to coach the Portuguese club during the upcoming soccer season.

Castle officially signed with Vasco on Wednesday night after failing to agree financial terms with PHC, where he had coached in 1992-93 before signing for Wolves last season.

It is understood that PHC balked at Castle's asking price to coach the team and reportedly decided to go with Leroy Lewis as head coach with assistance from Alfie Eve, who coached them last year, as well as receiving input from senior players Mike Dill and Sammy Swan.

However, Castle said that he had no hard feelings towards his old club and was ready to move on. Castle supplants John Rebello, who guided Vasco to the FA Cup after taking over coaching duties on an interim basis following the mid-season removal of Danny Seymour.

"I'm ready to pick up the pieces,'' said Castle. "It's definitely a new challenge and I'm looking forward to going to Vasco and offering my coaching knowledge as well as working with the players there.'' Rebello, who is also the club's treasurer, will likely step down to his former position, that of an assistant. He was admittedly relieved to have finally found someone to fill the position, which allows him to step out of the `hot seat'. "He's (Castle) the man at the helm, with all the pressure,'' Rebello said with a chuckle. "Myself, I feel I need a little more time to gain some more experience.

"It was a good run and a bit of me wanted to stay on, but then there's all the headaches and pressure...'' Vasco would seem to present quite a challenge for Castle, a former Bermuda international. Not only will he have to find a formula that allows a good blending of several players from divergent backgrounds, but he will also be given the responsibility of "nurturing'' a youth programme at the club.

"I think we have a good enough team to challenge for all the major trophies, and of course we want to defend the FA,'' said Rebello. "We have to go in thinking we can win, if you don't then that's half the battle lost.'' Vasco already appear to be bolstering their ranks with the reported signings of several prominent players from rival clubs.

Heading the list is Bermuda national team central defender Kentoine Jennings, who has asked for his release from North Village. Village, however, have refused to sign the release form. Others include Corey Hill, late of Hamilton Parish, Boulevard's Clinton Caisey, Somerset's duo of Dwight Basden and Frankie Simmons, PHC's Dana Rawlins and Mark Ray of Devonshire Colts.

Bermuda national team goalkeeper Dwayne (Streaker) Adams this week shocked North Village officials with a request for release from the club's soccer programme.

Adams is said to be interested in testing the Bermuda Football Association's newly created `free-agent market', where players can sever ties with their current club yet not have to immediately sign on at another.

Recently promoted BAA are said to be actively seeking the services of young Adams as they strive to strengthen their outfit in preparation for a gruelling season in the top flight.

If Adams does decide on a move he would be the third major player to leave the North Shore club in the last two weeks with head coach Andrew Bascome having defected to St. David's and central defender Kentoine Jennings signing on at Vasco.