Former Bermuda international Keith Jennings has taken over the coaching reins at Southampton Rangers on a two-year contract.

A freak injury last season brought a premature end to Jennings's playing days with the mercurial midfielder now focussing on forging a career in coaching.

He had been assisting in the Rangers coaching department since leaving his boyhood club North Village on a late transfer at the start of last term which prevented him playing until January.

The 32-year-old helped guide Rangers to the Friendship Trophy final last season and is confident the Horseshoe Bay club can build upon their impressive 2009-10 campaign.

"With me working with the club last year, both playing and coaching, when Albert Smith was out, they had asked me if I would be interested in doing the job," said Jennings, who replaces Gerri Saltus who filled in as head coach when health issues gradually forced his predecessor, Albert Smith, out of the game.

"Because of my injury at the time and no coach, the club liked what they saw and asked if I was interested in taking over.

"It feels good to be thought of in this regard.

"I would like to be playing but due to my injury things have to take a different path. I'm prepared to coach and want to help them build their club – this is a great opportunity.

"Last year we gave a good showing and hopefully we can improve, get a few new players and continue to play good football."

Jennings may have been forced to enter the second phase of his footballing career earlier than he would have liked, but he is looking forward to lending his knowledge and experience with Rangers' young players.

"My football is done, I'm not willing to take a risk right now. It seems like I have a lot of bad luck.

"I just feel that it's done for me and I'll help the club and the players with their game," said Jennings, who was taken to the King Edward VII Hospital after colliding with two Somerset Eagles players during a Premier Division match in February, and had to have a kidney removed.

"I don't think there will be pressure on me, as long as I get my job done and the players listen and apply what I ask of them we will be ok," Jennings added.

"The coach sets up the plan and it's up to the players to put it in motion, so we will see how it all works out, but it will be fun.

"You have to remember that I was here last year and although I to go into a new season with a little more responsibility, there isn't too much worry."

Saltus will stay on at the club and concentrate on coaching at the grass root levels and fulfilling his administrative duties.