‘Let’s get started’

The opening fixtures for the new football season were finally released yesterday, whetting the appetite of players and fans.

The Premier Division and the First Division will get under way on the same night, Saturday, September 21, with a double-header at Goose Gosling Field.

Flanagans Onions will play reigning champions Devonshire Rec in the top flight, while BAA and Devonshire Colts go head to head in the First Division.

The season was originally due to start this weekend but BFA spokesman Cal Blankendal said Prospect’s withdrawal, Devonshire Rec’s floodlight repairs (the pitch is currently unavailable for night matches) and the request of some clubs for extra time had prompted the delay.

“We hope the delay will actually benefit players and fans who will not then have to receive constant updates of matches being rescheduled or placed in a different location and that this can be a schedule that works for everyone,” he said.

He added that after seeing Bermudians perform well abroad, players were straining at the leash to get going.

He said: “Seeing Nahki Wells, Jonte Smith, Reggie Lambe, there are quite a few kids that have gone overseas and there is all that feedback from Ilkeston.

“I think the players here are eager to play so that someone can actually see them and they can be recommended to someone overseas.

“Everyone just wants to get on the pitch and be the next Nahki Wells or Reggie Lambe, and hope that someone snatches them and says, get on that BA flight and we’ll see you at our ground to try to make it as a pro. The Dudley Eve has started off with a bang, with lots of goals, good turnouts and good atmosphere, so there’s definitely a feeling it’s time for the families to come out and enjoy themselves.”