it quits -- at least for the rest of the season -- apparently over a row within the club after a 2-0 loss against North Village prior to the Christmas break.

"I've decided to hang it up for the rest of the season,'' Crockwell said when contacted at work yesterday.

Although he refused to comment in detail on the circumstances surrounding his departure it is understood that substantial blame was heaped upon the 34-year-old Crockwell for allowing the two goals and this prompted his decision.

First-year coach Jack Castle was unable to shed further light on the situation, only saying that Crockwell indicated that "he's going to take a break and get back to me''.

Castle said that he saw no reason for Crockwell to be blamed for the poor result and was unaware of any players singling him out for scorn.

"I don't really know much about that case.

"Maybe he's a little worn out from the being in the World Cup, but he shouldn't be...he didn't even play.'' Nevertheless, despite Ty Williams being firmly entrenched as PHC's number one 'keeper, the loss of Crockwell serves to further erode a side already decimated by injuries to several key players. And more importantly robs them of yet another senior serving member and the experience he could lend to the youngsters.

Winston Trott, Jr., skipper Mike Dill and Sammy Swan are others currently among the Warwick club's `walking wounded'.

Uncertainty also surrounds whether he will return next season to the club he has called home for more than a decade.

"I'll cross that bridge when it comes,'' said Crockwell, sounding as if a change in address is a real possibility.

Appearances had been sporadic anyway thus far for the Somerset resident as he appeared in just two matches before being drafted along with the other national squad members, and lasted the one match following Bermuda's bowing out of the World Cup.

CARLYLE CROCKWELL.