side Devonshire Cougars after holding down the position for nearly 18 months.

Gooden becomes the second First Division coach to throw in the towel this season, the first being Johnny Nusum of PHC a few weeks ago.

Albert Smith, who started the season as his assistant, is the new coach. But after a 7-1 loss to Southampton Rangers yesterday Smith refused to comment on the move.

Gooden, who has also coached Somerset Trojans, confirmed his decision was based on similarities to Nusum's move in that he was unable to get the response he had hoped from the squad. Two recent overwhelming home defeats -- 6-0 to Dandy Town and 5-1 to North Village -- prompted him to move on.

"I resigned because I thought they needed a change. We had a poor start to the season and there were a few other things that complicated our progress but that's how things go,'' he said.

"I guess you can say that the two one-sided losses were the turning point.

But it was tough because we had a few key injuries which have been long-term and afterwards one thing led to another.'' Gooden said that he harboured no ill feelings towards anybody at the club and he wished them well as they attempted to restore pride.

"The club understood my decision. We all know that coaching is all about winning and if you don't get the result then this is what has to happen.'' Gooden said he will not consider any other post at this time, not even if it means returning as a staff coach with the Bermuda Football Association. "I definitely will not be coaching again this season. I have been involved in coaching for 19 straight seasons and I am going to take a break. But if something comes up later down the road, who knows, I may be back.'' Match report, Page 33