Southampton Rangers at the start of the new season, but like everyone else at the club he's delighted by Bermuda Football Association's decision to offer them a reprieve.

Rangers were relegated from the Premier Division when they finished third from bottom last season but have now been told they will stay up following Vasco's withdrawal.

"The entire club and the community are happy that we got a reprieve,'' said Basden, who has just spent his first full season as coach after playing an assistant's role for three seasons.

"Now we have to take advantage of our blessing and work hard to show our appreciation.'' However, while Rangers will relish another season in the top flight, they may find themselves facing another dilemma as Basden remains unsure how much time he can devote to the team following a recent promotion at work.

He says, at worst, he will be involved as an assistant.

"I don't know what I will be able to do. This new manager's post will obviously require more of my time and it remains to be seen what time it will allow me to give the club,'' he said.

Most players from last season's team are remaining with Rangers which, says Basden, should help them as they attempt to avoid relegation again.

"That's one good thing we have at Southampton,'' he added. "Our club history shows that there has never or very rarely been a big exodus of players and we don't expect it to happen this year.

"Basically we have always had a community oriented team, the players have always been loyal to the club during the good and bad times. Whether relegated or not they remain committed to the club.'' BFA president Neville Tyrrell said he was pleased for Rangers, but said the association were not doing them any favours.

"We are happy to have made the offer, it just seemed to be the right thing to do as far as bringing the numbers back up to eight so that we can have a more effective Premier Division,'' he said.

"It just happened to be Southampton who were in position for that choice and we are happy for them. We hope that they take advantage of the opportunity.

They have a long standing service with soccer in the Island.''