Stoke City -- as long as a move won't mean dropping a division.

The Bermuda striker feels the decision by the English Second Division side to put him on the market is not a reflection of his ability, but rather a result of financial pressures on the club.

"I don't want to go lower than the Second Division and I don't think it will happen,'' said Lightbourne, who was purchased by Stoke from Premier Division Coventry last February for a fee of 425,000 ($692,750).

But Lightbourne, currently back on the Island, will have no say over where he goes. That will be up to Stoke and the club which makes an offer for him.

Stoke have also listed several other players and as far as Lightbourne knew yesterday, there had been no interest shown so far.

"I don't know about any interest in any of us, but I probably will find all of this out in a few months' time. I don't feel too bad about what's going on in regards to the players, about eight of us, who find ourselves on the transfer market.

"It's not because of any lack of ability on our part -- it's just that the club wants to go in a different direction to generate cash and they are looking at ways to make some cutbacks,'' said Lightbourne.

He admitted his career was at a standstill right now, attributing his problems mainly to the injuries and sickness he suffered during the season combined with inconsistent form since his move from Walsall in 1997.

"I think it's correct to say that my career has been in a start-and-stop mode, unlike two years ago when I was in top form. All I want now is to have a full season without any similar health problems because I know that I can still score over 20 goals in England, I just need the breaks,'' he added.

"The main thing is that I am very optimistic as we enter another season. I am looking forward to going back and it's up to me to get things right again.'' While Stoke's failure to get promoted from the Second Division contributed to their financial problems, Shawn Goater's Manchester City celebrated promotion to the First Division with their play-off final victory over Gillingham at Wembley on the weekend.

And Lightbourne was delighted for his national team striking partner, saying the future now looked bright for City.

"I was pleased to see them make it. To get a full season in the First Division is good for him and people will make them one of the favourites to advance to the Premier Division next season,'' said Lightbourne.

Bermuda Football Association president Neville Tyrrell and general secretary David Sabir leave the Island today for Trinidad and Tobago to attend the Caribbean Football Union's annual conference.

According to Tyrrell, however, there are no major issues on the agenda. The pair are scheduled to return on the weekend.