Bermuda Hogges’ franchise player Stephen Astwood has received full backing from his former coach Dennis Brown on the eve of the United Soccer League (USL) expansion team’s season-opener against visiting Harrisburg City Islanders at the National Sports Centre.

Somerset Trojans coach Brown said that losing a player of Astwood’s calibre would be a big miss for any team . . . but wished his former midfield schemer “all the best” in his future endeavours.

“It should be any coach’s desire to see their players play professional football. And I am very happy for Stephen,” Brown added.

Astwood was announced as one of the Hogges’ two full-time players, the other being English non-leaguer Damon Ming, himself a former Trojan.

During the past season Astwood proved to be one of Trojans’ key players, inspiring Somerset to Dudley Eve and Friendship Trophy titles.

But having signed on the dotted line for the Hogges, the former PHC Zebras striker - who has been involved in football trials in both the US and UK - can no longer play in the domestic league, according USL rules.

“Losing a player of Stephen’s magnitude will be a loss. He will be a great miss to our team and I think that the sky is the limit for him,” Brown said.

“He has given me great service at Somerset and if I were in the position that he is in I would have made the same decision.

“I think it should be every player’s desire to play professional football, and he will now be in an environment with lots of pro scouts who are always looking for new talent.”