With his rank as president of Bermuda Football Association (BFA) now under siege, former Bermuda Regiment Major Larry Mussenden yesterday took aim at the rebel group threatening to end his term in office at tonight's Annual General Meeting (AGM).

After thanking his loyal supporters who have stuck by him over the past three years, Mussenden then executed an about turn and took a mighty swipe at his critics - in particular the two BFA Honorary Vice Presidents reported to be among the opposing group expected to back former national team coach Mark Trott during the meeting.

He also warned affiliates to be wary of “high priests of promises” on the eve of the AGM.

“These honorary vice presidents have taken action to undermine a sitting president of the BFA and I am of the view that their behaviour and conduct is unbecoming,” he said.

Mussenden was referring to BFA Honorary Vice Presidents Carlton (Pepe) Dill and Leroy (Nibs) Lewis reported to be, according to reliable sources, among the group.

He added: “They (group) have never approached me to inform me what their intentions or views were. They did ask the general secretary (David Sabir) if I would agree to meet with them so that they could tell me why I should resign. But I decided against it because I didn't need to hear from them.

“Their activities have been guided towards getting clubs together not to support me and what's important is that the impetus for this, as far as I am aware, has come from two Honorary Vice Presidents and others and not from affiliate members. But I am encouraged by the other Honorary Vice Presidents who continue to perform their tasks with professionalism and zeal with a commitment to the development of football at the forefront.”

Mussenden also took issue with former BFA executive Robert Calderon and former national coach Gary Darrell, also reported to be among the rebel group.

“They deserted local football at a time when Bermuda football needed them most in an act of betrayal. How can these people say today that they have a contribution to make having not had the commitment and dedication when football needed them most,” he said.

“And it was Robert (Calderon) who appointed Gary (Darrell) as national coach at an annual salary of $20,000. But within less than one year it appears they have affiliated themselves in an act of betrayal of Bermuda football.”

The BFA chief, who ran unopposed in 2001 to take over the top post from former BFA president Neville Tyrell, charged the rebel group's main objective is to “destabilise the proper administration of local football”.

“Those critics are people on the outside who always seem to surface at the time of elections but who, in real terms, have no time to commit to the development of football themselves. And I think the affiliates need to be wary of the high priests of promises as well as be wary of the naked people who offer you their clothes.”

On the eve of the AGM, Mussenden urged for affiliates' continued support.

“I have always been an optimist and I know our affiliates and players will not entertain those views and will feel confident returning our executive and me back to office on Thursday night. They recognise that together we have addressed the issues facing football and as a result of our combined effort we have gone from strength to strength,” he said.

“Our affiliates will know that for someone who doesn't have time (for the business of football) that I have sat in on coaching courses, referee courses, attended club training sessions, national team training sessions, youth training sessions and club games on Saturdays and Sundays. I have made it my business to be present in every aspect of football whilst I have been president.”

The development of Gym Field into a national team training facility, the continued developing of long-term planning, Bermuda's continued participation - at all levels - in international football, obtaining additional sponsorship for local cup competitions, the continuation of coaching courses at all levels and the recruitment of referees are currently among an extensive list of objectives the BFA hope to achieve in the future, Mussenden revealed.

“We are looking to return the Premier Division back to ten teams, settle the policy with the National Sports Centre and all of this is ongoing work that the affiliates are aware of and I'm confident that together we will bring it to fruition,” he added.

“And we at the BFA know what work still needs to be done and how we intend to go about the business of football in Bermuda going forward together into the future.”