Despite capturing a dozen new signings in pre-season, Kenny Thompson has revealed he only actually approached one player to join his White Hill revolution - and was ironically turned down.

Premier Division newcomers, Eagles, were the busiest team during in the pre-season transfer window snapping up a staggering twelve new players, including local leading lights Antwan Russell and Keishen Bean.

But Thompson insists he didn't have to pursue or convince any of his summer captures to join the ambitious West Enders and, contrary to common belief, they all made the initial contact.

"I know what the talk has been, but I actually did very little or no scouting and actually only asked one player (thought to be North Village's Jemeiko Jennings) to join Eagles, and ironically I was turned down," Thompson said.

"Obviously when high calibre players approach you about joining your club you're not going to say no, and we're pleased the programme is at a point where we can attract some of the top players on the Island.

"Once we were promoted I looked at the squad and was quite happy with our core group of responsible experienced players and youngsters from the Academy.

"I felt we needed to strengthen with three or four players at the most and didn't look at anybody in particular, but I'm pleased we now have a bit more strength in depth."

Of those "high calibre" players, Russell and Bean would have grabbed the attention of Eagles' top-flight rivals but Thompson is adamant he is well stocked with talent in all positions.

While he may have lost home-grown talents Roger Lee and Anthony Hunter to overseas studies, Eagles possess arguably the most accomplished midfielder in the league in ex-Trinidad international Marlon Rojas (who will miss the first matches of the season with an ankle injury) and last season's First Division top scorer Darin Dowling.

And Thompson has set his sights on challenging for silverware rather than simply avoiding a relegation dogfight.

"Despite the new signings we remain committed to the experienced players and youngsters who got us promoted," said the former national team coach.

"Of course we're pleased to have Keishen Bean and Antwan Russell onboard, who wouldn't? I've always been a big fan of Antwan and always had a good relationship with since the national under-17 team.

"I rate Keishen very highly and he is my god son so we have a connection. But I left it completely up to him and he felt it was a good move so naturally I'm pleased to have him.

"Although we have him signed on our books he isn't with us as he's abroad in school and so he'll only be part of our team sporadically this season."

Expectations have been duly raised considering the wealth of talent at Thompson's disposal but the experienced coach is approaching the season cautiously and believes their opening matches against champions Cougars, Dandy Town and North Village will offer a realistic gauge of where Eagles are at in their development.

"I think at the beginning of the season every team should be looking to challenge. Our few games are very tough and will say a lot about who we are ¿ we just have to be mentally prepared.

"If it comes down to a situation where we're middle of the pack we'll fight to get to the top, and we're at the bottom end we'll fight to survive."