wonder how much of a force PHC will be this season, but it appears that Alfred Eve has extreme confidence that they will be very competitive.

After retiring from coaching the team in 1992, Eve was persuaded to come back a few weeks ago to fill the gap left after former coach Jack Castle and the club broke ties.

Eve, who served as both an assistant and head coach with PHC since 1970, did not expect to become so involved with soccer after handing over the reins to Castle last season, but obviously he felt obligated to give assistance during a time of need.

The big question is whether he can motivate himself to coach after being away from the sport for the short period. And he strongly believes he can call pull it off ... with the help of former long-term coach Leroy (Nibs) Lewis who will give him some assistance.

"I must admit that after being away for a year during which time I did not see much soccer at all it's not easy, but much is starting to move into place,'' said the coach of the few weeks he had experienced during training.

"I was asked to do a job and it's imperative that I do the best I possibly can. I have managed to motivate myself and now all I am asking of the players is to be competitive and approach the season by concentrating on one game at a time.'' While the hassle over their coaching situation was a setback of sorts as it prevented the club from starting training early, Eve still feels that with the bulk of his players returning the situation at PHC is not nearly as bleak as some may think.

Midfielder Frankie Ming will probably be the main miss after he sustained an injury while playing squash, which will cause him to miss the start of the season. But with the other regulars set to give the club their full support, Eve thinks that their prospects for the season remain sound.

One concern though could be in goal where last year's starter Ty Williams will be somewhat restricted from making regular appearances because of work commitments while his deputy for the past few years, Carlyle Crockwell, has transferred over to North Village.

"We have some promising youngsters coming along, most of whom did rather well in their first year last season, and it will be a matter of trying to helping them to progress,'' said Eve.

"The goalkeeping situation is okay. Ty will play at some point and we have youngsters like Damien Tucker, Ellsworth Bean and Chris Belboda at our disposal to fill in at the position.'' There was a rumour that brothers Mike and Kevin Dill were thinking about quitting after last season, but both have decided to return and play at least for another season...a move that Eve obviously welcomes.

PHC are satisfied that there remain some quality players in the make-up of their senior squad and it could be that their main concern is on whether the last-minute coaching change will have any effect on the club's morale.

Eve though does not seem to share similar concerns and reckons that if everybody plays to their ability the fortunes of PHC will once again be placed in very capable hands.

"Overall, I believe that it will be a matter of blending youth with experience. The youngsters who got first-team experience last season need to fully blossom and this will come with a second season under their belt. We should be okay,'' said the coach.

1992-93 accomplishments: Won Charity Cup Notable player transfers Out -- Carlyle Crockwell, Shawn Simons In -- Anthony Stovell, Kanhai Fray.