Bermuda international all-rounder Noel Gibbons resumes his professional career with English minor league club Halesowen when he flies out tomorrow.

The 38-year-old Bailey's Bay star missed out on 1993 with the Birmingham League Conference club because of "personal problems'', but recently got the go-ahead to return after his replacement was ruled out by injury.

"The guy who took my place (Australian Keith McKenzie) tore ligaments and is out for the season, so they gave me a call,'' explained Gibbons yesterday.

Gibbons had a successful debut season in 1992 for Halesowen, who have been perennial strugglers.

He arrived in mid-season and lifted them to 18th out of 22 clubs. Halesowen finished 14th last season with McKenzie in the professional role.

"I planned on a three-year thing with Halesowen, which we would look at year by year. But last year I had a few personal things that needed taking care of here, plus my father died.

"The offer comes at a good time now. It will be good to get away.'' Gibbons has made a fine start with the ball for Premier Division leaders Bailey's Bay with eight wickets in two matches.

He has not been required to bat yet but he will get plenty opportunities at Halesowen where he topped the averages during his short stint in '92.

He added: "I'm really looking forward to getting there. The year I was there, I did some good things for Halesowen and I am sure they will be looking for something similar from me.'' Gibbons brings the number of Bermudian cricketers in England to three following the departure of ICC Trophy team-mates Clay Smith and Dean Minors on Tuesday.

Smith and Minors will play for Tynedale and Benwell respectively in the Northumberland County League.

Gibbons was hampered during the latter stages of the ICC Tournament in Kenya during February and March by a chronic hamstring injury.

He reports his health to be satisfactory following the lay-off between returning and the start of the domestic season.

"I haven't had a problem with the hamstrings since coming back,'' he said.

"I didn't train much with Bay until the season started...I wanted to get maximum rest. Right now I feel quite fit.'' Gibbons, who expects to see action in England on Sunday, plans to return to Bermuda in time for the start of Bay's Eastern Counties Cup defence on July 16 against Flatts Victoria.

He does not have the same confidence about Cup Match for St. George's, though he is keen to play again for a final time.

"I would love to play to make it my retirement year,'' said the man who has played 23 consecutive years since making his debut as a 16-year-old.

"In Bermuda, it's an age thing. When it comes to ability and talent I would have no problem making the team, but after a certain age you are supposed to be finished.'' Gibbons noted that he has written to St. George's of his overseas plans and final Cup Match ambitions.

"I started at Somerset and it would be really nice to finish there. At the same time, I am going to want to be in England and play well to justify having a last chance.'' NOEL GIBBONS -- International all-rounder should get plenty of opportunities to bat at Halesowen.