TROWBRIDGE-born Fitzroy Simpson is poised to land his dream job as manager of the Jamaican national football team.

The former Swindon Town and Manchester City midfielder, 34, was told he is in pole position for the role on Monday and is now waiting for the Jamaican Football Federation to finalise the deal.

Simpson, whose cousin Sam Allison is a midfielder with Chippenham Town, is ready to take over the reins with immediate effect and has his sights set on leading the Reggae Boyz into the World Cup finals, for only the second time in their history, in 2010

The combative midfielder represented Jamaica in their first and only appearance in the World Cup finals in France 98 and is now hoping to mastermind another successful qualification.

A draw with the USA in November killed off any Jamaican hopes of making the 2006 finals in Germany and opened the door of opportunity for Simpson.

Simpson said: "The JFF sacked the current management team after the game with the United States because they decided they needed to start putting things into place with 2010 in mind.

"They wanted a younger man to step in and they knew that I have always wanted to be more than just a past player for my country.

"They have already turned down seven applicants but seem keen on the proposals I put forward. I should hear from them within the next week, but it is looking all but sealed.

"At the moment they are trying to get sponsors together to raise all the necessary finances but it should soon be all systems go."

As a youngster Simpson lived in Melksham and played for Avon Bradford before signing as a trainee at Swindon Town in July 1988.

Despite being sent off on his first team debut, he went on to make 131 appearances for the Robins, scoring 10 goals, before earning a £500,000 switch to Manchester City in 1992.

Since then he has enjoyed spells with Bristol City, Portsmouth, Heart of Midlothian, Walsall, Telford United and Dagenham and Redbridge and at present is contracted to Irish league side Linfield.

"Linfield are fairly flexible," he said. "My playing days are coming to an end and this job would be the next step in my life.

"I have already started planning for being the manager of Jamaica and I am ready to go now whenever they tell me I can start.

"At the moment I am doing a bit of coaching at Swindon Town and hopefully that will stand me in good stead for the task ahead."

Looking back on his playing days, Simpson acknowledges he has enjoyed a life most people dream of, and he believes there is a lesson to be learnt from his success.

He said: "My son has just signed a two-year contract at Swindon Town and I have told him anything is possible through a lot of hard work and determination. You have to set yourself goals.

"From day one I had always wanted to play football for Jamaica and I succeeded. It was my dream to play in a World Cup and to become their manager is another dream come true.

"There is a lot of hard work ahead but I am just so excited about it. It is a fantastic opportunity."