As Bermuda seek a replacement for departed coach Roland Butcher the majority of the sporting public say they would prefer someone with top qualifications rather than an individual from a specific country such as the West Indies, England or Australia.

Prior to the appointment of Butcher late last year, Bermuda had hired national coaches from England and the West Indies for long and short hauls, but the public sentiment these days -- after many clearly supported a move to force Butcher out -- was that an immediate search should be made for a top-notch coach to organise a developmental programme on the Island. Here is what some of the public suggested: Samantha Robinson, scorer: "I think it's important that Bermuda go after a qualified coach, preferably somebody who has played the game at a high level and who knows what they are doing when it comes to coaching.'' Arnold Manders, Western Stars player: "We just don't want anybody, I strongly believe that we should go after somebody who can motivate our players. Willie Bourne of Barbados is one such individual who has the qualifications but he is so involved in programmes in the West Indies.'' Russell Richardson, fan: "We need somebody who is qualified, one who is committed to developing a national programme from the elementary school level to the senior programme. He doesn't have to be from any country in particular, but I would prefer to see us have somebody from a country in Asia like Pakistan where they seem to work on their total game, fielding, batting and spin bowling.'' Reginald Philpott, scorer: "I would think that the Board should go after the best, somebody like Gordon Greenidge ... but he doesn't have to be from the West Indies as long as it is somebody with some coaching experience.

Rosmin Richardson, scorer: "Bermuda needs somebody with good qualifications -- who cares a hell where he comes from as long as he can do the job and is capable of developing our players.'' Dexter Basden, Willow Cuts player: "He definitely must have some good qualifications. I recall as a youth when we had Bob Jones of England as our national coach, I thought he was excellent. It would be nice to find someone suitable from the West Indies, but it doesn't matter where he comes from.'' Peter Philpott, Cleveland player: "We need the best, unfortunately there is none in the West Indies to help us, if there are any there they need to help their own at these grim times for West Indies cricket.'' George Bremar, former Somerset Cup Match player: "It's vital that we find a qualified coach, I don't really care if he is from Nairobi. I had a lot of confidence in Butcher after having had time to talk to him about his plans, it's unfortunate that things didn't work out for him.'' Keith Lapsley, fan: "It must be a qualified coach, it doesn't matter from where. We need somebody who is capable of taking us to another level ...

somebody who can come in and give us some good advice and ideas.'' Richard Rochester, fan: "Qualifications are the name of the game, it's pointless going after somebody who has Test experience but it has been proven that some ex-players simply cannot coach.''