North Village.

The club are reportedly giving Calderon "right of first refusal'' to the position vacated by Andrew Bascome, who on Saturday signed a one-year contract with St. David's.

When contacted Calderon said he was "more interested in coaching the team along with Andrew'', and would have to consider several factors before making a final decision.

"I'll have to talk to the club (North Village) and players and find out if they're interested in Robert Calderon,'' said Calderon, who has previously occupied head coaching positions at Dandy Town and Hotels.

"I would want the players to articulate whether they want me to be their coach.'' The move to employ Calderon comes after weeks of speculation about the status of Bascome at Village.

Last Friday, in an article in the The Mid-Ocean News, club president Rudolph Hollis stated firmly that Bascome would remain as their head coach and that plans had been mapped out with him as regards the 1994-95 season.

However, Saturday revealed a new twist with the dreadlocked soccer wizard instead signing on with St. David's, a club to which he and his family have strong ties.

The situation was further clouded as Bascome had indicated that he would be taking a break from the game.

Village yesterday finally conceded the fact that Bascome had departed. Hollis said: "As far as we're concerned Andrew is the coach of St. David's.'' He also confirmed that Calderon was being seriously considered for the vacant post, but refused to be drawn on any other candidates.

Bascome could not be reached for comment, but it is understood that he will have almost complete freedom to mould the Islanders' programme in the manner of his choice -- something he was not afforded at Village.

He is expected to formulate developmental programmes at both senior and junior levels in a bid to revive interest in the area and the club's fortunes.

St. David's were relegated this year after spending two years in the top flight under the guidance of another former Village player, Garrett Dill.

Those close to the enigmatic Bascome believe the move to the East End could help rejuvenate the former national team player, who they say was beginning to "stagnate'' at Village because of the lack of a "real challenge''.

ANDREW BASCOME -- cut all ties with Village.