Football Association, it was learned yesterday.

Darrell, under fire lately after the team was eliminated from the World Cup following three away losses to El Salvador, Jamaica and Canada, served his last match as coach in Sunday's 0-0 draw against the Canadians at the National Stadium.

He went into that match knowing that it would be his last, but having kept his pending resignation from the players. Darrell submitted his resignation in writing to the BFA on November 30 -- eight days ago.

Darrell would not comment on the resignation yesterday but BFA administrative assistant Joe L. Brown did confirm a letter of resignation had been received.

"We received correspondence from Mr. Gary Darrell, dated November 30 and received by the association on December 2,'' said Brown. "Because this matter has not been presented to the coaching committee I'm not able to discuss its contents. It was in reference to his resignation but I'm not able to reveal any other contents pertaining to the letter.'' The coaching committee was due to meet last night.

Despite the team's recent problems, Darrell established himself as Bermuda's most successful coach during his five years at the helm since taking over from Roddy Burchall in November 1987 against Manchester United. He will be remembered for taking Bermuda past the preliminary and first rounds of the World Cup qualifying against Haiti and Antigua, a feat never before accomplished.

In the last two years the Bermuda team, under Darrell, played 29 matches, won 12, drew eight and lost nine.

But since the team lost in Canada last month, Darrell has been in for criticism over team selection from fans, with even some players questioning his ability to motivate them.

One of them is top scorer Shawn Goater who was dropped for the Canada match on Sunday after missing a team photo session on Saturday morning as his attitude was brought into question.

Goater, who did come on as a substitute in the second half, expressed his reluctance after the game to be a part of the national team under Darrell, not realising that the coach who gave him his international debut in 1989 in Barbados had already submitted his resignation.

"I thought what he did in England with that (full badge certificate) course would be applied to the team when he came back but the training was no different,'' said the Rotherham professional who said as well as not being taught anything by the coaches he also lost a degree of fitness in the time he was on World Cup duty.

Two national team players yesterday distanced themselves from the views expressed by Goater.

"Not all the players have the view that I've been hearing about,'' insisted goalkeeper Dwayne Adams. "Everybody's been saying that the coach can't motivate the guys. You can't blame the coach for not motivating players, they should be able to motivate themselves.

"Gary never had a real chance to coach. Some players didn't give him the respect due a coach....they felt that they were just as big as the coach and right now it's being shown by what they are saying. They've gone public to the media with it (their opinion) and I don't think that is a professional way to go about it.'' Added the teenager: "I know that not all the players feel the same way...it is definitely not the consensus among us. I think we did very well and everybody should be happy at what we've done and put the experience down to memories.

"We still had a lot of harmony within the team, but when it came down to that topic there was some conflict.'' Neil Paynter, used in three different positions in this World Cup, also has no criticism of Darrell. "I'm a team player and if he puts me somewhere to the benefit of the team I have no problems with that,'' said Paynter. "I'm not looking for personal glory.

"As far as his resignation goes it was a bit unfortunate under the circumstances. It's a bit unfortunate what I've heard on TV and the radio.

Shawn was not speaking on behalf of all the players. He was certainly not speaking for me, maybe for a few others but mostly on his own behalf.

"I'm not for his resignation, he's been positive for me.'' The first round Friendship Trophy and Second Division Shield matches will be held tonight at Somerset Cricket Club where Port Royal take on Social Club in the 7.00 Shield opener and Somerset meet Hamilton Parish in the 9.00 Friendship Trophy match.

HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED -- Gary Darrell with a younger Shawn Goater, now his chief critic among the senior national team players.