to listen'' to Vasco regarding their vacant head coaching spot.

Darrell has been linked with the post since the recent firing of Danny Seymour after nearly three years at the helm, during which time he guided them to the First Division where their fortunes have changed following a promising start.

"I'm kind of busy (with work) right now and haven't really had time to think about it,'' said Darrell, who has not coached since guiding Bermuda into the World Cup qualifying round for the first time in the Island's history last year.

"It would have to wait until after the holidays,'' Darrell said about returning to coaching.

"It's just a case of whether I have the time and what it is they (Vasco) want.

"They (Vasco president Eddie Correia) said on TV that they have to decide which way they want to go and I would have to see whether it is long term or short term -- just to the end of the season.'' Correia side-stepped the question of whether Vasco were actively pursuing Darrell during the aforementioned interview, nevertheless Darrell admitted to having been contacted by the club prior to the start of the current campaign.

Correia and John Rebello, an assistant under Seymour, have been sharing the coaching duties since Seymour failed to show for the December 5 match against PHC, which Vasco lost 2-1.

However, Correia, a former player with Vasco, has stated bluntly that he does not relish the role and, because of work commitments, does not have the time to dedicate to conducting regular training sessions and other coaching functions.

Since Seymour's departure Vasco have enjoyed mixed fortunes, pummelling St.

David's 7-0 in a Friendship Trophy match and losing a heart-breaker 1-0 to leaders Boulevard in the league. Vasco currently lie eighth in the standings with eight points from nine matches.

Rebello was being groomed under Seymour for a possible take-over, however, he may be seen as too `green' at this point for the rigours of being the `head honcho'.

Of proven pedigree, though, is Darrell. The history books display him as having been a dynamic inside forward with Devonshire Colts, Bermuda and the now-defunct North American Soccer League franchise Washington Diplomats during his playing days.

His first assignment as a coach was at Colts a decade ago when he guided them to the finals of the Friendship Trophy and FA Cup in 1984 before losing to Vasco and Southampton Rangers respectively.

The next stop was at Dandy Town, where he converted a demoralised and hapless bunch into legitimate powerhouses, later known as the `Youth Explosion'.

Town reached their peak in his final season in the hot seat, garnering their first -- and only -- triumphs in the finals of the Dudley Eve Trophy and FA Cup to go along with a second-place finish in the league.

Next came the tour of duty with the national team, which ended soon after Bermuda were eliminated from the World Cup last December.

GARY DARRELL -- Open to suggestions after New Year.