Log In

Reset Password

New Cougars boss Boyles to provide 'structure'

DEVAR Boyles will raise the curtain on his Devonshire Cougars coaching career tomorrow night when his new club take on Boulevard in the Martonmere Cup.

Boyles, who won league and cup honours at Dandy Town, is joined by ex-national team goalkeeper Dwayne (Streaker) Adams who will be his assistant at the Den this season.

His predecessor Shawn Smith will certainly prove to be a tough act to follow for Boyles. Smith, a former Bermuda international, built upon the solid foundations laid by the likes of Albert Smith and Andrew Bascome and masterminded Cougars' title triumph during the 2006-7 season.

But long-serving defender Omar Butterfield believes Cougars have appointed the right man for job in Boyles and is confident of a prosperous campaign.

"I think a guy like Devar (Boyles) is something we've never had and he will provide us with some structure ¿ that's something we really needed," said Butterfield. "Pre-season has been a bit different with him as coach and things are looking good for us.

"We will be competitive this season and nothing will hold us back this year ¿ hopefully we can bring some trophies back to the Den."

Cougars suffered heartache in the Martonmere Cup final last campaign losing to Kyle Lightbourne's PHC in a nail-biting penalty shootout at Somerset Cricket Club.

Butterfield insists those painful memories are now forgotten and reckons Cougars are a better team than last season despite losing key players such as ex-Hogges striker Raymond Beach and Kori Goddard.

"We have lost some players but for me cry babies leave and the men stay because we had a hard season last season and we need to put it right. We've brought in Sean Brangman and Lamuel Weeks who are both strong signings."

Boulevard have also seen a changing of the guard over the summer with footballing guru Andrew Bascome replacing John Rebello at the Blazers helm with Richard Todd becoming his trusted lieutenant.

They have also been busy during the pre-season transfer window capturing Hogges midfielder Michael Parsons, North Village 'keeper Zane Hendrickson and Somerset Trojans striker Dion Stovell.

***

Boulevard take on Cougars in Group A at 7 p.m. tomorrow at BAA, while Devonshire Colts face Dandy Town and their new boss Meshach Wade in Group B at 9 p.m. Next Saturday's Martonmere Cup action will see Group B action between North Village and Devonshire Colts at 7 p.m., before defending champions PHC and Boulevard meet at 9 p.m.