Season Preview: Division One
TITLE CONTENDERS:
Hotshots and Dinot Riders are likely to begin the season as favourites for promotion. Jake's Hotshots were suprisingly relegated last term having come so close to winning the Norfolk League title the previous season. They've kept hold of their star players and possess 6 players with a skill level of 10 or greater.
As for the Riders, they possess statistically one of the most explosive strikeforces around. Tovetoft and Walsted have scored 136 goals for the Riders between them, aided by the creativity of Brown, Tylstrup and Ideguchi all of whome are proven class acts at this level. Their first 11 is superb but their only concern is they lack depth in all positions except midfield.
THE OTHER CONTENDERS:
Toon rejects battled superbly against stronger sides throughout their 3 season stint in the top flight, but they won't find it easy in this division either. In their favour, they have a squad blessed with loads of pace, plenty of depth and a manager who appears to be able to get the best out of his players.
Until last season, Rubber Dubbers had been a bit of enigma. With their young, exceptionally talented squad, they had the experts scratching their heads as to why they couldn't get out of Division Two. That goal has now been achieved and although they are not the strongest side in the division, they have the potential to make it 2 promotions in a row. Their only downful could be lack of experienced players to help them out when times get tough.
THE OUTSIDERS:
Smallville FC have spent 8 of their previous 9 seasons in this division. They have a good blend of youth and experience and they also have a couple of expereinced strikers with a good eye for goal. They need Resende and O'Callaghan to be on form to provide them with the service though.
Norfolk And Cahnce managed to survive comfortably last sesaon in the end after a couple of end of season wins. This could be a tricky season for them although they do have a fantastic goalkeeper in Ernst Scherz and a striking trio of Sheringham, McCammon and Lampard - all of whom have excellent strike rates.
Wilson F.C. did superbly well last season to fight back after being relegated from Division One at the end of season 8 and losing their long term manager. Daniel Horn came in and produced a remarkable turnaround, winning Division Two at a canter. They will find this season a tougher proposition though.
Highland Select have achieved respectable mid table finishes in their 2 seasons under Zico. They were the closest challengers to Dutch Warriors and N.Y.Muggers for a while last season before falling away a little at the end of the season. Their key player will be midfielder Rafael Sainz, at just 24 he has already made over 100 appearances for the club.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
ERNST SCHERZ, Goalkeeper, Norfolk And Chance.
The 25-year-old keeper is arguably the best around. He has been named in a staggering 41 xpert 11 team of the weeks out of a possible 60 and also has an impressive 78% Saves to shots ratio in the league.
OVE TOVETOFT, Striker, Dinot Riders.
He may now be 33, but the striker has not lost his scoring touch bagging 15 goals last season. He now has 78 in 134 appearances in all competitions.
MARTYN LINES, Striker, Hotshots.
At the age of 28, Lines became the first Hotshots player to score more than 50 goals for the club last season - most of which have come at the highest level. He should relish playing in Division One.
THEO SEARLE, Midfielder, Rubber Dubbers.
The creative 22 year old has the talent to unlock even the most organised defenses. Last season he won the Most Valuable Player award in Division Two.
NIRIHISA IDEGUCHI, Midfielder, Dinot Riders.
Dinot payed over 16 million for the midfielder and last season he responded with 10 assists and 6 goals in his 22 games last season.
STARS OF THE FUTURE:
JIMMY NIELSEN, Defender, Hotshots.
Jake spent just under 10 million on the 21-year-old, which shows just how highly rated he is. He will probably become a permanent fixture in the team this season and probably for the next 10 seasons!
TED LONGTON, Defender, Rubber Dubbers.
Another 21-year-old who looks set to break into the team on a permanent basis this season. Already has 34 appearances to his name.
JEREMY OTTER, Midfielder, Smallville FC.
The 19-year-old cost just 2.5 million and in the future that could prove to be a real bargain. He appeared 9 times last season for Smallville and will hope for more first team opportuntities this campaign. Has good long range shooting.
FLORIANO ESPANCA, Midfielder, Smallville FC.
A 19-year-old who's quick with a good eye for goal, the midfielder has some good attributes. Yet to feature regularly for Smallville but could become a really good player of the next few seasons.
CAMERON GIBBENS, Midfielder, toon rejects.
Gibbens has been a star for the rejects over the past 2 seasons despite his young age. He has already won a young player of the month award and was joint top scorer for the rejects last season with 8 goals.
BIG SIGNINGS:
Kit Bubb, Midfielder, Dinot Riders, 20.23m
Nari Campana, Forward, Smallville FC, 6.18m
Justino Quique, Midfielder, Smallville FC, 4.66m
Willie Swales, Forward, toon rejects, 3.56m
BIG DEPARTURES:
Alexander Méndez, Forward, Smallville FC, 8.82m
Francis Pollock, Midfielder, Hotshots, 8.31m
Kearney Keller, Defender, Rubber Dubbers, 3.98m
Carlo Dijoux, Forward, toon rejects, Retired.
Roy Alder, Midfielder, Norfolk And Chance, Sacked.
GAMES TO WATCH:
toon rejects v Smallville FC - A local derby between two sides who have recently departed the top division and will be hoping for a return to it.
Norfolk And Chance v Dinot Riders - Armoth v Dinot, the friendly rivalry is becoming legendary and they both keep us entertained with their banter before and after the match.
Rubber Dubbers v Hotshots - London derby between two sides returning to this division for different reasons.
Dinot Riders v Hotshots - Two of the strongest sides in the division meet in a game that could effect the outcome of the promotion race.
Wilson F.C. v Highland Select - Wilson dominated Division Two last season but their games against Highland Select will prove a good indicator whether they can survive at a higher level.
PREVIOUS WINNERS:
Season 9: Dutch Warriors
Season 8: Shawfield Reborn
Season 7: Dros Delnoch
Season 6: toon rejects
Season 5: Dinot Riders
Season 4: White Riot
Season 3: Hotshots
Season 2: Dutch Warriors
Season 1: MJH Athletic (Now Highland Select)
BETTING ODDS:
2-1: Hotshots
3-1: Dinot Riders
4-1: Rubber Dubbers, toon rejects, Smallville FC
6-1: Highland Select, Norfolk And Chance
8-1: Wilson F.C.
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