John Barry Nusum has dealt Bermuda Hogges a crushing blow by signing for their United Soccer League rivals Crystal Palace Baltimore as a full-time professional.

Ominously the Bermuda team could now face a player exodus with Palace running the rule over some Hogges' out-of-contract players on the recommendation of ex-national team assistant Keith Tabaznik – now Palace's technical director.

Nusum, 27, was Hogges' big name signing at the start of last season, with the burly striker joining on loan from Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) side Philadelphia Kixx.

He told The Royal Gazette yesterday that Eagles USA's feeder club status for English Championship team Crystal Palace was a key factor behind his decision to walk away from his country's semi-pro franchise.

"There were a number of factors behind me joining Palace," said the Bermuda international striker, who is currently nursing a thigh injury. "It's close to where I'm based in Philadelphia so it kind of makes sense for me.

"The fact they're an official development club for English team Crystal Palace also played a part as well – that link really intrigues me.

"I think they contacted Paul Scope (Hogges' co-owner) as he told me to expect a call from them. I think the Hogges are cool with me joining Palace. I guess it will be kind of bittersweet for me when we play against them."

Tabaznik, who worked closely with Bermuda players during his stint as former national coach Keith Tucker's right-hand man, said he hoped Nusum's signature would open the door for more of Hogges' top players to join Palace.

He refused to be drawn on which players Palace had a "significant interest in", although he is a known admirer of Damon Ming, Kevin Richards and Sammy DeGraff.

"To be honest I didn't need to tell the club about John Barry Nusum," said Tabaznik.

"He's already pretty well known in the US.

"I think we're a very attractive club to join and look after our players very well in all aspects. All of our players are full-time professional during the season and some remain that way during the off-season.

"I've spoken to our coaches about other Bermuda players who I worked with during my time as the national team assistant. It's fair to say we have a significant interest in other Hogges players.

"John's signature could open the door for other Bermuda players to join us – these things often work that way."

Club president Shaun Goater said Hogges had given Nusum their full blessing to join Eagles USA – and admitted they would inevitably have to look overseas for players in the future.

"I think it's a very good move for John. Palace are a club with big plans to be a successful US team and have a sounder foundation than we do. They have the backing of English club Crystal Palace and that's crucial," said Goater.

"We know the franchise very well and I know they have expressed an interest in Damon Ming in the past. If I were a Hogges player I would be inspired to try and follow in John's footsteps.

"That's what the Hogges are about – giving players exposure. Inevitably we will eventually have to bring in overseas players, but that's not where we are at in our development at the moment."

Hogges take on Crystal Palace Baltimore in their opening game of the season on Friday, April 24 in the US.