Club Ambassador Michael Johnson is gearing up for his own challenge tonight as he makes his competitive debut as an international manager.
Johnson, who made over 150 appearances for the Rams as a player, was appointed Guyana’s new boss in June 2018, and despite several friendlies, this will be his first real test in charge.
They host Barbados in the opening stage of qualifications for the CONCACAF Nations League in Leonora at 1am GMT and Johnson is hopeful his side can make a good start to their campaign.
“I’m relaxed,” he told dcfc.co.uk. “Management is something that I have been training to do for the last six or seven years and to get the opportunity to manage at international level I never thought possible so I’m excited but relaxed.
“The boys have taken on board a lot of information over the last few days and weeks and we are ready to go.
“It’s going to be a tough clash with a lot at stake. There is a chance to get closer to Gold Cup qualification which is like the Euro’s in England.
“Guyana have never qualified for a major competition so for us to go out and do that would be wonderful.”
Whilst qualification for the Gold Cup is the short-term aim, Johnson admitted the planning and preparation has already began for longer-term.
“The long-term aim is to qualify for the World Cup in 2026,” he said. “There are more teams that are going to be allowed into the competition.
“It’s going to go from 32 teams to 48 and because the host countries will be Mexico, Canada and the USA, it allows for three more opportunities in the South American and Caribbean region because those host countries all get automatic qualification.
“It’s a massive opportunity for the country to put football on the map, raise the profile of football in Guyana and to entice corporate sponsorship.
“Sponsors want to get involved with teams doing well. We are bringing the expertise to the programme to really grow football in this region.”
Guyana boast players who play in the English leagues, the MLS and local Caribbean leagues and bringing those together has been tough for Johnson but he is drawing on his experiences under previous managers to bring a togetherness to the side.
“We have limited time to get those messages across, but we are doing well at the moment,” Johnson commented.
“I had the opportunity to work under Neil Warnock, Billy Davies, Steve Bruce and Trevor Francis, to name a few, and you take things from those managers and apply them when you get your own opportunity to manage and coach.
“I see a lot of Billy Davies is in me because he did well for my career, as with Steve Bruce also. I look at the successes they had in their careers, especially in the Championship, and I can see certain aspects of what they are about in your way of thinking and playing.”
His club ambassador role is something the 45-year-old holds dearest to his heart and he is thankful to Derby County Football Club for allowing him the opportunity to fulfil his dreams.
He said: “I’m delighted for the opportunity to manage and I want to thank the club for backing me. I can’t speak highly enough of the executive team, Mel Morris, Stephen Pearce, and they have backed me to take this position as well as do my ambassador role which I hold with great pride and joy.
“I love working for the club and passing on my experiences to the players as much as I can. It is great to be in a position to manage Guyana and I’m also representing Derby County as well and that’s pleasing for me.”
Derby County Football Club would like to wish Michael and his Guyana team the best of luck for tonight.
