end for the Hornets.

A mediocre start and disappointing first half that saw them win just three of nine matches and be eliminated from the Martonmere Cup at the semifinal stage, all contributed to the mid-season termination of coach Robert Calderon.

Player turmoil ensued, with several voicing their intention to cease playing if Calderon were not reinstated.

Mark Trott was thrust in as the interim coach and succeeded in calming the waters somewhat.

The highlight of the year came during an epic FA Cup semifinal series against Boulevard that witnessed two memorable replays at Devonshire Rec.

But, going in line with the indifferent season the St. John's club enjoyed, they ultimately ended on the short end, losing 4-2 in the third match.

Town barely scraped into this year's Martonmere Cup, grabbing the sixth and final spot, and get a retooled North Village as their reward in their opening match.

A clean slate greets Trott, whose own position was in question as Town were known to have attempted to woo the services of both former national coach Gary Darrell and Jack Castle, late of PHC and now at Wolves.

He has the chance to mould the team in his own image and apply whatever tactics he learned during his time both as assistant and during the latter part of the 1992-93 campaign as the head man.

Several changes to the squad have occurred, with the departing of the likes of former skipper Voorhees Astwood along with defensive stalwart Neil Paynter, Burton Bruce, Dennis Robinson, Shivaugn Smith and Stevie Wade.

Coming into the fold are Cymande Davis from North Village, Troy Harvey and Sean Smith, while playmaker Kris Martin also returns following a one-year hiatus.

Trott is optimistic about 1993-94, a year he termed as one of "rebuilding'' for Town with hopes of returning to their former prominence.

"What we're trying to do this season is to play well as a team and put emphasis on having fun together,'' said Trott. "We have a nice blend of players and some depth.

"We're looking to play attractive football ... get back to the Dandy Town style.'' It would appear egos have been mended by a tranquil off-season and Trott indicated that team-mates were a lot more focused and determined to do well this time.

Also the atmosphere in general around the club is said to be more harmonious.

"They're sticking to commitments made to themselves and remain close-knit, even outside of the game,'' he said. "If they can stick together they can achieve whatever goals they've set.

"It's up to them to settle their own fate. I've allowed them to dictate as a group what it is they wish to achieve.

"For me (as coach) it's been made easy in that the people (executive and members) at St. John's have been receptive of me.'' As for what tactics Trott might employ, the coach was not so revealing, only saying: "I'm tinkering with a number of styles of play and will utilise different methods depending on the opponent being faced.'' Assisting Trott is Devarr Boyles, who also forms an integral part of the Town midfield as a player.

A lot may depend on how they fare early on, whether they are able to maintain cohesion, and they will be looking to kick things off on the right foot on Tuesday night when they face North Village.

1992-93 accomplishments: Sixth in First Division.

Notable player transfers: In -- Cymande Davis, Troy Harvey, Sean Smith.

Out -- Neil Paynter, Burton Bruce, Voorhees Astwood, Dennis Robinson, Stevie Wade, Shivaughn Smith.