4/22/2009 12:17:00 PM
Ming targeting playoffs for the Hogges
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| Squad | Goalkeepers
Timmy Figureido
Nigel Burgess
Jason Williams
Defenders
Omar Shakir (captain)
Kevin Richards
Johnny Ball
Tokia Russell
Blenn Bean
Seion Darrell
Darius Cox
Chae Simmons*
Midfielders
Jared Peniston
Damon Ming
Keston Lewis
Keith Jennings
Marlon Rojas*
Lashun Dill
Sammy DeGraff
Domico Coddington
Stevie Astwood
Forwards
Jamie Smith
Antwon Russell
Laurence Holder
Raymond Beach*
* Contracts still to be finalized.
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James Whittaker
Senior Reporter
Crowd favourite Damon Ming has targeted a play-off place as the Bermuda Hogges prepare for their third season in the pro ranks.
The wing wizard - shorn of his distinctive short dreads - has been, perhaps, the Hogges most effective player over the past two seasons.
And fans will be hoping the new-look will not have a Samson-like effect on his powers to impact games from the right wing.
Ming, who is on the comeback trail after a foot injury, was the Hogges top performer last season with four goals and four assists.
But he insists he is looking for more this year: "I need to get my fitness up and see if I can score a few more goals and help contribute to the team in other ways..
"The expectations are a bit more this season. It's our third season - our first season we didn't too good, last year we just missed out on the play-offs, so third season the play-offs should be a possibility for us.
"We're aiming for mid-table or higher then once you get in the play-offs anything is possible."
Ming believes the Hogges have compensated for the loss of players like Kwame Steede and John Barry Nusum with the introduction of a host of hungry new players.
"Although we have lost a few players, the players that we have gained should bring a little bit extra.
"We don't have too much cover for defence and we've got a few guys coming in to fill that gap and a few more midfielders that can bring balance to the team."
Ming said it had been disappointing to finish the season with Dandy Town. A year that had promised much for the Hornets ended on a low as they finished with just the Dudley Eve trophy, losing in the FA Cup final to Boulevard and being piped to the title by Cougars.
"It was a bit disappointing but in the end the better team won on the day. Boulevard have got a good group of players coming up and they deserved it."
Ming, who played only one game in the season run-in after suffering a broken foot, said he was match-fit for the opening of the Hogges season.
"I've been training for about a month. I played the last game for Dandy Town and I played in a few of the Hogges' practice games. I just hope to do well when I get my chance. Whether its starting off or from the bench, I'll do my part."
Hogges schedule
Crystal Palace Baltimore, 8.30pm April 24 (A)
Real Maryland, 7pm, April 25 (A)
Harrisburg City Islanders, 8pm, May 1, (H)
Richmond Kickers, 7pm, May 9, (H)
Wilmington Hammerheads, 8pm, May 15, (H)
Wilmington Hammerheads, 7pm, May 17, (H)
Real Maryland Monarchs, 8pm, May 22, (H)
Wilmington Hammerheads, 8pm, June 5, (A)
Charlotte Eagles, 9pm, June 6, (A)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds, 8.05pm, June 11, (A)
Harrisburg City Islanders, 8.05pm, June 13, (A)
Crystal Palace Baltimore, 8pm, June 19 (H)
Western Mass Pioneers, 8pm, June 27 (H)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds, 7pm, July 2 (H)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds, 8pm, July 4 (H)
Richmond Kickers, 8pm, July 11 (A)
Western Mass Pioneers, 8.30pm, July 17 (A)
Western Mass Pioneers, 4pm, July 19 (A)
Charlotte Eagles, 8pm, August 1 (H)
Real Maryland, 7pm, August 8 (A)
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