Even though this will be a rebuilding season for them, failing to reach a sixth successive Martonmere Cup final was still a bitter pill for Boulevard to swallow on Tuesday night.

The two-time defending champions, who have been in the last five finals, winning four, surrendered the cup when Dandy Town knocked them out at the semi-final stage. That followed the loss by Vasco to Devonshire Colts in the opening match as the two favourites bowed out.

"Being that we were defending we took it kind of hard,'' said coach Albert Smith yesterday.

"But it's a long way to go and there are more trophies out there and we just have to focus on regrouping. We're concentrating on rebuilding and bringing a few youngsters through.'' Boulevard missed the injured Dean Boyles and suspended Gregg Foggo in their defence while Albert Caisey and Stevie Wade have not played so far this season.

That, combined with some key departures in the transfer market, has forced the club to push a few youngsters. The coach knows it will take time before they settle down.

"We just have to be consistent,'' said the coach. "We have a few senior players there and it's just a matter of them showing the youngsters the way.'' Despite the rebuilding, Smith feels the team can still compete for titles this season, though he urges to the club's fans to be patient.

"Everybody knows we're rebuilding but they are still looking for victories,'' he stated.

"They will come eventually, if we keep working. Knowing we're a cup team, there are so many expectations of us. They just have to keep the faith in us.

"It's going to be an up and down season, but we'll be in the running, you definitely can't count us out.

"If there is something out there to be won we're going to try to win it.

We've won one (Charity Cup) already and it's just a matter of showing the players what it takes. I've been there and other players have been there. As you know we are a cup winning team.'' One thing Smith would be hoping for is a full squad to choose from, with experience and youth providing a successful blend.

"Dean had a slight injury and he should be out next week,'' Smith revealed.

"It's like all the pieces to the puzzle are not there and we're not going to be able to fix it right away.'' Forced out of the game prematurely himself five years ago by a knee injury and then a bad ankle injury on the same leg following a bike crash, the former Boulevard and Bermuda captain, now 31, still wishes he could play again.

"Looking at football today I feel I can still play,'' he stated.

"The level of football in Bermuda has dropped a bit and sometimes I feel I could still play with one leg.'' Now that a new champion will be crowned on November 11, Smith was asked who of inaugural winners Colts or two time champions Dandy Town he expected to claim the title.

"Both teams seem to be in pretty good shape,'' he said after watching Colts shock Vasco 4-2.

"It's going to a toss-up, but I couldn't pick a winner.

"I just wish we were there.''