season with a new coach and high hopes, however that is where all comparisons end.

Whereas the former lay awash in silverware, proceeds of their exploits last season, Hotels -- formally Hamilton International -- have virtually nothing to show for their efforts except that they remain a part of the First Division, a position they almost relinquished on account of instability and poor performances.

Last year saw Nick Jones abandoned his position as coach after a handful of matches and the club suffered through a first half where they won a total of two games, one of those a 4-0 drubbing of Somerset in the first round of the FA Cup, and dwelled near the bottom of the standings.

They improved marginally during the second half, recording three league triumphs, which enabled them to scramble clear of relegation, preserving themselves for at least another year.

In first-year coach Clevie Wade, Hotels have a fighter who has carried the winner's tag throughout his playing career and does not take losing lightly.

When spoken to about his new position Wade expressed confidence in his ability to turn around the team's flagging fortunes and lead them back along the road to respectability.

"I want them to strive to be consistent and competitive,'' said Wade. "They need to give their best and then they may be rewarded at the end.'' " One of my mottoes is that if you can't win, don't lose.'' A wealth of playing experience stands at Wade's disposal with all members having played at the senior level for several seasons.

In the 4-4-2 system expected to be utilised the former assistant coach at Vasco can call on the likes of Ricky Hill, back after a season with Hamilton Parish, and Stevie Dickinson to lead the two-pronged attack.

Ageless wonders Myron Piper and Eugene (Hammer) Simmons, two of the oldest players in local soccer, return to anchor a midfield, which may also contain Vincent Chaves and Chris Sabir.

The loss of Paul Towlson and Scott Morton further weaken a defence that already had several cracks in its armour exposed and Wade will have to choose from a smorgasbord of defenders to find the correct combination. That list has last year's player/coach Derek Bell, Frankie Greaves, Don Lewis, Phillip Smith and Frankie Roberson counted among its members.

Former national team player Randy Darrell and Gladwin Edness are engaged in a battle for the starting spot in goal, a position Edness held down the majority of last year.

While not revealing the exact nature of his plans, Wade said that he anticipates the side doing much better this time around.

"My goals are always set high. I like my players to play hard and not to lose out through lack of effort.

"Right now I'm trying to blend in players and get a pattern going that would help us win games. I feel we have all-round strength in each of the three departments, it's just a matter of mixing the right ingredients.

"I think I have a team that can match up against any on the Island.'' If Wade is successful in rejuvenating the program, on any day Hotels can prove deadly to the so-called giants who may come expecting to find easy pickings.

1991-92 accomplishments: League -- seventh Notable player transfers: Out -- Walter Musson, Marlon Lindsay, Paul Towlson, Scott Morton, Neil Topping In -- Coolridge Bell, Randy Darrell, Ricky Hill, Paul Scope, Clevie Wade.

CLEVIE WADE.