captaincy to Phillip Bailey, and now the former St. George's Colts skipper will begin contemplating life away from the soccer pitch after a mysterious illness ruined his career.

The 27-year-old defender has been forced to quit because of a rare form of inflammation of the chest, heart and lung area called Polycondrits which has severly affected his breathing.

"I'm very disappointed having to sit down and watch the guys play,'' said Basden yesterday, having watched the team play to an uninspiring 0-0 draw with Southampton Rangers in the season-opener.

Last season Basden and Bailey were at the heart of the third best defence in the First Division (only North Village and Devonshire Colts gave up fewer goals in the league) and this season Basden was looking forward to the return of Neil Paynter from Dandy Town.

"I handed over the captain's band to Bailey before the game and I wish the guys well.'' Basden's career has been hampered by knee and ankle injuries in the past, but this latest setback has proven the most serious.

Not only must the stocky central defender avoid strenuous activity, but even a blow to the chest could cause the infected area to swell up again. Bermuda's weather, too, is another problem.

"With medication hopefully the swelling will go down,'' said an optimistic Basden. He has already been to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston for a week of tests and will return there on October 21 for an anticipated longer stay as more tests are carried out.

"The doctor's first words to me was I can't allow it to flare up again, it could get worse,'' Basden explained. "It could take up to a year to sort itself out. I had it really severly. I've got to avoid chest colds and getting struck there.'' According to Basden there is neither no known cause nor cure for the illness, just control of it.

The heat during the past summer made if difficult for Basden to breath and he must also avoid being outdoors at night during damp nights. "If I stay out late the weather could affect me,'' he disclosed.

"I've been having trouble walking and holding conversations with someone. In Boston the weather was better because of the cool air. I was rushed to hospital three times before I went away.'' FINAL GOAL -- Earl Basden did not realise it then, but this penalty which he converted against St. David's on March 21 was to be his last goal in the First Division.