Over the last couple of weeks rumours have been surfacing about possible transfers in the local cricket scene. Speculation has it that many players are leaving for financial reasons while others are just looking for a new challenge.

Today we will take a closer look at potential transfers and the impact they could have in the league and their teams.

One of the big double transfers that have surfaced concerns George O'Brien and Malachi Jones. They are two of the best fast bowlers on the Island in my eyes, and if there is any truth to these rumours then Willow Cuts will automatically become a top-four team with the addition of this firing power.

George is aggressive and can single handedly destroy a batting line-up. Malachi can do the same but he can also score an abundance of runs.

Together, bowling in tandem, they are certain to get three to four wickets in the opening spell if not more, thus causing trouble for any team.

Herbie Bascome and Gregg Foggo have been rumoured to be departing St. George's. The senior Bascome looks to be moving back to Devonshire Rec. where he started his cricket.

His experience will be greeted with open arms at Devonshire Rec. as he can still bowl reasonably well and is no slouch with the bat either.

Gregg, on the other hand, looks to have opted for St. David's after being overlooked in last year's Cup Match. He is an excellent bowler with a fighting mentality and has been around during St. George's' dominating years of cricket so he has the heart of a champion.

Personally, losing Gregg will be a big loss and comes as a big surprise to me as he was instrumental in pursuing me to come back home to coach St.George's.

With the possibility of losing two quality players, it is also rumoured that St. George's may gain the likes of Detroy Smith, PJ Stamp and James Celestine as Police look to have certainly disbanded.

In addition to this, believed to be returning home to St. George's is the veteran Dean Minors from Flatts, but he is also being lured by Leg Trappers who would love to have the former Bermuda international in their ranks.

Last year St. David's dominated cricket in Bermuda and won practically everything except for the Open and Belco Cup.

If Gregg Foggo follows through with his transfer it would make St. David's an even stronger bet to retain their league title.

Coach George Cannonier has stated boldly that his team will be looking to go undefeated and win every trophy before them just like the St. David's team of 2001, which arguably was the best St. David's team ever.

Also, a major key will be whether or not they will be able to continue to secure the services of Lionel (The Finisher) Cann, who at one stage was considering a move to St. George's. However, after much discussion with management and players I believe Lionel has opted to stay home and give St. David's one last season, but only time will tell.

As inferred above, Southampton Rangers seem to have possibly lost their prize asset in Malachi Jones. If Malachi goes through with his transfer, Southampton Rangers will be extremely weakened.

One addition, though, which will definitely strengthen their batting is Jason Simons who appears to be on the move from Cleveland. Rangers will obviously have to look to rebuild but their problem is they do not have a junior programme to pull from, hence the reason they go and seek players from other teams.

This is something that they have to look to fix this year. A powerhouse cricket team like Rangers should certainly have a junior program to enhance the competition in the future.

Much speculation is going on with Social Club as the transfer deadline nears. Thought to be leaving are Kevin Hurdle, Detroy Smith, Nakia Smith and possibly one or two more.

However, if the word in the cricket circle is true, Social Club have picked up a massive signing in Rodney Trott, who appears to also be trying to lure Tamauri Trott along with him. But many clubs appear to be after Tamauri's services as he is a quality off-spinner

There also seems to be much confusion in the Somerset camp. Stalwarts Dwight Basden and Jermaine Warner could possibly be looking to return to their home, Willow Cuts. Word has it that Somerset tried to lure Steven Outerbridge there as captain but to no avail as he is loyal to Bailey's Bay.

After much debate, Jekon Edness seemed to be in the fold to take over the captaincy from Jacobi Robinson, but again word has it that Jacobi has maintained his status as captain. Will he be captain of Cup Match or will Somerset opt for the more viable Steven Outerbridge.

While there are sure to be many more transfers at the end of the transfer window, these are just a few to get us thinking cricket.

One gentleman approached me this week and said: "Do players not have any loyalty to one club anymore"?

That's a very hard question to answer. Most players do but incentives can make anyone rethink their loyalties. I mean we are in the middle of a recession and the right incentive can really make the difference.

In other cases it is the challenge that many seek. Example, look at Chris Foggo and Faqrue Crockwell, they know without a doubt that if they played for St. David's they would win week after week without breaking a sweat. Therefore, they have moved onto lower clubs to try to enhance their programmes and it is the challenge of making that club successful that drives them.

It is merely six days left before the deadline ends. Excitement is growing as clubs are out there wheeling and dealing to try to strengthen their teams. This year promises to be an exciting year for cricket, which is good. I am a strong believer that if you want to develop a strong national team you must develop a strong league and I believe we are on our way to doing that.

Motto of the week: To succeed . . . You need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you – Tony Dorsett.