of heart could avert an anticipated mass exodus of star players from the club.

Vasco president George Ambrosio said Rebello, who has guided the club to two successive First Division championships, had been persuaded to stay on for another season.

Many of the squad which went through last seaon's league campaign unbeaten had applied for transfer releases, giving them the option of signing up for another club by the end of this month.

Those players include defensive kingpin Kentoine Jennings, Dwight Basden, Sinclair Gibbons, Ascento Russell, Tafari Outerbridge, Diallo Sharrieff and Earl Richardson.

But Ambrosio hoped that Rebello's about-turn would persuade most players to stay.

"I spoke to him this week and he has confirmed he will stay on for another season,'' said Ambrosio. "As far as I'm concerned, he's staying.

"Several players did apply for transfer releases, but one of the main reasons was that they thought John Rebello was leaving.'' Earlier this month, Rebello cited the sresses of coaching and abuse from opposing fans as the reasons behind his desire to quit.

But Ambrosio, who said Rebello's decision to stay on was "great news'' for the club, said the Vasco committee was working on creating a set-up to take some of the weight off Rebello's shoulders.

"Herbie Bascome will be helping him on the coaching side and people from the committee will help him any way they can,'' he added.

It took great persuasion from club officials to keep Rebello in charge for last season, his eighth as Vasco coach.

Rebello announced his intention to quit at the end of the 1997-98 season, when Vasco won the triple crown -- the Friendship Trophy, the FA Cup and the First Division title -- as well as the Dudley Eve Trophy. To cap an amazing year, Rebello was awarded the Queen's certificate and Badge of Honour for his services to football.

That season, the most successful in Vasco's history, came after Rebello had led the club to FA Cup successes in 1994 and 1995 and their first league title in 1996. He was the youngest coach to win either trophy.

Rebello reluctantly agreed to stay on for last season after Vasco had failed to find a suitable replacement for him and some players had hinted they would leave.

Rebello himself was unavailable for comment.

Ambrosio explained : "He doesn't want to say anything until he knows what squad he will have for next season.'' That will become clear when the transfer deadline passes at the end of the month.

Players who have obtained transfer releases have until July 31 -- which, because of the Cup Match holiday means Wednesday, July 28 -- to register with a new club. Those missing that deadline will either have to stay with their old clubs or go through the late release period which starts on August 1.

However, those players will not be eligible to play until November 15.

Trophy magnet: John Rebello will try to guide Vasco to a third successive title win.