Somerset Eagles' president Marc Bean admits Kenny Thompson will be a hard act to follow but said the club had identified the outgoing coach's replacement, writes Stephen Wright.

Bean, who revealed he will also be stepping down from his position, refused to be drawn into who would succeed the new BAA Football Director although Eagles' assistant coach Maurice Lowe is a strong contender to fill Thompson's shoes.

Lowe, who joined the national academy coaching staff earlier this year, has recently passed the UEFA B level three badge and is preparing to take his UEFA A licence.

"We have identified one person in particular to replace Kenny. There are good people at the club," said Bean, "However as I will be transitioning out of the club, with a new executive taking over, I think it would be premature for me to make any announcement without speaking to those individuals first."

Bean praised Thompson for his "massive contribution" to Eagles' success during his tenure and had no doubts he would flourish in his new role at BAA Wanderers.

"Kenny's a son of the soil when it comes to the White Hill community and we are very grateful for his massive contribution," he said. "When he came to the club around four years ago we had a plan to rejuvenate the programme and we've met almost all of the objectives."

Thompson's departure may tempt some Eagles players to consider joining him at BAA and Bean accepts movement between clubs is part and parcel of modern day football in Bermuda.

"If a player wants to go to BAA, or anywhere else, then they are free to do so," he said.

"We don't have any restrictions on players but I'm sure the new executive will ensure Eagles remain a healthy club for those who choose to stay."

For Bean, the only disappointment of his presidency was not being able to deliver a new sports facility at White Hill Field.

Plans to upgrade the venue have been in the pipeline since October 2008 but have so far failed to materialise. "I will not disappear and I will always give my full support to the club's development because I feel I haven't been able to accomplish my goal to get a new facility up at White Hill Field," Bean said.

"I've been president for about six years and have been a loyal member since I was 16."