Andrew Bascome has verbally agreed to become Robin Hood's coach for their inaugural season in the First Division.

The Boulevard Blazers' coach has a contract which he is currently reading through and is expected to put pen to paper in the next 48 hours, sealing a dramatic coup for the league newcomers.

And it is also believed that Bascome is preparing to take his Professional Development League (PDL) team, FC Bascome, with him to join Hood, who must develop a youth programme as one of the conditions of entry to the First Divison.

According to sources close to Bascome, he is desperate to keep his FC Bascome squad together and fears that keeping them at Boulevard could see the squad break up if players do not get the chance to play regularly.

The Blazers coach is also concerned that certain elements within Boulevard will lead the younger players astray should they stay in that environment too much longer.

Bascome is believed to have written to the parents of his PDL team asking their opinion on moving to a club linked so closely with alcohol, and the response is apparently overwhelming in favour of the move, with parents considering the alternative, of gangs and drugs, far worse.

FC Bascome would be the first part of a youth programme that is also expected to include the teams from Saltus Grammar School's Saturday football teams.

Hood are understood to be in talks with Saltus, who currently have teams from under-nine to under-13, about amalgamating the two clubs, which would have benefits for both set-ups.

For Hood it would give them a basis for a full youth development programme, and for Saltus, it would allow their youngsters to develop within a league structure and open up the opportunity to play more than they might if they were forced to go to other clubs.

Highly sought after in the top flight, Bascome will take Hood for training twice a week, but will not be involved with the team on match days, after agreeing to work on a part-time basis, overseeing a coaching team that includes former Boulevard coach Derek Scott and ex-Bermuda goalkeeper Randy Darrell.

Former national team assistant coach Paul Scope will take charge of Hood for their league games, and will work alongside Bascome at training sessions.

Hood are originally believed to have contacted the former North Village midfielder about taking a full-time position but, with the likes of Dandy Town, Devonshire Cougars and Boulevard all battling for his services, were unable to compete financially with the Premier Division clubs.

While the fine details of the position have not been confirmed, Bascome is believed to be taking on the role while also continuing to be Boulevard coach, who he will train on alternate days to Hood.

"Andrew has confirmed to us that he will be our coach this season," said Blazers club president Stephen Proctor. "I am confident that he will be with us, and he has given his word, so there is no reason to doubt that he won't be.

"While things do change sometimes, I can definately say that he will be with us for the remainder of the season."

Last season Bascome won the FA Cup with Boulevard by beating Premier Division rivals Dandy Town Hornets at the National Sports Centre. Blazers also came second in the league.