Former Bermuda Football Association (BFA) youth director and national coach Kenny Thompson is currently in negotiations to take over as head coach and technical director of First Division club Somerset Eagles.

"I can't say that Kenny is onboard at this particular moment in time. I can't say anything definitive as of yet . . . but we are all aware of what Kenny brings to the table and it is our hope he will come onboard and help our football programme to evolve," said Somerset Bridge Recreation Club president Marc Bean.

Thompson, who grew up in the White Hill area and began his playing career at Eagles before moving west to Somerset Trojans, coached the club during two brief stints in the early 1990s.

He also enjoyed a successful playing and coaching career at North Village who he led in scoring during the 1989-90 season and coached to Dudley Eve Trophy and FA Cup glory in 1999/00.

Besides luring Thompson back to the club, Bridge are also believed to be interested in basing his Youth Academy junior football programme at White Hill.

Thompson created a stir when he established the Academy late last year, a thriving programme that came close to sweeping all junior honours in their inaugural season.

"In addition to the possibility of Kenny coming back home we are also happy to have the Academy based at the club because this will bring a positive segment and high quality youth footballers to the club," added Bean.

"This just reinforces the need for us to make the environment conducive to them and we are very happy although at this point in time we can't say that Kenny is onboard. But it is our hope and would be a reflection of some of the our good intentions we have for the future of the club."

The son of late Somerset Eagles goalie and Somerset Cup Match cricketer Kenneth (Mickey) Thompson, Thompson currently holds a UEFA 'A' coaching licence, a United States Soccer Federation 'A' licence and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. He has attended various football conventions, symposiums and coaching courses around the globe.

The former Eagles, Trojans, Dandy Town and Village midfielder was appointed BFA youth director in 2002 and succeeded Gary Darrell as national coach in late 2003.

Thompson resigned from the BFA just months prior to the end of a three-year contract and was subsequently replaced by Kyle Lightbourne as national coach.

Contacted yesterday, Thompson said he would not be prepared to comment publicly on the matter until negotiations between himself and the club were finalised.

Thompson made his Premier Division debut for Trojans as a 17-year-old Whitney Institute student and went on to savour Martonmere Cup, Dudley Eve Trophy, league championship and Friendship Trophy honours at the West End club.

He is also a past Bermuda Under-17 national coach and coach of Washington Soccer Club Rangers in Washington DC and has represented Bermuda at both senior and junior international levels.

"Obviously this is something that we are pushing for as it would be great to have a former coach who coached the team in the Premier Division return," Bean said.