the six trophies up for grabs and struggled for fifth in the league standings, Dandy Town are looking to break out in a big way this time around and second-year coach Robert Calderon is optimistic that his men can do so.

Last year witnessed a Hornet outfit sorely lacking depth and in the throes of internal strife. Paul Cann, Neil Paynter and Devarr Boyles, vital cogs in their system of play, were away in school most of the year and with the banishment of the talented but unpredictable Martin brothers, Kris and Kurt, the situation became dire indeed as they struggled against sides they would normally roll over.

The Hornets started on a high note with an emphatic 8-2 thrashing of Devonshire Cougars and further raised eyebrows with a similar 4-0 demolition of PHC in the first round of the Martonmere Cup. However, these events proved merely a facade and the Pembroke club rarely rose above mediocrity the rest of the way.

At their lowest point they suffered an embarrassing 4-0 whipping at the hands of soon to be relegated Southampton Rangers and the season culminated with a heartbreaking 2-1 loss in the FA Cup final against PHC, courtesy of a hotly-disputed penalty awarded late in the match by referee Esten Curtis.

"Basically last year we just didn't have many good players,'' said Calderon, who will be assisted once again by Mark Trott. "Our main problem was no Walter (Musson), Paul or Neil.'' Without doubt Town were sorely lacking in the goal-scoring department, averaging an anaemic one-and-a-half goals per game, which was below the league average, but with the addition of Stevie Wade and Shivaughn Smith from Cougars as well as the return of Cann, Musson and former youth squad player Dennis Robinson things could be quite different this time around.

They also have speedy strikers Carlos Smith and Lionel Cann to call on, creating a surplus of attacking players from which to choose.

"For the first time since I have been at Town we have two genuine wide players in the form of Paul and Walter,'' said Calderon. "Them being two of the better ones on the Island it will enable us to get more width in attack and hopefully create more chances.

"Also with Robinson, Wade and Smith it could make for a major difference as to what the make-up of the team will be this year. I'm hoping that they can come together and blend with what we already have.'' Town are looking to employ double strikers in a 3-5-2 formation, which Calderon says may change depending on their opponents.

Perceived strengths are at the back, where the veteran trio of Wayne Campbell, Troy Durham and Paynter should enter as starters in the heart of defence.

Versatile full-backs Wylie Rudo and Burton Bruce will play a more upfield role roaming the flanks and linking the attack.

Midfield threatens to be a `potpourri', as a number of players appear capable of filling that position. Skipper Voorhees Astwood is a lock and Lloyd Christopher is also a proven performer. A fit Shivaughn Smith would be useful and Kurt Martin has also been in attendance at training sessions, which Calderon said have been very intense.

"There has been some healthy competition in training, a lot of which can be linked to the work ethic of those involved in the national squad -- Cann, Paynter, Campbell and Astwood -- rubbing off.'' Squad depth may turn out to be the most important factor for Town with the loss of members for World Cup matches, but with the surplus shown thus far the Hornets look like having the ability to at least stay afloat during the absence of their star players.

1991-92 accomplishments: League -- fifth; FA Cup -- lost to PHC in final 2-1.

Notable player transfers: Out -- Joseph Weeks, Anthony Wilson, Coolridge Bell, Randy Darrell, Ricky Mallory, Earl Richardson In -- Walter Musson, Kent Martin, Shivaughn Smith, Stevie Wade.

WALTER MUSSON -- Back at Dandy Town after two seasons with Hamilton International.