game at the age of 26.

Caisey, who performed for Bermuda during a failed 1992 bid to reach the World Cup finals and has been a vital cog in the defence of local club side Boulevard, cited injuries and other personal reasons for the decision to call it quits from the sport.

"I've taken plenty of knocks and bangs, I have injuries even up to today and I feel I've had enough, and maybe I can offer my assistance in the community in a different manner,'' said Caisey, who earned a reputation as one of the Island's premier defenders during his tenure on the senior level.

"I've been playing soccer non-stop for 20 years. I've been to and played in various parts of the world, including Antigua, Canada, St. Lucia and Jamaica.

I've played at the youth and senior, national level and met some great people.

"Plus I have a wife and family and I'm more family oriented nowadays and have a new outlook on life.'' Religion also played a role in the decision, with Caisey saying that he could not give total commitment to both sport and the church.

A devout Christian and member of the Seventh Day Adventist church, Caisey was unable to perform on Friday nights or on Saturday, a conflict which occasionally put both club and country in a bind to fill his position.

He said that he had made up his mind to "hang up his boots'' prior to the 1993-94 season and being hobbled for most of last year with injuries and having to play hurt helped to make his decision this week easier.

As for the future, Caisey indicated a willingness to coach on the youth level, with an eye on entering the school system in a roving role.

To this end he is pursuing the `B' level coaching certificate being offered by the Bermuda Football Association. He said that he was supportive of the new moves being made by the association in an attempt to upgrade the level of coaching on the Island.

"I want a little more knowledge under my belt than before,'' said Caisey, who credited BFA technical director Burkhard Ziese with opening his eyes to coaching.

"My opinion of the standard of soccer in Bermuda is that we have plenty of room for improvement. I agree that if the coaches on the Island are kept up to date with the ever-changing game of soccer and maybe taught proper methods and the basic fundamentals of the game, the quality will improve.

"The many coaches in Bermuda, be it first division, youth divisions, etc., face a tremendous responsibility not only to the players, but to the fans and community as well.

"To seek improvement in the sport, I'm willing to learn as much as I can from people who have invested a great part of their lives in the game. This attitude will enable me to become a professional (coach) one day and personally, I encourage anyone interested to learn proper methods which will benefit (them).'' Caisey left the door slightly open for a possible return to the playing field, but said that this would only be in a situation of desperation, where his club -- he remains registered with Boulevard -- had no other recourse.

The Blazers look to be hard hit next season in terms of personnel changes.

While Albert takes his place on the sidelines, his younger brother Clinton is rumoured to be on the move to Vasco.