Racquets Association The Royal Gazette has learned.

Squash president John Stout yesterday confirmed that the association had considered it necessary to make the move at this time after engaging in talks with Rose.

"Yes, we're looking for another coach,'' said Stout. "I think he appeared to have come to a decision that he wanted to do other things and re-assess his life and it wasn't squash that he wanted to pursue.

"And we decided that we wanted to get somebody in sooner rather than later.'' Stout mentioned that Rose had expressed an interest to study law and "wasn't looking to be a squash coach for the long term.'' Rose, not wishing to steal the thunder from the upcoming Heinz Bermuda Open tournament issued a terse "no comment'', but said he would consider telling his side of the story at a later date.

However, sources close to the situation suggest that Rose, who has held the position for approximately three years, was dismissed partially because of dwindling membership and his reluctance to go out and recruit new paying senior members.

However, membership was known to have already been in decline prior to the Englishman's arrival because of a sudden exodus of its largely expatriate membership.

Further, due to heavy demands of his time and Bermuda's location, it was difficult for Rose to compete in top class tournaments. His world ranking, which once put him among the top 80 players in the world, has plumetted to 121st.

The star that once shone bright in the eyes of management was said to have dimmed and even his implementing of a successful youth programme failed to impress his employers.

Ironically, it was only last month that Rose led Bermuda to a convincing triumph in the Rosebowl for the first time since 1986, fending off the challenges of Bahamas, Cayman Islands and defending champions Jamaica.

Of immediate concern to Rose is the organisation of the Heinz Bermuda Open of which he will be competing as a wild card entrant, possibly against the likes of world number two Brett Martin of Australia along with countryman Rodney Eyles (world number five) and number eight Zarak Khan of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Stout said that it was likely the association would look overseas for a replacement with the emphasis being placed on teaching skills.

"The development of the junior and schools programme is paramount and we need to get someone who is qualified to continue the job,'' he said.

JULIAN ROSE -- Search is on for his replacement.