of Jack Castle being relieved of his head coaching position at Vasco. Brian Anderson of Devonshire Cougars was let go earlier this month.

Castle, who took over at the start of this season and guided the club to triumph in the Martonmere Cup final less than two weeks ago, was asked to step aside following Sunday's 3-0 loss to North Village, their fourth in six league matches.

Club president Eddie Correia yesterday confirmed the report, but said that the club and coach had reached a compromise regarding Castle's departure, one that could benefit both parties in the long run.

"It comes down to results. You don't have a team, experienced like the one we do, and occupy a position second to last,'' said Correia, who ironically was called on last year to lend a hand with assistant coach John Rebello following the sacking of Danvers Seymour.

"We've come to a mutual agreement where he (Castle) will deal with other things and assist myself and John with the senior team and help out with the junior programme.'' "I don't hold Jack responsible, but we came to the conclusion that we had to make changes.

"I want to make it clear that he has not been dropped and simply cast aside.

He will be involved, but he has other commitments and this makes it easier for both sides.'' While agreeing with some of the statements made by Correia, Castle said that while the assistant post and position with the junior programme were viable options, he was -- at least for now -- "washing his hands'' of coaching and would concentrate on his job and military commitments.

Recently appointed to the rank of sergeant major, Castle was unable to be present at some training sessions.

He noted that the recent bad run by the club was not necessarily due to a lack of coaching, but because of a lack of cohesion between team-mates.

"I don't think the team hasn't done well because of coaching. You have players at Vasco that need to come to grips with themselves,'' he said, inferring that players tended to act as individuals rather than with the team in mind.

"They're just there at Vasco, but not showing the commitment to the club which is needed.

"I have no doubt in my mind that Vasco will survive relegation. They may not be a team that can win the league, but are very capable of winning trophies, which we have already seen.'' Castle revealed he had considered quitting prior to the Martonmere Cup because of his increased responsibilities outside of soccer, but decided against it after talking to Rebello, then his assistant.

"We were going to try and work around it, but players have not responded and have not played up to their ability. They only seem to play when their backs are up against the wall.'' It was noted that there were a few matters related to finances yet to be ironed out between the parties. Castle was said to be the highest paid coach in Bermuda with a one year base salary believed to be around $4,000 plus incentives.

Correia confirmed that he and Rebello would be in charge at least until January, when the club holds its annual general meeting where it may be decided to hire someone else.

DOWN AND OUT -- Jack Castle is "washing his hands'' of coaching.