defender Karl Roberts have had attempts at transferring to Charity Cup champions PHC rebuffed by club officials.

However, while the Thompson issue is considered dead, Roberts may get a reprieve, as another meeting has been scheduled to hear further arguments on his intended move.

For Thompson, his advanced age -- 28 -- combined with the current movement toward youth at the Warwick club are believed to be the major factors in the decision not to take on the gifted player.

"The club has spent a lot of money on the junior programme and has made certain promises to the youngsters,'' said an unnamed source within the club.

"We are grooming the younger players for the First Division and the emphasis is not necessarily on winning, but to work with the youth within our programme.'' It is also thought that the fact that Thompson has been one of the more active players among the transfer market in past years -- this would have been his 10th team in as many years -- his acceptance might have proven counter-productive to team balance.

Coach Jack Castle initially indicated that he would welcome having the seasoned playmaker come aboard, especially with midfield one of the weaker areas in the squad. However, he had no qualms concerning the decision rendered by his superiors.

"We only want players who will be dedicated to PHC...and those that are looking to play for more than just one season,'' said Castle.

With regards to Roberts, a much younger player with a much less storied history, Castle said that "he can certainly be an asset to the club.'' Roberts started his career at Somerset before signing on at Vasco for the 1992-93 season at a cost of $2,500. He displayed great versatility, playing both in midfield and defence and could be used to fill the gap created by the retirement of defensive stalwart Derek (Nails) Douglas.

Several changes are set to be unveiled at PHC with the stepping down of Ellie Wilson as assistant coach -- he will remain on as trainer -- and the possibility of Douglas or even Sammy Swan being installed as Castle's new assistant.

Anthony (Rango) Stovell is also set to return following a stint at nearby Paget, while college student Maceo Dill is believed to be anxious to join the Zebras from North Village because of a conflict with coach Joe Trott.

Dill's move is being contested as Village are said to be seeking compensation and policy at PHC is not to pay for any player.

With the May 31 transfer deadline only days away the Bermuda Football Association yesterday confirmed that 36 applications had been received so far.

As indicated previously by The Royal Gazette Neil Paynter has returned to St.

George's from Dandy Town and remains the only major name to have already submitted a request.

Meanwhile, former Bermuda national squad goalkeeper Randy Darrell hinted that he would be returning to the ranks of Southampton Rangers after a five year stint outside the organisation, most recently as a member of Hotels International.

"I really didn't feel comfortable all last season with the overall programme (at Hotels) and have always wanted to go back to Rangers to finish off my career,'' explained Darrell, who after breaking into the first team and spending eight years at Southampton, put in time at Dandy Town, Vasco and Hotels. "I want to go there and set up a programme to help the youngsters and the community and feel that this is a good time to do it.

"I feel that I have two, maybe three good years left. And while I can no longer be the player I once was I still want to try and convey some of the experience I have to the programme and make sure that they have a good future.'' Rumours of another former Rangers player, Sheridan (Baldy) Ming, renewing ties with the club proved unfounded, with Ming categorically denying this was the case.

SNUBBED -- Kenny Thompson, pictured in action for the Bermuda national squad, had his request for a transfer rejected by PHC officials. The Charity Cup champions say they are in the midst of a youth movement.