requests forwarded by players and are seeking $30,000 -- also a record -- in transfer fees.

A staggering 24 players from the west end club -- who made history when they were demoted last season for the first time -- applied for releases, however the Trojans have appealed 12 of those on the grounds that each has come through their junior programme, thus invoking the $2,500 transfer fee.

Included in the batch are first-team regulars Rodney Bascome, a forward who is seeking a move to Boulevard, former captain and midfield dynamo Reginald Tucker (Dandy Town), striker Lamaul Crofton (Somerset Eagles), defender Trevor Dickinson (Vasco) and left-winger Jerry Webb (Southampton Rangers).

"Each of the players has come up through our junior programme and our objections are very legitimate in each instance,'' said club vice-president Colin Smith.

"The BFA's constitution clearly states that we have a right to take this action if we feel any player is developed by the club.'' Asked if the club would rather have the cash or keep the players, Somerset president Reginald Pearman said, "What has to be done, has to be done. If they rule in our favour we'll accept the payment.'' The decision was to be made this week by a Bermuda Football Association committee headed by former association president Gerard Bean, with the chairman expected to officially deliver a verdict next week.

Somerset were unsuccessful in attaining payment from Vasco a year ago when youngster Steval Arorash transferred to the Portuguese club.

Other requests for compensation submitted by Devonshire Colts regarding Leonard Hypolite, Derek Wright and Antoine Lightbourne were ultimately denied by a BFA committee.

A major row broke out over Hypolite, who threatened to sit out the season or even longer if Boulevard -- his then proposed new club -- were forced to fork over so much as one penny.

Nevertheless, Smith was adamant that Somerset be awarded compensation, vowing to take the battle further if need be.

Three other clubs have launched separate appeals. Devonshire Colts are seeking remuneration for forward Damon Ming, who has stated his desire to join cross-town rivals Dandy Town, while Town are objecting to a move by centre-back Diallo Sharrieff to Hotels. BAA are against a transfer by Frank Brewster Jr., also looking to join Hotels.