INJURIES to key players and the exodus of some prodigious young talents to university could thwart Sylvans’ chances of mounting a serious Priaulx title bid even before the season has started. But the return of some of their prodigal sons from the glory era of the ’90s could spark the Westerners back to life as they pass on their experience to the club’s promising crop of youngsters.

Sportingbet’s odds of 11-2 on the Reds winning the Priaulx are unlikely to be shortened when it learns today of some of the problems already mounting at St Peter’s.

‘If I had my full squad available I would be looking to improve on last season’s third position. At this moment, with the players I’m starting off with who are available, I’m looking for a top three place,’ said coach Martyn de Garis yesterday.

But island players Tom Duff and Michael Wilson will miss the big kick-off – the twin’s tendon injury is likely to mean at least three months on the sidelines and the former Pompey junior is expected to be out for four to six weeks after his knee cartilage operation.

Guernsey midfielder Piers Ockleford has a hamstring problem and may not play before heading off to university.

When Sam Matthews returns from travelling, he will be off-island studying, as will talented striker Danny Watts.

‘I’m gutted but you have to remain positive and get on with it – there is no point dwelling on it,’ said de Garis.

‘On the positive side, we have some old faces back – Tony Vance, Chris Chamberlain, Lee Renouf and Steve Brehaut. It’s a big boost for us and they are going to help a lot.’

Sylvans have struggled to find any consistency since their remarkable domination of Guernsey football and nine consecutive Priaulx titles between the 1993-94 and 2001-02 seasons.

But they did reach the summit again temporarily three seasons later by wrestling back the crown.

The side may have a trick or two up their sleeve with the acquisition of Venezuela-born striker Eduardo Santiana, who hails from the Portuguese island of Madeira.

The driver for Fermain Valley Hotel is reputedly a futsal genius and his skills have impressed in training – but it is unknown how long he will be in the island.

‘He is pushing for a starting place and will be a bit of a surprise – there is no reason why he could not push for an island place,’ predicted de Garis.

‘He has a very good footballing brain.’

Young centre back Naro Zimmerman, who has switched from Bels, will be another in contention for a start.

De Garis is expecting him to knuckle down and concentrate on his football to cement his first-team spot and selection for the island U21 squad.

‘The ball is in his court now,’ he said.

The coach is disappointed at the exodus of Matt Drillot, Ryan Tippett and Danny Felbabel to different clubs.

‘I was gutted that Ryan left – he was our main striker – the lads could not believe he had left and were quite shocked,’ he admitted.

‘But these things happen and he has gone and we just have to get on with it.

‘Loyalty is very important to us – as soon as they put on the red shirt, I hope they stay forever. I have always been keen to bring youth through after working with Colin Renouf in the glory days in the ’90s when youth was given its chance and to build on from that and try and get those days back,’ he said.

Goalkeeper Paul de Garis, Ben Duff, Anthony O’Regan, Kris Moherndl, Blane Queripel, Aaron Ferbrache, Matt Warren and Ewan Beacom are all expected to feature prominently.

Youngsters Ashleigh Williams, Matt Le Prevost and Brady Lesbirel will also be in the frame and it is hoped they can learn from the more experienced campaigners.

‘With everybody fit, there is quite a good squad available,’ said de Garis, who admitted any more injuries would severely deplete it.

But if everyone stays injury-free and plays to his potential, he sees no reason why they cannot challenge for the title.

‘The strengths are the defence and, hopefully, we can get ourselves organised defensively and get the main players back. We are very light up top with Ryan departing.

‘The main players will be Matt Warren, who is an influential powerhouse, and Chris Chamberlain will be absolutely superb for us if he stays fit,’ he said.

‘Tom Strawbridge was close to making the Muratti squad last season and hopefully he starts this coming one. He is an excellent young player and a very good defender and when he is playing at fullback, he is not shy going forward.

‘The club spirit is good. With all the negative things that have gone on pre-season, with the injuries and people going off to university, we are now looking forward to the start of the season,’ said de Garis.

Sylvans lost 4-0 to Weymouth Sports at the weekend and play St Brelade on Saturday.

They kick off their competitive campaign in the season’s annual curtain-raiser next week – the Frederic Martinez Cup – against Priaulx League champions North.

Sylvans will also be looking to retain the Fletcher Sports FA Cup this season.

‘We are just looking for a bit of luck with the draws and hopefully we can retain it. My main aim is to finish as high as possible in the Priaulx and get to some cup finals,’ said de Garis.