THE Winnipeg Blue Bombers have an answer from Milt Stegall on the subject of his playing future but -- as has been the case in this little game for the last couple of seasons -- they're not willing to say just yet.

The Canadian Press, quoting two sources, reported Friday that Stegall has informed the Bombers he won't be back in 2009. But for a man who insisted in 2007 that he was '99.9 per cent' done after that campaign -- before returning for another -- this story won't become official until later this month when Stegall returns to Winnipeg for a banquet and actually utters the 'retirement' word.

"I know that Milt's going to be in town around the 19th of February and I expect that he'll make some kind of announcement at that point," said Bomber head coach Mike Kelly. "We had lunch with him down in Mobile (at the Senior Bowl) and it was nice to be in a relaxed atmosphere with him. He'll be up here soon and he'll make the announcement then."

Asked if they already had their answer from the future hall of famer, Kelly said: "Maybe."

It seems the Milt Stegall era has come to an end in Winnipeg.

It seems the Milt Stegall era has come to an end in Winnipeg.

Milt Stegall still won't make it official, but the Winnipeg Blue Bomber legend continues to drop more hints his playing days are over for good.

I'll always remember the first time Milt Stegall referred to his then-newborn son Chase as "the first black president of the United States."

Someone nearby chuckled.

Stegall took notice.

"I'm not joking," he insisted, with a purposeful stare that only Stegall and Mark Messier can muster.

THIS was no 99.9 per cent sure stuff from Milt Stegall. The CFL's greatest receiver of all time in terms of touchdowns and reception yardage gathered the media together after Bombers practice Tuesday, but not to announce his anticipated retirement. Instea

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THE Winnipeg Blue Bombers practised at Rogers Centre on Thursday in their new navy blue with yellow stripes retro jerseys as part of the CFL's Retro Week.

Winnipeg will also wear navy helmets -- with no logo -- while the Argos will also sport throwback jerseys. Expect the retro theme to continue in the next few years as teams honour the '60s, '70s and '80s with other looks and uniforms.

THE DON RETURNS: This will be Don Matthews' first stint on the sidelines since a win over Winnipeg in October 2006.

He left the game for health reasons -- his anxiety attacks had become so bad he was afraid to leave his house -- but after two years in Oregon and thanks to the right combination of medicines, he is back and looks 59, not 69.