simply don't know when to quit.

None of the above apply to Lorenzo Symonds, who believed himself to be in permanent retirement, only to be `forced' back into active duty for First Division league leaders Devonshire Colts.

Unlike the boxer in his late 30s, who returns after squandering millions or the fossil that hangs around one too many seasons because he can't stand to see someone else in the spotlight, Symonds -- Ronza as he's more often called -- cites a different reason.

The soft spoken former Bermuda captain and one time coach of Colts has a secure job as a land surveyor and has never been one for self-promotion.

His comeback is based on need -- not his own -- and the fact that he is a devout club supporter.

It could also breed his first championship medal, after suffering through two decades as no more than bridesmaid.

"I came back because they were in trouble, with four or five guys that were sick the last three weeks,'' said Symonds, a classy player, known for his composure on the ball as a defender and his ability to transfer to attack with graceful ease.

"Right after Christmas was the first time I was called on. There were guys out sick and then a few were suspended for internal reasons and (coach) Vic (Ball) called me out and asked me to assist. And the reason I agreed to assist was that a lot of times players hold coaches to ransom. For example, with the guys out sick and two suspended it's almost like he could buckle a little bit and play the suspended guys, which sends the wrong message.

"I figured I could help out for that time and at first I thought my use would be to be just on the bench and in the event that they needed me, I would play.

"It was like that for a week or two and then for different reasons -- guys in the army and Shannon (Burgess) going away -- I was forced to play...it's like a never ending battle for me coming out to assist.'' Symonds' first occasion to play came during a league encounter against Vasco and followed with another start during the rain affected FA Cup quarter-final against Somerset Eagles, both victories for Colts.

At 39, Symonds may be a few steps slower, but he makes up for it by using a wealth of knowledge and experience gathered over his 25 years -- 22 as a senior -- at the only club he has ever been affiliated with.

Shielding or finding and making the early pass are key in his game now and he plays exclusively in midfield, as weakened hamstrings that make it impossible for him to sprint would be a liability in defence.

But why even consider coming back and risk the embarrassment of appearing but a shell of one's former self, all the aches and pains and possible injury? Soccer, after all, is a young man's game.

"No, I'm not as good as I used to be, (but) I think a lot clearer,'' explained Symonds. "I've been doing a few things on my own as far as keeping myself sharp, I've been playing ball with a lot of guys that were of a high level at one time and because of the size of the pitch that we play on we're pretty sharp for what we do, which is a lot of close one-twos, wall passes and things like that.

"I'm playing with Dago Steede, Myron Piper, Hammer Simmons, a lot of guys that were highly respected from a while back and we even have a good group of young guys that have been playing. We've played every week for the last two years -- Sunday and Monday -- at BAA.

"It's a good group of guys and it's really kept me and the other guys sharp.

I believe that a few more of the other older guys there could come out and do the same job that I'm doing, because we're all sharp and we've all gotten ourselves to this level by playing together.

Symonds answers Colts' call From Page 13 "The role I'm playing for Colts is to get the guys to play a certain way by leading a lot. I'm shouting instructions and trying to get guys to stay tuned into the game, that's the sort of role I'm playing now.'' So far Symonds has not incurred any negative reaction from those in the squad since his return to action and admitted that there would be a problem if there was, because he doesn't want to jeopardise or take anyone's position.

"I've had my turn, I believe that and when I was called back it was talked about to the team and I was really welcomed back and it made me feel good to know that these guys still had high respect for me like that and that really encouraged me to be around and felt good.'' Asked if it said anything about the current level of play for someone of his vintage to be able to waltz back onto the stage, yet be competitive, Symonds appeared reluctant to downgrade today's player.

He noted the current batch as being loaded with skills, but inferred them to be, perhaps due to societal pressures, lacking in their commitment to training and honing those qualities.

"It seems like the spirit for training doesn't seem to be there and it seems a lot of the teams are having the same problem as the national coach is having as far as having players out to train.

"In my time and my heyday, I was looking up to the likes of guys such as Marcus Douglas, Ellsworth Lambert, Gary Darrell, Albert Dowling as I was breaking into the team and these guys would get to sessions early and begin training on their own.

"And when I was coming through I used to train three nights and play football before I went training and the days that I didn't train I'd take my ball and be doing things on my own and a lot of players were doing that then.

"The love for the game might have been a bit different that what it is now.

Today maybe life has caught up with guys and they have pressures to do other things, they're becoming parents at younger ages, all sorts of things have combined to put them under more pressure than we guys were. Because we were able to put in more time I think that's one of the reasons the game may be a bit different.'' That affection still burns inside Symonds and motivates him to continue playing, whether it be with Colts or inside the gym with his buddies.

"It's the love of knowing that you can get a group of guys together to play as one.

"That was always the most difficult thing, to be in harmony. And to tell you the truth I've really learned that in playing with the guys I'm playing with now. There's a brotherhood, a real closeness and bond amongst us, where we can play for two hours and not even take score, it's all about creating, making good passes and playing as a team.'' OLD WARRIOR -- Lorenzo Symonds has spent his entire career with Devonshire Colts, but has never won a League championship or FA Cup medal.