Finishing in mid-table mediocrity may not be a Mount Everest-type achievement for most Premier Division clubs, but for Devonshire Colts coach Keishon Smith it would represent another climb forward for his young team.

Last season saw Colts finish in eighth position on 17 points – a marked improvement on their 'annul horribilis' of 2008-9 when they failed to win a single league match and only survived by beating St.David's on penalties in the relegation play-offs.

The spectre of the drop remains a genuine threat for Colts but the prospect of leapfrogging some of the so-called bigger teams is, too, not an impossible target for Smith's side.

"We're looking to get to the next level where we can start to compete for honours," said Smith, who is approaching his second full season in charge since replacing ex-coach Ray Jones.

"We have a good group of guys and have added some more talent and this season's all about moving forward."

Smith is also seeking a deep cup run this campaign and has not ruled out the possibility of winning his first piece of silverware for the club.

"I'm looking for a strong mid-table finish which would qualify us for the Dudley Eve next year," he said. "A good cup run would be real nice, to put ourselves in a position to win a trophy this season would be considered a real success."

The revolving transfer door has been a busy one for Colts who have lost the services of key defender Sean Perinchief to Southampton Rangers, but have managed to increase their attacking threat in the form of Ian Coke, from Boulevard, and Ryan Tyrrell who has joined from North Village.

Also returning to Police Field is former Bermuda Hogges midfielder Clevon Hill who played a handful of matches for Hamilton Parish last season after recovering from a serious knee injury.

"We've brought in some good young players who are hungry. Both Ian and Ryan have plenty of pace and give us more of an attacking threat," said Smith, who also coaches the Knights in the Island Soccer League (ISL).

"Last season I felt we didn't get the results we might have deserved because we missed so many chances, but that's football.

"We've also got Kyle Jones who had a great season in the ISL for the Titans and played in the All-Star game. He can be the target man we're looking for.

"(Clevon) is putting in his work. It looks like he will be a late transfer for us and miss the first four games or so."

Had it not been for a career ending achilles injury it is likely Smith would still be influencing matters on the pitch instead of from the dug-out.

Still, he is glad to have made that transition and always desired to coach one day after being inspired by his former national team boss, the late Burkhard Ziese.

"If it wasn't for my injury I'd still be playing myself. Back in the day I played for Colts, a bit of semi-pro in the US and the Bermuda national team," Smith said. "I was involved with Burkhard Ziese, he was one of the key figures who shaped many of Bermuda's good players of my era. Sadly he past away a few months ago."