Dennis Brown admits it was a wrench to walk out on Somerset Trojans but is feeling rejuvenated for the challenge ahead as the new head coach of Devonshire Cougars.Brown yesterday refused to divulge his reasons for quitting Trojans, who he led to the First Division title last season, preferring to focus on the “loads of potential” now at his disposal at Devonshire Rec.But talent alone will only take the Big Cats so far, said Brown, whose first challenge will be to marry his players’ undisputed ability with “hard work and commitment”.“Cougars have become one of the top teams in Bermuda in the last few years and, yes, I’m excited and I’m looking forward to the challenge that I have ahead of me,” said Brown, an uncompromising defender for Bermuda and Trojans in his heyday.“The team is blessed with loads of potential but to be successful consistently will take much more than talent, but hard work and commitment.”Although leaving Trojans was one of the toughest football decisions Brown has had to make, he said the allure of taking the reins at Premier Division powerhouse, Cougars, was too strong to turn down.“(There were) a couple of factors why I made the decision to coach Cougars which I will not mention but the decision to leave Somerset after gaining promotion was not an easy one to make,” he said.“As a coach I’m always looking for ways to constantly challenge myself and this appointment is a major challenge which I’m looking forward to.“I have been a winner all my life wherever or whatever I do. I think we’re a perfect match and we will see what the season ahead brings.“I will not place any pressure on the team by making statements to fuel any opponent, but whatever my challenge is to them will remain in-house.”The appointment of Brown will finally relieve Kwame Steede from his double duty as player-coach, a role he has somewhat reluctantly performed for the past two seasons.Steede guided Cougars to their maiden FA Cup final victory in his first season at the helm, although there’s no doubt the extra responsibility had an adverse effect on his displays on the pitch.At least now, said Brown, Steede will be able to do what he does best: pulling the strings in the Cougars midfield.“Yes, Kwame did have the added responsibility last season by having to coach the team as well as play, but now he just has to concentrate on being the leader and setting the example for his team-mates on the pitch,” Brown added.Brown won’t be making any changes to Cougars’ current backroom staff which includes Cyril (Dago) Steede and Shawn Smith; nor will he encourage any his former Trojans players to follow him to the Rec.“I will keep the coaching staff that was in place at Devonshire Rec. last season because they will be able to give me advice on the players in the team,” said Brown, who also coaches at the Bermuda Brazilian Football School (BBSS)“Also, they are quality coaches who I will look to for input because it’s not just about me but about our team of coaches to maximise the potential of the players.“I will let Somerset announce who will coach them, but I will say that the team is in good shape and in good hands.“I will not encourage any player to follow me, that will be entirely up to them, but I will say that Cougars have some quality youngsters knocking on the senior door at the moment and I will look from within rather than look outside of the club for players.”