of a blistering attack on the Bermuda Football Association.

In an article appearing in Saturday's The Royal Gazette Calderon referred to the association being run by "lunatics'' and making "half thought-out ideas''. This was brought about by its (BFA) decision to forbid Bermuda national squad players to returning to their club teams before the December 6 World Cup qualifying match against Canada.

BFA administrator Joe L. Brown said that Calderon's comments ran "contrary to the rules and regulations of BFA by-laws with regards to making derogatory remarks about the association.'' And it will be up to the association whether or not action is to be taken against the outspoken coach, who ironically was in charge of the national squad earlier in the year while coach Gary Darrell was abroad and is a former team captain.

"It's unfortunate for Robert to take this view,'' said BFA president Charlie Marshall when contacted about the matter. "He's entitled to his opinion of things, but the BFA is responsible to the public and its affiliates and they have been supportive throughout (the World Cup campaign).

"It's been one of the big things for us to share unity as players, club and country and this has been a major reason for our success.

"The Bermuda public has a heavy investment in these players and deserve to see them at their best...and with the best players.'' Marshall said that the arguments carried no validity and that Calderon possibly was not aware of the whole scenario. He also added that correspondence had been received from Dandy Town, who distanced themselves from the coach's statements.

"We had a plan and are sticking to it with regard to the whole commitment.

Anything done to jeopardise that commitment would cause us to lose face.

"We've made the right decision and are not going to divert from that position because of remarks made by any individual.

"As far as I'm concerned this (Calderon situation) is a `non-starter'. We (BFA) have better things to do with our time, like preparing the youth for a national commitment and building on it.

"Our objective is for football and its long and short-term benefits for everybody.'' After the team's return to the Island following their last match against Canada both Marshall and Darrell voiced no objection to the players resuming play domestically.

But the decision made at a hastily arranged meeting opposing the release left Calderon seething.

Nevertheless, Marshall stated that in talking to a few players, none had voiced any objections to the stance taken.

"The ones I've spoken to are `gung-ho' to continue with the commitment and say they're not going to let Canada come here and walk over us,'' said Marshall. "`We have a point to prove' was the way one put it to me.'' While Calderon regards the game against Canada as a "not so important match'' there is plenty at stake financially for the BFA.

In order to break even on the venture Marshall emphasised the need for people to come out to the match and fill the stands as they did in the previous two home games. But moreover he stressed the need for continued public assistance of the team itself.

"With the World Cup drive we've been able to accomplish more things than what politicians and religious people have on the Island.

"The players not only deserve it but are relying on them (public) for support on the day of the match.

"They've done the job they were asked to do and we want to see everyone come out and just say `We will. We will'.'' Team members are scheduled to resume training today for next Sunday's match at the National Stadium.

Tickets for the Canada game are currently on sale at the BFA offices.

CHARLIE MARSHALL.*l