Jamaica's football history
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Walter Boyd -Former-Player squad
 Walter 'The Pearl' Boyd is an extremely gifted yet controversial player, who has emerged as the third all time leading goal-scorer in Jamaica's soccer history. Known for his awesome skill which includes shooting well with either foot, he is one of the finest players Jamaica as produced in years.
'Blacka' as he's also called, is a tough competitor whose off field antics always appeared to get him in trouble with then TD, Rene Simoes. He was the offensive leader in Jamaica's early World Cup qualifying games for France '98, but was dropped from the squad for the second round, and almost never made the trip to France.
This move by Simoes, sparked spontaneous demonstrations by Boyd's fans, including the blocking of roads in the player's hometown of Nannyville. In the end he made the trip, coming on as a second-half substitute in all three games, and performing creditably. The protests by his fans attest to the cult-hero status to which the player has been elevated.
Boyd, who once played for the Colorado Foxes of the USA A-League, received a free transfer to Swansea City of the English 3rd Division in 1999. His time at Swansea has been a roller coaster ride, with one drama after another. He had a sensational debut versus Rotherham, scoring twice in the process. He scored again in the very next game against Exeter. In a game against Darlington, Boyd coming on as a substitute in the 88 minute of play, was sent off after being on the field of play for 'zero seconds.' In and out of the starting lineup all year for various reasons, 'The Pearl' finished the 1999 season on a high note, helping Swansea gain promotion to the English 2nd Division and netting seven goals for himself.
After being out of the national squad for over a year, Boyd was recalled by previous TD, Sebastio Lazaroni. He should have started in games against Panama and Romania but was left out because of an injury.
With qualifying play for Korea/Japan well underway, fans of cult-hero 'Blacka' Boyd are eagerly awaiting his return. And it better be soon! Otherwise, chants of the popular refrain 'Leggo di Pearl,' 'Leggo di Pearl,' will soon start filling the air.
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| Fact File: Walter Boyd |
| ALIAS |
Blacka Pearl or The Pearl |
| DOB |
Saturday, January 01, 1972 |
| POSITION |
Forward |
| CAPS |
66 |
| CURRENT CLUB |
Arnett Gardens (Jamaica) |
| PREVIOUS CLUB(s) |
Swansea City (UK), Arnett Gardens, Colorado Foxes(US A League) |
| ACHIEVEMENTS |
19 goals |
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