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Norfolk League Season Preview
CAN WHITE RIOT MAKE IT 5 IN A ROW:
Having dominated the Norfolk League for the last 4 seasons, White Riot manager Andrew Saunders has stayed on to defend his title. Although many of the players like Dave Weatherall, Dorian Olah, Duncan Wailes and Sulo Eskelinen that the clubs success have been built around have either aged or departed, a new band of youngsters like Millar, Mallett and Rivers appear to be waiting in the wings to take over the mantle. They still of cause have Carl Kit, possibly the greatest player to ever grace the Norfolk League who is still in his prime.
THE OTHER CONTENDERS:
If the Riot's fantastic run is to end this season, then the general consensus suggests that the Ash Samba Boyz and Hotshots are the two most likely contenders claim the crown. The Samba Boyz have always been strong and their young squad contains few weaknesses but inconsistency and poor starts have proved their downfall in previous seasons and could do again.
As for Hotshots, few managers have had more success against the Riot than Jakestar. They don't possess quite as many stars as the other two sides, but they came within a point of claim their first title last season and in Martyn Lines they posses the best striker in terms of skill in the Norfolk League.
THE OUTSIDERS:
Dros Delnoch had an excellent debut season in the Norfolk League last season. Despite having one of the weakest squads they still managed to finish 3rd and were still in the title fight entering the last weekend. The squad has improved slightly.
HM Gunners are Norfolk league veterans now and have an excellent defensive pairing in the shape of Özgültekin and Pratt. A lack of a top-class striker could hold them back from making a strong title charge though.
Toon Rejects have become experts of punching above their weight. They enter their 3rd season in the top flight again without any star players, but they do posses strikers proven at this level with last seasons Norfolk league top scorer in Victor O'Brien whilst Carlo Dijoux has scored 21 goals in his 30 league games for the club.
THE NEW COMERS
Shawfield Reborn had a sensation season last time out under the new leadership of Adhogan. A Division One title, a league cup triumph and a trophy final as a remarkable return. Can Adhogan continue his magic and challenge for a top 3 place? Can the players make the step up to the next level?
Ross County Reserves manager MacLeod has the perfect record with two seasons in charge and two promotions. They posses the best player in the Norfolk League in the shape of Jeremiah James who finally gets a shot at playing in the top flight. Their strike force could prove their achillies heal especially with Gustav Türr missing the start of the season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Carl Kit, Defender, White Riot: Quite possibly the best player ever to play in the Norfolk league. His consistancy is incredible having gained 111 xpert eleven selections from his 150 matches.
Antonio Quintino, Defender, Ash Samba Boyz: Potentially Carl Kit's understudy, Quintino has shown maturity above his years and has an eye for goal too although niggling injuries and suspensions have led to him missing some important games.
Martyn Lines, Striker, Hotshots: The 27-year-old has been top scorer once and runner-up twice in the Norfolk league before and is the highest skilled striker around, He is approaching the 50 goal mark.
Jeremiah James, Midfielder, Ross County Reserves: The 25-year-old has always been exceptionally talented but now he has found a manager who can get the best out of him. He has an eye for goal, good long range shooting and is a good header if the ball. Is also the highest skilled player in the top division.
Vicente Jose, Striker, Shawfield Reborn: Last seasons player of the season will be looking to add to the 12 goals he scored last term.
STARS OF THE FUTURE:
Fausto Albertino, Defender, Ash Samba Boyz: The 21-year-old has already played 65 games and is tipped by many to be the Samba Boyz captain in the future.
Bernard Irons, Striker, Hotshots: The 20-year-old is an exceptional talent, already being a skill level 9. He also has great speed and good long range shooting. Him and Lines should form a formidable striking partnership.
Nick Millar, Defender, White Riot: The son of the Gohtza City manager, Millar looks ready to try and force his way into the Riot team this season.
Jimmy Nielsen, Defender, Hotshots: Another of Hotshots excellent youngsters. Nielsen has only played 11 first team games so far, but the Hotshots have great hopes for him.
Donnie MacKintosh, Goalkeeper, Ash Samba Boyz: The 20-year-old has great talent even if his early performances haven't been to the expected level.
BIG SIGNINGS:
Riccardo Belletti, HM Gunners: 8,474,200.
Liam Tullie, toon rejects: 5,200,000.
Kane Yeates, HM Gunners: 4,173,200.
Jed Tillery, Dros Delnoch: 1,300,000.
BIG DEPARTURES:
Darryl Osmond, HM Gunners: 2,247,517.
Marty McCarroll, HM Gunners: 5,409,600.
Daniel Carling, toon rejects: Retired.
Maxwell Lowe, Dros Delnoch: Retired.
Randall Bridges, Dros Delnoch: 4,392,927
GAMES TO WATCH:
Toon Rejects v Ash Samba Boyz - A local derby where passion will be flowing. The rejects have the taste for humbling the more fancied sides, but they enjoy defeating their neighbours even more!
Shawfield Reborn v White Riot - The appretentice v The Legend? After a brilliant season last time out, can Adhogan be the manager to pick up the mantle that Andrew Saunders has laid down during his seasons of dominance or will the master reign again for another season?
Dros Delnoch v Toon Rejects - 6 of the 8 meetings between these two have produced 5 or more goals.
Hotshots v White Riot - Last seasons top 2 will meet twice within a week in the middle of the season and those games are likely to have a big impact on where the two sides finish.
PREVIOUS WINNERS:
Season 8: White Riot
Season 7: White Riot
Season 6: White Riot
Season 5: White Riot
Season 4: Dutch Warriors
Season 3: Ash Samba Boyz
Season 2: Ash Samba Boyz
Season 1: New Field Rangers (Now Britannia City)
BETTING ODDS:
3-1 Fav: White Riot
7-2: Ash Samba Boyz
4-1: Hotshots
5-1: Ross County Reserves, HM Gunners
6-1: Dros Delnoch
7-1: Shawfield Reborn
9-1: toon rejects
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