least one member of the Bermuda Football Association's (BFA) coaching committee regarding the national programme for the upcoming World Cup qualifying round, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

However, Johnny Nusum, the chairman of the committee, stressed that the vacated position of national coach has not been offered to Best and that the committee was only in the beginning stages of their search for a replacement to Gary Darrell.

"I actually spoke to Clyde yesterday (Tuesday) and we talked generally about the current state of football in Bermuda and a possible path to take,'' explained Nusum, who recently took over the duties as chairman from Gladwin Bean. "We talked about the national programme, but I can't really go into that at this time.

"I can only say that I personally have been in contact with Clyde in an unofficial capacity.'' Rumours have been rampant about Best possibly taking over as national coach since the former West Ham United star arrived in Bermuda earlier this month to conduct free coaching clinics for the Island's youth.

Bermuda has been absent a senior national coach since 1992 when Darrell guided the country into the first round of the World Cup before being eliminated.

Nusum knows all too well the capabilities of Best, who he regards as a close friend, both having played key roles on the 1969 Bermuda Youth Squad that hosted and won the CONCACAF Youth Championship. Nusum also had trials in England around the same time Best was emerging at West Ham, before settling on a pro career in the National American Soccer League.

Still, Nusum maintained that there had been no feelers sent out -- to Best or anyone else.

He added that before any moves were made to retain a coach he would first have to meet with other members of his committee and then send any recommendations to the BFA executive committee for approval and only then could an earnest search be effected.

And while he noted that the dates for Bermuda's two-leg tie against Trinidad and Tobago, set down for March or April, could be delayed somewhat, he exclaimed it to be imperative that the BFA find a coach and get the team's preparation underway as soon as possible.

"It's not going to be much longer before we name a national coach, because there's not much time,'' said Nusum. "I would like to have a coach in place in the next month.'' "My belief is that at the moment we need someone to handle the World Cup situation and then we would likely review the situation after that.'' Already Darrell and former Olympic team coach, Mark Trott, have announced their unavailability for the post, which would appear to leave the BFA only with options overseas.

CLYDE BEST