season when coach Andrew Bascome could no longer carry on his duties because of "personal problems,'' Gary (Tuba) Mallory is now looking forward to his first full season as head coach of the team.

The fact though that they are immediately thrown into the spotlight with a place in Saturday's Charity Cup clash against Somerset Trojans does not faze Mallory as he claims that his squad are prepared for whatever challenge that lies ahead during the long season.

Unlike many other First Division teams Boulevard were not severely shaken by any transfers although stalwart midfield player Brian Anderson has moved on to Devonshire Cougars.

And the midfield will be further hit by the loss of captain Albert Smith who will miss the season after after suffering a serious leg injury in a cycle accident.

But the coach feels he can dip from a wealthy pool of capable replacements to fill the gap left by Smith and Anderson, who was injured for much of last season.

"We have 30 players who are capable of competing with any team there is around today, it's just a matter of combining things and getting the season under way,'' said Mallory of his team, who will be captained by forward Dwight Warren.

"Despite a few losses we are not at all weakened, if anything at all we should be much stronger than we were last season. I think our squad is looking very good,'' he added.

The coach is not about to accept any accolades for the complete turnaround the team made and claimed that although there were some difficulties last season it was not as hard as many believed it was to steer the team after Bascome's departure.

"It was a tough year but like we always say, the race is not for the swift but for those who can endure...so we endured and conquered all of the adversities that were before us,'' said Mallory.

"Actually speaking, though, the groundwork was already laid when I took over and it was just a matter of overseeing things and putting the team on a steady keel.'' Boulevard were fortunate as far as having new players join them via transfers with Albert and Clinton Caisey being the biggest names to sign on with them -- both players returning after a season away with North Village.

Albert will be a vital link in defence where he will take over at left-back while Clinton is a hard-working midfield player who could earn a regular place if given a chance.

Also returning to Boulevard after transferring to St. David's, where he failed to play a single game, is centre-back Herbie Bascome. But he has strong coaching ties at St. George's Colts and it remains to be seen how much desire he has to compete at the top level.

Additional valuable pick-ups for the team are goalkeeper Lynn Tucker from Southampton, and midfielder Shivaughn Smith and forward Stevie Wade from Dandy Town.

Smith and Wade failed to fit in at Dandy Town after moving there from Cougars last season, now one wonders whether they will be able to make an impact with Boulevard. Only time will tell.

Mallory was reluctant to comment on positions or give any idea of tactical strategy he intended to implement this coming season, but he did claim that his players appear to be hyped up and more anxious to get the season under way compared to previous years.

"Things are really looking good, our squad is solid throughout and appears to be ready for the challenges that may be ahead of us,'' said Mallory.

1992-93 accomplishments: Won the FA Cup; third in the First Division.

Notable player transfers Out -- Brian Anderson In -- Albert Caisey, Clinton Caisey, Lynn Tucker, Stevie Wade, Shivaughn Smith, Herbie Bascome.

CLINTON CAISEY -- Back with Blazers.