Kyle Lightbourne has been linked with a potential coaching role at Bermuda Football Association’s National Academy.The former English professional and national coach is among a handful of individuals who have shown a serious interest in joining the Academy set up where it is understood there are at least two coaching positions up for grabs.Coaches currently on the Academy staff include BFA development director Devarr Boyles, former national coach Gary Darrell, ex-Dandy Town and Hotels International player Scott Morton and BAA and Bermuda Hogges coach Maurice Lowe.It is understood that local football’s governing body have already interviewed those who have applied for the available coaching positions at the Academy and are expected to announce the successful applicants before the end of the year.When contacted yesterday BFA technical committee chairman Mark Wade and former PHC team mate Lightbourne both declined to comment.Lightbourne succeeded Kenny Thompson as coach of the Island’s senior national team in September 2004 and savoured his first win at the helm against Cayman Islands in the Digicel Cup. Bermuda also gave decent accounts of themselves against Brazil’s Santos and Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution and broke into the top 120 countries in FIFA’s World Rankings during the former Stoke Citystriker’s two-year tenure as national coach.Prior to that Lightbourne gained invaluable experience during an 11-year playing career in the English game with nine different clubs.Bradford City and Bermuda striker Nahki Wells believes someone of Lightbourne’s pedigree and stature will be an asset at the Academy.“Obviously he can bring a lot of professionalism from his playing career,” said Wells. “I’m sure Kyle will bring a different philosophy that could make a difference.“It’s important we bring in experienced professionals or experienced coaches, and he is an experienced professional which I believe can be helpful.”Ex-Bermuda skipper Kentione Jennings echoed Wells’ sentiments.“My opinion is that Kyle can definitely offer something,” he said. “His knowledge and insight of the game is never a question because he knows the game very well.”He knows what it takes to play and coach at that level and so my opinion is that he will be a great fit because he still has something that the country can definitely benefit.“With Kyle’s experience from where he has been and what he’s accomplished there’s no question that he can be someone that the national set up can definitely feed of off.”