charge.

The beleaguered coach would not confirm his plans when contacted yesterday but rumour is he will make his decision to quit official in a meeting with the club's head brass tonight.

Castle led the Zebras to the Charity Cup title over Boulevard last season but nothing else came to the club who have been accustomed to winning more than any other in recent history.

The Zebras suffered through a lean season where they first lost top scorers Kyle Lightbourne and Sammy Swan to the World Cup programme, then Lightbourne to Scarborough of the English League Third Division.

A multitude of injuries further hurt their cause after a promising start, as youngsters Kenny Mills, Shawn Simons and Raynel Lightbourne could not maintain their early drive.

They were beaten in the Martonmere Cup and Dudley Eve Trophy finals by Somerset and lost to Devonshire Colts in the Friendship Trophy after a heated semifinal replay, which saw Castle physically involved with Colts players at the end.

The Zebras came into the 1992-93 season defending the league championship and FA Cup. Despite the injuries they managed to place fifth in the league, a mere two points behind champions Somerset.

And eventual champions Boulevard issued them an early exit from the FA Cup with a 1-0 first-round defeat.

Stalwart Dereck Douglas recently announced his retirement with Mike Dill, his partner in the middle of the defence for so long, expected to follow close behind.

OUT THE DOOR? -- PHC coach Jack Castle, left, may be on the sidelines for the 1993-94 season with Dereck Douglas who recently announced his retirement.