Jomar Wilkinson is thankful to have survived a stroke that forced him to step down as coach of First Division outfit Somerset Eagles.

“Coaching is my passion and I couldn’t see me not coaching. But at this present time I have to make my health my priority, and so I am going to step back from coaching,” Wilkinson told The Royal Gazette.

The former Dandy Town player and coach recently returned to the island after receiving initial treatment in the United States.

“I have been abroad at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of New England in Massachusetts and have been back in Bermuda the last three weeks continuing my rehab under Dr [Elwood] Fox,” he said. “He is a phenomenal doctor; I am blessed and making good progress.”

Wilkinson has not ruled out the possibility of coaching again in the future.

“I definitely intend to coach in the future,” he said. “I have been coaching since a very young age at Dandy Town; football has always been a part of my life.

“I can’t imagine not being involved in football, so my hope is, God willing, for me to coach again sometime in the future.

“But I have to concentrate on my health for the time being and once I get back to full strength, then I‘ll definitely be looking to coach.

Wilkinson, who was appointed as head coach of Eagles on June 2023 after agreeing to the terms of a two-year deal, admits parting company with the White Hill club was not an easy thing to do.

“Coaching this team has been a rewarding experience, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together,” he said. “It’s been an honour to lead such a dedicated group of players and to be part of the club's continued development.

“I want to thank Kevin Burrows for the opportunity. He is the one who actually brought me to Eagles. He has now passed away, but I want to praise and thank him for the opportunity.

“I also want to thank my assistant coach, Troy Smith, and the administration at Eagles for their hard work.

“Thank you for the opportunity and support during my time as coach. I wish the team nothing but success moving forward.”

Wilkinson has also had coaching stints at Southampton Rangers, Boulevard, Somerset Trojans and the Robin Hood youth programme.

His track record has included a trophy-laden period at Dandy Town, with more success at Rangers, where he won the First Division league and Shield title, the Charity Cup and the Friendship Trophy.