yesterday vehemently denied by Andrew Starling, president of Hotels.

He scoffed at rumours that the two First Division clubs had met and decided to join up, play under the lone banner of Vasco, and form what would probably be the most prominent side in senior soccer.

That scenario strengthened at the end of the season when Hotels, although just able to avoid relegation from the First Division, were struck by the news that coach Richard Calderon was stepping down to concentrate on a coaching role with the senior Bermuda national team.

Some of their more senior players were also said to be considering a move toward retirement.

"That's the first I have heard of anything like that, there is no truth in it,'' Starling said of the amalgamation rumours.

"Hotels will be playing in the First Division next season. We haven't secured a coach yet, but we have talked to several people and we hope to get something finalised shortly.'' Just who Hotels have talked to was unclear, but with such a demand for coaches, they will have to battle with several other clubs to pick from the short list of capable people.

Among the more qualified coaches not attached to a club are Josef Gooden, Gary Darrell and Norbert Simons.

Among the teams searching for coaches are Vasco, although John Rebello has hinted he may return if the team has difficulty finding a replacement, newly-promoted Hamilton Parish and Second Division Somerset Trojans (although Andrew Bascome is expected to be on his way to the west end club).

Several other Second Division clubs are also looking for new coaches.

Clubs who have already moved to secure coaches for next season are PHC, who have just signed on former player Sammy Swan, and Devonshire Colts got David Furbert, back after he led Hamilton Parish to the First Division.