St.George's coach Richard Todd has revealed that "work ethic, discipline and team unity" have been the key principles upon which Colts' promotion success has been built on.

The East Enders finished second in the First Division to secure top-flight football for next term and will take on Prospect United in the Shield final at the National Sports Centre tomorrow.

Lifting the Shield trophy would cap off a memorable first season as Colts' coach for Todd who previously worked under Andrew Bascome at Boulevard.

"Winning the Shield would be a great way to end the season," he said, "but it will be done by sticking to our principles of play.

"Working hard, being disciplined and playing as a unit. Most importantly I want the team to enjoy the day and the atmosphere and show that St. George's are capable of playing good football."

The former Bermuda national team assistant has warned his players not to underestimate Prospect and singled out ex-Hereford United veteran Kentoine Jennings and Jerry Laws as Colts' danger men.

"Prospect will certainly be showing up trying to win and they possess a few potential match winners," Todd said. "Kentoine Jennings always plays to win and Jerry Laws runs tirelessly.

"I caution my players not to take them for granted . . . they need to show they have learned from sub par performances in a couple of league matches which were the difference between us having not secured the league title."

An improved attitude to training has been another factor behind Colts' good form this campaign with Todd altering his players approach to practice with his 'don't train, don't play' policy.

Todd said a number of his players had falsley started believing they would always be picked regardless of whether they showed up for training, and consequently their development had stunted.

"Promotion was there for St. George's last season, they won the Dudley Eve and lead the table at the turn, but they imploded," said the ex-Vestavia Hills Soccer Club academy director.

"Their perception was that their abilities made them an automatic pick in the team, and as a result they were able to get away with minimal training or not training at all.

"Those days are done, and some learned the hard way that with the three principles of hard work, discipline and unity the programme can and will move forward without them. You have to stick to your principles. When you do the right things you will get the results and the breaks."

Todd, who holds United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and Brazilian coaching badges, already has one eye on next season and admits he will need to bring in some new faces as Colts look to evolve into a Premier Division force.

"There was a core group of players that were consistent and reliable with their attendance at training . . . we will look to add a few names to that list," said Todd.

"Certainly Troy Hall, Neil Paynter and Karl Roberts provided experience and stability to the team. All three have been involved with the national programme at some point in their playing careers and all coach within our junior programme.

"Ernest Signor, David Signor and Jerreau Hayward added steel and presence in games and Jahron Dickinson's goal tally speaks to itself.

"If you take away half of the goals he scored we would have been a bottom half team, so he's a difference maker and it just seemed like he could not stop scoring.

"The challenge is there for him to now step up and measure his ability against the Premier Division defenders.

"The focus next year will be to continue to grow and establish ourselves as a constant presence in the Premier Division by maintaining our status in the division."

Tomorrow's match at the National Sports Centre kicks off at 12.30 p.m.