IN A WEEK which saw the passing of Rodney Dangerfield, Bermuda's national soccer coach Kyle Lightbourne might consider himself first in line to adopt the comedian's catchphrase.

Having endured what Lightbourne has during his first two weeks in office, the line ‘I get no respect' would seem perfectly applicable.

If Kyle's patience is already wearing thin, then there are plenty who will sympathise with his plight.

The players who have failed to turn up at any of the first three national squad training sessions have demonstrated not only a total lack of respect but utter contempt for the newly appointed coach.

And while he is unlikely to take such drastic action, nobody could argue if the former English pro simply decided to dump every single one of the no-shows and pick his squad afresh.

Alternatively, he could decide to throw in the towel right now. After all, his family are still in England and there are surely coaching jobs on that side of the pond which would be more rewarding.

As mentioned in this column last week, just nine out of a possible 37 players attended the first two training sessions. That was followed by a disgraceful turn-out of just five at the next.

Clearly, in his first two weeks as coach, Lightbourne has been able to achieve absolutely nothing as he prepares for a Caribbean Cup competition which, depending on whether the hurricane-devastated Cayman Islands can continue to host the tournament, is expected to be held within the next couple of months.

Without the players' cooperation, without the commitment which Lightbourne spoke so passionately about on the day of his appointment and, most importantly, without any sense of national pride, Bermuda's chances of success in that upcoming tournament would appear slim.

But what the players don't seem to understand is that their couldn't-care-less attitude will ultimately impact not only on that competition but on football as a whole.

Like most sports in Bermuda, soccer depends heavily on sponsorship.

Gate receipts and Government grants simply aren't sufficient to help the game move forward. In recent years, Bermuda Football Association have made great strides in encouraging the corporate sector to get on board.

But companies want some return on their investment. And they're not likely to get it if the very players in whom they are investing can't even be bothered to turn up for training.

Amazingly, AT&T confirmed a package to domestic soccer yesterday to the tune of $100,000 over the next three years, but one wonders how many businesses will be inclined to follow suit given the apathy shown by our leading players.

Lightbourne now has to make some tough decisions.

With overseas players such as Shaun Goater, David Bascome, John Barry Nusum, Damon Ming and Kevin Richards to call upon, he can put together the nucleus of a reasonably good side.

As for the rest of the team, given the lack of commitment shown by so many players so far, it could well pick itself.

Hopefully, Lightbourne will be good to his word and axe all of those who have so far stayed away. They deserve no better.