Walsall after some impressive performances in pre-season friendly matches.

And now the club is hoping to get Lightbourne's work permit renewed in time for the new season, which starts on August 14.

"It's just a matter of waiting on the work permit,'' explained Lightbourne late last night after returning from a friendly match against Premier League neighbours Aston Villa, which Walsall lost 4-0.

"They (Villa) are definitely a great team,'' Lightbourne said. "I had a chance in the box at an angle but it went past the far post.'' The Bermudian international striker has played in three matches since returning from the club's pre-season tour of Northern Ireland and scored twice in the first two, doing enough to impress manager Kenny Hibbitt, a former player with Wolves.

Lightbourne is determined to make up for the disappointment of not succeeding at Scarborough last season. Once Ray McHale was fired new manager Phil Chambers began to reduce the playing staff and Lightbourne was one of the those released.

"I was talking to some people out here and they were saying how a new manager comes in and changes things,'' said Lightbourne. "It's not like they just let me go, they let 10 guys go altogether. Now Scarborough have guys on week-to-week contracts. It's hard playing like that.'' Lightbourne likes his new surroundings at Walsall, who would have been in line for promotion to the Second Division had Barnet gone out of the league because of financial problems.

"This is a brand new stadium with a top class field, a big difference from Scarborough,'' Lightbourne said.

"It's a very nice area and is close to Birmingham. Where I am staying is about 10 miles from the club and we catch the train to the club.'' Lightbourne also likes Walsall's brand of soccer.

"They look to knock the ball around more whereas Scarborough were just kicking balls into the `channel' for the front men to run at.'' Mark Trott, who helped set up trials this summer for a number of Bermuda players, said that having previously held a work permit should work in Lightbourne's favour, though foreign players have recently met with tighter restrictions.

Also with Lightbourne at Walsall are fellow Bermudian internationals David Bascome and Meshach Wade. Like Lightbourne, Wade has impressed during his brief time with the club though they have not made him an offer as yet.

Bascome is still recovering from a thigh pull and has decided to rejoin US indoor team Harrisburg Heat once therapy is complete.

"He's been given therapy to get him back fit but he has already decided to go back to the United States, an option he always had,'' explained Trott.

Bascome will stay at Walsall to receive treatment until August 14.

Wade is on trial with his third club this summer, having been unsuccessful at Coventry City and Preston.

"He didn't like it there (Preston) and was then supposed to go to Stoke City but I spoke to the general manager at Walsall in the meantime and he asked me to send him a profile on Meshach,'' said Trott.

"I also gave him Meshach's number in England and he was invited to Walsall.'' Wade has played in three matches with the club, scoring for both the first team and reserves from his midfield position. On Monday night he played in Walsall's 2-1 win over Aldershot's reserves.

"Meshach's chances are better there,'' Trott added. "He's playing in midfield, scoring goals and plus two midfielders left them this week.'' KYLE LIGHTBOURNE -- Heading for a second shot at professional soccer in England.