Former referee Leroy (Curly Joe) Wilson has hung up his whistle to become the new coach of Premier Division title contenders Dandy Town.

Hornets had been linked with the likes of Andrew Bascome and Jack Castle to replace Scott Morton who quit at the end of last season to become the Bermuda national Under-23 coach.

But it's Wilson who has emerged as an unlikely successor and takes charge of his first match on Sunday when Hornets tackle cross-town rivals Boulevard at St.John's Field in a repeat of last season's FA Cup final which saw Blazers triumph 5-3.

The appointment of the former Town stalwart – a long serving top-flight referee – has been backed by experienced winger Damon Ming who said his team-mates had responded well to Wilson's training methods during pre-season.

"Obviously Scott Morton will be a tough act to follow but Curly Joe has come in and brought some fresh ideas," Ming said.

"The players have enjoyed his training sessions, all the boys are behind him and I think we'll play a different style.

"Numbers have been very good at training throughout the summer and we're feeling pretty confident ahead of the new season."

Despite losing Bermuda Hogges striker Antwan Russell to Somerset Eagles and defenders David and Ernest Signor to St.George's, Hornets have bolstered their squad by snapping up experienced duo Jared Peniston and Tokia Russell, and Ming insists the team are well equipped to mount a challenge for silverware.

"Sure, we've lost a few key players like Antwan but we've also been strengthened by bringing in Tokia and Jared. In terms of our attacking options I feel we're very strong as we have the likes of Heys Wolfe, Raymond Beach, Nahki Wells, Lashun Dill and myself.

"Every team will be pushing for trophies this season and we're certainly no different.

"We've looked good in pre-season and played well in our last friendly match, a win over MR Onions."

Ming watched Blazers' narrow victory over Devonshire Cougars in last weekend's Charity Cup at Wellington Oval and believes he saw weaknesses Hornets' vibrant attackers can exploit.

"Boulevard are a good team and I was impressed with certain parts of their play against Cougars but saw other things I think we can take advantage of."

Earlier this month Dandy Town agreed to a ground-share with Boulevard which will see Blazers play their home matches at St. John's Field this season.