underway yesterday as more details emerged about the sudden departure of the previous post holder Brett Martin.

Martin, an Australian previously ranked number two in the world, returned to his native Queensland early in January, just three and a half months into a two year contract.

Sources close to Bermuda Squash Racquets Association, based in Devonshire, cited only "personal reasons'' when Martin left in January.

But yesterday squash director Jane Parker made clear that there had never been any problem with Martin's coaching abilities.

"I think in the end it was just a case of Bermuda being too small for him. As far as coaching is concerned -- and that's all that really concerns me -- he was good, he did a good job and the people at the club enjoyed their lessons.

"It wasn't anything from our side -- it was totally his decision -- and was the last thing we wanted.'' Martin, a friend and former opponent of fellow Australian squash star Rodney Eyles, who has a home on the Island, had seemed the perfect selection to take the squash club forward.

Winner of the Bermuda Open three times and runner-up another, he had also played exhibition matches in Bermuda and had been made an honorary life member of the BSRA.

"That's why we thought he would be ideal and there would be no problems in him settling in,'' added Parker. "But I think he was probably just at a stage of his life when he didn't really know what he wanted.'' It now seems likely that the BSRA will not be aiming for such a big name with their replacement. Two or three promising candidates who made the short-list the last time are expected to be interviewed again, with the priority being to make an appointment as soon as possible.

The club has been going from strength to strength with the recent inauguration of junior leagues and more local schools taking advantage of the Middle Road facilities.

The job description calls for an individual to coach all levels of player from beginner to national representative and to develop the club's schools programme.

"It won't be an ex-international player this time, I can tell you that,'' said Parker.

"Ideally we would like somebody to train but we have a heavy workload at the moment and don't have the tools to do that.

"What we really want at the moment is someone with the right qualifications and who's excited about the development of the game.''