their programme is a "minor setback'' for St. David's who must now try to survive in the top flight with one of the youngest squads in the division.

It was not until last week that St. David's were chosen as the team to replace Hotels in the First Division, too late for them to hold onto some of their senior players who moved on after the team was relegated at the end of their first-ever season in the top flight.

The likes of Cal Richardson, Sherwin Hollis, Eugene Smith, Sean Smith, Kanhai Fray, Herbie Bascome and Charles Furbert were among the players who left the club after relegation. Even player-coach Garrett (Punchy) Dill has signed for Commercial Division team North Village Rams as a player, though he will remain with the Islanders as coach.

According to Hilton Richardson, chairman of the football committee and assistant coach to Dill, some players who transferred later showed interest in rejoining the club now that they are still in the First Division.

"We addressed the BFA on that situation but they told us there would be no late transfers,'' said a disappointed Richardson.

"The transfer deadline is too early. A lot of players who left have changed their minds. Since Sean Smith has left us he has expressed interest in coming back. With the situation we are now in we could use his experience.

"The deadline should be extended to the end of June and also have a late transfer date which they could add a sizeable fee to.'' St. David's picked up former player Lionel Cann in the transfer market and though he presently has a groin injury, the club is hoping to have him, Del Hollis and Albert Steede playing with them this season even though the trio are bidding for places in the ICC cricket squad.

Otherwise the club will fielding a squad of youngsters, including goalkeeper Dwayne Astwood from Devonshire Colts, striker Craig Laws, midfielder Wayne Pimental from Port Royal, Chuck Waldron and Otis Minors from Colts who started with St. David's.

Jerry Laws will carry the brunt of the goalscoring responsibilities as the club is also hurt by the retirement of James Pace.

"I feel to some degree we have more individual talent than last year,'' said Richardson. "We feel we have one of the best coaches in Bermuda as far as motivating players and the players are looking forward to playing under him this year.'' Two other experienced players, Dale Fox and Reginald Pitcher will miss the start of the season while the experience in goal of the retired George O'Brien will also be missed, though he is still helping out as the goalkeeping coach.

St. David's just failed to avoid the drop last season but they credited themselves with some impressive performances, including the season's first shocker, a 3-2 win over PHC which was their first win in the First Division.

"We'll be trying to produce good football and stay in the First Division,'' Richardson assured. "Mr. Dill is working very hard to set up a good programme.

"Because of our programme we wanted to rebuild and don't want to put young players in too early. But they are up to the challenge and intend to do well.

We're looking forward to better things.'' St. David's plan to introduce an under 19 junior team to help in the development of their youngsters who will also gain exposure in the Alliance Division.

"The programme is growing slowly but surely,'' Richardson explains. "Our aim is to be one of the premier teams in Bermuda but it takes time.'' 1992-93 accomplishments: Ninth in league Notable transfers In -- Lionel Cann, Otis Minors, Dwayne Astwood Out -- Garrett Dill, Eugene Smith, Shervin Hollis, Sean Smith, Herbie Bascome, Bruce Andrew, Kanhai Fray, Calvin Richardson, Ernest McCallan, Charles Furbert.