attack on the Bermuda Football Association for its refusal to allow national team players to rejoin their clubs before the December 6 World Cup qualifier against Canada.

"I'm very much opposed and confused as to how they came to this decision,'' said an irate Calderon, himself a former Bermuda international. "The clubs have been very much supportive of the BFA but the same has not been forthcoming from them.

"It's ridiculous and disturbing what is happening. I read in the newspaper something about `lunatics running the asylum' and that's exactly what's going on here.'' Former national coach Carlton (Peppy) Dill, a current BFA director, was one person singled out for harsh criticism.

Said Calderon: "They've put us on hold for two weeks for this `not so important match'.

"I know Peppy Dill would never have accepted this as a coach...now he's helping make these half thought-out decisions.'' Particularly irking Calderon was that the decision was made even after BFA president Charlie Marshall and national team coach Gary Darrell stated that they saw no reason why the players could not return to their clubs.

He added that Joe L. Brown's statement that none of the clubs filed formal requests for the players was "rubbish''.

"In talking to Joe Brown he said that they (BFA) were having a meeting on Thursday and based on comments from the coach and president that it (releasing players) should be no problem. So we saw no need to send a letter.

"What would make you think different when the two most important people in the equation say they have no problem with it.'' Indeed, of the teams having lost players to the national squad, Dandy Town appear to have suffered most as indicated by one win in five games and their position near the foot of the First Division.

Add in injuries to three key players and the suspension of two others and Town are effectively missing nine members of their squad.

They are also in jeopardy of not making it into the Dudley Eve Trophy competition during the Christmas holidays, which involves the first four teams. And Calderon indicated this would have serious repercussions at the St.

John's Road club.

"Financially we are in dire straits,'' said Calderon. "If we don't make the Dudley Eve Trophy we stand to lose thousands of dollars. If money is such a big issue to the BFA why shouldn't it be to the clubs.

"I said at the beginning (before the World Cup campaign started) that the BFA should have a contingency plan with regards to the league and they did nothing. It's not fair play. This season has been a wash for us.

"We've been penalised for having good players to disastrous effect.'' Meanwhile, North Village coach Wendell (Joe) Trott said that he too was disappointed with the decision and contended that it would have been advantageous to the squad players if they were allowed to reunite with their club sides.

"They would definitely have boosted the team and also kept up their edge by playing in a competitive match,'' said Trott, who like Calderon has four players in the national squad. "We were looking forward to having them perform this weekend.

"It's a hard decision to live by but nevertheless we'll have to abide by it.'' The response was mixed among the players themselves with PHC team-mates Sammy Swan and Mike Dill not terribly concerned while Lloyd Christopher of Dandy Town said that he would have liked to dive back into domestic soccer.

"I just want to play,'' said Christopher, who has seen no action throughout the World Cup. "I was surprised. I thought they (BFA) would let us play at least one game, but I understand that it is the World Cup.'' Swan, a key member of PHC's attack along with Kyle Lightbourne, said that his club is doing exceptionally well at present and does not necessarily need the help.

"I'm in no real hurry as far as the club is concerned, my focus is national,'' said Swan. "The public wants and needs to see the team at its best.'' ROBERT CLADERON -- Not a happy man.

MISSING IN ACTION -- Paul Cann, at right in action against Jamaica, is one of the four players Town would like to have back to revive their ailing 1992-93 campaign.