Andrew Bascome has not officially quit as Boulevard coach but insists he will not return to the club until the players convince him they are serious about their football.

Bascome, who has been conspicuous by his absence at Boulevard's last two matches, confirmed yesterday he had temporarily "stepped aside" as Blazers' coach after reaching the end of his tether over the team's poor training attendances.

By snubbing his training sessions, Bascome said the players had shown him a lack of respect and was fed up with having to prepare his team on matchdays rather than on the training ground.

"I just want to coach but at Boulevard I'm unable to because the players don't turn up to training," Bascome said. "Three quarters of my job should be done mid-week on the training ground, but instead I'm coaching during the game.

"No wonder I keep getting sent off. I'm so frustrated because they are preventing me from doing my job. I'm not going to follow their lead and they know where their coach is if they can prove they have an honest commitment."

Boulevard's hierarchy held emergency talks with their disenchanted coach last week but Bascome said nothing had materialised and went on: "I have no problem with the club and I don't want any more money, or anything like that, I just want to be able to coach my team properly.

"The players have plenty of ability but that's not enough for me. Training is a problem in Bermuda, it's a problem at most of the teams."

One club with no such training issues are First Division tabletoppers Robin Hood who Bascome also coaches.

He said working with the Hood had been a breath of fresh air with 20-25 players regularly turning out to twice a-week training session at BAA Field.

"I love it at Robin Hood. The players are dedicated, professional and show pride. They give themselves a fair chance of success and prepare properly for each game," Bascome said.

"It's no coincidence they are undefeated at the top of the First Division and have only conceded one goal. They have put in the hard work and are reaping the rewards.

"The Blazers players talk about having other things going on in their lives, but I don't buy that. The Hood's players have jobs and families but I still see them at every training session."