Gazette has learned.

But the Bermudian striker's advisor, Mark Georgevic, doesn't see it as a reflection of his ability and is confident that clubs from the English First Division will show interest during the summer.

Lightbourne lost his place in the Stoke team during the last two games of the season when the club failed to qualify for the Second Division promotion play-offs. As expected, some players will now be off-loaded and Lightbourne is one of them.

"His name will be circularised among Second Division, First Division and Premiership clubs and it's up to the club, initially, to do a deal with whoever is interested and Kyle will probably be the last to know,'' explained Georgevic, who is visiting Bermuda for the first time since he left five years ago. He worked as a solicitor for a local firm.

Lightbourne is also back home on vacation, knowing that he could be joining another club when the new season begins. He has endured two disappointing seasons since leaving Walsall in 1997, first with Coventry in the Premiership and then with Stoke who failed to reclaim a spot in the First Division at the first attempt.

"The last couple of seasons haven't been successful for Kyle but his goalscoring record speaks for itself,'' said Georgevic.

"He has learned a lot from playing in the Premiership and from playing under Brian Little (at Stoke). It's no reflection on Kyle's performances this season that he's on the list because many players have been placed on the list.

"Stoke need to get some money before they spend again. There have been lots of problems financially at Stoke this season.'' Georgevic is confident Lightbourne still has plenty of goals left in him and can still play in the First Division.

"I hope he gets a move to a First Division club,'' said Georgevic.

"Certainly he's good enough to play at that level. Even though he's 30, he started late in the professional game and his fitness and hunger will keep him in the professional game for some time. He's certainly not coming to the end of his career in my view.'' Georgevic will return to England later this week, in time to make the trip to Wembley to watch Shawn Goater play in the Second Division promotion play-off final against Gillingham.

It will be Goater's biggest game as a professional and will be played in front of about 60,000 fans, with Manchester City taking about 40,000 there themselves.

"In support, they are one of the top 10 clubs in the country,'' said Georgevic.

"If they get into the First Division, money will be put behind them, they will strengthen and will stand a chance of getting into the Premiership.

That's where Manchester City should be.

"Shawn has scored 21 goals this season and I'm hoping he'll get another couple on Sunday and take Manchester City up. I can see Shawn scoring the winner at Wembley.'' Added Georgevic: "This is a huge game for Manchester City who are no doubt going to be favourites. The bigger pitch will help them because Gillingham play on a very tight pitch. Man for man Manchester City are by far the better side.'' Georgevic said Bermuda should be proud of both Goater and Lightbourne, players who have made their mark in the English game and been good professionals in the process.

"They are terrific ambassadors for Bermuda and both have done Bermuda proud,'' he added.

"They are never involved in any trouble, always get on extremely well with their managers and are very popular.

"It's a shame Bermudians don't see more of Shawn and Kyle play. They are natural goalscorers, both of them.'' Georgevic is also hoping to meet with the BFA while in Bermuda to see what he can do to help young talent break into English football. He sees the discussions on English citizenship for Bermudians being crucial as it would help locals to get to England without the red tape.

"I'm sure Bermuda has some talent that needs to come through, particularly since Shawn and Kyle have done so well over there.

"I'm still very fond of Bermuda and if I can help I would like to help.''