John steps down as Saint Lucia’s football head coach

By Terry Finisterre (St. Lucia Times)

Four years after taking charge of the national men’s football programme, Stern John has stepped aside as head coach.

The Saint Lucia Football Association confirmed by email on Tuesday that they had received and accepted the resignation of the 49-year-old coach from Trinidad and Tobago.

John is the all-time top scorer in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF). He played more than 100 matches for the Soca Warriors and helped them qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Since becoming head coach of the Piton Boyz in 2022, John has seen mixed results. He recorded 12 wins and three draws in 25 matches, including games against World Cup qualifiers Curaçao, San Marino, St Maarten, Grenada and Barbados.

During his tenure, Saint Lucia lost twice to Haiti and also suffered defeats against Azerbaijan, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe.

John brought in several foreign-born and overseas-based players, including defender Terell Thomas and striker Caniggia Elva. He also gave young local players like Eymani Butcher and Yanic Noel opportunities.

However, his time as coach ended after a particularly difficult period for the team. Since October 2025, the men’s team has lost five times.

“On behalf of the Executive Committee and the entire Saint Lucia Football Association, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to Stern John for his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the Men’s National Team. Representing one’s country in any capacity is an honour, and we are grateful for the time, energy, and expertise he invested in advancing our football programme,” said SLFA president Lyndon Cooper.

“Stern John is a true icon of Saint Lucian football. His achievements as an international player brought immense pride to our nation. Throughout his tenure, he conducted himself with professionalism, integrity, and an unrelenting desire to see Saint Lucia succeed regionally and internationally. On behalf of the Executive Committee and the entire football fraternity, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for his invaluable service and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.

“While we are naturally disappointed by Stern’s decision, we respect it and thank him for his professionalism throughout this process. The Association remains firmly focused on building a sustainable football programme that will benefit our players and the wider football community for years to come.”

The Executive Committee has begun seeking interim technical leadership as it prepares to appoint a new head coach.

terryfinisterre@stluciatimes.com