top flight and, of the three sides promoted, appear the most likely to stick around for more than one season.

Strategic moves in the transfer market have bolstered the line-up considerably, with the luring of several top-name players, including the likes of former Bermuda national team players Dennis Brown and Voorhees Astwood.

Also there are live-wire winger Irving Burgess, late of Hamilton Parish, Dennis Robinson from Dandy Town and goalkeeper Keenan Tucker, who was a team-mate of Brown at Somerset.

"We've added a few quality players,'' said assistant coach John Rebello somewhat modestly, "but more importantly we kept the bulk of the players from last year and have a solid nucleus to work from.

"They (new transfers) have experience, have mixed in real good and have shown a lot of character so far. There hasn't been any personality clashes with the existing players.

"Danny Seymour is a great coach and the type of players he went out and got were those he felt could adopt his style so the blending of them to our system has not been difficult.'' Rebello anticipated Vasco playing somewhat of a short-passing game, utilising build-up from the back, although he mentioned that their tactics might change depending on the opposition.

With a total squad of just 20 players he added it will be essential for them to avoid any rash of injuries, which might make them more vulnerable.

Vasco made their last appearance among the top flight back in March of 1989 when they held Hotels to a 1-1 draw, which was the only point they collected in the second half of the season before being relegated.

Their record was an abysmal one with two wins, three draws and 13 losses, totalling a mere seven points. Back then a porous defence and toothless attack saw them yield 43 goals, while scoring 14, the latter being worst in the league.

Three players remain from that outfit, Donovan Livingston, Derek Thomas and Tim Figureido, with all but overseas student Figureido figuring to play vital roles as the year progresses.

Ricky Mallory led the team in scoring with 17 goals in 1992-93 and he will warrant attention by opposing defences as will Burgess and Larance Durham, who has improved steadily over the past few seasons.

It might be normal for newly promoted sides to place most of their efforts in survival, but having a team that -- at least on paper -- appears as strong as any in the First Division, Vasco have set their goals somewhat higher.

"If you go up and just think of survival you've already lost part of the battle,'' explained Rebello. "We would want to challenge everybody and be able to compete.'' Nevertheless, they will have to prove themselves among the land of giants over the course of an arduous season, which finally comes to fruition as they face St. David's on Sunday.

1992-93 accomplishments: Second Division champions.

Notable transfers In -- Dennis Brown, Keenan Tucker, Voorhees Astwood, Burton Bruce, Dennis Robinson, Irving Burgess Out -- Marlon Lindsay DANNY SEYMOUR -- Vasco coach.

DENNIS BROWN -- Valuable pick-up from league champions Somerset.