Mikre Pace, the Boulevard caretaker coach, says he wants the job on a permanent basis.

Pace was in charge of the Premier Division side for their 3-0 defeat against PHC Zebras in the Dudley Eve Trophy at Police Field at the weekend.

The result meant Boulevard missed out on reaching the semi-finals of the competition, with PHC and Devonshire Cougars advancing from group B.

“I’m caretaker at the moment ... I’ll be playing eventually and I may end up being the head coach,” said Pace, who was assistant to player-coach Keemo Smith last season.

“If they give me the job I’ll take it. Boulevard is the team I grew up with and it would be a pleasure to coach them and keep them in the Premier Division.”

Karl Roberts turned down an offer to coach Boulevard, The Royal Gazette reported last week.

The former Somerset Trojans defender said he was unable to commit to the role because of family commitments.

Pace also confirmed that Andrew Bascome, the former Bermuda coach, was helping relaunch the club’s youth programme.

“[Bascome] is helping us to build back our youth programme to start an academy,” said Pace, who served as Bascome’s assistant at Robin Hood.

Pace is confident Boulevard can improve on their form in the Dudley Eve Trophy.

They drew their opening group game 1-1 with Devonshire Cougars.

“We will be ready and fighting for when the league season starts,” Pace added.

“This was more of a preseason warm-up competition for us. After the first few league games we should be up and running.”

Boulevard start their league campaign against North Village at Bernard Park on Sunday.