WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1: While most islanders are talking about Cup Match and soaking up the summer sun Flanagan’s Onions have just one thing on their mind.
The newly promoted team are determined to hit the ground running when they begin their first Premiership campaign in September.
And that is why the tight-knit group of players have been up at Bernard Park at just after sunrise most mornings working on their fitness.
Coach Mick Ward knows that other Premiership teams will be looking to teach the newcomers a lesson.
But he’s confident his side is up for the challenges that lie ahead.
Ward told the Bermuda Sun: “There may be a little extra pressure, and I’m sure all teams will want to beat us, but that is the nature of the game.
“We have to embrace the pressure and put that energy into our game.
“We do have a few young Bermudian lads in the squad, and we’ll be looking to the older boys such as Keston Lewis, Phil Matthews and Lee Osborne to pass on some experience.
Embrace
“The main thing is that they all enjoy and embrace the experience of playing in the top flight.
Ward says he’s been pleased with the turn out to pre-season training and believes his players are looking good.
He added: “A lot of the guys have been doing their own thing in the off season so it is more about getting them to peak condition than just starting from scratch.
“We discussed at the end of last season and everyone was very enthusiastic about being promoted and willing to step up the training. But it was good to see the boys ready to go on Monday morning.
“We have started earlier than last year but mainly because the season started two weeks earlier last year, so we wanted to make sure we weren’t caught out on our fitness.
“But it is great to see so many turning out and shows the determination to give the prem a real good go next year.
“I’m excited about the new season and can’t wait to get going. I just love football, and I’m honoured to be leading the club for another season and in the Premiership.”