Management recently named Raynor, a former Cup Match star and player at the club, ahead of Ricky Brangman, the players' choice.

Only last week Brangman had been all but confirmed by club sports chairman Randy Raynor as the new instructor from a short list that included Richard Knight and Lee Raynor, but the executive clearly had other ideas.

It was also claimed that an ultimatum delivered by club secretary Anthony Santucci, which effectively stated that players "go along with the decision or leave'' had rankled many team members.

Santucci unequivocally denied making any such statement yesterday, however, saying: "We live in a democratic society, not an autocratic system. They (players) had significant input in the decision making process.'' Still, a source close to the club said that management were disregarding players' sentiments even though many are veterans of many years at the club.

"The problem is that the players have supported (former captain) Ricky Brangman from last season and the idea was that Randy Raynor would back that proposal to recommend Brangman, which he did, but the committee rejected that.'' said the source.

"I think that what the players are saying is that 90 percent of the guys here have been with the club for close to nine years, have had continuity and have a good idea of which coach is best for us.

"Ricky's a product of the (home) soil and we all feel comfortable with him.'' Adding fuel to the situation was the fact that Sunday witnessed only five persons taking part in the opening training session conducted by Raynor, with others arriving for practice absconding after glimpsing Raynor in charge.

Many are known to be willing to abstain from playing at all this year or transfer elsewhere rather than to operate under coach Raynor, described as "not having been successful as a coach and of questionable dedication''.'' It has also been intimated that the decision to go with Raynor, who previously held similar posts with Hamilton Parish and Social Club, may have been purely to spite Randy Raynor for going forward with the announcement of Brangman in the media.

"What the club is really doing is showing total disregard for the players and they are no `Johnny come lately's','' continued the source. "They have put the player's backs against the wall. They seem to feel that the players have no respect for authority and thus (management) are not budging.'' Randy Raynor could not be reached for comment yesterday, while club president Wayne Raynor, his brother, refused discussion on the matter.

A meeting was scheduled for last night at the club with one of the items on the agenda being the issue of the new coach and promised to be a battle fought along well defined lines of players against management.