Dwayne (Streaker) Adams is the new man in charge of North Village.

Adams, 32, succeeded Kentoine Jennings as coach just over a week ago ? the Reds' third coach in five years.

And with the start of the 2005-06 football season less than seven weeks away, the former national team 'keeper has wasted no time settling into his new role.

Since taking over the helm, Adams and assistant Maceo Dill have already begun preparations for September's Charity Cup defence against cross-town rivals Devonshire Cougars.

Village are gunning for an unprecedented fourth straight Charity Cup title against last season's Premier Division and Friendship Trophy champions.

Lady Cougars and PHC will do battle for the Women's Charity Cup, scheduled for September 4, at a venue still to be decided.

Adams previously coached at the youth level during his years studying at High Point University in North Carolina while Dill has managed and coached at the youth level and assisted former Village coach Scott Morton at Bernard Park.

Former Reds players Herbie Bascome and Larry Smith had also been considered for the top post at Village, but both declined offers.

Adams is fresh off a two-year playing stint with Southampton Rangers, relegated from the Premier Division last season, and is still regarded by many today as one of Island's top 'keepers.

While many might question Adams' decision to hang up his boots at the age of 32, the Reds new coach insists the time is right to give something back to the sport.

"It's about giving back some of the knowledge that I have received from the game over the years. I think it's important to do that. It's time to pass on the knowledge to the younger players to help them develop themselves," Adams told

So far, he added, the players had been "responsive" in training.

"I think as long as the guys maintain consistency and a high work rate we will be okay," he added. "Obviously as a coach you are looking to win every game because at the end of the day that's the focus. So it's important to prepare your team to go out there to compete in every game."

Asked whether he reconsider a decision not to play next season, Adams said: "If I am needed then I will consider playing. But hopefully I don't have to."

According to the new coach, Village have retained last season's cast of players with a few new faces expected to join ranks.

"Village have already been successful and have a lot of talent and that's something I have always recognised," Adams noted. "Village have youth and talent and I am confident we can go a long way with the players we have."

Village president Shervin Dill added: "Dwayne is an excellent choice because he has committed himself to the job and comes with a lot of confidence to be able to achieve the goals and desires we at Village have put forward. And he is a son of the soil whose heart and soul is at Village.

"This is the level of commitment we at Village are looking for. We are not just building as far as players are concerned but also in terms of coaches. Streaker has been well received by the players and so we are looking forward to great things to come from him."

Meanwhile, Jennings has "rededicated" his focus to starring solely in the heart of the Reds defence, added Dill.

In his first year as Village coach, Jennings guided the team to a third straight Charity Cup and also Martonmere and FA Cup success.