The transfer deadline has been and gone, but Bermuda Cricket Board have stepped in to ensure one of the Island’s bright prospects gets as much cricket as possible this summer.

On the recommendation of national coach Gus Logie and his now former club coach Charlie Marshall, youngster Ryan Tyrell has been allowed to join Western Stars having begun the season on Social Club’s books.

Tyrell, who aspires to play for Bermuda Under-19s at the Americas Championship this summer, had not yet played in Social Club’s senior side and was concerned — particularly with the club not boasting a junior programme — that he wouldn’t see enough action to push for a Under-19 national squad place.

“After a lengthy examination into the matter it has been recognised that as a youth player, Ryan must be given the best possible opportunities to play and improve upon his cricket, which is not possible at his current club,” a Board statement released this week read.

“This has been recognised in a letter to the BCB by the YMSC coach, Charlie Marshall, who supports the transfer to Western Stars Sports Club. A letter was also submitted on Ryan’s behalf, by his father, who contends that as a consequence of YMSC not having a youth programme, Ryan is being denied the opportunities that his peers are otherwise being given.

“Although Ryan is not currently a part of the Under-19 squad, it is hoped both by Ryan and the Under-19 coaching staff that this move will provide him with the avenues with which to pursue a place on the squad.

“It is important to note that Ryan has also met with the national coach Gus Logie and the national captain Irving Romaine who both concluded that it would be in Ryan’s best interest to transfer clubs — especially as he has not played for his current club this season.

“As there has been a full agreement between all parties involved and a thorough investigation into the reasons behind the request, the BCB have concluded that the transfer be approved.”

[bul] Veteran Commercial League cricketer Gerald Bean has been appointed as the Under-19 national team manager.

As the squad continue preparations in earnest for the Americas Championship and World Cup qualification, Bean will be in charge of co-ordinating all matters relating to their performance, as well as liasing with the schools, the Board and the coaching staff to ensure all their needs are met.

“We are delighted that we have secured someone of Gerald’s calibre in this position,” said BCB president Reggie Pearman.

“As we all know the Under-19s are the senior players of tomorrow and so it is essential that these young men grow up through the ranks with the appropriate support staff on board to help them as they prepare for this momentous occasion and future ones to come.

“I feel confident that we have left no stone unturned in our quest to qualify for the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia in February 2008. And I have every confidence that Gerald will do his utmost to ensure that he fulfils this role as best as he can.”