Club on three Rs learning curve
PROMOTED Club will be banking on the ''three Rs'' to further their education in the Hong Kong First Division next season - and steer them to a higher end-of-term position than the last time they played in the top class of local football.
The ''three Rs'' will be their three-pronged strike-force of Rule, Russell and Russell as Sports Road regular Kevin Russell will be joined up front by British Forces' two leading players from last season, Pat Russell and Steve Rule.
Club, who were relegated from the First Division at the end of the 1991-92 season, made no mistake in bouncing back at the first attempt, winning 15 and drawing the other three of their 18 league games last season to finish eight points clear of Rangers at the top of the Second Division.
And skipper Mick Lonergan believes the first team squad will be better equipped to keep them in the top flight this time.
''We had a few new players the last time we were in the First Division and the experience they gained will stand them in good stead this time,'' said Lonergan, a 33-year-old defender in his eighth season with Club.
''There has not been much turnover since then, though, so we will go into the new season with a confident and settled team.
''We played a bit loosely last time and this season we will be tighter, defending in our half and trying to catch teams on the break.
''The league does not look as strong as it was two seasons ago and we would fancy our chances against the likes of Kui Tan and Rangers.'' Rule scored once and Kevin Russell twice in a 5-0 victory over the Club's 517 side at Tai Hang Tung yesterday. Club are expecting Pat Russell to sign this week.
