Mark Smith has taken over the reins of promotion-chasing BAA on an interim basis, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

Mike McGrath, the BAA president, confirmed that the former Devonshire Cougars midfielder has temporarily taken on head coaching duties of the First Division club while regular coach Andrew Bascome recovers from an undisclosed illness.

“Mark will coach the side,” McGrath told The Royal Gazette. “Coach Bascome has a strong group of coaches around him that understand our footballing philosophy and how we conduct ourselves.

“I am sure they will continue to work hard and strive for the same excellence that coach Bascome requires in his short absence.

“We have great teams throughout the programme and they will all want to do their best for the coach while he is away.

“Everyone at BAA wishes Andrew a speedy recovery and looks forward to his return to the field that he loves to coach on.”

Prior to taking ill, Bascome had been leading a revival at BAA who remain thick in the hunt for the First Division title and promotion.

The inaugural FA Cup winners trail leaders Hamilton Parish by seven points and are two ahead of third-placed Boulevard heading into the business end of the season.

“The senior team will continue their drive for promotion and work hard to see coach Bascome coaching them in the Premier Division next season,” McGrath added.

BAA rejoined the Bermuda Football Association leagues at the start of the season after a two-year hiatus, with Bascome appointed as head coach.