Drewonde Bascome has resigned as head coach of Dudley Eve Trophy champions St George’s Colts to rejoin Premier Division rivals Devonshire Cougars for the upcoming season.

Bascome has parted ways with St George’s two seasons after replacing Jarreau Hayward, who was sacked after guiding the East End club to their first FA Cup win during the 2023-24 campaign.

Bascome played his part in St George’s FA Cup success, scoring in a 2-0 quarter-final win over PHC and also featured in the 4-0 thrashing of North Village in the final.

Then St George’s Cricket Club president Mishael Paynter said the decision to replace Hayward was done in the club’s “best interest”. Hayward has since been appointed as head coach of Dandy Town, earning the prestigious coach of the year award after guiding the Hornets to Premier Division and Friendship Trophy honours last season.

The highlight during Bascome’s tenure at Wellington Oval came last season when he led St George’s to the Dudley Eve Trophy title after they edged Cougars 2-1 in a tight final at Devonshire Recreation Club last November.

He will now serve under head coaches Mark Mills and Jensen Rogers on the coaching staff at Cougars next season.

Bascome could not be reached for comment; however, St George’s president Neil Paynter confirmed that he has resigned as the club’s head coach.

Paynter also confirmed that Bascome’s successor has been installed at the club but refused to reveal the identity at this time.

Devonshire Recreation Club vice-president Derek DeChabert confirmed that Bascome and Rogers are now a part of the club’s coaching staff.

Like Bascome, Rogers is also a new member of Cougars’ coaching staff having joined from promoted Somerset Trojans.

In an interview with The Royal Gazette in May, the former Trojans defender said he wanted to either take a break from the sidelines or continue his coaching development elsewhere as he felt the time is right to hand over the reins to someone else as the West End club attempt to re-establish themselves as a dominant force in local football.

“After four seasons with Somerset Trojans, I felt it was time step down and allow someone else to step into the role and help move the team forward,” he said.

“I’ve loved working with the club, the players and staff, but I want to take a season off or challenge myself in a new environment to keep developing as a coach.

“Staying would mean repeating the same cycle and I’d rather leave while the team is in a good space with gaining promotion.”