Shaun Goater has declined an offer to become Bermuda’s next national football coach.

The former Manchester City star striker has revealed that he was offered the position by Bermuda Football Association but after “extensive discussions” between both parties he has decided to rule himself out as a potential candidate to succeed Michael Findlay.

Goater feels the existing structure and resources do not sufficiently align with the objectives and ambitions outlined throughout the process.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw from the process and decline the position of head coach of the Bermuda men’s national team,” Goater told The Royal Gazette.

“I entered this process with genuine enthusiasm and a deep sense of responsibility. Bermuda football has played a significant role in my life and I approached this opportunity with the same commitment and professionalism that have guided me throughout my playing and coaching career.

“I developed and presented a comprehensive vision for the future of the national programme, including a long-term strategy for player development, performance, culture and international competitiveness.

“I was encouraged by the discussions that took place and grateful for the opportunity to share my ideas for Bermuda football.

“Following extensive discussions, I ultimately concluded that the structure and resources available were not sufficiently aligned with the objectives and ambitions that had been outlined throughout the process.

“For that reason, I felt it would not be appropriate to accept responsibility for delivering outcomes without the platform necessary to give those objectives the strongest possible chance of success.”

Goater, who netted 103 goals in 211 appearances for City between 1998 and 2003, said his love and desire to serve his country remains strong despite his decision.

“This decision should not be interpreted as a lack of belief in Bermuda football or a lack of desire to serve my country,” he said.

“Quite the opposite. My belief in the potential of Bermudian players, coaches and young people remains as strong as ever.

“Football has given me opportunities to learn from outstanding people and organisations around the world. My commitment remains the same as it has always been; to help build high-performance environments, develop players, support staff and contribute positively wherever I have the privilege to work.

“My love for Bermuda and my passion for the game remains unchanged. Thank you to everyone who offered support and encouragement throughout this process.”

The Uefa A licence holder had been considered as the best candidate to succeed Findlay as he boasts previous coaching experience after serving on the academy coaching staff at Manchester City as part as part of an initiative geared towards increasing the number of Black, Asian and ethnic minority coaches working full time in professional football.

He served on City’s academy coaching staff for three years, working across all the academy age groups from the foundation phase to the professional development phase. He was also assistant to City Women's boss Gareth Taylor

Goater has also served as assistant coach and interim head coach of Women’s Super League outfit Aston Villa.

BFA technical director Maurice Lowe, who is involved in the process for recruiting the island’s next national coach along with the association’s player development committee, revealed there has been plenty of interest from coaches wanting to replace Findlay.

The Canadian parted ways with the BFA by mutual consent in March in the lead-up to the national team’s international friendly against World Cup qualifiers Democratic Republic of Congo in Mexico, which they lost 2-0 against their opponents ranked 123 places above them in the Fifa rankings.

Former Dandy Town defender Lowe served as interim head coach and was assisted by Fifa talent coach Jake Littlejohn and X-Roads coach Farid El Karfa.