Kyle Lightbourne could be the next national soccer coach.

The former pro, who came out of international retirement for the recent World Cup campaign, is understood to be on a shortlist of three to take over from Kenny Thompson - but only in a part-time role.

Lightbourne, who played for nine clubs in 11 years in the UK professional leagues, has made no secret of his desire to move into management now his playing days are over.

The 35-year-old has completed his UEFA coaching licence and has been tipped to accept the role as a part-time replacement for Thompson, whose contract expired at the completion of the Island's World Cup campaign against El Salvador in June.

Lightbourne is a seasoned campaigner who cut his teeth in the pro ranks at Scarborough and Walsall before signing for Coventry for ?500,000.

After a brief loan spell at Fulham, he then moved on to Stoke in another ?500,000 move before playing out his career at Macclesfield - he also had loan spells with Swindon, Hull and Cardiff. He scored more than 130 goals in his nearly 500 games in England.

Lightbourne, who was recalled for the El Salvador qualifiers by Thompson, is expected to bring experience and a wealth of knowledge and contacts to the top job in Bermuda soccer and should prove a popular choice among the young players - five of whom have been recently attempting to emulate his success during loan spells in England.

Using his UK network, he has helped secure a trial for Khano Smith at Rochdale and was instrumental in setting up try-outs for John Barry Nusum and Stephen Astwood at Grimsby.

In helping to facilitate such trials, he could be more than helping himself in the long term by assisting young Islanders with opportunities to gain valuable experience.

This can only benefit both their games as individuals and Bermuda's chances in the international arena in the future.

His first task could be to take his new side down to Cayman for a four-team qualifying tournament as part of the Caribbean Cup campaign.

Ever since BFA president Larry Mussenden first revealed Thompson's contract was over after the El Salvador draw at the National Stadium, speculation has been rife as to who would be the replacement.

Thompson stirred up the national squad from its dormant state to lead a campaign which galvanised Bermudian soccer fans who flocked in great numbers to witness Bermuda's brave warriors take on the might of Central America.

A slew of critical but anonymous letters to The Royal Gazette aside, Thompson has been roundly praised for his work with the national side during his eight months at the helm and many feel he has been badly treated in not being offered the opportunity to stay on in the job, to which he was appointed on a temporary basis after Gary Darrell's surprise departure.

Thompson, who recently led the Under 20 side to their World Cup qualifiers in Jamaica, will remain in his full-time post as national youth director.