Bermuda may not get a long-term cricket coach in the near future.

A Press statement yesterday, confirming the interim appointment of former national skipper Wendell Smith to coach Bermuda's senior squad, also indicated that a full-time coach may not necessarily be hired.

As has been repeatedly stated it's all a question of money.

"The Board will continue their search for funding to secure a long-term full-time coach. Additionally, the Board are diligently following the option of hiring a coach for a shorter period, say five to six months should funding not become available for the longer position,"

said Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) president Reggie Pearman.

"We have made great inroads in this regard and have a number of quality options should we choose to take this route."

The Island has been without a full-time national coach since Guyanese Mark Harper concluded a three-year contract last September. The Board have been thwarted in their efforts to recruit a replacement because of a lack of funds.

This stumbling block comes at an inopportune time as Bermuda are preparing for the ICC(International Cricket Council) Trophy in Ireland in July in which they will have a shot of qualifying for the 2007 Cricket World Cup, needing to finish in the top five among 12 Associate ICC member nations.

Despite the situation, the Board have assured that they are "actively pursing a number of avenues" to resolve the situation.

Meanwhile, Pearman hailed Smith's interim selection, stating "we are fortunate to be able to call upon someone of Wendell's ability and character for this position".

"Wendell is a fine coach and former player as well as being a well-respected cricket historian. As detailed in our plan the focus of the training of the squad begins to transition to more cricket-specific technical abilities and the Board has every confidence that Wendell will do a fine job in this regard," he added.

Smith, the elder brother of national captain Clay Smith, assumes control of the 30-member national training squad immediately and will have his first sessions with players on February 5 and 6. The team will train four times a week.

Smith said he was "pleased and honoured" to be given an opportunity to serve his country and to try to help "Bermuda reach a goal that has never before been achieved".

"I look forward to working with such a talented group of players. It is our aim to ensure that the squad leaves for this important commitment confident and very well prepared," added the stand-in coach.