PHC Zebras assistant coach Jack Castle and Devonshire Cougars coach Shawn Smith are among the leading candidates to become national coach Keith Tucker's assistant.

According to Bermuda Football Association (BFA) insiders, Castle and Smith have already been approached for the job by the association. And the successful candidate is expected to be announced in the "very near future", technical committee chairman Mark Trott said.

Castle could not be reached for comment yesterday. Smith did confirm that he had been approached by the BFA about the job, but said he has yet to make a final decision.

Former Howard University coach Tucker succeeded the retired Kenny Thompson as interim national coach last October and will now oversee the Island's 2010 World Cup qualifying bid next year.

After guiding Cougars to a second Premier Division championship in three years last season, Smith was an obvious choice for the coveted Coach of the Year Award while in a short period of time since his return to Stadium Lane, Castle has reaped success with Zebras who lifted the Martonmere Cup last month.