With domestic football now at a crossroads, outgoing Bermuda Football Association (BFA) executive Charles Clarke believes the climate is right for a new leader to take the reins of local football's governing body.

The BFA are scheduled to hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the end of the month during which incumbent Larry Mussenden will run against ex-national coach Richard Calderon for the association's top post.

"It's always good for change because at some point in life you have to realise that you can only take things so far and then it comes a time for someone else to take it a little further than you," Clarke told The Royal Gazette. "You can only do so much; you can't be there forever hoping to maintain that position.

"I think it's always healthy to have a challenge; it keeps everybody on their toes. If your performance (in office) has been stellar then you should have no problem securing the necessary votes in order to maintain that position.

"But I think change would be good thing at this time."

The PLP assistant treasurer dropped a bombshell when he announced his decision to stand down as BFA chairman after serving diligently in various committees in the past seven years during Mussenden's watch.

"I have taken on a new position at the company (BTC) that I work for that has provided me with a heavy workload. It has become difficult for me to juggle work commitments with other commitments such as football. And with that in mind I decided to step back from the BFA at this point," Clarke explained.

Clarke, however, intends to play a minor administrative role behind closed doors at the BFA.

"I will still be assisting with the League and Cup Competitions committee as a member of that particular committee and so I will still have some involvement. It's also a possibility I will be involved (as manager) with the Devonshire Cougars," he said.

"I am the kind of person who, if I can't give you 100 percent, then I don't want to give you 25 percent and make up excuses. If I can't commit myself fully, then I think it's best to step back.

"It's been a great seven years. I came in when Larry (Mussenden) was elected (in 2001) and during that period we have made some very positive changes in the association. I think in a sense football is moving forward - but there is still a lot of work to do."

Last week Calderon told The Royal Gazette: "I plan to run for the presidency of the BFA.

"I along with several others have made our intentions known, presented our case, have the pedigree, understand the subtleties and nuances of what is required.

"We believe that we can unite the stakeholders with the number one being the players, behind a long-term plan that will be theirs because they all will participate in the process."