Wilmington Hammerheads player/coach Anthony Hudson is adamant Bermuda Hogges are not as bad a side as their six-goal surrender suggests having scouted last weekend's horror show.

Hudson, son of former Chelsea legend Alan Hudson, travelled to Hammerheads' state rivals Charlotte Eagles on a scouting mission to evaluate Hogges' strengths and weaknesses ahead of today's showdown at the National Sports Centre.

The former NEC Nijmegen midfielder said his report was loaded with references to Hogges' attacking threat, especially during the early exchanges when the Islanders dominated.

"I went to scout the Hogges against Eagles and I don't think you can read too much into the score-line," said 27-year-old Hudson. "I think the Hogges are a far better team than the score-line suggests.

"To be honest they played the better football right up until the second goal. I really felt for them because it's not the sort of start they would have wanted to make. But they're a good attacking team and we've warned our players not to take them lightly."

It has been a case of revolution rather than evolution for Hammerheads who have made sweeping changes to their roster for the second successive season, after finishing a disappointing seventh last summer.

With the franchise under new ownership Hudson (pictured) is starkly aware securing a play-off place will be the minimum requirement this campaign.

"It's pretty much a different team to last season and we've only kept on about four or five players," said the former West Ham apprentice.

"Early signs have been good and we certainly believe this bunch of players are a lot stronger than last time around. We've got some new owners and the play-offs are a must for us this season."

Hammerheads' back room staff established a close friendship with the Hogges during their inaugural campaign, bonding over rounds of golf both in Bermuda and North Carolina.

And Hudson, who was first introduced to the Hammerheads hierachy by Hogges co-owner Paul Scope, is confident Bermuda's first professional outfit will show tangible signs of progression during their sophomore season.

"I guess you can say that Hogges and Hammerheads enjoy a close relationship," said Hudson. "Both sets of coaches get on very well and you can tell straight away just how passionate Shaun (Goater), Kyle (Lightbourne) and Paul (Scope) are about their football.

"They're a great bunch of guys and Hogges have definitely got the right people in the mix. I know their programme will be a success."

Although Hudson is registered as a Hammerheads player, he expects to spend more time in the dugout than on the pitch this term with his passion now coaching, rather than playing.

A UEFA 'A' and USSF B licence qualified coach, Hudson recently set up his own website www.anthonyhudson.us, which includes training tips and drills for coaches.

"I've been playing a few games in pre-season and I'll probably be on the bench against Hogges," said Hudson. "You never know, I might get on depending on the situation. But to be honest I've really enjoyed taking a backseat and concentrating purely on the coaching side of things."

Hudson's father Alan Hudson won two England caps and lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup with Chelsea.

Tonight's match will be Hammerheads' first of the season. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.