owed money.

The much-publicised 29-year-old, who transferred to Commercial Division Somerset Extros after a failed attempt to rejoin North Village, instead had nothing but good things to say about his most recent club.

"No, they don't owe me anything,'' said Bascome while assisting his two brothers David and Herbie, and Shawn Goater in conducting a coaching clinic.

"I was getting too wrapped up in things, getting caught up in the direction I felt the club should go. I enjoyed being down there, the relationship with the players and the relationship with the administration.'' A ranking official at the club, who wished to remain anonymyous, confirmed that Bascome was paid an annual fee of close to $2,000 for the two seasons he was there but there was no written contract, only a "handshake'' agreement.

The official believes that much of Bascome's problems centred around his personal life and had nothing to do with the club.

Yet he was so determined to leave that he settled for the Commercial Division with the Extros where long-time friend Paulos, former coach Larry Smith and national team manager Gary Darrell also play on Saturday afternoons.

"I just wanted to get away from everything to see where I'm going,'' he explained. "As a coach I've achieved certain things and as a player I've achieved certain things.'' If First Division clubs think they have at least a one-season break from Bascome they should think again.

Providing he stays match fit, there is every chance Bascome could be in Somerset's plans come FA Cup time -- his only right to eligibility in the first team as a Commercial Division player.

Bascome left Village during the 1989-90 season amidst controversy, after leading them to victory as a coach in the 1989 FA Cup final against PHC.

Before taking him back, Village wanted to discuss certain things at a special meeting, which never took place.

"I tried to get back to Village but I missed their deadline,'' he said. "I wanted to play and maybe take a bit of that other responsibility away from me.

As a coach you have to be stable, secure and inspire your players and I didn't have that so I tried to get back into Village.

"I was supposed to meet with Shervin (Dill) before I went away on a trip. I feel Village is very organised and they have a good programme. I want another challenge, something to do.'' The challenge Bascome speaks of is a return to the national squad, but inside word is that a recall is unlikely.

Some feel that manager Gary Darrell would be receptive of such a move but pushing that past the BFA executive would be difficult, especially since Bascome has yet to withdraw public statements that his religion condones the use of drugs.

"I can do things at that level,'' Bascome said. "I should be there. I still train every day. We have some good players and I would love to be there.'' Bascome's performances on the field for Boulevard have indeed been inspiring but he will have to prove to many that he would not be a hindrance to the national programme for the association to even consider reinstatement.

BFA president Charlie Marshall last week proudly declared how all the players in the national team for the World Cup tie against Haiti passed a drug test, and issued the warning that the country could expelled from the competition if only one failed.

ANDREW BASCOME -- In action last season for Boulevard.