coach became public, said yesterday that he does not have a personal vendetta against striker Shawn Goater.

Differences between the two first surfaced when the Rotherham United star was surprisingly benched for Sunday's final World Cup qualifier against Canada at National Stadium.

"Of course it was action that was justified,'' said the despondent Darrell, who was the sole person responsible for taking the disciplinary action against Goater.

"All of the players were advised of the photo session and training scheduled for the stadium on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and also of the inspection by the FIFA official at Belmont at 2 p.m.,'' said Darrell.

"In fact, I made it clear that anyone who was late for the inspection would not start the game and that is what happened.'' Goater was the only player who did not show up for either event and the coach said he was left with no alternative but to take action.

"I would have treated any other player the same way. What really bothered me is that Voorhees Astwood is a Seventh Day Adventist but he still managed to show up for the picture-taking and inspection. Shawn was definitely aware of the situation,'' added Darrell.

The coach had no answer for Goater's behaviour going into the Canada game, but it is understood that the Rotherham professional's attitude was a concern to Darrell some weeks prior to the chain of events that took place last Saturday.

It is believed that there were times when Goater tried to inspire players to take a firm stand on certain issues.

While Darrell and assistant manager Mark Trott refused to be drawn into commenting on the subject, it has been alleged that Goater raised a few eyebrows during the World Cup campaign when he called a meeting with the players in Antigua that led to the request for all of the players to be paid.

It is also understood that he called a team meeting four days after the players returned from Canada asking them to meet with the BFA's Coaching Committee ... and everybody showed up but Goater. Skipper Meshach Wade was not in attendance but he had already been given approval by the coach to make a short trip abroad.

Coach Darrell is believed to have been frustrated by the fact that Goater had no real legitimate excuse for being absent during the occasions.

Goalkeeper Dwayne Adams said earlier this week: "...some players didn't give Gary the respect due a coach -- they felt that they were just as big as the coach and right now it's being shown by what they are saying.'' It has been confirmed by the BFA that no further disciplinary action will be taken against Goater as a result of his failure to make the various appointments on Saturday.

Darrell added yesterday that he was not prepared to disclose his reasons for resigning until after he addressed the coaching committee on Saturday.

Government senators yesterday heaped praise on Darrell -- one urging him to reconsider his decision to resign.

Sen. Trevor Woolridge said he wished Darrell would think again, but respected his decision.

"Gary Darrell has offered to this community a tremendous talent as a coach to our national soccer team,'' he said.

The senators agreed to send a letter of congratulations to Darrell.

Sports Minister Pam Gordon said Darrell had performed "yeoman service''.

She said the team had done Bermuda proud in their match with Canada on Sunday.