Bermuda's proposed re-entry into the Olympic arena.

Watching nowadays from the `other side' as a class one referee, Burchall added that it appeared that the Bermuda Football Association was making a conscious effort to move soccer -- at least with regards to international play -- in the right direction.

Burchall's opinion was in stark contrast to his own words voiced back in 1987 after Bermuda had been humiliated 6-0 against Mexico in Toluca during the second leg of an Olympic qualifying match.

"The defeat makes valid my argument that smaller countries are at a severe disadvantage when big countries are allowed to field not only fully professionals, but also players with vast international experience,'' read a report in The Royal Gazette the day after the loss.

However, Burchall was quick to explain his apparent flip-flop, saying that the tools available now far exceed what he had to work with, such as being able to tour countries like Germany, where a 19-member under-23 squad is presently visiting.

And while he had players of high quality, with Lorenzo Symonds captaining a side also containing the likes of Dennis Brown, Lance Brown, Sammy Swan, Kenny Thompson and Clevie Wade in his prime, Burchall was seemingly always forced to put together a team on short notice.

Also, it was noted how today's competition limits the amount of players over the age of 23, which improves the chances of the lesser nations.

"I think that it's (tour) a good thing as long as it comes with proper preparation,'' said Burchall. "When I had the team we did not have any tours and we had to go in the matches cold. It seems as though the association is able to go on these prep tours and this just didn't exist then.

"To be competitive we need matches and to play together as a team against equal opposition or, even better, both abroad and at home and this must take precedence over domestic scheduling.

"I'm not saying that we're going to beat a team like Mexico, but if they have a bad day and we have a good one we can get a result.'' St. George's Colts and the now defunct Centaurs United were both coached by Burchall at one time during his career, this coming after his playing days as a right-wing for Dock Hill Rangers.

Following the St. George's stint Burchall, one of a handful of locals with a full English FA coaching badge, moved on to the national level position.

While saying he was not that impressed with the current standard exhibited locally and adding today's national squad to not be nearly as mature or experienced as the group he worked with, Burchall indicated a need for patience for a team being "built for the future''.

Asked if Bermuda had any chance of qualifying for the final rounds of the Olympics, or even next year's Pan American Games Burchall replied: "It all depends on how we progress during this preparation tour. There's no telling how far they will rise...and they certainly need to rise.'' Reflecting back on both the 2-1 victory in the first game against Mexico in 1987 that brought a feeling of euphoria to the entire Island -- which quickly sobered -- Burchall preferred to look on the positive side, remarking the home performance as one of the greatest ever achievements in local soccer history.

"I think to a man the team put their shoulders to the wheel. I can remember Clevie Wade in particular playing his heart out, but it was a real team effort back then.'' Explaining the second leg loss, he noted how many factors played a major role, such as crowd noise, high altitude, plus the fact that Mexico possessed a world class outfit, one which went on to place highly in the 1990 World Cup.

RODDY BURCHALL -- A team that's being `built for the future' needs plenty of patience.