Shaun Goater has displayed his ruthless streak on the eve of the USL-Division Two season, warning that underperforming Bermuda Hogges' players will be threatened with the axe.

The Bermuda Hogges' president said players who do not "pull their weight" or fail to "meet our high standards" would be chopped from the roster mid-campaign, as the Hogges strive to evolve from basement strugglers into a credible force.

Goater's ominous message is a surefire sign of the franchises' lofty ambitions for the future and attempts to distance the team from their 'friendly on-field face' of last season.

"Sometimes you can be too nice to players and if anyone doesn't pull their weight this season or meet our high standards then we will have to let them go," said Goater. "This is a professional environment and if people don't perform you have to let them go - that's just the way of the world.

"Next week we will meet each player and let them know exactly what we think of them and what we expect from them. Each player will know if he's someone we're looking to build the team around or hanging by a thread."

It is believed the Hogges have made some intriguing additions to their squad for their sophomore season in the form of Devonshire Colts' veteran marksman Aljame Zuill and North Village's midfield dynamoes Keishen Bean and Jemeiko Jennings as well as defensive lynchpin Kofi Dill and defender Johnny Ball.

Goater said he was bouyed by the new faces who he believes will ensure coach Kyle Lightbourne is reaching for the painkillers to cope with his newfound selection headaches.

"We have really strengthened the midfield and we have plenty of ball handlers now," said Goater. "We've strengthened our defensive department and with Domico Coddington fully fit we have a player with the pace to get in behind teams.

"I would still like us to be more physical and we haven't really got a ball winner - that's probably the one that we've not yet solved.

"We certainly have more options this season and I'm sure Kyle will face some selection headaches."

One player who Goater has great expectations for this season is Cayman conqueror Sammy DeGraff who struck two goals for Bermuda in last month's World Cup qualifier in the Caribbean.

"Sammy had an excellent last season for the Hogges and I was pleased to hear of his performance in Cayman," said Goater. "I don't believe he plays in his best position for his club and has to be in the centre of midfield.

"I envisage him playing in the 'Makelele role' for us. He's very good at cleaning things up and his distribution is neat and tidy and doesn't give the ball away."

Bermuda Hogges start their season away at Charlotte Eagles next Saturday, the day before PHC take on Dandy Town in the FA Cup final.

Seven squad members could potentially be involved in the showpiece final and the Hogges are planning to fly those players, along with PHC coach Lightbourne, back to Bermuda for the cup match.

Co-owner Paul Scope said the Hogges were also in discussions with the USL and Western Mass Pioneers regarding their fixture clashes with the Bermuda national team.

Bermuda international John Barry Nusum remains a Hogges' target for the coming campaign and it's believed the striker has been in talks with Scope about a potential move.