threat they used to be during the 1970s and '80s, it is hard to put a finger on the reasons for their dive in fortunes.

PHC's unfamiliar eighth-place showing in the First Division is of grave concern to the Warwick-based club, but is a valid indication of their decline in form and status.

On the other hand, Somerset's middle-of-the-table, fifth-place spot, might be attributed to them having a "poor run'' and is probably not cause for them to push the panic button -- yet.

One thing which is clear, however, is mediocre performances by these teams will not be tolerated by their fans -- and with just 450 turning out in good weather for their league match-up at PHC last Sunday, that alone proved that even the most loyal fans at Somerset are unwilling to fork out $3 to watch soccer played at a lower standard than they have grown accustomed to.

PHC are languishing on nine points with just three victories, while Somerset have 12 points from five victories. Both have played 12 games.

In other competitions the teams have nothing to rave about either. The Trojans are out of everything -- suffering a real blow by being knocked out of the Friendship Trophy by St. George's -- while PHC can still restore some faith among their loyal friends with a victory over Dandy Town in the Friendship semifinal on Tuesday night.

Somerset's Larry Hunt, who as recently as last season took his team to the three trophies (league, Dudley Eve Trophy and Martonmere Cup), could not be prompted into giving his views on the predicament the two clubs find themselves in.

But PHC's Alfred Eve was not so hesitant about sizing up the situation.

Eve retired two seasons ago after a long coaching stint with PHC, but was encouraged to come back just weeks before the season started when PHC and second-year man Jack Castle were unable to finalise financial terms. And long before the season reached the half-way stage, he learned how different it was to run a squad again.

"Everything changes,'' said Eve. "When a team is not playing particularly well people are not visible, but I really think that is the time when they should come out and really give their support.'' The coach noted, however, that there had been a longstanding rivalry between PHC and Somerset over the years and that both clubs should be credited for producing some of the best players Bermuda soccer fans have ever seen.

"PHC and Somerset are two of the proudest teams in local soccer, we've both managed to overcome graver problems and I'm confident that in the end everything will be fine for both of us,'' said Eve.

But he admits that there is a new way of thinking in the modern-day player, and he firmly believes they do not understand or appreciate things like rivalries. He also feels that their lack of commitment helps to contribute to added complexities in coaching, more so today than in the past.

In summing up PHC's `so-so' season to date, Eve admitted that they were facing something of a dilemma in terms of finding consistency and believed that it remained a challenge to sort out their problems concerning their position in the tables before things get any worse.

"It's a challenge to get us away from where we are in the league tables. It's a position that we are not used to and our record over the years will clearly show this,'' said Eve.

"The main thing is that I believe of a light existing at the end of the tunnel, the players are just going to have to believe in themselves and help us get out.'' PHC are close to being a team in transition with a few of the older players expected to retire at the end of the season and newcomers like teenager McLee Smith, scorer of their first goal against Somerset on Sunday, and a few others brought up from their junior ranks, will have to adjust and take up the baton.

"I'm optimistic and feel that we can look even beyond the season for success.

My main aim right now is to get them on a good foot to ensure that they are in a good position in the end,'' said Eve.

"As far as I am concerned, both Leroy Lewis and myself have had a long, interesting and enjoyable tenure with PHC and we are looking forward to having a few senior players assisting us as far as coaching is concerned next season.

"We have a good development plan at PHC and I am optimistic about what lies ahead. But more importantly, though, is the job ahead of us now which is to improve on our league position and completely steer clear of any relegation worries.'' TOUGH TIMES -- Larry Hunt of Somerset Trojans (left) and PHC's Alfred Eve.