Following something of a `gag order' former technical director Clyde Best and national coach Robert Calderon refused to respond to Tuesday's media statement by the Bermuda Football Association.

The Royal Gazette has learned that an agreement between the coaches and association had been reached prior to the press release, one which stipulated that neither side would speak out negatively against the other. And it would appear both upheld the bargain, with BFA president Neville Tyrrell lauding Best and Calderon for their efforts during the ill-fated World Cup run, while the coaches commented little.

Best, when contacted, was terse in his response to questions regarding the release that absolved all sides of any real blame, while admitting there to have been certain shortcomings on the administrative side.

It credited Best and Calderon with doing an admirable job under trying circumstances and with a lack of tools. The inability to draw the Island's best players to the national programme was seen as key in the pair not being able to move Bermuda to the round 12-member round robin phase that they were hoping to attain. "I'm finished and that's it...my chapter in the BFA is over and I'm out of there. So, I've got nothing to say,'' said Best, who spent three years in the $100,000 per year post.

"They had to say what they had to say and, as far as I'm concerned, that's it. My contract is finished and I'm over.'' Best also shot down assertions that he could act in a consultant role, adding that it was time to move on.

"I'm just going to be like any other person...go out and get employed, that's all.'' Calderon, for his part, likewise was reluctant to lash out, but conversely left the door slightly ajar for a possible return to the coaching arena, although on a limited basis.

The one-time North Village and Bermuda midfielder noted that he would be at least a year before he would even consider re-entry.

"When I resigned, I resigned,'' said Calderon. "Right now I don't have the energy to put into it, the interest is still there, but the World Cup was a draining experience. It was frustrating at times. As for the BFA, they made their statement and it's up to the public to decide whether to accept it or not.''