hinges on the contents of a sealed letter that was yesterday still sitting in the offices of the Bermuda Football Association.

Officials at the west end club, when contacted, had no knowledge of the decision recently made by a Gerard Bean-led BFA committee in regard to objections lodged against several player release and transfer requests.

The club had contested a record 12 of the 24 applications made by players to gain unconditional releases, with the club claiming that each had come through their junior programme, thus invoking a $2,500 transfer fee.

"We haven't heard anything yet,'' said Somerset president Reginald Pearman.

"It's at the discretion of the BFA, they're the ones that have got to call the shots.

"We've lodged our appeals at the hearing, so we're waiting to hear from them.'' It is known, however, that some free transfers have been granted, although the names of the individuals were not immediately available, pending notification of the club.

But Somerset had previously threatened to carry appeals further if rejected, depending on the player(s) concerned, a point reiterated by Pearman yesterday.

"There is always a possibility that we would, if need be,'' he responded when asked if the possibility remained.

Relegation to the Second Division at the end of last season for the first time in the history of the once proud institution seemed to trigger the mass exodus of talent.

And among those still seeking moves to greener pastures are former captain and midfield cog Reggie Tucker, who applied for a release and transfer to Dandy Town, Rodney Bascome, a forward, to Boulevard, speedy striker Lamaul Crofton (Somerset Eagles), defender Trevor Dickinson (Vasco) and left-winger Jerry Webb (Southampton Rangers).

Club officials throughout the Island have long taken a firm stand with regard to challenging such movement by players, claiming that appeals against releases and transfers are legitimate when players have come up through their junior programme. Moreover, the rules as set out in the BFA constitution clearly state that clubs are due compensation.

However, Somerset have also to be concerned about what could be the real reason the players have requested moves. And, while none contacted were prepared to go on record publicly, it is understood that the bulk of the players were dissatisfied with the manner in which the club dealt with the coaching situation, which enhanced their interest to move on.

"The players feel that last year's coaching staff, coach Josef Gooden and Dennis Brown in particular, got a raw deal when they were overlooked and had no communication with the club in regard to coaching once the season had ended,'' said one source close to the scene.

There was also a claim that the club bent procedures in dealing with the appointment of Randy Horton by accepting his application for the post even though the advertised deadline date had passed.

"They were after Horton in the first place,'' said the source, who asked to remain anonymous. "Norbert Simons and Bernard Brangman, both former coaches, were the two who beat the deadline, yet Horton's application was accepted and he was later chosen.'' Horton, meanwhile is reported to have thrown down the gauntlet in hope of revitalising the programme at the club, figuring that there yet remains enough talent -- albeit unproven -- to start the mountainous climb back up the proverbial ladder.

Gooden remains among the First Division coaching ranks, landed a job with newly promoted Devonshire Cougars, while Brown was named head coach at Second Division outfit Wolves.

REGGIE TUCKER: To Hornets?