There's always an air of optimism at the beginning of a new football season.

Each team kicks off the new campaign believing, hoping that this could be the year they fulfil their trophy winning ambitions.

Here at Bernard Park we're no different. We're of the belief this could be a big year for the Rams of North Village, although I'm sure the same can be said for the Cougars of Devonshire Rec. and the Hornets of St. John's Field.

Yes, supporters, players and coaches all start the season thinking their team is superior, their team will prevail but in truth it's anyone's guess.

Obviously, as Village's head coach, I firmly believe it could be our season.

We've added to our squad, bringing in quality players like Tyrell Burgess, Taurean Manders and Keishen Bean, who will be eligible whenever he returns from his studies in Canada.

But we're not getting carried away with ourselves because every other team has also strengthened their squads.

I see Kyle Lightbourne has bolstered his attack with Antwan Russell and Aquino Grant, while Cougars have brought in burly striker Jamie Smith from Hamilton Parish.

As for Jamie, I expect him to blossom alongside the likes of Kwame Steede and their new club captain Domico Coddington.

At Parish, Jamie had to carry the goalscoring burden on his shoulders but at Cougars that won't be the case and he should be able to play with more freedom.

It will certainly be an interesting battle at the top-of-the-table between the usual suspects but I also predict strong seasons from the newly-promoted teams, St.George's Colts and St.David's Warriors.

St.George's will be no pushovers, certainly not at the Wellington Oval where it can be tricky to play if you're not used to the sometimes-windy conditions and slope of the pitch.

The East End outfit have an accomplished coach in Richard Todd and I gather former national team cricketer Dean Minors has been whipping the players into shape as their fitness coach.

Another surprise package could be their near-neighbours St.David's as I just can't imagine any team coached by Jack Castle being pushovers.

Jack's sets his teams up in the same mould as he was as a player; physical and well disciplined.

I remember chatting to him last Christmas when he told me that next season he'd be in the Premier Division. At the time I didn't have a clue what he meant, I had no idea he was even on their coaching staff last term. This season, though, I'll certainly have one eye on Jack's Warriors.

Another coach who has piqued my interest is Marlon Rojas at Somerset Eagles who Village will play in both the Dudley Eve and in our opening league match of the season.

Marlon may only be in his early 30s but he has a wealth of footballing experience

For those who don't already know, Marlon played professionally at both Real Salt Lake in the MLS and for Joe Public in Trinidad, whose national team he has also represented on several occasions in World Cup qualifiers.

He has a huge void to fill in Kenny Thompson, now at BAA Wanderers, but he'll have his own footballing philosophy and has some good young players at his disposal.

Eagles will need to make a good start to the season for them to build momentum, but it will be up to Village to ensure that doesn't happen.