An L1011 aircraft has been chartered by three-man group Creative Associates to take local football fans to see Bermuda play their World Cup qualifying match in Antigua a week on Sunday.

On hearing that the BFA would be unable to secure a charter flight, William Madeiros, Larry Mussenden and David Burch, decided to see what they could do.

Tuesday and Wednesday saw them calling various contacts which resulted in the securing of a flight agreement with Rich International, occasionally used by the Bermuda Regiment for travelling overseas for various exercises.

However, the deal depends on getting at least 300 passengers. The BFA would also benefit is Creative Associates can pull it off. If they fill the seats, the Bermuda players and officials would get to fly free.

"We're not about to lose our shirts on this deal,'' said Madeiros during a press conference yesterday. "All we're looking for are 300 people to get on the plane and go and support this team.'' If the plan gets off the ground, local fans will have the option of staying with friends or at a choice of hotels situated within close proximity of the Antigua Recreation Ground where the match will be played. They will be outfitted with special T-shirts to identify them as Bermuda supporters and will also have a section of the stands reserved for them.

Said Mussenden: "I think we should get as many Bermudians down there as possible so they can cheer our team on to help ensure that they advance to the next round robin stage of the tournament.'' The cost of $600 includes return airfare from Antigua, tickets to the match, ground transportation to and from the airport and to and from the match, plus an eve of match session at the host hotel. Several hotel packages are available starting from $270, which covers three nights accommodation, double occupancy, inclusive of taxes and gratuities.

Tickets are on sale today and tomorrow at Colonial Insurance from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Payment is fully refundable should the minimum number of seats not be sold.

For further details contact William Madeiros at 295-3943 or David Burch at 295-8025.

Bermuda last night named a squad of 18 for the Antigua game, including former skipper Albert Smith who was dropped for the two preliminary rounds against Haiti.

National team manager Gary Darrell has brought in two other players in addition to Smith. They are forward Paul Cann and defender Wayne Campbell. The trio will replace defenders Kevin Grant and Neil Paynter, who are unavailable, and forward Neil Robinson.

The full squad: David Adams, Carlyle Crockwell, Sammy Swan, Leroy Stevens, Kentoine Jennings, Albert Caisey, Kenny Thompson, Dennis Brown, Shawn Smith, Meschach Wade, Wayne Campbell, Shawn Goater, Paul Cann, Voorhees Astwood, Albert Smith, Phillip Clark, Elliott Jennings, Kyle Lightbourne.