after suffering the indignity of being relegated for the second time in three seasons.

Bermuda Football Association made the decision on Wednesday, less than a week after Hotels announced they were withdrawing from the league because of a lack of players.

By keeping the Trojans in the top flight, the BFA will maintain a First Division of 10 teams.

"The committee came to the only decision that they could make under the present rules governing First Division play. The rules that exist actually didn't give us a choice,'' said BFA president Neville Tyrrell in confirming the decision last night.

Dianne Hunt, sports chairman of Somerset CC, said she believed that the players and new coach Andrew Bascome and his coaching staff would gladly meet the challenge of First Division soccer again.

"I think the guys are up for it, they are rejuvenated, they are on a positive note. Although I personally have mixed feelings I think everybody involved is ready for it,'' said Hunt.

"Our team only lost out by one goal last season. Returning to the First Division will be a challenge but one that they will meet head on, and I think they will succeed. It's a different and positive attitude right now at the club and when you have that there is nowhere you can go but forward.''