Months after being shown the dreaded pink slip, ex-Bermuda Hogges Dennis Zuill is still looking for answers for his sudden, unexplained jettisoning.

It wasn't too long ago when the future appeared bright for the 30-year footballer who was twice named on the USL Division Two All-Star XI last season.

Zuill logged more playing minutes than any other Hogges player last season and earned the praise of team co-owner Paul Scope.

Yet he would still come face-to-face with some of the harsh realities associated with life as a semi-pro footballer with the Hogges' hierarchy eventually opting to part company with the versatile defender.

Admittedly, Zuill accepts his fate with a grain of salt but in the same breath makes it no secret he would jump at the opportunity to rejoin his former Hogges team-mates who he still backs to the core.

"To be quite honest I never wanted to be released but I have still been cheering the team on and would love to be in the fold right now.

"But it's not a decision I can make; it's up to Paul (Scope), Kyle (Lightbourne) and Shaun (Goater) because they are the ones who released me," Zuill said. "I was very surprised when I got the pink slip because Paul had acknowledged my wholehearted performances and exemplary behaviour and the fact I played the most minutes.

"To get the pink slip for unknown reasons still bothers me today. I was a part of all of the shellacking and learning last year and that was part of the reason why I was really looking forward to being there this year because I understand the league. And it does hurt walking the streets everyday where people ask why I'm not playing anymore. That's when it really hits home."

Zuill's chances of earning a recall were enhanced last week when defender Robert Wilson quit the team for personal reasons. However, the Dandy Town player's wait for a phone call from the Hogges hierarchy continues.

Still, Zuill is determined to keep hope alive.

"They have my number and if they have any interests they will call me," he said.

"That would be nice especially because they never gave me a valid reason why they released me.

"I was keen and raring to play this season after getting some experience last year so if the call comes surely I will put my foot forward and do anything I can to help those guys."

Although he no longer suits up in the red, white and green of the Hogges, Zuill still plays his part by giving his team-mates his support from the stands.

"I was there for both matches (this season), especially the first game (against Wilmington Hammerheads) when I witnessed one of the best goals ever scored in Bermuda by Kwame Steede," he recalled. "I'm always a fan of the game first and also a fan of the Hogges.

"I spent a lot of time with those guys last summer and we really became a family. I'm really happy for them and at the end of the day I really love football."

Bermuda Hogges take on Crystal Palace Baltimore at the NSC at 7 p.m. tomorrow.