Harbour View Head Coach Ludlow Bernard says it is only inevitable that he will lose his best players to overseas clubs in the January transfer window.

Harbour View are defending champions of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) and Bernard says their performance last season put attention on his youngsters from scouts across the region and even Europe.

Bernard says he is aware that his team is being frequently scouted, and he is already making preparations should a player leave.

“I’m always worried,” Bernard told the Jamaica Observer recently. “As a matter of fact, I may have to dip into the transfer market come January because there are already opportunities being offered to some of my players.”

But Bernard says this issue is just one that occurs because of the quality of Harbour View’s academy.

“I would go as far as saying that that’s something that would’ve hampered Harbour View’s progress in the league so far over the years,” he said. “As soon as you come up with good players, they are out. I think this time around we’re lucky. We managed to retain quite a number of them for a season or two and it gave us the opportunity to challenge for the title and we were very fortunate and successful.”

“Going forward, we have to expect this. I wouldn’t say it’s natural, but it’s highly expected that Harbour View attracts scouts from overseas, and we have some talent in our ranks. We just have to ensure that we have adequate replacement both in the senior ranks and at the youth level to ensure continuity.”

Harbour View face Dunbeholden in the JPL today. It is the first meeting between the sides since the final last season, which ended 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time.

The game kicks off at 3:00 pm and is the first of a double-header at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex in Kingston.

Harbour View are fifth on three points after their 1-0 win over Chapelton Maroons in the opening round. Their game against Mount Pleasant last week was postponed because of bad weather.

Dunbeholden are second on the table with four points. Their last result was a 2-0 win over league debutants Faulkland FC.

Hosts Arnett Gardens face Waterhouse in the second match on the day, at 5:30 pm. Both teams met on October 17 to start the season in the Boom El Clasico, an exhibition match, which Arnett won 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time.

Molynes United and Montego Bay United meet today at Stadium East at 3:00 pm then Cavalier host Chapelton at 5:30 pm to complete that doubleheader.

Humble Lion versus Faulkland at 3:00 pm at the Effortville Community Centre in Clarendon is the other fixture for today.

The final games of the match day take place on Monday with Mount Pleasant playing early league leaders Tivoli Gardens at 5:00 pm, then Portmore United facing Vere United at Anthony Spaulding at 7:30 pm.