Bermuda Hogges latest recruit Sean Simmons has revealed he has been temporarily ruled out of overseas action after overstaying his visa in the United States last summer.

The dreadlocked defender will be a notable absentee when his team-mates depart for next week’s sojourn to the States and could miss the remainder of this season’s away fixtures.

It represents a blow for Kyle Lightbourne and his coaching staff who view Simmons as a remedy for the defensive ailments that have plagued their campaign.

The Somerset Trojans stopper is no stranger to the rigours and physicality of the USL after playing for the now defunct South Carolina Shamrocks between 1998-99.

And it was no coincidence his debut against New Hampshire Phantoms heralded Hogges’ first victory and most impressive defensive display to date.

His no-nonsense approach to the defensive ‘dark arts’ is an area where Lightbourne’s young charges have been found wanting so far, conceding a plethora of goals created by long balls.

But despite being tied to the Island for the foreseeable future, Simmons has committed himself to the Hogges and hopes his experience can ease their path into professional football.

“I overstayed my allowed time in the States last summer which means I’m unable to travel back there at the moment,” said the 31-year-old who won the Bermuda Football Association’s defensive MVP award.

“I’m waiting for my paperwork to be sorted out so it appears I’ll only be able to play home games for the Hogges this season.

“It’s a blow because I’m keen to help the cause and as soon as I’m able to travel I want to be involved. I’m not sure how long it will take, but that’s the situation.”

Simmons has been training with the Hogges for the past few weeks and it is believed they had been looking to secure his services since the start of season. But now both parties have come to an agreement and Simmons is looking forward to sharing his vast knowledge with his new colleagues.

“I’ve always known I’ve had the talent but maybe in the past I could have shown more commitment,” said Simmons. “I’ve been talking to Kyle and Shaun (Goater) for a while and I’m delighted to be on board. I know all about this level of football as I played for the South Carolina Shamrocks in the late 90s.

“It’s a physical league where teams like to play a brand of direct football but that’s not a problem for me - I’m comfortable defending against that style.”

Shaun Goater was full of superlatives for Simmons’ debut showing and believes his presence and defensive know-how will prove valuable.

He also believes the interest that has surrounded the Hogges’ first foray into franchise football has been noted by a number of domestic players who are now expressing an interest in joining their ranks.

“Sean gave us real presence at the back against Phantoms and was prepared to clear his lines and put in a challenge - he’s an old -fashioned centre-half,” said Goater.

“But he can also play and I thought his performance was flawless and he will help the likes of Omar Shakir and Robert Wilson.

“We have been holding discussions with him for a while and now he has shown us his commitment. Both he and his Somerset Trojan’s team-mate Jabrel Tucker have slotted in seamlessly.

“I think a lot of players were unsure about the Hogges initially and thought we may not take off - but they are changing their minds about us now.”

The Hogges are also running the rule over North Village defender Kofi Dill and hope to add Bermuda international Kevin Richards to their ranks when he returns from his employment in England in mid-July.

Hogges take on Cleveland City Stars at the Krenzier Stadium on July 6.