Shaun Goater and Kyle Lightbourne have hung up their boots and will not figure for Bermuda Hogges in the USL-D2 this coming season.

Bermuda's former lethal strikeforce combined playing and coaching last term but will now both focus solely on training players and tactics.

Goater has been overseeing North Village Under 18s this campaign, while Lightbourne has guided PHC to the top of the Premier Division as well as lifting the Martonmere Cup.

"Physically we would be the weakest links in the team and that's not right, especially when we're asking the players to be fully committed," said 37-year-old Goater.

"On the ball we wouldn't have a problem but we would struggle physically. It's important the younger players have their opportunity to make a name for themselves now."

The former Manchester City ace said he would remain active in training and was excited about pitting his wits against the opposing USL-D2 coaches.

"Coaching with Village Under 18s has really got me excited and I can't wait to compete technically against the other US coaches," said the Hogges president.

"There's no sadness about calling it a day. For me the real sadness came when I packed in from playing in England because then the dream was over.

"The Hogges were created to provide a window of opportunity for Bermuda's young players. The whole idea is to allow young players to try and move to the next footballing level.

"Both Kyle and myself will now concentrate on making sure the players are well prepared."

Goater scored three goals last season including a brace against New Hampshire Phantoms to help Hogges to their debut win. Coach Lightbourne, 39, also made appearances and was deployed as an emergency centre-half against Wilmington Hammerheads in the final game of the season.

Goater scored 103 goals in 212 appearances for Manchester City, while Lightbourne plundered 65 goals in 165 matches for Walsall F.C.