of the new soccer season, one for which they have been training for since August.

Last year's Dudley Eve Trophy champions and runners-up to PHC in the league, the Blazers would also like to rid themselves of skeletons that entered their closet, starting with a mid-season incident at the Somerset Cricket Club and increasing with the off-season departures of several key players.

"People have been talking about the club...how we have lost a few players such as the Bascome brothers and Albert Caisey and it does make it a bit difficult on us,'' said assistant coach Gary Mallory during a training session at Victor Scott School. "But we will show that we've always had the players here and now is the time for them to prove themselves and show that Boulevard remains strong.'' Head coach Andrew Bascome -- not exactly a stranger to controversy -- was one of those who at least appeared to have bolted from the club following the 1991-92 campaign. However, he is back in full effect at the back-of-town club, regularly putting his charges through their paces and conducting on-field blackboard sessions.

In what may turn out to be one of his more challenging seasons during his tenure as coach, considering what has transpired in recent months, he should be better equipped for the task not having to play a dual role and Mallory concurred with that assessment.

"He has stressed that he is purely the coach and not a player. It gives him more time to do just that, coach, and the players are better for it.'' With Bascome firmly situated on the bench it leaves players like skipper Albert Smith, veteran Wayne (Bigga) Richardson and Leroy Stevens as the on-field leaders. Wily midfielder Cyril (Dago) Steede, attempting a comeback, has also been in regular attendance at the Blazers' sessions and could play more than a bit part in any success enjoyed.

Said Mallory: "Everybody knows what he (Steede) has done before. We are looking for him as a player and he has come (to Boulevard) to play and is looking good.

"People will definitely be seeing him.'' Still they will suffer a bit with the loss of Caisey and the Bascome brothers -- as any team would -- and everyone will have to raise their game a few notches to compensate.

Their frontline starts with Dwight Warren, the skillful left-sided player usually at the root of most of their attacks. And continues across with Kenny Hill, who came on at the end of last year, finally displaying the goal-scoring touch was recruited for and the versatile Neil (Diamond) Robinson.

Smith anchors the midfield, which may be boosted by the possible arrival of older brother Kevin at some point along the way. Brian (Bulla) Anderson has been conspicuous by his absence recently, leaving openings for Kenneth Darrell as well as Steede.

Major questions are at left-back and in goal with many wondering who will fill the void left by Caisey and whereabouts of regular 'keeper Jean Gibbons.

Carlos Pearman may be a suitable replacement for Caisey as could be Vernon Eve, but who will take Gibbons' spot is a toss-up.

Permanent fixtures at the rearguard are Stevens and Richardson as is Dean Boyles, known to wreak havoc with his overlapping runs along the right flank.

A few players are said to be nursing slight injuries at present and depth may be a real problem during the time of the World Cup. Nevertheless, everyone in the camp believes that they can overcome the possible loss of those members for an extended period.

"I feel that we can maintain,'' said Mallory, a former defensive stalwart.

"We played without them at times last year because of injury, but all being away at one time it will again give others a chance to step forward and show what they can do.

"We are looking at the players now in training and preparing them for that time.'' On any given day Boulevard can indeed light up the pitch with scripted artistry rarely seen in local soccer. Their ball-control style involving precision passing can frustrate opponents and give their coaches nightmares.

In Bascome they have one of the more innovative young soccer minds in Bermuda and he can be counted on to unveil a few new wrinkles along the way. And his players appear ready to carry out his plan and recapture lost glory.

Said Mallory: "We want to get back what we lost. We have the Dudley Eve from last year and whatever competitions we're in we intend to go all out for.

"I'm confident with the players and the coaching staff and very pleased with player commitment. They're ready to go and the people shall see that nothing's changed with Boulevard...we're ready to get on with the program.'' 1991-92 accomplishments: League -- Second; Dudley Eve Trophy -- defeated Somerset in the two-leg final 3-2.

Notable Player transfers: In -- None Out -- Albert Caisey, Clinton Caisey, Herbie Bascome, David Bascome, Andrew Bascome.

ANDREW BASCOME -- Concentrating on coaching only.