Life without Gus Logie has started for Bermuda cricket and El James believes the next national coach will have a tough act to follow.

The former Bermuda fast bowler also thinks that what Logie achieved during his reign will only be truly appreciated now that he is no longer in charge.

Logie bowed out as national coach after Bermuda's 45 run defeat to Uganda on Monday night, and his successor will be tasked with rebuilding the national side and hopefully restoring the team's One Day International status.

"I don't think people realise what we had in Gus, and many times Bermudians don't realise what we have until it's gone," said former Bermuda Cricket Board president James. "and I think once he is gone we will realise that we did have a true gent.

"I think Gus has brought a bit of professionalism and he's brought some success. He came, he took us to the World Cup, which was a dream that most folk thought Bermuda could not achieve.

"Unfortunately while Gus has professionalism and everything else, he obviously did not have the talent (to work with) that he would like to have had.

"I think Gus is a very quiet man, but very determined, and very thorough, and he's the consummate professional.

"I enjoyed working with him, when I was working with the board, and I wish him well. Wherever he goes is going to be blessed to have him."

Rumours have been flying around the Island in recent weeks that Logie was preparing to return as coach of the West Indies, but Steve Camacho, the acting chief executive officer of the West Indies Cricket Board poured cold water on that idea.

"We have had no application from Gus for the job," he said, "and we have not contacted him."

While Logie looks to the future, Bermuda Cricket Board chief executive Neil Speight is remaining tight-lipped on who might replace him.

Little is known about the short list, although former West Indies fast bowler Franklin Stephenson is believed to be interested.

For ex-Minister of Sport, James, however, no matter who takes charge, the focus will need to be on rebuilding a national squad that has struggled in recent months.

And while Logie took the Island to the World Cup, a realistic goal for the new man will be to halt the side's seemingly inexorable slide down the world rankings.

"Gus achieved success, whoever comes in now, no matter whether they are hard, are soft, whatever they are, or how high profile they are, just to reach the level Gus has reached is going to be a job in itself. "

Towards the end of his reign Logie was badly let down by senior players not wanting to represent their country, and for James the focus must now switch to a new generation.

"Whomever comes now will have to focus on the youth, hopefully also in the schools.

"It's a job now starting all over.

"But I think we were blessed to have Gus.

"And I believe he will be missed."