Shaun Goater has thrown his hat into the ring for Bermuda Football Association’s (BFA) vacant national coaching job.The former Manchester City striker has been officially approached by local football’s governing body and is expected to be interviewed for a role he has long expressed interest in serving since hanging up his boots.“The BFA have reached out and are looking to arrange an interview (for national coach job) which I will apply to and put my best foot forward,” Goater told The Royal Gazette. “I have a very huge interest to pursue this opportunity.”The national coach position became available after Devarr Boyles had fulfilled the role on an interim basis following Bermuda’s exit from 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers last November. Since then the BFA have been sifting through potential candidates for the vacant post.Others who have shown interest in the job are former Coventry City striker Kyle Lightbourne and ex-Nigerian International Sam Okpodu.Goater, meanwhile, reckons his experience as a player in the English game will be an asset to the senior national program if given the opportunity to coach at that level.“I have professional experience and the ability to motivate and pass on a lot of this experience to players to help them perform better,” he said.Since taking over the reigns of childhood club North Village Rams three-years ago Goater has firmly established himself as the most successful domestic coach with an impressive six trophies under his belt.He will also go down in history as the coach that was at the helm when Rams clinched their 50th piece of silverware (Charity Cup) earlier this season.Goater owes his coaching success to date to striking a balance between motivating his players to strive for high standards while also experiencing the joys of playing the game.“It’s important to challenge your players to produce high levels but not to the point where they become discouraged,” he said.“They have to be able to enjoy training and look forward to training and look to produce good results on the field.”Earlier this week former West Ham striker Clyde Best called for Goater to be appointed as Bermuda’s next national coach.“If I had my way I would give it to Shaun because he’s been there and knows more about the game than most coaches on the Island,” Best said. “I hope someone at the BFA has the courage to give him the job.”In response to Best’s comments Goater said: “I haven’t been in touch with Mr Best, but I thank him for his support.”It is hoped that a new national coach will be installed prior to February 29, which is a date set aside by FIFA for international friendlies.The BFA has sent out invitations to several regional rivals to play against the senior national team on the above date, among them Antigua and Barbuda who have confirmed that they have been approached by local football’s governing body.