Bermuda Hogges' coach Scott Morton has warned stay-away fans they risk missing out on 'something special' if they decide not to attend tonight's curtain raiser against Reading United.

It will be Morton's first game in charge of the Hogges and he is hoping for a bumper crowd at BAA Field to kick-start their Premier Development League (PDL) campaign.

The former Dandy Town boss wants to turn Hogges' new home venue into a fortress this season and make it an intimidating place for visiting teams.

"It's critical we have a huge crowd and I personally feel that those people who don't come to the game will be really missing something," he said.

"But that's fine because the fans who do come will speak to the others and tell them what they've seen and encourage them to come down to our next game.

"It really makes a difference when there's a big home crowd and it will mean a lot to the players."

Tonight's match could be a potential baptism of fire for the Hogges who are locking horns with arguably one of the best teams in the PDL.

United won the Mid Atlantic Division last term and are currently top of the conference after winning their opening four matches of the season.

While Morton admits the game will be a stern test for his side he said it would offer the Hogges a true gauge of what stage they are at in their development.

"I'm glad we're playing Reading in our first match as they're one of the best teams in the PDL so it will be a good gauge for us," Morton said.

"We're comfortable, we're ready, Mr. Broadley (technical director) has provided us with information on Reading and now we just can't wait to get the game moving."

Morton remains undecided on who will wear the captain's armband this term and plans to rotate the responsibility over the next few games.

"There's no shortage of players who could wear the armband. We have some experienced players but also some younger guys who have shown they have the ability to lead," he said.

"The running is going too tight but initially I think we will rotate the captaincy. I have very high standards when it comes to my captain and he will have to meet all the categories we're looking for."

Hogges take on Reading United at 8 p.m. tonight and 6 p.m. on Sunday.

¦ Earlier this week Barracuda FC of Antigua and Barbuda announced they would be joining the United Soccer Leagues (USL) First Division for the 2011 season.

As was previously the case with USL teams Puerto Rico Islanders and Bermuda Hogges, the participation of Antigua Barracuda FC in the USL First Division will be subject to the formal approval of both federations (Antigua and Barbuda Football Association and United States Soccer Federation), as well as the Confederation and FIFA.

It is expected Barracuda FC will eventually be comprised of 70 percent Antiguan players and 30 percent regional players, though international players have not been ruled out.