Former professional Randy Horton has confirmed that New York Cosmos are considering Bermuda as a possible destination for their pre-season training camp.

Horton, who led Cosmos to a maiden North American Soccer League Championship (NASL) in 1972, said their chairman Seamus O’Brien had spoken to him about the team visiting the Island in February.

The revived franchise have risen from the ashes of the star-studded 1970s outfit, which boasted the likes of Pele, Carlos Alberto and Franz Beckenbauer in the previous NASL.

That rebirth was masterminded in 2010 by O’Brien, whose side defeated Atlanta Silverbacks last weekend to claim the NASL Soccer Bowl. It was Cosmos’ first season back in professional football since they dissolved in 1985. Horton, who finished the ‘72 season as the NASL’s top scorer and MVP, believes a Cosmos tour would provide an “excellent opportunity” for Bermuda’s talented young players.

“I’m well aware of the Cosmos interest in pre-season training and (playing) matches in Bermuda next year,” said Horton, the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

“I’m in touch with the owners regarding this. I would certainly like to see this happen.

“It could provide an excellent opportunity for our young players as well.”

Clyde Best, another former NASL star, told the Gazette last month that he hoped Cosmos’ proposed trip to Bermuda would come to fruition.

“I know Seamus (O’Brien), he’s been around the Cosmos for a very long time and to have him think about coming here is pleasing not only to myself but also Randy (Horton) who played for the club,” said the former West Ham striker.

Bermuda used to be a popular pre-season location for Major League Soccer sides such as New England Revolution and Colorado Rapids.

Revolution recruited former national team skipper Khano Smith during their trip to the Island in 2005.

Several Bermudians played in the previous NASL, including Sam Nusum (New York Cosmos), Gary Darrell (Washington Diplomats) and Ralph Bean (Philadelphia Atoms).

Cosmos’ director of soccer is former Manchester United striker Eric Cantona.