that he was not relinquishing his post but rather his duties in the day-to-day running of the association.

Marshall also pointed out yesterday that he had no plans to vacate the position he has held since November 1991 when he took over from Donald Dane.

In July of this year at the AGM, Marshall and his entire executive committee were returned en bloc.

Marshall has refused to comment on reports that he and administrative assistant Joe L. Brown do not get along, which apparently prompted his decision to stay away from the office and have Brown deal directly with first vice-president Richard Thompson on a daily basis.

Brown, who has also refused to comment on reports of a rift within the association, is the senior employee of a three-strong staff at the Cedar Parkade office and is responsible for the day-to-day BFA business. Now he will report to Thompson, though Marshall is still the president.

"I haven't resigned from the association, just stepped down from the day- to-day duties, which I have turned over to my first vice-president Richard Thompson, after consultation with my directors and officers,'' Marshall explained yesterday. The five directors are Gil DeSouza, Gerard Bean, Kenny Perinchief, Carlton (Pepe) Dill and Gregory Grimes.

Marshall spoke of "outstanding issues'' that need to be addressed within the administration. "There are a number of things before the directors and they need to be sorted out,'' said the president.

"I had a meeting last night with the directors and officers and they have assured me it will be sorted out in the next two weeks. I used to go to the association every day because football is a business and needs to be run like a business.'' Marshall intends to be involved in the semi-annual meeting on January 18 when he reports on the activities of the association. He has promised to make himself available to run again in the next annual general meeting "as long as the clubs want me to stay on''.

He added: "If I can make a contribution, fine. I will support whatever they decide. The top has to be run efficiently before we can take on domestic matters.'' Marshall will continue to act in an official capacity at matches, including the two leg Dudley Eve Trophy final, which started last night at Somerset Cricket Club.

The BFA has been hit with three recent resignations, those of club representative Mark Trott in November, and coach Gary Darrell and treasurer Kent Bascome this month.

JOE L. BROWN -- Man in the middle of latest Marshall development?