cautious optimism after the absence of key players has hampered their buildup.

Still there is confidence in the Colts camp that they can build on last season's accomplishments which saw them finish second to Somerset in the league, second to PHC in the Friendship Trophy and second to Boulevard in the FA Cup.

The only thing Colts did win was the goal scoring race with Ellington Weldon's 15 goals and they will need a similar haul from one of their front men if they are to finally land a major trophy.

"Basically progress has been slow for us,'' said Symonds. "There has been a lot of inconsistency due to play unavailability. Pre-season is not a good guage for what we will do this year.'' Colts will not see action in the Martonmere Cup until next week and the extra time will be welcomed as Symonds still tries to fill gaps caused by the absence of Anthony Wilson (knee injury), Jahmal Samuels, Keenan Burchall, Leonard Hypolite, Craig Smith, the suspended Jay Bean and Chris Wright who is not playing this year for personal reasons.

"Harrison Trott has only just started to train but I'm hoping he'll get in the picture soon,'' said Symonds who has not ruled out filling in himself this season for what he insists will be his farewell season.

Filling the key central defensive position with Wright out is one of the main concerns for Symonds, and without his own experience Colts can expect a tough time against a strengthened Boulevard team in Sunday's opening league match at St. David's.

"I won't be starting the season,'' Symonds made quite clear. "One of the young guys who looks to be of the quality of Chris Wright has since hurt his knee.'' Antoine Lightbourne will get the nod over first choice keeper Andre Hendrickson for the opening match, the latter only turning out for his first sesson on the weekend.

"We're getting around 19 guys training regularly,'' Symonds disclosed.

"Craig has just gotten married and has been away and is a little bit out of shape while Jay Bean is suspended for the first two games.'' Colts have lost key players in the transfer market with George Smith, who played little for them last season, returning to Boulevard, while Marvin Lewis has joined Paget, Curtis Azhar moved to Devonshire Cougars and the Holdipp brothers Roydon and Michael have transferred to Port Royal.

The new signings include Ian Frith and Phillion Webb of relegated Hamilton Parish.

"There have been years that we've started much more prepared,'' said Symonds.

Sunday's win over BAA has done little to help Symonds decide on his team for the opening match.

"Before yesterday (Tuesday) I had what I thought was my starting team could be but after the match yesterday I'm going to have to rethink,'' the coach said.

"It's more important how we play than winning.'' Still, despite the problems, Symonds is confident his young team can continue to progress in what will be his fourth season as coach.

"In my first year we were in the Second Division, then in my second year we got a Martonmere Cup place. Then, last year we competed for every trophy and if we keep improving steadily someday we will be where we want to be.'' The start of this year's campaign could determine how successful Colts are come the end of the season. Last year they opened their league campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to PHC, in between a draw over Somerset and a win over Boulevard to reach the semi finals of the Martonmere Cup.

"Maybe at the beginning we're not as strong as we want to be but by the end of the season we will have improved on last year,'' stressed Symonds.

1992-93 accomplishments: Runners-up in league, Friendship and FA Cup, Martonmere Cup semifinals, Dudley Eve semifinal.

Notable transfers In -- Ian Frith, Phillion Webb Out -- George Smith, Marvin Lewis, Roydon Holdipp, Michael Holdipp, Curtis Ashar, David Gibbs.