squad to choose from after receiving a boost with the summer signings of the Caisey brothers from Boulevard, Albert, Clinton and Taur and former Devonshire Cougars players Shawn Smith, Phillip Clarke, Wali Salaam, Leon Place and Paul Simmons.

But pre-season training has not gone as smoothly as Trott and his new assistant Wendell Baxter would have liked, mainly because they have not regularly been able to get all the players together at once because of national squad training and army obligations.

"We've had some good number out, averaging about 25 players but on days when there's army and squad training we've have around 15,'' said Trott.

Even the coach himself has not been able to give a total commitment, having just gotten married and returned from two weeks abroad. "I've had personal commitments and we're really behind the eight ball as a team,'' he admitted.

Trott warns that despite the new faces, which on paper makes them one of the strongest teams and early-season tips for the major honours, there is still the task of getting the players to knit as a unit. "We've got quite a few players to choose from,'' Trott said. "But only 11 can play and 16 selected for each game. Players will be chosen on merit. The players still have to gel as a team.'' Village open their campaign tonight against Dandy Town in the nightcap of the Martonmere Cup double-header at PHC Stadium. "We'll be serious even though we're going to use it (Martonmere Cup) to look at our players,'' said Trott.

Clarke looks to be the man to lead the Village attack with the likes of Richard Wilson, Tito Smith, Sherritt Hewey, Jamal Smith and Dave Wolffe all battling for starting positions in the attack. Hewey's planned transfer to Vasco has fallen through while Wolffe is back on the scene after missing last year because of a fractured foot.

Elliott Jennings, captain and top scorer last season, is a key man in midfield where there is also the experienced Kevin Bailey, out with a knee injury, youngsters Kevin Jennings and Kimandi Binns, Clinton Caisey, Rahji Edness and the veteran Cornell Castle who is still around to help out the team.

In defence there are national team players Kevin Grant, Shawn Smith and Albert Caisey as well as Wayne Augustus, Michael Hansey, Treadwell Walker and Arthur Simons.

The crucial area will be the goalkeeping department where Bermuda's number one Dwayne (Streaker) Adams is abroad in school and will be missing for much of the season. Leon Place will start as the first choice in his absence with youngster Cymande Davis the other 'keeper.

Last year Village and PHC boasted the best defences in the league, each giving up 18 goals in as many league games. This term the Red Devils could be even stronger in that department with the inclusion of internationals Smith and Caisey.

In all Village have seven players in the national squad and their availability for league and cup matches in the next couple of months will have a bearing on Village's success.

"I'm a bit disturbed about taking my players and not letting them play in the league,'' said Trott, himself a former national team player. "Playing in league games gives them an edge. They're worried about players getting hurt but they can walk down the street and get hurt.'' Village open their league campaign at home to Boulevard on Sunday before travelling to Wellington Oval the next week to take on newly-promoted St.

George's Colts.

"We're looking for some silverware this year,'' Trott said. "We've had three seasons together and some of the guys are grown up now.'' 1991 accomplishments League -- third; Martonmere Cup -- beaten finalists Notable transfers Out -- Kacy Simons, Eugene Smith, Sherwin Hollis, Anthony Bailey In -- Clinton Caisey, Albert Caisey, Phillip Clarke, Paul Simmons, Wali Salaam, Shawn Smith, Leon Place.

ELLIOTT JENNINGS -- North village skipper.