Marshall warned yesterday that Bermuda soccer needs Ziese to help the country prepare for the many changes affecting the game as it rushes toward the 21st century.

Ziese -- who some privately feel has been given too much authority by the BFA -- revealed this week that things have not gone smoothly during his first three months on the job.

It was during his address before the Hamilton Rotarians on Tuesday that the German-born Technical Director frankly stated that he had various "problems'' dealing with certain aspects pertaining to Bermuda soccer.

And Ziese also let it be known for the first time that he recently signed a new, revised contract with his employers -- one that both parties "made certain amendments on my request.'' But the fact that Ziese went public with his concerns and difficulties in the first place prompted Marshall to lend his support.

"Those of us who have been following soccer closely know very well that we've gone backwards. Football is worse today that it's ever been. There are a lot of talented players, but as a team and as a community we are not together except for when a disaster happens,'' said Marshall.

"In the World Cup we saw people coming together because it was a national thing and as we were more and more successful this pride became more and more evident.'' Marshall said it was vital to give Ziese and the BFA total support as preparations are being made for the huge challenge ahead to re-assess and upgrade the entire structure of soccer on the Island.

"Mr. Ziese was selected to be our Technical Director of Coaching and in a short period of time he has assisted the BFA in making some changes. Obviously people say that they want a change, but at the same time they are reluctant to change. He speaks for the BFA and we need to listen to his expertise,'' said Marshall.

"He has a vast amount of knowledge, not just in the form of soccer but also in the various countries and among the ethnic groups that he has taught and has contact with around the world.

"When someone comes into your country and they don't know the customs obviously there is going to be some adjustment period, and I think this is what we are going through right now. We want a change but it's how do we go about this change. Ziese is trying to bring it about in an efficient manner and in the quickest possible manner and, of course, we have some reluctance by players, coaches and the affiliates.'' he added.

Marshall noted that while helping Bermuda prepare for the future, it was essential to get the most out of people who are being asked to represent the country. This means developing a player in more ways than just soccer.

"We are talking about the total development of players, monitoring both males and females at a primary level straight up to national representation. We have to make sure that players sent abroad are not just good athletes but also good ambassadors for this country,'' said Marshall.

"Part of Ziese's responsibility is to direct the BFA in achieving this goal and there are changes that presently are not covered in our rules and regulations that are going to have to be instituted, such as disciplining players when they don't train. Everyone is going to have to understand that it is in the best overall interest of the players,'' he said.

Marshall felt that too many clubs put an emphasis in winning, and in the process will tolerate unruly behaviour on the part of their players if they have a big game coming up.

"But those days have to stop,'' he said.

Marshall said that officials from the United States -- here recently for some exhibition games -- marvelled at how a small country like Bermuda was able to get someone with Ziese's quality.

He noted how the US Soccer Federation has been trying to get a Technical Director, but can only get someone of Ziese's calibre on a part-time basis.

CHARLIE MARSHALL -- "We need to listen to his (Ziese) expertise,'' BFA president, right, said.