistant to Erik ten Hag at Manchester United before Jamaica made their move.
It marked McClaren’s first managerial job since leaving QPR five years ago.
And it’s also his first time back as an international boss since his ill-fated England reign ended 17 years ago.
McClaren is now preparing to take charge of CONCACAF Nations League games against Cuba and Honduras.
He took his first training session this week as he linked up with stars including Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock, West Ham’s Michail Antonio and Leicester’s Bobby Decordova-Reid.
However, McClaren has also been getting into the swing of things by attempting to learn Jamaican patois.
The historic language developed in the 17th century and has over three million native speakers worldwide.
But McClaren, who famously spoke with a Dutch accent immediately after joining FC Twente in 2008, decided to give it a shot anyway.
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Linking up with an interviewer, McClaren first exchanged a fist bump as his pal declared: “All right coach, big up!
“First training, I see you’re very red in the face…”
But before the interviewer could continue, McClaren began interacting with another member of the Jamaican Football Federation.
He showed the boss another form of greeting as they touched thumbs.
And McClaren then declared “big up”, before adding: “Seal it up!”
He then lifted the lid on training, saying: “It’s just to get the players… they had a long day yesterday so it’s not too much in the head a little bit.
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“It was to get them lively, to get them in and the spirit going into the competition.
“It was intense, it was a good house and they should be ready for tactics tomorrow.”
Fans were certainly delighted with McClaren’s attempts at patois.
One said: “Steve McClaren is a national treasure and should be protected at all costs.”
Another declared: “McClaren is a legend, gotta love his Jamaican accent too.”
One noted: “He brings endless entertainment and humour to the beautiful game.”
Another added: “Genuinely happy for him, rollercoaster of a career and now gets to work in the Jamaican sunshine.”