soccer has no doubt the pair can still make the grade in England even though Hereford manager Greg Downs has just released them.

Former manager John Sillett, in Bermuda for the second week of the golf festival, spotted the pair here three years ago and subsequently took them to Hereford for trials.

"I've got no doubts whatsoever that both boys have got the ability and are willing to learn,'' said Sillett yesterday. "Their character is excellent, but the type of football they need is a higher standard because in the Third Division they play the longer ball game of kick and rush.

"I expected them to do exceptionally well in our country but because of finances there are changes at Hereford and they had to cut their wage bill.

Most of the players are struggling at Hereford.'' The fortunes of the pair changed when Sillett left the club last April and player-coach Downs took over. Since the World Cup they have been out of favour and Downs recently transfer-listed them. This week he informed them that their contracts were to be cancelled.

"They needed about two years to settle because the conditions with the weather is so different,'' Sillett said. "I'm very disappointed, but they've got the ability to make it eventually.

"It's a very hard league but a good place to go and learn how to protect yourself. What I liked about the boys is how they knuckled down to full-time football and full-time training.'' Sillett, who led Coventry City to the FA Cup in 1987, has not had a soccer job since leaving Hereford. He now works in television with Central Television, commentating on matches in the First Division and the League Cup.

"I haven't been to see Hereford this season,'' he said.

Sillett was once linked to the Bermuda national coach post and said yesterday that he would still consider "if the offer was right.'' MESHACH WADE -- Had better luck at Hereford when John Sillett was in charge.