has been applauded by Youth and Sports Minister Tim Smith.

Smith agreed that the former Bermuda international and English League professional was just the sort of role model needed to inspire local youngsters.

Best, who in recent years has lived in California, played at the top level in England, Holland and the United States, building a sound reputation as both player and person.

"It was certainly very good news for the ministry to hear that he had officially been signed on as coach,'' said Smith yesterday. "It is also very good news for the sport in general.

"I know he has been admired not only by myself but by a number of other people here. He is well respected and very knowledgeable and I think he is going to do wonderful things for Bermuda football.'' Bermuda Football Association president Neville Tyrrell is equally optimistic that the former West Ham striker, who played alongside the likes of England greats Booby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters, would give the sport a much-needed shot in the arm.

"The BFA are terribly excited to have Best as our coach for this interim period,'' said Tyrrell. "We have had a lot of positive feedback on the mere mention of his name, so people are excited that we have taken on a person of his calibre, a home grown individual as people put it to me, as opposed to going outside of Bermuda.

"Everyone wishes him all the best. We have a lot of faith in him and I feel that he can bring our game back to where we know it should be. "He says that's his intention as well. I know him from my early playing days. I know what he is about. I believe that he and the BFA will get along well together.'' The BFA have reached an agreement with Best to undertake the role of coach to prepare the team for the Shell/Umbro Cup, starting on February 14 in Jamaica.

But it's highly likely he will continue to be involved with the national squad after that assignment.

Tyrrell explained that the "interim'' agreement gave both Best and the BFA a chance to evaluate each other and begin planning for the future.

"It basically gives us breathing space and time to work towards a position where we can confirm a contract with him later on. I definitely see this occurring in 1997, that's for sure,'' said Tyrrell.

The BFA have already enquired about bringing back professionals Shawn Goater and Kyle Lightbourne, both playing in the English Second Division, although their clubs are apparently not too keen to release them.

FIFA rules insist that players must return for international duty if required by their countries but it remains to be seen if the BFA will demand that they fly back from England. By playing in the Caribbean competition both would risk losing their places in the first team at what is a crucial time of the year for both Walsall and Bristol City.

Tyrrell has already noted that the BFA would act in the best interests of the players and Bermuda.

"My position remains the same. It's something we are taking under serious advisement and I would not want to state at this time one way or the other that we must have them or that we won't have them,'' he said.

"I believe, as I have said previously, common sense will prevail. I think we can still build a very good team without these two. Obviously it wouldn't be our best, but we will still be able to put up a good showing in February.'' CLYDE BEST -- `good news' for Bermuda soccer.