doubt as to their lingering retirements.

The pair were confirmed yesterday as having transferred from last season's Triple Crown champions to the less demanding Commercial League.

Towlson has switched to Robin Hood while Livington has joined Mariners. The two were amongst the 176 players who recently joined new clubs during the summer transfer period. Vasco, who enjoyed their most successful season with four titles, also lost Sammy Swan (PHC as coach), Steval Mendes (Somerset Trojans), Nashon Burrows (Southampton Rangers) and Taur Caisey (Boulevard).

But, unsurprisingly, they have been busy filling the gaps.

Five starters from now defunct Hotels -- Clifford Roberts, Diallo Sharrieff, Stefan Dupres, Dennis Robinson and Wayne Augustus -- have jumped on board.

They are joined by Raynel Lightbourne, who has departed Devonshire Cougars' ranks, and Larance Durham from North Village.

Southampton and promoted clubs Wolves and Hamilton Parish appear to be the most popular choices of players on the move.

Wolves have picked up the likes of Leonard Hypolite from Boulevard, who have lost seven first-team players, including Kenny Hill who has returned to his first club. Carlos Pearman, who has played little in the last couple of years, has also returned to Wolves from Boulevard.

Wolves' other signings include long-time Devonshire Colts stalwart Ellington Weldon, Nakia Smith from North Village and goalkeeper Kevin Bean from rivals Parish whom he helped to promotion last season.

Parish, though, have a more than adequate replacement in Cymande Davis of Dandy Town while Keenan Burchall has joined them from Devonshire Colts to strengthen their defence.

Jermaine Belboda's transfer to Parish from Devonshire Colts is being objected to by Colts, as is Kaiya Darrell's move from North Village to the `Peppers' who have also picked up Paget striker Alvin Baker, Young Men's Social Club striker Rembert Hill and defender Kervin Moreno of St. George's.

Rangers seem to be going from strength to strength with the arrival of some new players. Alfred Wolffe (to Boulevard) is the most notable departure while in come Donnie Charles from Boulevard, David Gibbs from Devonshire Cougars and Vic Ball from Devonshire Colts.

The two Devonshire clubs, Colts and Cougars, have both lost key players.

Cougars have lost Kevin Simpson, Devon Brangman, Jawan Thomas and Sergio Goater to North Village, and Aljame Zuill back to Colts, while Colts lose Mark Ray to the Commercial team Fire Service along with Ball, Weldon, Burchall and Belboda. Craig Smith joins Prison Officers of the Commercial League.

Soccer action continues tomorrow night at Devonshire Rec. with champions Boulevard taking on Southampton Rangers in the Martonmere Cup.

PASSING THE TORCH -- There is no chance Vasco can coax Donovan Livingston, left, or Paul Towlson out of retirement in the coming season as both have moved on to the Commercial League.