The Jamaican-born Barnes, who played 79 times for England as well as for Watford, Liverpool, Newcastle and Charlton Athletic and had a managerial spell with Scotland's Celtic in 1999-2000, will assume his new duties Nov. 1, in time for Jamaica's hosting of the Digicel Caribbean Championship™ finals in December.
"I am really excited about this and I am honored to be given the opportunity," Barnes said. "I really do believe in the Jamaican players and look forward to working with the Reggae Boyz."
Barnes will be manager through the Caribbean finals as well as the final round of World Cup qualifying, if Jamaica advances. His status will then be re-evaluated.
The 44-year-old Barnes, who has been a television analyst with England's Channel 5, was selected as the Professional Footballer's Association Player of the Year in 1988 and 1990.
The Jamaican Football Federation also has appointed former international Theodore Whitmore, who has been an assistant coach with the Reggae Boyz, as the interim manager for the team's next two games in the semifinal round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.
Jamaica is in last place in Group B with one point midway through the semifinal round of qualifying, eight points behind group leader Mexico, five behind Honduras and trailing Canada on goal difference. It has its three remaining games all at home. It was forced to play its Sept. 6 qualifier in Mexico City against El Tri despite originally scheduled to stage the match in Kingston.
Hurricane Gustav forced officials to move the match and reschedule the Oct. 11 match, originally set for Mexico, to Kingston. Four days later, Jamaica will host Honduras before completing its semifinal round schedule against Canada on Nov. 19.
