OVER the years, the name Devon Hodges and Rivoli United have become inextricably linked, but that doesn’t mean that the Spanish Town-based outfit is a one-man team, said coach Calvert Fitzgerald.

Hodges, 29, has been the man carrying Rivoli United on his shoulders with his goals, but this season, although he is expected to contribute again, the coach thinks the club has strengthened enough to take the burden off Hodges’ broad shoulders.

“We are trying not to let a lot depend on him, because we have other people here that are quite capable of scoring,” Fitzgerald pointed out.

Rivoli, formed in 1972, is now the heartbeat of Spanish Town with a large following and, despite their ups and downs in the Premier League, expectations are again high following their return to top-flight football this season after a three-year absence.

Naturally, their first objective is to hold their own and remain in the league.

“I think I have put together a very strong unit, so I am anticipating that we will have some good results in our first season back. I am also not expecting us to struggle in the league,” said Fitzgerald.

“Our ultimate goal is to win, but we would like to be in the top half of the table, that’s our minimum expectation,” he added.

Just like any promoted team, Rivoli United were busy in the transfer market hoping to improve the squad so as to bring glory back to the Spanish Town Prison Oval.

Players like Kenny Lee (Humble Lion), hard-tackling midfielder Raymond Williamson (Tivoli Gardens), Christopher Louden (Savannah FC), Mario Harrison (Arnett Gardens), and Kevin Graham (Volvo FC) are expected to significantly make Rivoli a stronger outfit.

The now much-travelled Marcelino Blackburn is also at the club, but is waiting to iron out some kinks in his transfer from Arnett Gardens before taking the playing field.

“We have brought in players that are not old. We have a nice blend in terms of age, our average age is about 24,” said Fitzgerald.

“The kind of players we have are touch players, very attacking players and that’s the only kind of football they know how to play, so we are expected to play some attractive football,” he noted.

The red-and-black-clad Rivoli might not be seen as serious title contenders, but Fitzgerald believes that their opponents will not and cannot overlook them.

“We have played a lot of practice games and we have seen a lot of the other teams, so they will know what we are about. I don’t think any team will take us lightly,” said Fitzgerald.

— Howard Walker