Boulevard have appointed Donnie Hill as coach in what appears to be a desperation move.

President Albert Richardson yesterday confirmed that Hill, who formerly held the post in the 1980s, had accepted the offer but was unwilling to comment on rumours that the selection had sparked controversy.

"Donnie Hill has been named coach of Boulevard for the coming season, that's all I can say at the moment,'' said Richardson.

Boulevard apparently decided they needed a replacement for Albert Smith so that he could concentrate on recovering from a broken leg which has ruined his playing career.

Last season marked the second straight year that Smith had fractured his leg and the club felt it would be putting too much pressure on him to coach in the First Division this season.

With Boulevard, as FA Cup champions, involved in the Charity Cup season-opener in three weeks' time the club were forced to make hasty moves to find a replacement so that the team could go ahead with pre-season drills and properly plan their strategy for the task ahead over the next seven months.

However, the controversy is said to have arisen when Cyril (Dago) Steede, who like Hill is a former player and coach, recently turned down the post when it was offered to him.

Word is that Steede had previously offered himself as a candidate when he learned that Smith would be replaced, but at the time the club had lined up somebody else.

It is reported that when the first choice failed to give a commitment the club approached Steede but he declined -- apparently offended at being considered only the club's second choice.

Boulevard's pre-season problems haven't been limited to finding a coach as they are reported to be holding discussions with Somerset Bridge Recreation Club about playing their home games at White Hill Field, moving away from Lord's where they have played for a number of years.

St. David's are now in the First Division and have the option of playing their homes games at Lord's at 3.00 p.m. in the case of a double header involving both teams.

That situation may have been enough to persuade Boulevard to switch to White Hill where they would be the only First Division team since Somerset Eagles are back in the Second Division and will be playing at 1.00 p.m.

One First Division club still without a coach are St. George's who have yet to appoint a replacement for Herbie Bascome who has quit the post after one season.

Bascome led the team to their first major trophy last season when they won the Friendship Trophy.

Those linked with the position include player Neil Paynter, who coached the team in 1994-95, and former player and coach David Brangman.

The club are expected to finalise the appointment by the end of the week.