While stopping short of saying that he would not make a bid of his own for the presidency of the Bermuda Football Association, former president Neville Tyrrell last night endorsed the candidacy of Larry Mussenden . . . sort of.

Tyrrell's one-sentence comment regarding the issue of the top post, set to be voted on next Tuesday night, came off as somewhat ambiguous, leaving the door open for a last minute stand.

"In the absence of any other candidate for the presidency of the Bermuda Football Association Neville Tyrrell fully supports Larry Mussenden," said Tyrrell, whose resignation, it has been speculated, was in order to avoid a vote of no confidence, as well as to solidify base support.

Tyrrell has never gone on record with his reasons for stepping down, but one major club, Somerset, publicly stated their opposition to any re-election bid by the former head man.

Meanwhile, Mussenden has gone about garnering major support among the 22 member affiliates, positioning himself as the frontrunner in a race that is increasingly evolving as a one-horse battle. Former Bermuda national coach Robert Calderon, after considering a bid of his own, dropped any notions of mounting a campaign once Mussenden's was revealed, electing instead to throw his support behind the local barrister.

Current first vice-president Aldwyn Savery is another who said he was considering a run, as long as Tyrrell did not put himself up, but his current status is unknown, and likely doubtful at best.

Savery refused comment when contacted yesterday, noting only that his sole interest was in the betterment of the sport, no matter who might be at the helm.

Nevertheless, with time very much short ahead of the election, any potential candidates might do well to reveal themselves and indeed a plan if they are to mount a serious challenge.

Meanwhile, the issue of who would seek the second vice-presidential position remains very much a mystery, although Calderon at last check was pondering a move in that direction.

And if he does, he has a key ally, with honorary vice-president Elroy Ratteray endorsing the former Bermuda international and North Village star midfielder.

Ratteray, who lost a re-election bid to Mark Trott last year, confirmed that he would not be standing this time around, noting that he was comfortable with making contributions from his honorary position after 30 years of active duty in various roles and on numerous committee.

"I think that Robert may have had some issues with some of those in the executive in the past that prevented him from coming on board," said Ratteray, "but I believe he would make a good executive member.

Ratteray likewise offered his supported to Mussenden, adding that he was willing to aid him in whatever capacity deemed fit, if elected.