Paul Clarke, STAR Writer

While showing glimpses of their imperious best since returning to the Premier League two seasons ago, former three-time winners FC Reno, for the most part, have struggled to break back into the top tier of clubs vying for the title.

Last season, the Westmore-land-based club failed to consolidate their strong start to end the season in the fight of their lives to avoid relegation, which they missed by the slimmest of margins.

Now, one game into the 2015-16 Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) season, they are sitting nicely in joint first place on points with defending champions Arnett Gardens, and another returning champion, Portmore United, on three points.

Head coach, Junior Francis, will not be lulled into believing his club is anywhere near the lofty heights he has targeted.

Rebuilding phase

According to Francis, his job is to mould a strong, competent unit from the players at his disposal, and he believes he has the raw material to get it done.

"We are in a rebuilding phase, but we are in the process of building a team that will be champions in three years time," Francis said.

"Nevertheless, this year we will be competing and hope to go all the way, and what we have put in place in the off- season is a plan to keep us out of relegation.

"It's a young squad, but the players are all willing to learn. You see that in training and that is a good sign," Francis added.