And the man widely rated as Bermuda's best current captain may not be seen regularly on the field this season.

A knee injury, which hampered Smith's season last year and forced him to miss his first Cup Match since his debut in 1976, has been cited as one of the reasons, along with switching his priority to his career as a school teacher.

"I'll wait and see how the knee is, but right now I'm a bit tuned out,'' said Smith last night when contacted at home.

He confirmed that his resignation had been tendered, in writing, on Thursday night, leaving the club two weeks before their AGM on March 25 to consider a potential successor.

Last night club president Clevie Foggo confirmed he knew of Smith's decision to give up the post he has held since 1985 when he took over from Clevie Wade.

He admitted Smith will be difficult to replace.

"It's a shock,'' said the president last night. "He's certainly been a stalwart in the last decade. His services have been invaluable.

"He's the one who has put St. George's on the map as far as the league is concerned. If we ever need any help I'm sure we can go to him for his valuable assistance. I'm sure if we call on him at any particular time he'll volunteer his services to us.'' Smith revealed he had been considering stepping down from the captaincy when in Jamaica after the knee injury resurfaced. "I knew then that was one of the reasons I wanted to step down,'' said the 34-year-old Smith.

One of the first things he did upon returning from that tour was to withdraw from the ICC squad, stating also in the letter that he had officially retired from international cricket.

The latest resignation will jolt the St. George's faithful as he is a highly-regarded captain. "Also the timing is right,'' Smith said. "Realising my national career is finished, I might as well give someone else at St.

George's the chance to develop their leadership qualities and hopefully keep the team in a dominant position. My career aspirations are taking precedence over my sporting career.'' Smith played only eight league and cup games last season because of the knee but the team, under Graham Fox, still managed to win all 15 of their league matches and also pick up the knockout cup for good measure.

"It (knee) is giving me a lot of problems and I don't anticipate playing much, if at all,'' Smith added.

"My interests are elsewhere. If my knee comes back I may look to have one last good season.'' WENDELL SMITH -- Overcome by knee problems.