returning for Devonshire Colts this term as they seek to build on their sixth-place finish.

"That's exactly what we're trying to do,'' said player/coach Lorenzo Symonds.

"Last year when we got back into the First Division we just wanted to survive and if we finished in the Martonmere Cup that would be great. Now we're looking to contest for every trophy.'' Last year's skipper, Mark Ray, will miss the first three games of the season after being sent off in the final match of last season when Colts drew with Hamilton International (now Hotels) to clinch the last Martonmere Cup spot on goal difference.

However, Colts have picked up players in the transfer market who will add depth to the squad with a couple of them, Joey Weeks and Anthony Wilson of Dandy Town, likely to be included in the squad right away.

The other new faces are Gerald Bean from Town, who was with Colts a few seasons ago, and Boulevard pair George Smith and Michael Holdipp, Vaughn Smith from Hotels and Jason Lewis from Vasco. Smith, whose experience will come in handy to this young Colts team, has not been able to train regularly because of work commitments.

Much to the satisfaction of Colts supporters, Symonds will still play as he nears his 35th birthday with no intention of hanging up his boots. "I'll be playing as necessary, if I'm needed in terms of guidance,'' said the former Bermuda captain.

"We have a lot of players, with about eight midfielders of quality, two or three guys for each full-back position, three centre-halves and two sweepers,'' added Symonds.

Craig Smith, Quincey Aberdeen, Weeks, Keishon Smith, Vaughn Smith, David Gibbs from Warwick and Michael Holdipp are some of the players battling for positions up front, with Craig Smith, last year's top scorer, and Aberdeen expected to hold down two of the positions. Winger Marvin Lewis is abroad at school.

In midfield there is Ellington Weldon, Harrison Trott, Ray, Derek Wright, Leonard Hypolite, Vic Ball and youngster Keimon Lawrence.

Goalkeeper Andre Hendrickson is the only player in the national squad and his selection could leave the team without an experienced 'keeper with Dwayne Astwood coming through the junior programme and with little exposure and Antoine Lightbourne abroad in school.

Colts have had a reputation of being a team who enjoys playing entertaining soccer and Symonds wants to see that continue.

"We're just about where we want to be mentally and physically, but to be champions you need to be a lot fitter,'' Symonds said. "We want to play soccer to entertain the crowd.'' Colts won all their pre-season friendly games, though Symonds is quick to note that all but one of the games were against teams from either the Second Division or the Commercial Division. The only First Division team they played was Hotels who they beat 2-1.

Their real test will come tonight when they open the Martonmere Cup against Somerset. Colts were the first winners of this competition back in the 1972-73 season. They beat Somerset in that first final and ironically the same two teams will battle in the opening match of the 20th anniversary of the competition.

"We just want to keep improving every year and then things will become more viable,'' said Symonds. "I think the dark horse tag is going to be lost this season.

"We have a few guys who have never played in the Martonmere (Cup) and may be a bit nervous but I'm quite sure the nervousness will go quickly. We haven't been in Martonmere for a few years.'' 1991-92 accomplishments League -- sixth Notable transfers Out -- Ricardo Nesbitt, Tracey Adams, Antoine Cannonier, Dwayne Trott.

In -- George Smith, Michael Holdipp, Joey Weeks, Anthony Wilson, Gerald Bean, Vaughn Smith, Jason Lewis, David Gibbs.

ANDRE HENDRICKSON -- Second season in goal for Devonshire Colts.