BAA Wanderers' new Football Director Kenny Thompson has been charged with a remit to overhaul the First Division team's entire coaching programme after quitting as Somerset Eagles' coach.

Thompson, who was unveiled at a press conference at BAA Clubhouse yesterday, will have to relinquish his teaching position at CedarBridge Academy by taking the full-time post.

The intriguing move ends Thompson's four-year stint as coach of his childhood club Eagles who he guided to the Premier Division and FA Cup final in consecutive seasons.

His former side will be hoping his departure does not trigger a mini-exodus of their players, many of whom have formed a strong bond with Thompson.

In a pre-prepared statement Thompson said part of his all-compassing role would be to establish an academy at BAA who finished second from bottom of the First Division last term.

"Our vision is to develop a comprehensive multidisciplinary football academy for long-term player development through professionally structured and appropriately intense football training," said Thompson, who refused to take media questions.

"I look forward to working with the club's leadership, players, coaches and parents of the programme as we endeavour to make each participant's football experience and social upbringing rewarding."

The former Bermuda national team coach expressed his sadness at leaving White Hill Field and wished Eagles success for next season.

He said: "My mixed emotion extends as well to my departure from the Somerset Eagles family with special thanks to the players and support volunteers who have committed and acquitted themselves superbly throughout my four year tenure and whom I have no doubt will continue to excel."

BAA president John Doran described Thompson's appointment as a "historic day" for the wealthy Woodlands Road club, which underwent a million dollar facelift last year, complete with state-of-the-art synthetic pitch and floodlights.

Doran said: "(Kenny's) football resume speaks for itself. We as a club are so excited about our future."

The well-respected coach has enjoyed plenty of success everywhere he has been, winning the FA Cup and Dudley Eve at North Village as well as helping the Pembroke club to a clean sweep of league and cup honours at the Under-13 through to 19 youth levels.

A Howard University graduate, who holds both United States Soccer Federation 'A' and 'B' Licence coaching certification, Thompson also coached one of Washington Soccer Club Rangers' youth teams from the Fifth to the First Division of the National Capital Soccer League during the mid-1990s.

n Bermuda Hogges have travelled to the United States for their three-game away trip with St David's' goalkeeper Corey Richardson, and not Devonshire Cougars' midfielder Kori Goddard as was reported in yesterday's Gazette.