Less than two weeks after aiding Bermuda's return to international soccer, speculation surrounds the possible return of Gary Darrell on a regular basis.

Darrell returned briefly to act as an assistant to senior national coach Clyde Best -- also signed on temporarily -- for the recently concluded Shell/Umbro Cup in Jamaica. The big question now is, what next? The recent announcement of the completion of the BFA's restructuring report, combined with the unveiling of a six-year international plan, is a clear indication that the Bermuda Football Association's trek ahead is being carefully calculated and shows signs of unparalleled developments in the island's main sport.

But is that enough to convince Bermuda's most successful coach to return to play a more involved role in soccer? "I don't know really,'' said Darrell when presssed this week.

"Actually nothing much has changed as far as my position is concerned. I am still finding it difficult to give coaching the time, at least for what I can get in return.

"I would like to stay involved, but I have to weigh it against my full-time occupation. And when I did this previously I came to the conclusion that it was not worth getting that involved, and I don't think the picture has changed that much.'' But Darrell, who owns and operates a carpet-laying business, conceded that he liked what the BFA were doing by committing to a six-year programme -- plans that proved they were sincere about making progress.

The fact the plans included getting as many as five national teams together for international commitments, including a women's team, suggested there was enthusiasm and vision that had been lacking in local soccer for ages, he said.

"I have been back home (from playing professional soccer in the United States) for more than 15 years now and this is the best national presentation I have ever seen. The lack of money was always a problem and part of the problem was that there was never any long-term planning,'' said Darrell.

"But the success of our team during the World Cup proved that steps needed to be taken further to prepare properly for international commitments and I hope that we persevere with these plans.'' Darrell, however, emphasised that should Best be appointed Bermuda's new technical director as expected, then the onus was on him to plan his own team of coaches. Darrell said he only came on board for the Shell/Umbro tournament to assist Best after the team was chosen and assembled, and now that the event had concluded it depended on what the approach of the new director would be.

"I don't see the BFA making any moves like appointing additional coaches right now, that's unless Best wants them should he be given the job. If in charge he will be the man calling the shots,'' said Darrell.

"The plan was for me to give him help in getting familiar with the players for the recent tournament, especially since I had spent a lot of time with them previously. But what the future holds, who knows?'' Limited to just five weeks training, the Best/Darrell combination fell just short against a Jamaica team that had been together for three years.

Gary Darrell