of the new season.

Prior to the June 13 transfer release deadline, a total of 20 Zebras filled out the necessary paperwork making them eligible for moves to new clubs by the July 30 deadline.

Many of them were first team regulars last season and the club have been quick to officially object to the intended switch by 17 of the 20.

However, two of the three who they will not try to prevent moving on are veterans Kevin Dill, who has been missing from the team for a couple of years, and Mark Wade who held down a first team place last season.

Among those PHC are fighting to hold onto are first team regulars Sheridan Ming, Dano Outerbridge, Raynel Lightbourne, Shawn Simons and Otis Steede, as well as McLee Smith, Michael Trott and college student Tokia Russell.

Coach Jack Castle admitted to being worried about losing quality players such as Outerbridge, Steede, Lightbourne and last year's captain, Sheridan Ming.

"Some of the names concern me,'' admitted Castle who said he understood Ming was looking to return to Southampton Rangers. "They have up until the end of July to make up their minds.

"If they do wish to move on, then that will only say to the club that it will be time to look at bringing through some younger players. PHC have a great youth programme.'' Meanwhile, the situation is also looking bleak for St. George's and St.

David's three months after they were relegated from the First Division. Both also face the prospect of losing a slew of players before the deadline.

St. George's, who went from Friendship Trophy success and a third place finish in 1996 to winless and bottom of the First Division a year later, stand to lose a number of key players, including Neil Paynter, Quinton Francis, Derek Wright, Marlon Outerbridge, Duvall Smith, Jerome Laws, Dean Bailey, Donald Whitfield and Clay Smith.

In terms of numbers, St. David's stand to lose even more as a total of 19 sought releases before the June 15 deadline. Included in that bunch are coach Andrew Bascome, who has hinted at resuming playing next season with Boulevard, Lionel Cann, Shane Weeks, Gregory Foggo, Jawan Thomas, Otis Minors, Tafari Outerbridge, Dale Fox, Keith Jennings, Sergio Goater, Shea Pitcher, Kuhn Evans and Jamel Warren.

Newly promoted Hotels have veterans Derek Scott and Ricky Hill exercising their transfer options, probably reluctant to return to the First Division in the twilight of their careers. The same seems true for Somerset pair Stevie Riley and Everett Wellman who could be on the move from the Trojans. Paul Place and Duane DeRoza have also applied for releases.

Rumours are rife that Hamilton Parish will pick up several new players, among them Corey Hill and Irving Burgess who have applied for releases from Vasco.

The Portuguese club could also lose Franklyn Simmons, Billy Kirkpatrick, Karl Roberts and Shawn Smith who has been linked with a return to Devonshire Cougars.

Former Bermuda captain Meshach Wade is seeking a transfer from BAA, along with Tito Smith and Gerald Sims while Anthony Wilson, who fell out of favour at Devonshire Colts, is headed back to Dandy Town.

Just one year after returning to Southampton Rangers, Ascento Russell could be leaving. He and Nashon Burrows have applied for releases.

Bermuda Football Association were kept busy on the last business day before the deadline, but applying for releases only enables those players to follow through with transfers before the second deadline. Those players who have obtained releases can still remain with their clubs.