the First Division title for the first time in 20 years was North Village's priority.

And as such he was attaching little significance to his team's early exit from the Martonmere Cup.

While club fans might be disappointed, Thompson believes his young squad have improved enough to make amends for a 1997-98 season when they failed to win a trophy.

His reasons? An improved chemistry between new and existing players, combined with the experience the youngsters picked up during their baptism a year ago.

"Potential wise, in the young and the old we have an abundance of talent,'' said Thompson. "We can be league champions. Our main goal at this time is to close the gap between our potential and our actual performance.

"We have aspirations to win the league title. However, we are focusing on the steps needed to win the league as opposed to just winning the league.'' While the draw by Devonshire Colts last Sunday against Dandy Town marked Village's exit from Group B of the Martonmere Cup, Thompson isn't too disappointed with their early form.

In two Martonmere appearances they lost 2-1 to Town in a game they were competitive in until the end, while they drew 2-2 against Colts who snatched a last minute equaliser through Keishon Smith.

Village fans might not be too excited about what they have seen, but Thompson believes there's much better to come.

Unlike several other teams, Village were fortunate during the off-season merry go round. They didn't lose any recognised players while picking up talented players such as Neil (Diamond) Robinson, Jevon Thomas, Devon Brangman and Sergio Goater, who will all be given quality playing time.

Their addition means that the Village squad, criticised for being overloaded with youngsters last season, is now more balanced.

"This year we are stronger because of the additions and because of the experience the younger players have gained. The more experienced players we have can also play the role of big brothers in helping to guide the younger ones further along,'' added Thompson.

"The new players also make the squad deeper in strength. Last year when one or two picked up injuries it severely hampered our progress, but I don't see that happening this year because of the depth that exists in the squad.'' Failure to score goals was one of the Red Devils' shortcomings last season.

But there are signs that the famine could be over with several potential match-winners included in the attack.

"Goals can come from anywhere and we are always looking for a total team effort in this regard. But one naturally looks at the strikers to provide most of the scoring and we will be looking at campaigners such as Elliott Jennings, Kevin Jennings and some of the younger players like Kaiwon Dill, Sammy DeGraffe, Sergio Goater and Jameiko Jennings,'' said Thompson.

"All are capable of scoring goals for us. We are looking to create lots of scoring chances and whoever is at the end of the build-up must show that he has the ability to put the ball into the net.'' Thompson wants success for Village just as much as the fans, but he is asking them to be patient for a little longer.

"I have to take a different approach from the fans. They want immediate success and that's their right. Fans get emotional at times when success is not so evident, but as coach I cannot get caught up in emotion. I have an aim and the club has one, and we have to stay focused on the long-term goals and on the steps in reaching those goals.

"We cannot be allowed to be caught up on the road to the long-term aim. To the fans we say be patient and just measure our growth. I am always going to be taking action that will get us to our target.''