Cecoy Robinson is hoping for a memorable debut for Dandy Town tomorrow when he plays against his former team, PHC, in the Dudley Eve Trophy at the National Sports Centre (6pm).

Robinson, who captained the Zebras to various honours including back-to-back league titles in 2018 and 2019, is looking forward to his season with Town, having given the move plenty of thought.

“I’m always looking forward to playing football, period, some new surroundings and different things to take in,” said the Bermuda midfielder. “It’s been a pleasing process and I’m just looking forward to getting started.

“It definitely wasn’t an easy decision to make, I thought about it a good bit of time.

“Nevertheless, it was a decision that I made and I just have to put my best foot forward going forward.”

He admits he is already taking stick from PHC fans following the decision to leave the Zebras.

“All the time, but I took stick while I was playing for PHC,” he added. “I’m definitely looking forward to the first outing, it’s kind of crazy that it is against PHC, but that’s the way the dice has rolled.

“They won a trophy last year so they know what it takes to get there. Everybody knows there is a target on their back after winning this trophy. It’s definitely a challenge but I’m embracing the challenge.”

Town were convincing winners in last year’s final, beating Robin Hood 5-2 in a crushing win at Devonshire Rec. After their opening Group B loss to Devonshire Cougars, PHC now need a win to avoid being the first team to be eliminated from the competition.

Hood, who edged Somerset 1-0 in the other match on Labour Day, will play North Village in tomorrow’s second match, starting at 8pm. Victory for Hood will advance them to the semi-finals.

Both Town and PHC have new coaches this season, Winston Trott Jr taking over from Robert Bean who stood down after just one season at the helm.

Town have Kwame Steede as their new coach, with Devarr Boyles concentrating on his new role as president of the Western Stars Sports Club. The move virtually signals the end of Steede’s playing career at the age of 40.

“I’m excited about it, it’s a good young group and I’m encouraged by the level of commitment that they have put in already,” said Steede. “It’s good to be back coaching.

“As far as playing I doubt that I’m going to play. These are young guys so I can’t make this team.

“Being the defending champions doesn’t mean anything, everybody is starting at the same level. Yes, we hold the cup, but we’re starting out like everybody else, trying to win it again.”

Steede is looking forward to Robinson bringing his experience to the team’s midfield. “It’s a change for him, he’s been at PHC probably all his life,” he said.

“He brings a new experience and new quality and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Boyles is anxious to see what the team can accomplish this season, following a second-place finish in the league last season.,” Boyles said.

“Everything is in place for him and the team to do well,” said Boyles. “I think the team will be stronger this year, from the experience and a few players coming in.

“I’m just looking forward to watching what happens on Sunday. The team is well prepared, I have no doubts about that. Hopefully the new coach brings the desired results.”

The final round of group matches will be played on Wednesday, September 23 when Somerset play North Village and Cougars take on Town at a venue to be confirmed. The semi-finals are set for October 28.