Albert Smith is now on the verge of signing a one -year coaching deal with Premier Division newcomers Southampton Rangers, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

Smith is expected to officially sign on the dotted line "in the very near future" - just weeks after passing up a possible return to Devonshire Cougars.

The ex-Boulevard midfielder has spent the past two seasons in the East End coaching at X Roads Warriors but is now seeking a return to top flight football after a four-year hiatus.

In 2001-02 Smith coached Cougars to their first major domestic title (Martonmere Cup) before being forced to resign following knee surgery.

He has already overseen four training sessions at Southampton Oval and last Thursday evening watched from the sidelines as the 'sky blues' destroyed BAA 8-0 on their own turf in a practise scrimmage.

Should Smith agree to the terms of a one-year deal at Rangers he will become the second ex-Boulevard player to coach at the club behind former Blazers team-mate Brian (Bulla) Anderson who resigned midway through the previous campaign under controversial circumstances.

Rangers clinched the second promotion spot last season after finishing as bridesmaids to champions Hamilton Parish who are now being coached by ex-Augusta Arsenal coach Mark (Burger) Jennings.

Other local coaches opting for greener pastures elsewhere this season are new Cougars coach Devarr Boyles, Meshach Wade who has left Hot Peppers to join Dandy Town Hornets and Andrew Bascome who returned to Boulevard after severing ties with St.David's Warriors.

During his first coaching stint at Blazers, Bascome coached the urban club to maiden Premier Division and FA Cup honours in 1990-91.