At age 44, Sammy Swan is trying to snake his way into PHC Zebras? Premier Division line-up.

During Zebras? era of dominance in the 1980s, Swan was a vital cog in a potent attack also boasting the likes of nephew Sheridan (Baldy) Ming, Kenny Burt, Kevin Dill, Brian (Bulla) Anderson and current national coach Kyle Lightbourne.

Zebras won three Dudley Eve titles, three Friendship Trophies and three Premier Division championships along with sole Martonmere and FA Cup titles between 1980 and 1990.

The Warwick-based side also took Bermuda football to dizzying heights during that glorious decade by reaching the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Club Championships.

Swan, who also underwent football trials at English club Oxford United, is expected to be included in Zebras? line-up for tomorrow night?s crucial Martonmere Cup clash with cup holders North Village at BAA Field.

PHC now find themselves in a must-win situation if they are to keep their Martonmere Cup hopes alive following last weekend?s high-scoring loss to Devonshire Cougars.

In 2000, Swan made history in becoming the first-ever local coach to win First and Premier Division championships in successive seasons.

?Sammy knows football. His experience tells it all and Sammy has always been there for us and knows what it takes to be successful and how to get there,? Zebras assistant coach Eddy Dowling told

Dowling, a member of then coach Swan?s PHC squad which won the First and Premier Division titles in successive seasons, believes Zebras can only benefit from the player?s wealth of knowledge and natural goal-scoring abilities.

?Not only is he capable of doing the job, but he can also teach the younger players around him,? he added. ?I know some people might try to take him for granted because of his age but Sam is from the old school and I know he has a lot to offer the team.

?PHC have been missing a natural goalscorer ever since Kyle (Lightbourne) left.?

Swan?s presence could also offset the temporary losses to forwards Cecoy Robinson and Jahnai Raynor who are presently overseas in school along with Michael Harford and Robert Richardson.

?Whichever role Sammy ends up playing I know he will do well,? added Dowling.

As for tomorrow night?s pivotal cup tie with Village, Dowling said: ?It?s always nice to win but we also want to have a good look at different players and how they gel with others.

?We are looking at this tournament as a stepping stone to gain momentum for the league.?

Zebras placed third last season in the Premier Division tables, reached the semis of the FA Cup and finished runner?s up to Devonshire Cougars in what was the club?s eleventh Friendship Trophy appearance.

Meanwhile, Swan?s former team-mate Lightbourne added: ?I?ve watched him play in a few practice matches and I must admit he has played quite well.

?It?s quite obvious he still loves the game and I?m more then certain his ability will show.?

But, when queried over the possibility of making a return himself to the top tier, Lightbourne emphatically replied: ?I am quite happy playing in the Commercial League.?