leading contender for a similar position at North Village, The Royal Gazette has learned.

Also being considered is current interim head coach Leroy Wilson.

Wilson's stock rose greatly in guiding the Red Devils to victory in the Friendship Trophy final on Sunday, their first title in four years.

Club president Rudolph (Buddy) Hollis would neither confirm nor deny the club's interest in Thompson when contacted.

"We are considering our options,'' said Hollis.

A meeting between the president and a 10-member management committee was planned for last night to deal with the issue of finding someone to lead the club's senior side, as well as play a role in the junior programme.

Thompson, who could not be reached for comment yesterday, is a former Village player and is known to have been in communication with top club officials since February, soon after Wendell Baxter resigned, citing personal reasons after just one and a half seasons at the helm.

The beginning of this season saw Thompson take over a flagging operation at White Hill, instituting an ambitious youth programme while also taking over the reins at senior level.

However, it's known that the former national team player, who rendered his services free of charge to the club where he first gained prominence as a youngster, has become increasingly disenchanted by management's lack of support for his strategies.

Thompson is much travelled, having performed for various clubs, including Dandy Town, Somerset, Eagles and Village, normally assuming attacking midfield roles to fully exploit his talents.

Meanwhile, there is sure to be some sentiment towards removing the interim tag from Wilson's title after attaining championship status.

Committee members were known to be split between Wilson and Thompson, with the latter holding the greater share prior to Sunday's match.

To Wilson's credit the team performed well towards the end of the season, culminating in a virtuoso display of creative soccer at National Stadium where they came from behind to defeat arch rivals Dandy Town 2-1.