Robert Calderon has called off his election bid for president of Bermuda Football Association (BFA) in the wake of Neville Tyrrell's dramatic resignation, and is likely to run for the vice-presidency instead.

The former Bermuda national coach, who was revealed by The Royal Gazette last week to have a definite interest in local soccer's hot seat, said that his decision to abort any such campaign was directly related to lawyer Larry Mussenden having thrown his hat in the ring.

"The fact that he's running and appears a good, viable candidate, why run against him," said Calderon, who realised he would have always been playing catch-up, with Mussenden already having begun canvassing BFA affiliates and secured some support.

"I had an interest in running, but I wanted my candidacy to be consolidated by a number of factors, one being able to determine the interest of the affiliates, which was going to be a difficult task given the limited amount of time to talk to them all in terms of me being a candidate.

"Another thought for me in possibly running was that there did not appear anyone putting their name forward who had a real desire to do this, so I thought it to be an opportunity to throw my hat into the ring.

"Three, the fact that Larry is in fact running, and is considered to be a reasonable, if not good, candidate for such a position, to get into an ongoing debate as to who would be best for the position is redundant.

"I can support Larry Mussenden based on my limited exposure to him, therefore why should I run against him."

Calderon was respectful of Mussenden's professional qualifications, as a barrister, former computer analyst and high ranking officer in the Bermuda Regiment, but added it would more likely be his ability to 'captain' the BFA team, in terms of moulding the affiliates and governing body into a cohesive unit.

"I think he has to be more than just a professional in terms of qualifications," said Calderon. "I think that what he has, hopefully, is the ability to get a number of good people to work for him, that to me is the most critical thing, because one person is not going to do this.

"Obviously he has to have a vision that makes sense to the betterment of football. I don't know what that is, but he appears to be a level headed individual of clear thinking, and he's been involved for some time in the Association.

"He has the ear of a number of people among the Association, which certainly gives him a leg up, and insight into some of the issues that plague the current executive. But I do think that he has the personality to get people to want to work with him, and anyone who takes that job has to have the ability to lead a group of people and also motivate them to do some things that desperately need to be done."

And might Calderon be willing to be a part of that team?

Yes, he says, even if this means taking on a lesser position than originally intended, with Calderon now pondering whether he should actively seek support for the role of second vice-president, a position held vacant for the past year after Mark Trott resigned less than a day into his inaugural term.

Calderon said he would have no problem working under the leadership of Mussenden if that's how football could be best served, and if the would-be president is receptive to someone who will not merely rubber stamp whatever recommendations are made.

"The question was raised by one of the affiliates as to my interest in running for vice-president," said Calderon. "The question is though, do the affiliates have any interest in me running for such a position. And that's a difficult question to ask, because I have not canvassed more than three or four people.

"Am I opposed to running for second vice-president? Not on the surface, and there is no good reason not to (run), but I hadn't really thought about it until asked the question today.

"To say 'No', would indicate that I really had selfish reasons why I wanted to take over the lead position. Basically all I thought about in terms of offering my services, was the presidency. I'm not opposed to the second vice-president position, as long as I'm in a capacity where I can make some difference in the way football is being run."

The clubs are slated to vote on who will take Tyrrell's old job next Tuesday evening.