Super League Season 29Preview Butterfield Rovers FCOverview: Butterfield is a city right in the north east of Flavovespia. The origins of Butterfield Rovers began initially in 70BU, when Butterfield Independent began. They were a team who represented the town of Butterfield, as opposed to Baxlee-Butterfield, who represented the (at the time) two town within the city/region known as Butterfield. Butterfield Independent reformed in 66BU as Butterfield Rovers FC.
In the modern era they’ve spent plenty of times in the Super League, but their 19AU Flavovespia Gold Cup win has been their only major trophy. A 2nd and 3rd in 21AU and 22AU respectively did follow that, but the club have declined a bit in this decade. However, despite a somewhat yo-yo reputation, they are a team with plenty of knowledge of this level.
Last Season: Despite hopes of going up automatically, they weren’t in the best of form at times, and could only reach 4th. They did just enough to get through the play off semi finals against Henhaven Islanders, before inflicting a 2nd playoff final defeat in a row on Guildwell Football, to return to the Super League after just one season in the second tier. Out in Round 2 of both cup competitions, albeit to Super League opposition.
Kit: An orange home shirt, but with a black and white down the sleeves, with a small gradient fade and an angled approach. A design that does pacify the “black vs white” argument somewhat, although the white shorts win out as the home shorts, albeit paired with black socks. The away kit is a quite clever complete colour inversion of the home kit, with a blue body and the white and black inverted.
Transfers:
In: Max Watson 34 CF Batch B'field £3.5m
Gerard Gaffney 33 CM CarstonG B'field £3.5m
Michael McGowan 25 CM Smaishop B'field £3m
John Durkin 32 CF St Astons B'field £3m
Erroll Simpson 35 CB CarstonG B'field £0m
Daniel Crosland 23 CDM HadfordH B'field £0m
Lee Dickinson 33 LM A'brooke B'field £0m
James Pollitt 19 CF Youth B’Field
Nathan Crewe 16 GK Youth B’Field
Out: Jason Harris 37 CF B’Field Retired
Squad: Logan Shaw will most likely continue to be the man between the posts for Butterfield Rovers. However promising talent Nathan Crewe could put pressure on Richard Woolley for the backup keeper role.
Mohammad Siddique and Ian Wallace were key signings in 28AU, helping Butterfield Rovers back to the Super League. Jonathan White and Bradley Seymour will likely join them at the back. New signing Erroll Simpson will likely play some part in rotation, but maybe not as a full starter.
Lee Dickinson will likely be the starter in left midfield, with Justine Gee unlikely to have many more games left in the tank at 38. One of the new signings, Gerard Gaffney or Michael McGowan will likely join Anthony Crouch in the middle of the park, with Apostolos Antoniou on the wing. Daniel Crosland may get chances as he looks to revive his career after release from Hadford Hill.
Up front, Gary Watson looks set to be joined by his brother Max Watson. The Batchingtonwood Rovers fan favourite said his goodbyes after Butterfield offered £3.5m, a fair fee for a 34 year old. John Durkin and Anthony Johnson look set to be the rotation options up front
Likely Starting XI: (4-4-2) Shaw, Siddique-Wallace-White-Seymour, Dickinson-McGowan-Crouch-Antoniou, G.Watson-M.Watson
Prediction: Winners: 1%
Challenger’s Cup: 0%
CL+CC: 1%
5th-13th: 72%
Top Half: 19%
Bottom Half: 81%
Relegated: 27%
Statistically they’re in a relatively good position for a newly promoted side. Their experience and squad means they’re only given 27% odds of not staying up. However they’re not looking likely to challenge for a top half position this season, only a 19% chance according to our models. Somewhat interestingly, they have a projected 1% chance of winning it all. It sounds crazy, but Bavingtor have done it before from a similar position.
Croxlich FCOverview: One of the older teams by Flavovespian standards, they formed in 72BU as Croxlich FC. Founding members of various tournaments over the years including the Eastern Alliance and the Inter City Cup. However they were a relatively small team back in the classic era, with the exception of a successful run in the United & Eastern Alliance during the split.
Since the modern era, they’re been something of a perennial yo-yo club between the top two tiers. They’ve never quite made a solid run of several seasons in the Super League. Conversely, relegation down to the third tier has never been a major concern of theirs, despite the struggles some clubs seen as larger than them have had.
Last Season: They went into the final Matchday of the season knowing a win would be enough to take them back to the Super League. They duly delivered and have made an immediate bounce back, alongside Butterfield Rovers and Vale, somewhat disappointingly to the neutrals. They suffered an upset in Round 1 of the League Cup to Captonbridge Rangers, but in the Flavovespia Gold Cup made it to the third round before elimination by Langmere Green Rovers
Kit: A twist on an old classic design is brought back. The navy blue diagonal chest pattern returns on a laser blue body, but this time it’s broken up by diagonals in the opposite direction. The kit is paired up with laser blue shorts and socks with a splash of dark blue trim. The all white away kit from last year is rolled over to this year, somewhat disappointingly to fans, giving the side the uncommon separate template look.
Transfers: In: Monty Hughes 28 CB Batch Croxlich £3m
David Mercer 29 CB L'thorpe Croxlich £2m
Leonard Slater 22 CF Bavingtor Croxlich £0m
Matthew Pell 17 LM Youth Croxlich
Andrew Brady 18 LWB Youth Croxlich
Out: Squad: Ernest Hunter looks likely to remain as the #1 goalkeeper, with Patrick Martin acting as backup
Croxlich’s spending in the transfer window seemed to be at improving their defence. Monty Hughes and David Mercer look set to be the new starting centre back duo with Steven Smith and Antonio Taylor.
No money was spent on the midfield, so a midfield of Stuart Bray, Alexander Clarkson, Luke Sturgeon and Leslie Henry is likely. Sturgeon, a CDM originally will probably drop back more and let Clarkson move more forward.
Leonard Slater comes in on a free transfer, but is likely to need to impress in training or as a sub to displace Matthew Cope or Robert Dyas from a starting role
Likely Starting XI: (4-4-2) Hunter, Smith-Mercer-Hughes-Taylor, Bray-Clarkson-Sturgeon-Henry, Cope-Dyas
Prediction: Winners: 0%
Challenger’s Cup: 0%
CL+CC: 0%
5th-13th: 37%
Top Half: 5%
Bottom Half: 95%
Relegated: 63%
Not the best of reading for Croxlich. The predictions are better than half they don’t stay up this season. Furthermore, their odds of reaching the top half are seen as a mere 1 in 20, and unsurprisingly they are considered to have no chance of a Top 4 position. A long season in store for them, but 37% chance of staying up is still fair odds for them to do it.
Vale FCOverview: Formed in 69BU to contest the Waldster League, they merged with Vale Valiants a decade later, although the name Vale FC remained. One of the upper tier teams in the classic era, the modern era hasn’t quite been so kind to them, as they’ve also bounced around the top two fights. One of the 4 main “Outer Waldster” sides, alongside Stanmorn, Sporting Towerhaite and Galling Rangers 7AU (seen as the successor to the defunct Galling Rangers FC).
Last Season: The last Matchday saw them face off against Guildwell Football, needing to not lose to go up as champions. They did just that, and return to the Super League as Challenge League champions after a season in the second tier. The Flavovespia Gold Cup wasn’t a good experience last season, in Round 2 they went straight out at home to Old Marthorpe, one tier below them. In the League Cup, they got an upset by tier against Batchingtonwood Rovers, before elimination in Round 3 by eventual winners Kings Lunsel.
Kit: Vale combine their traditional V motif with a “sailors collar” design. The high amount of purple on the home kit hasn’t been universally acclaimed, but it is a kit that clearly defines the team. The V dashes on the shorts and socks are an interesting touch, even if a few teams describe them as “arrows pointing towards the direction of the team”. Without much need to have away shorts and socks to fit the home kit, Vale go with a two tone bluish green away kit in the same template. An unusual colour combination, but one that is quietly well received.
Transfers:
In: Ronald Edmonds 25 GK Waldster Vale £5m
Raymond Gosling 28 CM A'brooke Vale £5m
Bernard Richardson 22 LM St Astons Vale £3m
Peter Collins 30 CB B Wood Vale £2.5m
Clive Turner 22 CF Waldster Vale £0m
Colin Spray 21 LAM M'thorpe Vale £0m
Peter Holmes 17 CB Youth Vale
David Anderson 19 RB Youth Vale
Out: Eddie Killingsworth 21 CB Vale Waldster £6.5m
Ashley Bond 35 LB Vale Retired
John Arnold 36 RB Vale Retired
Squad: Although Geoff Ashcroft impressed in the Challenge League, Vale have spent money to bring in a more experienced keeper, and Ronald Edmonds will likely start for the newly promoted side.
Defensive depth at Vale is somewhat lacking, with two retirements and the sale of Eddie Killingsworth to nearby Waldster. Royston Yates will likely start at left back. Joining him in the centre will be Damon Pearce and Peter Collins, the latter who once played for rivals Stanmorn. Steve Leahy is going to be the first choice at right back.
Bernard Richardson comes in as the new left midfielder. Raymond Gosling will join Alan Holdsworth in the midfield, with John Crewe out wide, after he impressed last season.
Dean Palmer will be starting up front, and although Bo Tsang looks set to start this season as one of the two main choices, expect Clive Turner to put pressure on him for a place in the squad.
Likely Starting XI: (4-4-2) Edmonds, Yates-Pearce-Collins-Leahy, Richardson-Gosling-Holdsworth-Crewe, Palmer-Tsang
Prediction: Winners: 0%
Challenger’s Cup: 0%
CL+CC: 0%
5th-13th: 41%
Top Half: 6%
Bottom Half: 94%
Relegated: 59%
Slightly better numbers than Croxlich, but not much better though. Still a higher than 50:50 chance that they get relegated according to models. Only a 6% chance they can finish in the Top Half, and no chance of a surprise run to IFCF qualifications according to models. On those odds, they could very well stay up however.
South Maishop FCOverview: South Maishop were founded in 67BU, but although they were founding members of the Inter City Cup and the United Football League, were minnows throughout. Starting the modern era in the second tier, many thought they would be one of those sides that may inevitably fall lower as the pyramid was rebuilt. Instead, they held their ground and have now on a few occasions made it as Super League members.
Last Season: It went down to the wire, but a win at home to the champions Kings Lunsel kept them in the Super League for another season at least. A late drop in form put them in the danger zone, but they managed to survive. They made the quarter finals of the Flavovespia Gold Cup, but Marthorpe City bettered them at that stage. A Round 3 penalty loss to Nailwood Mills in the League Cup was a little disappointing.
Kit: South Maishop roll over their home kit from last season. A navy blue and red striped kit, a standard design for the side, but one that is still popular with the fans. The away kit is white with a broad two tone band across the chest, the tops intersecting with the sleeve cuffs. Based on an old classic template, it has been well received by a lot of fans, although the cynics say it’s still similar to the previous away kit, and a bit of a cash grab.
Transfers:
In: Liam Nicholls 24 GK M'thorpe Smaishop £8.5m
Malcolm Golfin 24 CF B Wood Smaishop £7m
Yungen Li 35 CF Kings Smaishop £4m
Gary White 19 RM Youth Smaishop
Out: Lucky Diamond 22 GK Smaishop L'thorpe £20m
Michael McGowan 25 CM Smaishop B'field £3m
Dean Alfred 26 RWB Smaishop Bavingtor £2m
Fao Brown 20 CB Smaishop Oxwich £0m
Squad: Lucky Diamond will be a considerable loss to South Maishop. In his place comes Liam Nicholls from Marthorpe City. Back up to John Burnie, South Maishop believe that for £8.5m, they got a keeper that can keep them up.
Thomas Carr will start at left back, and Ian Goulding will join him at right back after the sale of Dean Alfred. A change however at centre back, as promising youngster Daniel Lansdell looks set to displace either Kevin Bradley or John Wildman from a starting role.
The midfield looks set to stay much the same as last season, with Jason Hammonds and Philip Taylor sitting behind Mahtab Ahmad, with just the 3 in the midfield.
Up front, John Bell and Robert Gilbert both hit double figures last season, and a third double figure scoring striker will join them, Malcolm Golfin. Yungen Li has also been signed as a rotation option, and expect him to get minutes, despite his age.
Likely Starting XI (4-3-3): Nicholls, Carr-Wildman-Lansdell-Goulding, Hammonds-Ahmad-Taylor, Bell-Gilbert-Golfin
Prediction: Winners: 0%
Challenger’s Cup: 1%
CL+CC: 1%
5th-13th: 46%
Top Half: 11%
Bottom Half: 89%
Relegated: 53%
South Maishop will be disappointed to see that they’re seen as more likely than not to go down. At 53%, it is little more than a coin toss though it seems. A 1 in 9 chance thereabouts of a Top Half finish, and a 1 in 100 chance of IFCF qualification. They’ve produced some upsets before, can this season be another one?
Loxthorpe Rovers FCOverview: Formed as Loxthorpe FC, they can trace their history back all the way to 82BU. They adopted the Rovers suffix in 64BU, following a move to a new ground. They were one of the 8 founders of the GWNFA Super League, and are one of only 3 clubs who can boast an unbroken streak in the top flight since then, classic and modern era. However, only 4AU and 5AU in the modern era have seen them as Super League champions, although they do also have 2 Flavovespia Gold Cups to their name.
Last Season: Nothing seemed to go right for Loxthorpe Rovers last season. 12th in the table after pre-season expectations of an IFCF place, instead they had a relegation battle on their hands. In the Flavovespia Gold Cup, they lost at home in Round 3 to Alstone, 2 tiers below them. A quarter final appearance in the League Cup was the only small part of the season that wasn’t a failure for the east coast side.
Kit: After the half stripe kit last season, Loxthorpe Rovers go with a more simple template. Not a terrible design, but some are critical of how much white is on the kit, and the darker shade of green used. A burgundy and grey away kit has divided opinion, with some liking the break from more common colours used. Others think the colour choice is a poor mix, and a few are aghast that grey, a colour rivals Langmere Green Rovers wore, is used for a Loxthorpe Rovers kit. (Ironically many Langmere Green Rovers resented the fact they wore grey)
Transfers:
In: Lucky Diamond 22 GK Smaishop L'thorpe £20m
Nick Bracken 28 CF Bavingtor L'thorpe £1.5m
Robert Campbell 34 GK Waldster L'thorpe £0m
Andrew Brocklehurst 17 CF Youth L’thorpe
Ian Lambert 18 CAM Youth L’Thorpe
Out: Nicholas Dobson 26 GK L'thorpe Advernians £17m
David Mercer 29 CB L'thorpe Croxlich £2m
James Taylor 25 CAM L'thorpe Nmayshop £0.5m
Gordon Cox 20 CF L'thorpe Gann £0m
Glenn Williams 36 CF L’thorpe Retired
Squad: After his dismissal from Hadford Hill, Carter Cromwell takes charge at Loxthorpe Rovers. However his squad for this season looks more of an evolution than a revolution.
The big change will be in goal. Big Nicholas Dobson has been sold, setting his sights outside of Flavovespia. In comes the highly rated Lucky Diamond of South Maishop, as he hopes to do enough to return to the national team. Robert Campbell also comes in to provide experience, depth and mentorship.
The defence looks unchanged from last season, with Ashley Pain and Stephen Moore as full backs, and David Bowley and Ernest Cliff as the centre backs.
Cromwell looks set to trial a more split midfield, much like the national team with deeper central players and more attacking wide players. Neil Ambrose and David Nichols will play in the centre, flanked by William Somers and Gideon Amos.
Up front, Gary Carr and Stephen Nichols (brother of David) look set to be the starters, although new signing Nick Bracken and promising youngster Andrew Brocklehurst could see chances.
Likely Starting XI: (4-2-2-2) Diamond, Pain-Bowley-Cliff-Moore, Ambrose-D.Nichols, Somers-Amos, Carr-S.Nichols
Prediction: Winners: 2%
Challenger’s Cup: 19%
CL+CC: 21%
5th-13th: 78%
Top Half: 62%
Bottom Half: 38%
Relegated: 1%
After last season, the 1% in the relegation column will be a big relief for Carter Cromwell and the Loxthorpe Rovers fans. Although they only have a 62% chance of a top half finish, it shows that the club are at least going to be aiming upwards. 21% chance of the IFCF does put them a considerable distance from the top tier clubs, but it’s not out of the question for them to do it.
Carston Green FCOverview: Formed in 85BU, Carston Green are one of Flavovespia’s oldest clubs, and outside of the classic Big 3, are considered one of the most prestigious clubs. At times in the classic era, they were considered equal to, or arguably better than the classic Big 3 were. Sadly for them the modern era hasn’t been so kind to them. A surprise relegation in 2AU saw them begin a turbulent time, as they nearly collapsed entirely in 11AU in the third tier. They recovered, were promoted that same season, and since then have been something of a yo-yo team between the top two tiers.
Last Season: They started well in the Super League following promotion, but did seem to fade away as the season progressed. 11th in the table was whereabouts they would have wanted to finish realistically, and guarantees another season in the top flight. They knocked out the holders Kings Lunsel in Round 2 of the Flavovespia Gold Cup and reached the quarter finals. In the League Cup, they reached the 3rd round before Loxthorpe Rovers eliminated them.
Kit: The horizontal stripes have almost gone, replaced with horizontal pinstripes for this kit. The kit looks quite smart and tidy, although some would have preferred to see the pinstripes extend along the sleeves of the shirt as well. The away kit follows the same template, but rendered in all black. These kits probably won’t win prizes as the teams best ever, but they do the job and have been reasonably well received.
Transfers:
In: Richard Doughty 22 CF B Wood CarstonG £5m
Sidney Harper 21 CB Batch CarstonG £0m
Michael Hornby 17 RM Youth CarstonG
Out: Gerard Gaffney 33 CM CarstonG B'field £3.5m
Erroll Simpson 35 CB CarstonG B'field £0m
Mike Nixon 37 CB CarstonG Retired
Squad: Carston Green weren’t big spenders or sellers in the transfer market. In goal will remain Kevin Norton, with Jonathan Thompson his experienced veteran back up.
In defence and despite his age, Jonathan Cake will likely start. Alongside Benjamin Potter, Alexander Evans, and Andrew Payne, this looks an unchanged defence from last season.
The midfield is one of the oldest in the Super League. Jamie Taylor starts on the left wing, with Tariq Din and Michael Morely in the middle. John Pearce will start in right midfield, but Michael Hornby was a great talent at youth level, and could start in the Super League even in this season.
Richard Doughty, signed from Binclestead Wood will likely start, with Devon Hamilton preferred slightly to George Bunting at this time. Robert Hunt and Raymond Wilson remain with the team, but retirement will be on the cards soon for them.
Likely Starting XI: (4-4-2) Norton, Cake-Potter-Evans-Payne, Taylor-Din-Morely-Pearce, Doughty-Hunt
Prediction: Winners: 0%
Challenger’s Cup: 2%
CL+CC: 2%
5th-13th: 73%
Top Half: 17%
Bottom Half: 83%
Relegated: 25%
A slightly higher chance of relegation than they’d ideally want, at 1 in 4. With around a 1 in 6 chance of a top half finish, its likely Carston Green face a season somewhere between a relegation battle and a push for the Top Half. Or maybe they have a 2% season where they unexpectedly fight it out near the top.
Hadford Hill FCOverview: Formed in 89BU, and widely considered the second oldest professional club in Flavovespia, Hadford Hill are one of the most famous clubs in the nation. Their history is almost unrivalled, and in the classic era the team in red were a venerated and feared opponent, with countless accolades. The modern era seemed to be going the same way, 7 titles up to 13AU, a majority of them at the time. However, twice they suffered a shock relegation, and although they bounced back immediately both times, they have never quite been the same team ever since.
Last Season: A promising start saw them look like they could challenge for the title at the halfway point. Sadly it all fell apart in the second half of the season. They were knocked out of the 4th Round of the Flavovespia Gold Cup at home by rivals Waldster, then fell out of form in the league, at one point losing 5-0 to local rivals Marthorpe City, and crashing to 10th place. It was the end of the line for Carter Cromwell, who was sacked after several seasons at the club.
Kit: An all red home kit (no surprises there), with a HH pattern motif down the top of the sleeves and side of the shorts. Generally well received, representing the identity of the club well, whilst not taking too much away from the general all red template. The away kit is an interesting green, not the white, grey or black that’s often seen. It’s paired with white shorts and black socks, that look designed to fit both the home and away shirt. An interesting choice by Hadford Hill.
Transfers:
In: David Michael 29 CF W'd GC HadfordH £22.5m
Ian Johnson 28 RB B Wood HadfordH £11.5m
Kevin Harris 29 LB W'd GC HadfordH £6m
Jakub Woloszyn 31 CDM LGR HadfordH £5m
Robert Clarke 31 CM B Wood HadfordH £4.5m
Robert Booth 17 CAM Youth HadfordH
Keith Aspden 18 LM Youth HadfordH
Reg Cupit 18 LWB Youth HadfordH
Out: Steven Hall 27 RAM HadfordH Kings £50m
Malcolm MacKay 25 CB HadfordH Alton Athletic Club £7m
Martin Fox 26 LWB HadfordH Bavingtor £4.5m
Clive McIntosh 28 CAM HadfordH Henhaven £2m
Mike Merrill 33 CB HadfordH Capton £1.5m
Daniel Crosland 23 CDM HadfordH B'field £0m
Roberto Goncalves 34 CF HadfordH B Wood £0m
Vincent Sutcliffe 36 LM HadfordH Retired
Squad: Robbie Redfield is the new man in the dugout at Hadford Hill. Without a doubt however, one transfer dominates, the sale of Steven Hall to Kings Lunsel.
Wayne Shaw continues to be the goalkeeper for Hadford Hill, Redfield seemingly content to keep him in that position.
Although Redfield favoured a 3-4-3 at Langmere Green Rovers, it looks set to be a 4-3-3 at Hadford Hill. Despite the signing of Kevin Harris, Patrick Cannon will likely have at least one more season as the starting left back. Sailin Sheth and Ryan Hawkins will be the centre back pairing, and new signing Ian Johnson will start as right back.
The midfield will be different with the absence of Hall. Nigel Humphries and Alan Holt will join up with Jakub Woloszyn, who Redfield signed from his old club. Robert Clarke will likely also see plenty of time on the pitch this season.
Up front, and David Michael will have the unenviable role of trying to replace Steven Hall. He joins Edward Barkes and Anthony Hannigan in the Hadford Hill attack.
Likely Starting XI: (4-3-3) Shaw, Cannon-Sheth-Hawkins-Johnson, Holt-Humphries-Woloszyn, Michael-Barkes-Hannigan
Prediction: Winners: 0%
Challenger’s Cup: 9%
CL+CC: 9%
5th-13th: 75%
Top Half: 43%
Bottom Half: 57%
Relegated: 17%
For their fans, they won’t like to read that they effectively have a “rolling a 1” chance of going down, for a 3rd time. The odds on a top half and bottom half finish are quite close to even, so a season of mid-table mediocracy could well be on the cards again. Still, a 1 in 11 chance of IFCF competition can’t be written off, although it is still weird to many to see Hadford Hill with a 0% chance of being the nation’s best.
Bavingtor FCOverview: Bavingtor FC formed in 61BU, with the intent of representing the city/region in the Inter City Cup. They quickly grew to become the main team of the city, in an area where there were several smaller teams competing. Not a particularly powerful team in the classic era, in the modern era they’ve mostly been a big part of the Super League, but have at times fallen into the second tier. The last time they were at that level was 23AU, only to then stun everyone in 24AU by winning the Super League after promotion.
Last Season: The highlight of their season was of course winning the Flavovespia Gold Cup, beating Langmere Green Rovers 1-2 in the final. They harboured ambitions of a top half league finish, although were only 9th in the end. However, as they won a major trophy, few fans can complain about the outcome of last season.
Kit: Home kit is white with a black panelling on the sleeves, intersected with a small amount of trim across the kit. Not the most extravagant of kits, but one that does the job, so to speak. It is paired with black shorts and white socks. The away kit borrows the same template, but with a blue shirt, that seems to work well. The away shorts in black and the away socks in white look chosen to complement the home kit, rather than be a perfect kit for the away kit, although they still fit both kits.
Transfers:
In: Mike Beeton 27 CF A'brooke Bavingtor £6.5m
Martin Fox 26 LWB HadfordH Bavingtor £4.5m
Dean Alfred 26 RWB Smaishop Bavingtor £2m
Mohamedraza Shariff 17 LM Youth Bavingtor
Out: Charlie Thomas 29 CM Bavingtor Guildwell £3m
Nick Bracken 28 CF Bavingtor L'thorpe £1.5m
Leonard Slater 22 CF Bavingtor Croxlich £0m
Joel Loader 25 GK Bavingtor Henhaven £0m
Squad: To nobody’s surprise, David Meehan is the starting goalkeeper for Flavovespia. However young Thomas Foley is on the bench, and many think he has the talent to be the successor to Meehan at Bavingtor.
Manager Austin Brandon has decided to go for 2 new wing backs, Martin Fox and Dean Alfred, to try and boost Bavingtor’s fortunes. A centre back trio of Christopher Hemingway, Ben Blyth and Joseph Judah join them.
The midfield will see Andrew Hurst and William Edwards return. Ahead of them in the attacking midfield position will be Mike Beeton, signed from Apsbrooke, although officially classed as a striker.
Roger Hawkes and Mark Paul will lead the line in attack, both having strong seasons last year, Mark Paul especially.
Likely Starting XI: (5-2-1-2) Meehan, Fox-Hemingway-Blyth-Judah-Alfred, Hurst-Edwards, Beeton, Hawkes-Paul
Prediction: Winners: 3%
Challenger’s Cup: 14%
CL+CC: 17%
5th-13th: 78%
Top Half: 54%
Bottom Half: 46%
Relegated: 5%
Better than half odds of reaching the top half will please Bavingtor and their fans. Furthermore many will be happy to see only a 5% chance of relegation, as a club who always seem to end up in that battle every so often. The chances of IFCF qualification are quite low, although “rolling a 6” isn’t bad odds for a side that isn’t one of the biggest in the nation. Finally, could that 3% figure come true, for another unlikely title?
Sporting TowerhaiteOverview: Formed in 71BU as Towerhaite Sports Society, Sporting Towerhaite had a shaky beginning, with a bitter rivalry against the more established Team Towerhaite. Eventually Towerhaite Sports Society became the sole professional team in the city in 59BU, but for legal reasons were never able to take on the name Towerhaite FC, or a close variant of that. 22BU saw them modernise their name to Sporting Towerhaite. Their most successful era came in 2AU with a 4th place in the Super League, followed 3 years later with a Flavovespia Gold Cup win. Since the modern era, they have 6 relegations from the Super League, and 6 promotions to the Super League.
Last Season: Sporting Towerhaite had a quietly successful season by their standards. Predicted to be in the relegation race, they stayed out of it, and were quite often in the top half. 8th in the end was a very fair result for them, and their fans were happy with it. In Round 3 of the Flavovespia Gold Cup and Round 2 of the League Cup, it was South Maishop who eliminated them, by 1 goal in both matches.
Kit: Sporting Towerhaite will use the same kits as last season, home and away. The home is in their beige colours, with white and black piping along the sleeves. Not a complex kit, but it’s popular, and they’ve got the shade of beige right. The away kit is in all white, and is a very smart design, well liked by many, including the neutrals.
Transfers:
In: Gary Hays 31 CB LGR SportingT £3m
Robert Rosen 18 LB Youth SportingT
Kelvin Bullock 17 LAM Youth SportingT
Eric Reid 18 RAM Youth SportingT
Out: Darren Hunt 31 CF SportingT FKP Ottowić County £5.5m
Stephen Vail 34 CAM SportingT Capton £0m
Mark Robinson 21 CM SportingT NWU £0m
John Sizer 37 CB SportingT Retired
Squad: Sporting Towerhaite are another side who weren’t very active in the transfer market this time around. Lawrence Furrer should be the starter in goal again for Sporting Towerhaite.
In defence, George Atkinson, Alan Price, Gary Hays and Steven Arthur are the likely returning starters in the back 4 for Sporting Towerhaite.
David Clark, Derrick Henry and Alan Owens will be the starting midfielders, although the talented teenager Peter Smith will be pushing for starts soon at Sporting Towerhaite.
The triple M of Nick Massey, Anthony Miles and Keith Murray should be sure to continue as the strike force for Sporting Towerhaite, after their surprisingly strong performance last season.
Likely Starting XI: (4-3-2-1) Furrer, Atkinson-Price-Jones-Arthur, Clark-Henry-Owens, Massey-Murray, Miles
Prediction: Winners: 0%
Challenger’s Cup: 6%
CL+CC: 6%
5th-13th: 71%
Top Half: 25%
Bottom Half: 75%
Relegated: 23%
They were 8th last season, but only a 1 in 4 chance of repeating at least that feat will be a bit of a disappointment for Sporting Towerhaite. The 23% chance of relegation according to models also doesn’t bode too well, although on these odds it’s likely somewhere in the upper echelons of the bottom half will be their final position.
Westwood Garden City FCOverview: Westwood Sports Society was founded in 71BU, but officially their place in the Inter City Cup moved to Westwood Garden City FC in 58BU. There’s some debate as to whether or not Westwood Garden City FC are a true successor to Westwood Garden City, or if that claim goes to Westwood FC or neither side. One of the teams who in the classic era spent little time in the top flight, they came out of the reformation of the football system better than others and have seen plenty of top-flight football. Maybe not hugely successful, with just a 4th and a Flavovespia Gold Cup runners up to their name, but still a good side down in the south west of the nation.
Last Season: The newly promoted side made a great start last season, even topping the Super League in the early stages. However their form faltered somewhat, although a late recovery meant they were still 7th in the end. Eliminated at their first stage in Round 2 of the Flavovespia Gold Cup was a little disappointing, albeit it was to eventual winners Bavingtor. An eventful 5-3 loss in Round 3 to Binclestead Wood was the fat of Westwood Garden City in the League Cup.
Kit: One of two teams to roll over both of their kits to the new season. The faded diagonal across the top of the kit was a bit divisive to begin with, but any grew to like or at least accept it. The faded shorts and socks cuffs fitted the theme of the kit well though. The away kit simply reversed the colours, and the all black kit was the obvious, yet still effective choice.
Transfers:
In: Martin Jones 28 LB Stanmorn W'd GC £10m
Mark Chalmers 26 RM NWU W'd GC £4.5m
Jack May 29 CAM Batch W'd GC £0m
Antony Holder 17 CF Youth W’d GC
Out: David Michael 29 CF W'd GC HadfordH £22.5m
Kevin Harris 29 LB W'd GC HadfordH £6m
Adesh Desai 32 CF W'd GC Hopford £0m
Martin James 36 CDM W’d GC Retired
Squad: Ike Barnes will continue to be the goalkeeper for Westwood Garden City, a position he looks set to occupy for a while yet.
In defence, Martin Jones will be key at left-back, as the big signing of Westwood Garden City this transfer window. Julian Harper and Clifford Dent will occupy the centre and Michael Thompson will play as right back.
Stuart Robertson continues as the left midfield option, along with Valentine Richmond and Michael Davidson in the centre of the park. Mark Chalmers will make the step up to the Super League in the right midfield.
Up front, and Michael Upton and Tarren Kidd will have to fill the hole left by the sale of David Michael to Hadford Hill
Likely Starting XI: (4-4-2) Barnes, Jones-Harper-Dent-Thompson, Robertson-Richmond-Davidson-Chalmers, Upton-Kidd
Prediction: Winners: 0%
Challenger’s Cup: 3%
CL+CC: 3%
5th-13th: 74%
Top Half: 21%
Bottom Half: 79%
Relegated: 23%
They overperformed to an extent last season, and models do seem to predict they won’t quite do what they managed to do last year. Their chances of relegation at 23% aren’t large, but still not ideal, and higher than their chances of a top half finish.
St Astons City FCOverview: One of the Big 3, a very prestigious club in Flavovespia, with many classic and modern era titles to their name. They’ve only ever spent one season outside of the top flight, back in 13AU. The modern era may not have been so kind of them as their prestigious history, but they are still a formidable club to face any day of the year, in their navy blue and gold. Many of their fans will be hopeful they can finally make the push pack towards the Top 4 or more this season.
Last Season: 6th place was a bit below their dreams of a Top 4 and IFCF qualification. Not a bad result by any means, but St Astons aren’t quite able to break into the upper echelons again. Their Flavovespia Gold Cup campaign ended with a Round 4 exit at Marthorpe City. They were out of the League Cup in Round 2.
Kit: The gold cross on navy is the symbol of St Astons City, and it brought back for this kit. This time it covers the whole body, but is made up of an ever decreasing dot effect. A bold idea, but one that does seem to have gone down reasonably well with fans. The away kit is a reversal in gold and navy, gold a common colour for St Astons City away kits, even if some purists think it’s too similar to Waldster’s yellow.
Transfers:
In: Thomas English 25 CM Kings St Astons £17.5m
Brian Clarke 35 GK LGR St Astons £0m
Martin Gilmore 31 CF Kings St Astons £0m
David Hulme 17 LAM Youth St Astons
David Rob 18 RB Youth St Astons
John Ault 17 CF Youth St Astons
Out: Bernard Richardson 22 LM St Astons Vale £3m
John Durkin 32 CF St Astons B'field £3m
Matthew Hirst 20 CF St Astons H'Milly £0m
Paul Austin 30 CB St Astons B Wood £0m
Stephen Barker 36 RB St Astons Retired
Michael Wood 34 LB St Astons Retired
Squad: Charlie Holton made one key signing and saw a lot of the squad depth vary for the next season, although much of the team remains the same.
In goal, Jon Holmes will continue to be the starter. Brian Clarke was signed on a free to give experience as back up in this position.
A 3 man defence will remain, and Ali Mohammed, Giles Smith and John Bicknell the likely starters. Peter Canavan may however be hopeful of pushing into the first team this season.
At £17.5m, Thomas English will be expected to make as much as an impact in central midfield as he did for Kings Lunsel. Speculation is he’ll join a 5 man midfield, with Sajad Hussain, Graham Keeley, Ian Calver and Christopher Ace in the starting midfield. Ace was an impressive signing last season, and will hope to build on that.
A youthful attack for St Astons, with Victor Cooke and the ever dangerous Marc Sharratt upfront for them. However Trevor Nell, Brian Bayliss and free transfer signing Martin Gilmore will be key depth players for St Astons.
Likely Starting XI: (3-5-2) Holmes, Mohammed-Smith-Bicknell, Hussain-Keeley-English-Calver-Ace, Cooke-Sharratt
Prediction: Winners: 8%
Challenger’s Cup: 22%
CL+CC: 30%
5th-13th: 67%
Top Half: 76%
Bottom Half: 24%
Relegated: 3%
A 30% chance of an IFCF spot will definitely give the team hope that they have a realistic, if somewhat outside chance of making it in. 76% to finish in the top half is also a good figure, even if not quite the same as their historical highs. An 8% chance of winning it all would certainly not be the most shocking winners ever in the modern era if that came to be.
Langmere Green Rovers FCOverview: They formed back in 78BU, but it was only with the development of the Eastern Alliance they truly began to find their feet. A team with quite a spell in the top flight of the classic era, although never really seen as true contenders at any point. The modern era saw them surprise many initially by continuing to stay in the Super League, and eventually in 27AU they finally lifted the national title for their first ever time. Now, many wonder if they could be one of the new top clubs of Flavovespia.
Last Season: A poor title defence saw them near the relegation zone at halfway. With Redfield sacked and Young coming in, they rallied, and almost made it into the Top 4, just missing out in 5th place. They were finalists in both cups, however suffered a 1-2 loss to Bavingtor in the Flavovespia Gold Cup final, and an emphatic 6-2 loss to Kings Lunsel in the League Cup.
Kit: Langmere Green Rovers keep up the “tri-tone” green on their all white kits. This time, they take the middle of the badge, and extend it to make bands across the midsection of the shirt. A concept that seems to have gone down well with fans, who like the tie in with the recently changed logo. The away kit uses the same template but in pale green. Some are a bit critical however this kit is too similar to the home kit, and has been mockingly described as “a home kit that ran in the wash”
Transfers:
In: Tony Elvidge 27 CAM A'brooke LGR £14m
David Lyons 19 LB B Wood LGR £6.5m
Anpele Zork 26 CAM ZRH FKP Ottowić County LGR £3.5m
Gordon Stacey 18 LWB Youth LGR
Out:Jakub Woloszyn 31 CDM LGR HadfordH £5m
Gary Hays 31 CB LGR SportingT £3m
Brian Clarke 35 GK LGR St Astons £0m
Lee Alexander 38 CB LGR Retired
Squad: Alan Young came in as manager last season to steady the ship, and did a good enough job to be given the full tiem role. Aptly named as the youngest manager in the Super League at just 35, his squad and tactics look quite different to that of Redfield, his predecessor.
Andrew Bullivant unsurprisingly remains in goal, one of the handful of Flavovespians with international experience.
David Lyons is seen as a great prospect at left back, and he’ll start there for Langmere Green Rovers. Alexander May and Mervyn Button will make up the centre back duo, although Thaddeus Thorp and Paul Rodwell remain competent backups. Alistair McKinlay gets named as the starting right back.
A midfield diamond sees veteran defensive midfielder Henrik Jensen line up, with Murad Ahmed and Tony Elvidge in centre midfield, and Anpele Zork as attacking midfielder. However it’s possible that Elvidge and Zork rotate between matches or even in matches.
Up front, Ramon Martin and Christopher Johnson will be the main attacking duo. However the highly rated Adrian Jones will also be pushing for minutes this season.
Likely Starting XI: (4-1-2-1-2) Bullivant, Lyons-May-Button-McKinlay, Jensen, Ahmed-Elvidge, Zork, Martin-Johnson
Prediction: Winners: 14%
Challenger’s Cup: 44%
CL+CC: 58%
5th-13th: 41%
Top Half: 95%
Bottom Half: 5%
Relegated: 1%
Many see last seasons top 5 as the new contenders for the titles and IFCF places, and the model does bear that out it seems. Langmere Green Rovers have around a 1 in 7 chance of winning it all, and are predicted to be more likely than not to make it back into the IFCF. Good odds, but they’ll have to work to achieve it.
Stanmorn FCOverview: Formed in 69BU to compete in the newly formed Waldster League, they started off well, winning it the first time around. They would go on to establish themselves over Stanmorn Miners, who were effectively absorbed into Stanmorn FC. They never quite reached the levels of their neighbours in the classic era. The modern era saw them exist as a yo-yo club, until their 15AU, 17AU and 18AU Flavovespia Gold Cup wins gave them the money and prestige to establish themselves in the Super League. In 26AU they finally won the Super League, and have since looked to establish themselves as one of Flavovespia’s best sides.
Last Season: They struggled early on, due to injuries and speculation about Crawford’s job status. When he left to take over the national team, Anderson took over. They improved, and were able to claw themselves back to 4th, securing it on the final Matchday. Marthorpe City eliminated them in Round 3 of the Flavovespia Gold Cup, and they could only get to Round 2 of the League Cup.
Kit: Stanmorn continue on with their brighter blue shade. However the kit panels are in their old navy blue, and the piping is in their old “custard cream” yellow. Paired with white shorts and blue socks, it’s a smart design that combines modern and classic identity. Stanmorn use the same template in the away kit, and bring back the “custard cream” yellow for the shirt and socks, with navy blue shorts. A good combination of kits that have gone down well with fans.
Transfers:
In: Joseph Pitchford 24 LB B Wood Stanmorn £11m
Herman Kloscher 29 RM NQU Wagedaal FC Stanmorn £10m
Alastair Ross 23 CB A'brooke Stanmorn £10m
Mohammed Salim 19 CM Youth Stanmorn
Garry Sutherland 19 GK Youth Stanmorn
Out: Martin Jones 28 LB Stanmorn W'd GC £10m
Richard Foster 20 CF Stanmorn Capton £2m
Kanji Lal 23 CM Stanmorn Henhaven £1.5m
Andy Richardson 33 CB Stanmorn FCNW £0m
Scott Gibson 21 CF Stanmorn Kings £0m
Squad: Michael Anderson took over halfway through last season, and has splashed the cash a fair bit to try and improve on 4th place.
In goal, Aarif Muhammad is very much seen as a potential future successor to David Meehan in the national team, and will be keen to try and reach his maximum potential in the near future.
Joseph Pitchford and Alastair Ross have been signed for the defence, and will likely be starters. Neil Wright and Neal Gandhi will likely join them in the defence.
Promising teenager Andrew Thomas and new signing Herman Kloscher will feature on the wings. James King and Charles Winward will likely feature as the central midfield pairing.
Up front and Andrew Mason and Scott Coleman will be the main striker pairing, although expect Sean McClafferty to get game time off the bench and as a starter.
Likely Starting XI: (4-4-2) Muhammad, Pitchford-Ross-Wright-Gandhi, Thomas-King-Winward-Kloscher, Mason-Coleman
Prediction: Winners: 11%
Challenger’s Cup: 38%
CL+CC: 49%
5th-13th: 51%
Top Half: 88%
Bottom Half: 12%
Relegated: 0%
Stanmorn will probably be a little disappointed to see themselves as the most likely of the Top 5 to miss out on the IFCF, with it’s being almost a coin toss to decide according to models. Still, they do have a 1 in 9 chance of winning the title, and are the first team modelled to have no chance of relegation.
Waldster FCOverview: The oldest ever professional side in Flavovespia, formed in 89BU. Their distinctive yellow and black kits are known across the nation, and are immediately recognisable, as part of the classic Big 3. Everpresent at the top in the classic era it seemed, the modern era was more of a challenge to them. Despite an unbroken spell in the top flight that continues to this day, it took until 21AU to finally lift the new Super League trophy. A year later, they won the domestic treble, but since then they’ve only since won the League Cup twice.
Last Season: A poor start saw Andrew Lowe sacked after just 10 games. After 5 games under interim management, Nick Cole returned to Waldster. He took the team on a great run of form, and they shot up the table to finish 3rd and with it an IFCF Challenger’s Cup berth. Dreams of a Flavovespia Gold Cup were dashed in the semi finals, by an extra time goal scored by Bavingtor. The League Cup saw them exit relatively early in Round 2.
Kit: A yellow home shirt with black shorts and socks, to nobody’s surprise. An amber panel with black piping with a W at the cuffs is the main detailing. It’s not a bad kit by any means, but not many of the Waldster fans see it as a classic, and the amber section is seen as somewhat unnecessary. The away kit is a black and yellow palette reversal, with the yellow shorts and socks designed to be worn with both the home and away kit.
Transfers:
In: Michael Marsden 32 RM M'thorpe Waldster £8m
Eddie Killingsworth 21 CB Vale Waldster £6.5m
Jimmy Straker 31 LB XAN Alexandria City Waldster £5m
Conor Harrington 38 GK A'brooke Waldster £2.5m
Stephen Wallis 17 CF Youth Waldster
Alan Thompson 18 CB Youth Waldster
Out: Ronald Edmonds 25 GK Waldster Vale £5m
Stephen Field 32 CB Waldster Langlois Oceanic £5m
Clive Turner 22 CF Waldster Vale £0m
Robert Campbell 34 GK Waldster L'thorpe £0m
Thomas McDonald 36 CF Waldster Retired
Stuart Gay 38 CB Waldster Retired
Squad: Nick Cole’s return as manager sees him look to build up a squad he hopes can take Waldster back to the top. No major big money signings, but a handful of players come in who may very well start plenty of games.
Jonathan Swain remains the man between the posts. A goalkeeping shuffle meanwhile, sees Conor Harrington return to Waldster. He may only be a backup, but he will return to his #1 shirt he wore when the side were at the top of football in Flavovespia.
Jimmy Straker comes in as the new starting left back. Royston Stephens will be in at centre back, with Seamus Doherty projected to start ahead of new signing Eddie Killingsworth for the time being. Stephen Shepherd will, unsurprisingly, remain at right back.
Cole seems content to play a flat 4 in midfield. Chester Brooks and new signing Michael Marsden look set to play out wide, and Brian Buttery and Lancelot Wray will be the main central players. Michael McGarry and Joseph Ryan however, will likely get time as well on the pitch.
Up front, and John Lawler and Joe Dargie will continue what was a relatively strong partnership last season. Michael Cole, son of manager Nick Cole will however be waiting in the wings to step up, and the precocious talent already showed promising signs last season.
Likely Starting XI: (4-4-2) Swain, Straker-Stephens-Doherty-Shepherd, Brooks-Buttery-Wray-Marsden, Lawler-Dargie
Prediction: Winners: 9%
Challenger’s Cup: 50%
CL+CC: 59%
5th-13th: 41%
Top Half: 92%
Bottom Half: 8%
Relegated: 0%
Quite a low chance relatively speaking of winning the title, at 9%, but a coin flip between finishing 2nd-4th or not. They should be confident of a run towards the top of the table. It’s an 8% chance for them to end up in the bottom half, and another team given a 0% chance of relegation.
Marthorpe City FCOverview: The newest of all the sides in the Super League. Their formation in 10BU and immediate introduction to the second tier GWNFA Challenge League has caused a lot of consternation that still lingers to this day. They used the reformation to build themselves into a Super League title contending side, and won the league in 3AU, just 13 years after forming. 7 modern era titles is only matched by local rivals Hadford Hill, but unlike them, Marthorpe City have been in the Super League every season, and it’s uncommon to see a season where that isn’t the case.
Last Season: They were in the title battle for a long time, but eventually it was the runners up spot again. With it they have another berth in the IFCF Challenger’s Cup. In both of the cup competitions, they lost by 2 goals to Langmere Green Rovers at the semi final stage, bitterly disappointing to their fans.
Kit: The bold city outline home shirt has been rolled over from last season, one of the most interesting and creative kits that any teams has worn in recent years. The kit uses the city outline on the crest on the body, with a square grid like effect in the background. The away kit uses the same template but in new colours, this time white and neon pink. A unique colour combination, to produce another memorable kit. Marthorpe City also have permission from other teams to wear amber home shorts and socks and white shorts and socks to avoid a clash instead of the ones form the other kit.
Transfers:
In: Doron Aldra 27 CM SRS Traal Athletics M'thorpe £15m
Colt Henderson 24 CM XAN Hawthorne United M'thorpe £12.5m
Stuart Cookson 18 CB A'brooke M'thorpe £10m
Andrew Gallacher 22 CB Kings M'thorpe £0m
Sachin Gupta 19 CDM Youth M’thorpe
Robert Simmons 17 LAM Youth M’thorpe
Michael Aldred 17 CF Youth M’thorpe
Out: Mohammed Saleem 24 CB M'thorpe Dí Maozöxê £10m
Liam Nicholls 24 GK M'thorpe Smaishop £8.5m
Michael Marsden 32 RM M'thorpe Waldster £8m
Colin Spray 21 LAM M'thorpe Vale £0m
Alex Castle 35 CB M'thorpe OldM £0m
Simon Kirk 35 CDM M’thorpe Retired
Bernard Melson 38 RWB M’thorpe Retired
Squad: Charles Morgan has made quite a few changes to his side, as Marthorpe City look to return to the top again.
John Burnie continues in goal for Marthorpe City, and after the sale of Liam Nicholls, Peter Paton moves up to be the deputy.
The wing back duo of Ronald Maddox and David Blythe will play a key role on the flanks. Mark James will be the main centre back and suggestions are young Stuart Cookson and Vivek Soni will be the main starters, but rotation in that position will be likely at points.
Jonathan Feld remains in the midfield, but will be joined by two international signings, Doron Aldra and Colt Henderson. Simon Davison however will likely rotate with those 3 at various points in the season.
Terence Daley and Ronald Peddie will remain the starting strikers, but the setup at times may switch to a 5-4-1, with Daley the sole striker.
Likely Starting XI: (5-3-2) Burnie, Maddox-James-Cookson-Soni-Blythe, Feld-Aldra-Henderson, Daley-Peddie
Prediction: Winners: 20%
Challenger’s Cup: 44%
CL+CC: 64%
5th-13th: 35%
Top Half: 91%
Bottom Half: 9%
Relegated: 1%
They have a 1 in 5 chance of winning the title according to predictions. Almost a 2 in 3 chance though of making the IFCF is a good sign for them, although pessimists will say that’s fair odds they do fall out of the Top 4. The inverse of Butterfield Rovers, they do apparently have a 1% chance of a shock relegation.
Kings Lunsel FCOverview: Formed after the Lunselbury split in 56BU, Kings Lunsel within a decade rose to be one of the most formidable teams of the United Football League, and also outside of the Big 3 a tough team to face. Since the creation of the GWNFA Super League, they join Waldster and Loxthorpe Rovers as never being relegated from the top flight. They have a strong record in the modern era, boasting 4 Super League titles, including last season, and they won 2 of the last 3 Flavovespia Gold Cups.
Last Season: Champions after a hard fought season, and the League Cup title as well. Almost everything went right for them, as they once again became the top side in Flavovespia, and with it much prestige. Their defence of their Flavovespia Gold Cup title was the only let down, out in Round 2 at Carston Green, losing 2-1.
Kit: 4 black stripes on the body are said to be chosen to represent the 4 modern era titles won by Kings Lunsel. A brushed gold colour is chosen for the trim, representing their status as defending champions. That imagery is seen by some as a bit over the top and self-indulgent, but nevertheless t is a tidy kit. The away kit is in the brushed gold colour, with 4 black stripes surrounded by white across the midsection. Not a bad kit, although the white shorts do look a bit unusual paired up with it.
Transfers:
In: Steven Hall 27 RAM HadfordH Kings £50m
Uuel Bon-Ami 27 LM OAM Industrial Kings £10m
Milo Simmons-Bradley 27 LM HVY Union Forge Kings £6m
Scott Gibson 21 CF Stanmorn Kings £0m
Paul Jorgensen 17 CF Youth Kings
Stuart Smith 18 CAM Youth Kings
Trevor Roberts 19 GK Youth Kings
Out: Thomas English 25 CM Kings St Astons £17.5m
Iain Brown 27 CB Kings Syneca AC £10m
Yungen Li 35 CF Kings Smaishop £4m
Martin Gilmore 31 CF Kings St Astons £0m
Alan Witt 37 CAM Kings Henhaven £0m
Andrew Gallacher 22 CB Kings M'thorpe £0m
William Kenny 37 RB Kings Retired
Squad: Alistair Lough’s title defending squad has one major addition in the Flavovespia nation team captain and quite possibly best player in the nation, Steven Hall. The £50m price tag though is a record, and required some outgoings to make up for it.
Robert Jones will stay on as the Kings Lunsel keeper, keen to try and impress enough to get more national team callups.
The defence looks the same as last season, with Scott Vaughan, Robert Dixon, Tony Gardner and Mitul Shah the default back 4.
In midfield, Steven Hall will be the dominant figure, as he lines up on the right hand side. Officially his position is listed as right midfield in a midfield 4, but he’ll be making many forward runs. Milo Simmons-Bradley and Uuel Bon-Ami will likely both have chances to shine at left midfield, or central midfield if comfortable to play there. A veteran and a youngster, Jordaan Wolfson and Kieron Player look to line up in the centre of the pitch.
Up front, and the duo of Morten Christensen and Victor Adeyemo will hope to carry over their successful first seasons at Kings Lunsel with their second together at the club.
Likely Starting XI: (4-4-2) Jones, Vaughan-Dixon-Gardner-Shah, Simmons—Bradley-Wolfson-Player-Hall, Christensen-Adeyemo
Prediction: Winners: 32%
Challenger’s Cup: 48%
CL+CC: 80%
5th-13th: 20%
Top Half: 95%
Bottom Half: 5%
Relegated: 0%
Favourites to win the title again, although the odds on doing so are only 32%. They will be comforted by the 80% chance of making it back in the IFCF competitions, and have the joint highest odds of a top-half finish.