Kenny Thompson's hopes of securing the services of Dennis Brown as his assistant have been dashed with the Somerset Trojans' stalwart unable to commit to the national team programme.

"I had Dennis Brown in mind to become my assistant but I was told a few hours ago he was unavailable for personal reasons," Thompson said yesterday. "He doesn't currently have the time to commit so we will have to ask a couple of other people to see if they are available.

"Of course, we have George Hayward working with the goalkeepers, so we are getting there in terms of assembling a backroom team."

It is understood Keith Tabatznik, who assisted former coach Keith Tucker, remains in the frame for a role within the programme. The former Georgetown University coach could be used to scout Cayman Islands and Saint Martin who Bermuda meet in the Digicel Cup later this year.

Meanwhile, Vic Bettinelli, head goalkeeping coach of Premier League outfit Fulham, will be coming to Bermuda to assist with coaching the senior national team's 'keepers and other Bermuda Football Association programmes.

Bettinelli, a close friend and former colleague of technical director Derek Broadley, will be working with the national team's 'keepers until the second leg of their World Cup qualifier against Trinidad.

He arrives on the Island this weekend and will also conduct a 'keeper's clinic that will be open to all domestic clubs.

"Vic worked with the 'keepers during our UK training trip," said Broadley. "I also want him to work with our coaches and put on some clinics. His sessions will be open to all goalkeeping enthusiasts on the Island."

** It was a bittersweet Reading Rage debut for national team winger Tyrell Burgess who started for the PDL outfit against Cape Cod last week, before being sent off in the final minute of their 1-0 defeat.

Burgess, who scored for Bermuda against Cayman Islands in the first leg of their World Cup qualifier, joined US team Rage on the recommendation of their former head coach Broadley.

"I've spoken with Reading Rage to see how he (Burgess) was doing," said Broadley. "They lost their first game to Cape Cod Crusaders and apparently he had an excellent game and was probably their star performer.

"They are challenging his sending off, which was in the last minute of the game for something nonchalant. He wasn't able to play for them this week even though they are putting in an appeal.

"They are really pleased with him and it (his sending off) was a harsh lesson for him to learn. It's so important for him to be there and it will stand him in good stead for his future career."