AFTER battling to avoid relegation, a revamped Boys’ Town Football Club is now looking to assert its position as title contenders ahead of the new Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) season with a blend of youth and experienced players.

The Collie Smith Drive-based team has secured the services of a number of promising young players such as defender Pierre McPherson, who is making a move from the St Catherine-based Frazsier’s Whip and 19-year-old Daeno Collins from Seaview Gardens.

Collins, who plays the right-back position, is the youngest member of the Andrew Price-coached team and he declared that he is ready to do his part to help the team secure the title.

“My role is simply just to do my best and help the team to be successful this season in winning the league,” he told the Jamaica Observer at a training session on Tuesday.

Veterans Kirk Porter, Michael Campbell, Daemon Benjamin, Peter Keyes, Hugh Evans, Andre Dawson and Victor Thompson are among the senior players who will ensure that the ‘Red Brigade’ is a force to be reckoned with after last season’s disappointing ninth-place finish.

Experienced defender William Richards, who is formerly of Arnett Gardens and Harbour View, was also seen working out with the club, which is said to be his new home.

Having won the league in 1984, 1986 and 1988, Boys’ Town are trying to break a 26-year title drought.

Porter, who is the captain and goalkeeper, told the Jamaica Observer that things are looking good for the team as they seek to begin their title hunt on a positive note when they go up against Clarendon-based Sporting Central Academy on Sunday.

“We and Sporting have a very good rivalry, so it is going to be a hard task. But our plan is just to go down there, work hard and do whatever is required to take home the three points,” said Porter.

“Our pre-season preparations have gone well so far…we have a lot of youngsters now, so we are just trying to groom them with the veterans.

“These new players will be a boost for us. Once they understand the rule of the club…hard work and dedication, and do what the coach requires of them, I think it will go smoothly,” he added.

Midfielder Benjamin, who recorded two goals last season, will be seeking to improve his performance in that area.

“This year is going to be a lot of work for me. My role is a very important role in the team, because the players look up to me and so I have to just come this year and get some goals, defend properly and see how best I can finish the season,” he said.