GOOD football players don't often mature into good coaches, although there have been plenty of exceptions to the rule.

In the English Premier League, for instance, former Manchester United stars Mark Hughes (Manchester City) and Steve Bruce (Sunderland) as well as Gianfanco Zola (West Ham) and ex-Hammer Harry Redknapp (Tottenham) are among those who have made a smooth transition.

And here in Bermuda we have two perfect examples in Kyle Lightbourne and Shaun Goater, certainly the most successful professionals the Island has produced in the last two decades.

Given their experience in the game, it was more than coincidence that it was they who led PHC and North Village into the Dudley Eve final at the National Sports Centre this week.

And you can be sure they will be the architects of more club success in the years to come.

Although Zebras coach Lightbourne was on the wrong side of Wednesday's result (only by virtue of a rather bizarre penalty shoot-out in which the first five players all missed their spot-kicks, including the Goat), it tends to be forgotten that the former Walsall, Stoke and Coventry player has already bagged five different trophies since he took up his post at PHC just a little over three years ago and has reached every cup final.

He already has a League Championship, FA Cup, Martonmere Cup, Friendship Trophy and Charity Cup under his belt.

Yet for some reason, others in the same business have attracted more attention.

As for Goater, this week's triumph was his first major success since taking over the reins at Village less than a year ago – and a continuing sign that he's about to turn around the club's success.

While the pair might not have the coaching experience of someone such as Andrew Bascome, generally accepted the Island's best tactician, they do possess the knowledge of what it takes to play at the highest level. And, perhaps, more importantly they bring to the game a professional mentality which is lacking at some other clubs.

One can assume they've made it perfectly clear to their players that talent alone won't reap success.

As they found out in the pro game, a work ethic and a commitment to training are essential in the overall plan.

On the basis of results, it would seem the PHC and Village players are benefiting from the advice offered.

Hopefully, they'll also be recognising the passion which has been evident throughout Shaun and Kyle's career.

Both could have quite easily retired from the game, rested on their laurels and invested their wealth in other ventures.

Yet besides being instrumental in the formation of the Bermuda Hogges, a team they continue to run, they've had the desire and found the time to get involved at local club level.

And it would be difficult to dispute that they've made a valuable contribution from which the game here has undoubtedly benefited.

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WHILE the miserable weather might have dampened some fans' enthusiasm on Wednesday as evidenced by the size of the National Sports Centre crowd, attendance might also have been a reflection of how the game has lost some of its family appeal.

Despite providing the best pitch on the Island and the best facilities in terms of spectator shelter, the final probably saw no more than a thousand people – mostly supporters of either PHC or Village, but few neutrals.

A number of factors could be attributed to the drop-off in attendance.

A daily diet of football from around the world beamed into living rooms across the Island means that fans can watch a far superior standard of the game without getting up from the couch.

And certainly there's little incentive to leave home to travel to a local ground if there's a concern over safety.

Incidents of gang violence at games have clearly taken their toll on the sport's popularity. While accepted it's a social problem and not a football game, the game has become an unfortunate victim.

No trouble was witnessed nor expected at the NSC this week, where all showpiece games should be played, but it might appear the damage has already been done.

And until Government and Police get to grips with mushrooming warfare between local youths, the game will continue to suffer.

– ADRIAN ROBSON