Kyle Lightbourne insists PHC can cope with the loss of a quartet of key defenders after confirming he will remain as the team's coach for the coming season.

Kevin Richards and Johnny Ball have both put their playing careers on hold to pursue academic ambitions abroad, Tokia Russell has signed for Dandy Town, while Corey Dowling has decided to hang up his boots and retire.

It leaves Lightbourne facing the onerous task of replacing four vital cogs in his team's defensive machinery, although Bermuda international Robert Richardson will be returning from overseas studies to help shore up Zebras' depleted back-line.

Also departing from the Warwick-based club are Dennis Russell, who has moved to Southampton Rangers, and Aquino Grant, who has joined Premier Division newcomers Somerset Eagles, but Lightbourne remains confident PHC can still challenge for honours.

"It's a blow to lose four influential defenders in Kevin, Johnny, Corey and Tokia," admitted Lightbourne.

"But we have a very good youth policy at the club and will be looking for some of the younger guys to step up to the plate.

"Don't forget we still have experienced players like Omar Shakir, Chris Furbert, Stevie Astwood, Lloyd Holder. Plus, we've got Robert Richardson returning so we have guys who can fill the void."

Lighbourne revealed that Keston Lewis could miss the first few months of the season with a broken foot he sustained while playing for Bermuda Hogges, but expected Jevon Sealey to return from a lengthy injury.

"It will be difficult for us to be at quite the same level as we were in 2007-8 when we won three trophies, but I still think we can be a force.

"Our problem has always been scoring goals but we have players like Cecoy Robinson, Casey Castle and Lloyd Holder finished the Hogges season very strongly."

Rumours have been rife in the last few months that Lightbourne was unhappy at PHC and prepared to walk away from the club in order to take a break from the domestic game.

But yesterday he insisted he was fully committed to coaching the Premier Division powerhouse, although admitted he would liked to have recharged his batteries following a testing season with Hogges.

"There's been a lot of talk this summer about whether I would carry on coaching PHC, or leave," said the former national team coach. "I could do with a beak but it looks like it won't be coming at this moment."

Lightbourne succeeded Mark Wade as Zebras' coach three seasons ago and since then has won five trophies with the club, including an unprecedented 10th Friendship Trophy and FA Cup.