Bermuda?s David Bascome, the man behind next year?s launch of the Island Soccer League (ISL), was yesterday appointed assistant manager of Major Indoor Soccer League?s (MISL) Baltimore Blast.

The former North Village midfielder, a 15-year veteran of professional indoor football, has replaced Tarik Walker who acted as the team?s assistant coach last season.

?I am happy to be appointed to this position after having played the game for many years,? Bascome said.

?It will be a pleasure to share my experiences and knowledge of the game.?

Bascome said his appointment came as a ?complete surprise?.

?I was surprised because I always said my main focus was to play,? he added. ?It?s great and certainly a big surprise because I wasn?t even thinking about being an assistant coach. And it feels good and an honour to have been actually asked to come onboard.?

The Bermudian footballer joined the Blast prior to the 2003-04 championship season and will continue to play for the team while serving as head coach Danny Kelly?s assistant this season.

Bascome is a two-time MISL champion and five-time League All-Star who ranks 12th all-time in the MISL with 1,022 points.

The team will open their training camp on Monday and will host Bermuda national team striker John Barry Nusum?s Philadelphia KiXX in a preseason game on Saturday, October 21 at Du Burns Arena.

The Blast take on the expansion Ignition in Detroit on Saturday, November 4, in their official season opener.