Bermuda Hogges striker Lloyd Holder has become the first high profile transfer of pre-season after signing for PHC.

Holder joins the defending champions from Premier Division rivals Dandy Town after enduring a frustrating season at the under-achieving Hornets.

The 30-year-old international has strong links with the Zebras through close friends Omar Shakir, Kevin Richards and Blenn Bean.

Coach Kyle Lightbourne is also a known admirer of Holder's professional attitude and selfless team ethic having worked with him for two seasons at the Hogges.

"I have a lot of friends at PHC with the likes of Kevin, Omar and Blenn," said Holder who made history as the Hogges' first ever goalscorer. "Obviously I know Kyle from my time at the Hogges and he encouraged me to come onboard.

"He wants to improve his attacking options and to be honest I was probably in need of a fresh start at this stage of my football career.

"It's an exciting time to be a PHC player after their success last season and there will certainly be more pressure on us this coming campaign."

The former Devonshire Colts forward revealed he was on the verge of making the move to Zebras at the start of last season, but was persuaded to stay at St. John's Field for one more term by former coach Devar Boyles

When Boyles stepped down mid-season as infighting infected the club, Holder found himself out of favour with his season coming to a premature end.

"This move has been a long time in the making," said Holder. "I almost signed for PHC last season but I had a few things going on in my personal life and it didn't feel right.

"Dandy Town convinced me to stay for another year but it turned into a frustrating season for me.

"When Devar Boyles left my season pretty much came to an end. Losing became contagious and there was a bit of finger-pointing and arguing."

Holder joined up with his new team-mates for the start of pre-season earlier this week and confessed the Zebras' notorious boot camp training regime was as tough as he had imagined.

"Everyone knows PHC pride themselves on their fitness and I'm prepared for a gruelling few weeks - I've not seen a ball yet!" said Holder.

"I've never experienced training quite like it, but it's just what I need as my fitness dropped off towards the end of last season."