The controversy surrounding the coaching status of Andrew Bascome took several new twists at the weekend, with conflicting accounts as to where the dreadlocked maestro would surface during the upcoming soccer season.

Bascome, during a Sunday night conversation with The Royal Gazette , indicated a reluctance to take on a full-time head coaching post. However, it was yesterday revealed that Bascome had signed a contract for the head coaching job at St. David's on Saturday morning.

Still, North Village club president Rudolph Hollis said that "Bascome is the coach of our team as far as I'm concerned.'' The fact that Bascome was seen conducting a training session for the Red Devils on Sunday morning with assistance from Robert Calderon and Garrett Dill initially appeared to fortify claims made by Hollis.

Only hours later, however, Bascome flatly stated that he would not be at Village next year and that he was "taking a break''.

"I'll probably assist at St. David's in some degree, but I'm not going to commit to anywhere,'' said Bascome, who last year guided Village to second place behind Dandy Town in his first year as coach.

"I just don't have the desire or motivation at this time, I may be a bit burned out and the drive is not there. Plus I have work and a family to take care of.

"It maybe that I'm getting stifled at the domestic level and not being allowed to move on to the next level like getting a national team (assignment).'' Meanwhile, St. David's president Eddie Lambe confirmed the contract signing and said the club membership was looking forward to having Bascome initiating various programmes at the east end.

It was noted that Bascome had signed the papers in the presence of Lambe and fellow club official Delby Borden.

He stressed that 1994-95 would be somewhat of an experimental year for them where they were hoping to set solid building blocks for the future.

"After talking generally and then in more detail he signed on the dotted line and as of now is our official coach,'' said Lambe, who insisted that it was not his desire to get involved in a coaching battle with North Village and that the final decision rested with Bascome.

"During the meeting we discussed all the various intricacies and the implementation off programmes to benefit the development and attract both youngsters as well as seniors to the club.

"Andrew offers St. David's a great deal of potential in terms of generating enthusiasm as well as being able to groom young players and improve those on the senior level.

"As an individual he is one of the most gifted players to have graced the field in Bermuda and that in itself generates enthusiasm and appeal. he is someone we in St. David's have particular pride...he's almost an icon and is very revered.'' Bascome, if he makes the move, will take over from former team-mate Garrett Dill, who ended a three-year stint with St. David's after they were relegated at the end of last season.

It is unknown who would take over from Bascome, although Calderon would appear an obvious choice considering his previous experience at the senior level.

Once rated as the Island's best player, the crafty midfielder proved equally adroit at coaching with his tactical knowledge and techniques involved looked upon with high regard by many in the soccer fraternity.

He has won every major team title as either a player or coach, nevertheless, he has not yet been allowed to contribute significantly on the national level in terms of coaching -- he did serve as a key member of the national team as a player for several years.

Bascome admitted that one probable reason for this snub was how his lifestyle was perceived by those in the governing body's hierarchy.

The situation at St. David's is similar to an earlier squabble involving national cricket team captain Albert Steede.

Steede signed a contract to move from Devonshire Rec., to a position as player/coach of St. David's only to renege on the contract at the last moment and remain with Devonshire.

ANDREW BASCOME -- `Our official coach,' insisted St. David's president Eddie Lambe.