their obvious lack of experience playing at this level, said coach Gregory (Brutus) Foggo.

Winners of the Shield competition and second on goal difference to St. David's in the Second Division a year ago, St. George's return to the First Division for the first time since the 1985-86 season.

It has become somewhat of a tradition for new teams to claim that their main intention is survival after being promoted, but Foggo reckons that the team's fortunes depend on the type of commitment that his young players are prepared to make.

"I just hope that they have it within themselves to be successful. We are hoping they can raise their game to the highest possible. If they can, then there is no doubt that they will be quite competitive,'' said Foggo, who is entering his third season as coach.

One thing which the east-enders can boast about is that they will have one of the youngest teams in the league. But the coach feels that although they are obviously inexperienced, the hope is that the abundance of youth and ability that exists will be sufficient to get them to a higher level.

St. George's are one of the few teams who did not pick up any big names through the transfer market, but this does not worry the coach. He is banking that they will be able to use this to an advantage since it will mean making no real adjustments to their style of play going into the new season as a result of no major additions.

"We have done no recruiting at all, we have confidence in what we have,'' said Foggo, whose team did have Carlton Richardson join them from Southampton Rangers.

St. George's had the fewest number of goals scored against them last season, proof that they are formidable in defence. "Our defence was indeed our main strength last season in the Second Division,'' said the coach.

Troy Hall holds down the goalkeeper's position and has come along quite fast over the past two seasons. Lining up in front of the competent 'keeper are defenders who gave little away on their way to promotion last season -- Andre Todd at right-back, Stephen Denbrook at left-back, skipper Earl Basden, Phillip Bailey and Darren Walker at centre-half.

Bailey, a marking centre-half, missed the last 10 games of the season while Walker missed the entire 1991-92 season through injury. Foggo has confidence in both, assuring that if they are regulars the team will no doubt be bolstered even more in defence.

There is a distinct possibility that Delbert Minors, who was a regular in the team when they were last in the First Division, may make a comeback and challenge for the left-back position as well. If he does and wins the battle, Denbrook will move to midfield where he is a more formidable player.

Midfield will be built around Jan Cieters, youngster Marlon Outerbridge, Dwayne Richardson and Duval Smith.

Up front St. George's appear to be set as well with top goal-scorer of a year ago Sinclair M. Smith spearheading the attack and joined by the second highest scorer Sinclair E. Smith and Gregory Foggo, son of the coach.

Quinton Francis, one of the tallest players in the team, will challenge for a starting place as well while youngster Damian Mendosa could be knocking on the door for a few starting roles as well up front.

Last season St. George's used 28 different players at one time or another because of injuries. If most of these are available and willing to commit themselves to a full season their coach is confident that the results will show.

It is clear that Foggo is banking on the raw talent of young players and their burning ambition to succeed. But it remains to be seen if he is asking too much, only time will tell.

1991-92 accomplishments: League -- Second; Second Division Shield -- defeated St. David's 2-1 in the final.

Notable Player transfers: In -- None.

Out -- None.

REACHING FOR THE SKY -- Sinclair M. Smith, left, and Duval Smith in action for St. George's in last season's Second Division Shield final against St.

David's.