In a little over two weeks Dandy Town are scheduled to take to the field against Premier Division and FA Cup champions North Village in defence of their Charity Cup crown.

However, with the 11th hour fast approaching, the St. John's Road club have yet to find a replacement for retired coach Andrew Bascome.

Sources close to the club indicated earlier during the off-season that former coach Roger Leverock was contemplating a return to the fold, but the Royal Gazette now understands that the veteran had in fact never pondered such a move.

Town midfield schemer Devarr Boyles was also reported to be a possible candidate for the vacated position - though the talented player has mentioned in the past that personal commitments would prevent him taking on the role at the club.

Despite the void, the current Charity Cup champions have, nonetheless, stepped up their pre-season training and are reported to be in good shape.

Over the summer months, Town managed to acquire the services of Kelvon Butterfield and Sri Wilson from Village, Gregg Foggo and Gregory Dos Santos from St.George's, and Dean Grant formerly of Southampton Rangers, while McLee Smith (Somerset Trojans), Rodney Bascome (Boulevard), and Jahmiko Marshall (Hamilton Parish) have all decided to part company with the club.

Veteran forward Carlos Smith is also expected to be back in action for Town this season - though it is rumoured that he will not take part in the Charity Cup clash with Village.

It was during last year's triumph over Devonshire Colts that Smith's campaign came to an abrupt halt.

Janeiro Tucker will also be back for another stint with his adopted club, while veteran Darren (Duke) Simons - reported to be contemplating retirement - also looks set to give it another crack.

Another Premier Division team still without a coach are Somerset Eagles, who are without the services of Albert Dowling this year.

Last season, the former Devonshire Colts star forward coached the White Hill side to promotion and an FA Cup semifinal berth against eventual winners Village.

However, he subsequently stood down and team manager Shane Proctor mentioned earlier this week that in all likelihood inspirational leader and veteran sweeper Musceo Hunt may get the nod as player/coach.

Shannon Morrissey may also be called upon to lend Hunt a hand at the helm.

Recently, Hunt and Morrissey both successfully completed the gruelling nine-day English Football Association International Licence course conducted by former Aston Villa and Chelsea star Kenny Swain at Saltus Grammar School Field.

Eagles are also expecting to have new resident Nakia Smith onboard some time during the season. At the moment, Smith is still active with Bridge's cricket side.