is believed to be a German.

The Royal Gazette understands that two applicants are on a short list. The favourite has been contacted and asked if he still wants the job while the second person has been chosen as an alternative just in case.

While the names of the individuals have not surfaced, it is known that Jaoa Castro of Brazil, who visited the island last week to talk to BFA officials about the post, is no longer in the running.

Word is that he not only had difficultly with the command of the English language but his age -- he is believed to be in his late 50s -- was also against him.

Castro though was one of the coaches on a reduced five-man list.

BFA president Charlie Marshall was this week reluctant to give any details of the selection process of finding the director, but he did reveal that it was hoped that a person would be named to the post by the start of the soccer season or shortly thereafter.

The official heading the search for a director is Dr. Gerard Bean, chairman of the coaching committee. FIFA is also assisting the BFA in the matter.

The person the association has decided on is said to be conducting a FIFA course in a remote area in Europe and has been difficult to contact.

Should a West German be named he will be the second appointed to the post -- the first was Bernd Fisher who served during the early 1970s.

Coaches who applied for the post hail from countries such as England, France, Yugoslavia and South America.