Defeat against Charlotte Eagles was a huge awakening for Bermuda Hogges and a case of welcome back to the pro-league!

In training this week the coaches have discussed last weekend's performance, or lack of, and reminded the players of what we expect from them this season.

We can't keep making excuses for them but I'm pleased to say that morale is still very good in the camp and it's been a very productive week in training.

Understandably it will take time for the players to adjust from the domestic league to the USL-D2, but we can't afford for them to take half the season to adapt to the higher level.

Our only headache ahead of tomorrow's match against Wilmington Hammerheads concerns our 'keeper situation after Nigel Burgess pulled his hamstring during a national team training session on Monday.

It's a real blow because Jason Williams is still recovering from an ankle knock so it looks like Timmy Figuerido will be our only fit 'keeper available.

Recent signing John Barry Nusum will also miss the game because he has commitments with Philadephia Kixx but he should be available for the rest of our season.

Before the campaign started we earmarked this fixture as a real opportunity for us to get points on the board. But we'll need to be wary of them because although we played them off the park in last season's home match, they dug their heels in and grinded out a win.

They're a persistent, physical team, and are a real tough nut to crack. Two former English professionals who have installed a never-say-die spirit in their team coach them.

It will certainly help our cause if there's a packed house at the National Sports Centre because we really need to turn the stadium into a fortress this season. In order to progress we need to become tough to beat and make life difficult for teams who visit the NSC.

I must admit I was surprised to hear about Meshach Wade's recall to the Bermuda national team. I'm a good friend of Meshach and think he's an excellent player. Despite his age his experience will carry him through and he is a player the younger guys can really learn a thing or two from.

Having said that I don't believe it was the correct decision to send him on the UK training camp.

It would have been more beneficial to take a young player who could gain some extremely useful experience for the future. This trip is a great opportunity for our players and I think they'll be surprised as to just how good some of Chelsea's academy players are - it will be a real eye opener for them.

Finally, I gather I was mentioned in this month's edition of Four Four Two magazine and placed in the top 100 foreign players to have graced the English Premier League. I believe 'the Goat' came in at 74th and to be honest I'm well chuffed with that!

These lists are a bit of fun but I must admit it's still quite nice to get a mention and I'm sure there were a lot of quality players who were behind me, so you'll not hear me complaining about coming 74th!