DIVISION ONE SEASON PREVIEW THE CHANGES:
Smallville FC and Shawfield Reborn both return to Division One after their relegations from the top flight last season. Also added are Fulham FC and Dangler Dans who have earned promotion to this level for the first time. Out go Amazingstoke Gooners and Highland Select (both promoted) whilst Norfolk And Chance are relegated and Drakies Dazzerlers have departed the league handing a stay of execution to AFC Trotters.
THE CONTENDERS:
Among the main contenders for promotion will be the two sides relegated from the Norfolk League last term.
Smallville FC fell just two points short of maintaining their top flight status last season and they will be itching for an immediate return. The loss of Shingo Nishimura to retirement is a blow but they still have plenty of experience to call upon throughout the squad. They are also unbeaten in this division since April, a run of 20 matches.
Shawfield Reborn also won the league title last time they were at this level and despite a difficult season last term they did finish with a 6-1 win over Smallville which may act as the turning point. New signing Taylan Yildiz should strengthen their defence whilst Lancelot Hedger will again provide the creativity from the midfield. They came close to upsetting Ross County in the cup, only losing on penalties.
Dinot Riders have spend 9 of their 10 previous seasons in this division and having finished 3rd three times in the last four seasons they will be hoping to go one better this time. They may have lost midfielder Rhoads to retirement but their midfield is still really strong with Kit Bubb emerging as one of the best players from outside the top fligh having struck 19 goals in 33 games. That added to the Tovetoft/Walsted strike partnership means the Riders remain one of the most dangerous opponents outside the top division.
Toon rejects were on the fringes of the promotion race last term and will hope for another top half finish. They continue to have excellent depth in their squad. Their defence was the tightest in the division last term including a record equalling run of 8 consecutive clean sheets in all competitions. Their home form is always good and no side who have played more than 2 seasons have lost less home league games in their history.
Fulham FC will be hoping to complete the rise from Division 3 to the Norfolk league and they are now just 1 promotion away. They finished last season with just 1 defeat in their last 10 league games which will give their young squad confidence ahead of their toughest asignment yet. Striker Duncan Lescott was their star last season with 15 goals from 14 games. If he can repeat that, Fulham could be in for a strong season.
The other newly promoted side Dangler Dans look to have a tougher job to survive but consecutive promtions in his two seasons in charge suggests Dan Derkson's side should not be underestimated. Their cup win over Smallville proved they can compete at this level. Their sensational home form will also provide a strong foundation for their challenge - in 20 home league games they have won 15 and lost just once. Midfielder Wilfred Kaye is the star of the show and is certainly capable of playing in the top flight.
Toon Army survived relegation last season with a vital draw against AFC Trotters which held off the survival challenge from their opponents. They finished last season on a 4 game unbeaten run which saw them end their early season goalscoring problems. They possess a very strong squad and their strike force looks strong although they will be hoping for a greater goal output from Echedey Gayoso who is the highest skilled striker in the division.
AFC Trotters survived relegation due to the demise of Drakies Dazzerlers. Ultimately Seth McCann's late goal against Toon Army saved the club from the drop as they leap frogged Norfolk And Chance. There have been a number of departures during pre-season but plenty of experience remains with Zeferino Malheiro and Theobald Winterburn the key performers. Their current run of 1 win in their last 13 league games will be a major concern. However, in their last 5 seasons they have improved on their finishing position from the previous sseason - if they can continue that run they will be safe.
5 PLAYERS TO WATCH:
ANTHONY BETTS, Midfielder, Boca Seniors
The creative force for ArnieD's men. The intelligent midfielder has 33 assists and 24 goals in his 145 appearnces.
MAURO KOCK, Goalkeeper, Toft Monks Athletic
The 34-year-old shot stopper was Division Three player of the season last term and has only conceded 9 goals in his 17 appearances.
LLOYD LAMPARD, Striker, Norfolk And Chance
The 31-year-old has struck 45 goals in his 103 goals and is one of the most proven strikers around at this level.
ERNEST SCHERZ, Goalkeeper, Norfolk And Chance
The 27-year-old is the most skillfull goalkeeper in the Norfolk League and is Armoth's star performer. No current goalkeeper has earned more Xpert 11 selections.
GUSTAVO VICENTE, Defender, Bangor Bucks
Vicente has won the MVP award in both Divisions 1 and 2 in the past and his consistancy is remarkable having achieved 75 X11 selections in 86 games.
THE BIGGEST SPENDERS (As of 20/01/2010):
11.38m - Toft Monks Athletic
3.55m - Spatula United
BIG SIGNINGS:
Cyril Bergeret, Toft Monks Athletic, 8.4m
Taitislav Prokop, Spatula United, 3.5m
Tito Riano, Toft Monks Athletic, 3m
BIG DEPARTURES:
Robbie Priest, Toft Monks Athletic, Retired
Ryan Aitken, Spatula United, Retired
Antonio Dominguez, chertseychoppers, Retired
Camden Stoneheart, Spatula United, Sacked
PREVIOUS WINNERS:
Season 11: Fulham FC
Season 10: Drakies Dazzerlers
Season 9: Pegasus
Season 8: Amazingstoke Gooners
Season 7: Ross County Reserves
Season 6: Norfolk And Chance
Season 5: Pegasus
Season 4: Toon Army
Season 3: HM Gunners
BETTING ODDS (Title):
2-1 Fav: Stans Rangers
3-1: Toft Monks Athletic, Blackhawk Rangers, Boca Seniors
5-1: Norfolk And Chance, Bangor Bucks
6-1: Spatula United
7-1: chertseychoppers
WHO DO THE MANAGERS THINK WILL WIN THE TITLE?
57% Blackhawk Rangers
29% Toft Monks Athletic
14% Norfolk And Chance
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