The more the critics talk is the more I am convinced that some of them would rather to see Jamaica's 2014 World Cup programme fail, if they cannot have their way, in terms of trying to manipulate coach Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore into doing things their way.

The latest ploy comes in the form of what appears to be a devious attempt to get the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) to buy into a scenario in which retired striker Marlon King, who is seemingly willing to make a comeback to the team but not with Whitmore as coach, is called back at the expense of the coaches removal.

While I would expect that kind of scheming from a few local coaches, who have never been able to properly disguise their feelings about wanting Whitmore's job, I can't help but wondering if there are elements within the JFF's leadership who are stroking the flames behind the scene.

As I have previously stated in this column, based on his dismal disciplinary record, which has landed him in jail more than once, I don't think King is the type of person I take delight in seeing in the national colours. In addition, I think he is far from being the type of role model I would want to see our youngsters idolising.

In addition to trying to force the JFF to dismiss Whitmore, more and more persons, some with scandalous track records, have now been constantly questioning his capacity to properly prepare the team. Some going as far as claiming that Whitmore is just a figure head and that the person who is calling the shots is Brazilian Alfredo Montesso.

However, knowing the type of person Whitmore is, I am positive that he would not shirk his duties and play second-fiddle to any deputy coach. Those who know him well will tell you that he is quite an ambitious man, who pays serious attention to personal accomplishments; and is also striving for success.

Based on interviews I have done with Whitmore in the past, I happen to know that he has solid coaching credentials and to intimate that he is technically and tactically inadequate is absolute garbage.

We just need to take a close look at Whitmore's record, which includes his success as a player and his second-to-none record as national coach, to realise he is the man for the job. There must be some value to the fact that his résumé contains the accolade of being the first Jamaican coach to beat the United States and earn a point against Mexico at the much feared

High-altitude Azteca Stadium.

As usual, I am going to take this opportunity to give coach Whitmore some unsolicited advice. I am advising him to just ignore critics and double up his efforts to ensure he gets positive results whenever it is possible. As he did in the first round of the World Cup campaign, I want him to shut-up his detractors on the football field.

Before signing off on this column, I want to use this opportunity to apologise to Harbour View's executive Carvel Stewart for misstating his position in regards to local-based being better than the English-born players. I am now satisfied, based on an e-mail from him clarifying that when he said local-based players, he meant players born in Jamaica and not those playing in the Red Stripe PL.

While I might differ with Carvel in terms of my views on the Red Stripe PL, I have the utmost respect for the enviable contribution he has made to the development of national football and his wealth of knowledge about the game, so I am more than happy to clarify and properly reflect what he said.

Nb Feel free to send your feedback to adrianfrater@hotmail.com