Bermuda Hogges joint-owner and head coach Kyle Lightbourne has categorically denied allegations that team members have been reluctant to take mandatory drugs test.

Sources claim that Hogges management have yet to announce their team because players were refusing to undergo compulsory drug scans — a requirement for all teams competing in the United Soccer League (USL).

But with the Hogges’ season opener against Harrisburg City Islanders fast approaching, Lightbourne has moved swiftly to dispel the ongoing rumpurs.

“The delay in our announcing of the team has absolutely nothing at all to do with drugs. We don’t have any problems with the drug issue,” the former English professional footballer insisted yesterday.

The Hogges currently have 23 players in training, but Lightbourne yesterday declined to divulge how many of them have actually taken a drug test.

“I don’t have to comment on that at all. And I can honestly tell you that we don’t have any problems with the drug issue,” he said.

“The reason we have yet to name the team is because all of the players have to be registered first. That’s one of the rules the USL have stated and so we cannot name the squad yet.

“There are a few issues that we still have to sort out and USL requirements that have to be met first. And this is the reason why we have been quiet on the team front.

“The league requires that all contracts and player registrations must be on file and approved by the league before any formal announcement of players’ signings are made,” USL president Tim Holt told The Royal Gazette.

“And I would suspect that this is the reason why the team hasn’t been announced formally at this stage.”

Earlier this year, Hogges co-owner Shaun Goater stated up front that he and his fellow staff would be adopting a zero-tolerance approach to the drug issue that has plagued local football for many years.

“The Hogges will be a drugs-free zone and those signed up on contracts will be subjected to an extremely rigid Code of Conduct. We are entering a professional league and nothing other than the highest standards of professional behaviour will be expected at all times,” he said. “Far too often we haven’t been able to select the best player for a certain position because they have proved unwilling to give up their illegal social habit or have just not been prepared to work hard enough.

“I’ve heard it so many times since I returned home and I’m fed up with it. And as somebody who cares passionately about the development of football in this country, I find this whole situation enormously frustrating and want to use this platform and the support that I have to state categorically that now must be the time to act.”

Meanwhile, on a different note, Lightbourne refused to comment on English non-league and national team forward Damon Ming who is rumoured to be heading to the Hogges.

With three full-time positions on the team up for grabs, Ming is said to have taken a keen interest and actually practised with the Hogges yesterday.

“I can’t comment on any player at the moment,” Lightbourne said.

“This is not an amateur league, and we must adhere to USL rules and regulations in everything that we do.”