Bermuda Football Association (BFA) sources yesterday confirmed that New England Revolution assistant coach Paul Mariner has withdrawn his application for the association's (BFA) technical director's post.

This newspaper revealed last October that the former Ipswich, Arsenal and England poacher had been among those having applied for the $125,000 per-year job.

After a highly successful playing career, Mariner moved to the US where he later joined forces with Liverpool legend Steve Nicol at New England.

He also coached at Harvard University and at the youth levels in the US.

During a recent interview Revs' Bermudian forward Khano Smith gave his assistant boss a ringing endorsement.

Smith said: "We have briefly chatted about it (technical director's position) but I don't know what they (BFA) are looking to do with him. He (Mariner) said he just wants to have a look at it and whatever he chooses I will still support that.

"I would definitely recommend Paul (Mariner) for the job because someone like him will bring a professional environment to Bermuda. I think he would be great for Bermuda."

However, Mariner has seemingly had a change of heart is now said to be in discussions over a potential move to another Major Soccer League (MSL) franchise instead.

When contacted yesterday over Mariner's status, BFA president Larry Mussenden reluctantly said: "I cannot comment to that at this point in time."

However, BFA sources confirmed that the Englishman had in fact withdrawn his application for the crucial technical director's post that will play an integral role in the association's ambitious, multi-million dollar plan to resurrect local football, which many claim has plunged to an all-time low.

Mussenden also kept his cards close to his chest when asked to provide a date for when the new technical director will be finally announced, with World Cup qualifiers just around the bend.

Earlier this month the BFA recruited former Howard University coach Keith Tucker on an interim basis as national coach following predecessor Kenny Thompson's unexpected resignation last October.

Mussenden said: "We are still working through the process and so we will make a comment or an announcement at the appropriate time."

The 54-year-old Mariner made his England debut in March 1977 and went on to earn 35 caps for his country.

The former Ipswich talisman - who savoured FA Cup and Uefa Cup success at Portman Road before moving over to Highbury to join the Gunners - is also one of only two strikers to have netted in six consecutive matches wearing an England jersey.

During a March 2005 interview with this newspaper, Mariner said: "Football is in my blood and I always look to be involved no matter what level it is."

In addition to Mariner, other high-profile personalities that were named on the BFA's list of candidates included Brazilian Rene Simoes, Trinidadian Stephen Hart and top Fifa instructor Ben Davies.

Simoes, who denied having applied for the job, is the man who performed wonders when he guided Jamaica's now famous Reggea Boyz to their first World Cup finals in France in 1998.

National coach Tucker and former Alabama football academy director Richard Todd were the only two Bermudians to apply for a post last held by another son of the soil, Clyde Best.