Association just three-and-a-half months into his two-year contract.

And now the Devonshire club is searching for a replacement after Martin, the former world number two player and twice winner of the Bermuda Open, returned to his native Australia.

Jane Parker, director of squash at the club, said: "Brett had to go home for personal reasons.

"In so far as we and the membership are concerned, it's a shame, because he was doing very well.'' She confirmed that the club was already on the lookout for a new coach, not necessarily one with such a high profile as Martin.

"I don't think we are looking for somebody who needs to be of ex-international playing standard, but someone with a good level of coaching ability who will be able to work with our members, including the youngsters.'' The 35-year-old Martin had started out with hopes of tempting some of the world's elite players for both a men's and women's tournament this spring, confident that his wealth of contacts in the game would help him succeed.

Now his fellow Australian and good friend Rodney Eyles, who has lived on the Island for nearly two years, has taken over organising the Bermuda Open.

The event is being planned for April, though the dates are yet to be confirmed.

After retiring from a glittering playing career, Martin had been offered several coaching jobs around the world and chose Bermuda.

And when he spoke to The Royal Gazette after two months at the club, he seemed upbeat about the job.

In last November's interview, Martin said: "I'd played in several tournaments over here and stopped over a few times on my way from Europe to America, so it was no culture shock to me, coming to Bermuda.'' Martin, who was brought up in Sydney and has a home on the Gold Coast, added: "In Australia, it's very difficult to make a living out of squash coaching. I think it's a difference in mentality.

"People there don't want to be coached. But people here are keen to be coached and improve their game.'' In 1989 and again in 1991, Martin was a member of the Australian teams which won the World Open Men's Team Championship.

He has a string of victories in top international tournaments to his name, including the Australian Open, the Italian Open and the Hong Kong Open. His two Bermuda Open titles came in 1989 and 1993.