Season 63 Preview
LAST SEASON
Pos Team P W D L For Ag +/- Pts
1 Brinemouth 46 31 10 5 129 52 +77 103
2 Crisisbless 46 32 3 11 86 37 +49 99
3 AFC Treason 46 26 11 9 81 51 +30 89
4 North Laithland 46 25 13 8 68 41 +27 88
5 Chatswood 46 23 14 9 62 36 +26 83
6 Sabrefell Moths 46 23 7 16 66 56 +10 76
7 Brookford Otters 46 21 8 17 87 73 +14 71
8 Sabrefell Athletic 46 19 12 15 69 50 +19 69
9 Maximum City 46 18 14 14 50 42 +8 68
10 Violence Chariots 46 18 12 16 66 60 +6 66
11 Vermillion Rage 46 18 11 17 66 67 -1 65
12 Cranequin Wanderers 46 16 15 15 48 46 +2 63
13 Starling 46 17 11 18 65 66 -1 62
14 Goodfeather FC 46 17 9 20 50 55 -5 60
15 Cranequin City 46 16 10 20 55 68 -13 58
16 Coret Hawks 46 14 14 18 51 67 -16 56
17 Creed United 46 14 12 20 51 66 -15 54
18 Maximum Rovers 46 13 11 22 49 67 -18 50
19 South Laithland 46 13 11 22 53 76 -23 50
20 Cypher Town 46 13 8 25 42 71 -29 47
21 Crisisbless United 46 13 5 28 58 101 -43 44
22 Chenoworth Rovers 46 9 13 24 29 56 -27 40
23 Parrhesia United 46 8 14 24 43 74 -31 38
24 Sheridan 46 7 8 31 28 74 -46 29
1 Raven River 46 31 8 7 89 45 +44 101
2 Newrook City 46 27 12 7 68 41 +27 93
3 Southfell United 46 25 7 14 97 57 +40 82
4 AFC Serpentine 46 24 6 16 83 51 +32 78
5 Armstrong 46 21 14 11 53 33 +20 77
6 Chenoworth Harriers 46 21 12 13 70 45 +25 75
TOP SCORERS
31 - P. Amokachi (BRI)
26 - I. Cantor (BRK)
24 - Juquinho (BRI)
23 - A. Zozula (TRE)
21 - A. Engstroem (CRI)
19 - F. Keller (SFA)
18 - M. Lynwood (CRW), N. Loeher (STA)
17 - S. Levy (BRI), J. Kessler (CHT), C. Scafidis (CRC), A. Johnson (SFM), T. Runen (VRR)
16 - H. Matheson (CHT), G. Vastano (COR), D. Farrier (CRD), Curio (SFM), K. Quinn (VIC)
15 - P. Bradburn (BRK), S. Portsgate (GDF), Rui Mokanga (NLA)
AWARDS
Iron Boot (Goals Scored): Penumbra Amokachi (BRI)
Iron Ball (Player of the Year): Penumbra Amokachi (BRI)
Iron Heart (U-21 Player of the Year): Scheherezade Meier (SFM)
Iron Fist (Debutant of the Year): Prisca Stenet (NLA)
Team of the Year: Marciak (CRI); Christener (SFM), Stubbs (CHT), Scharner (CRI), Vyntra (TRE); Stenet (NLA), Locke (BRI), Bosetti (BRI), Amokachi (BRI); Zozula (TRE), Cantor (BRK) - Bench: Katsouranis (CHT); Everheart (BRI), Katskalidis (TRE), Cirrincione (BRK), Murdoch (TRE), Vesper (TRE), Engstroem (CRI)
Manager of the Year: Gerhard Thunder (BRK)
League Finish: Champions
Cup Run: Champions
UICA Run: Champions Cup Group Stage; Globe Cup Second Knockout Round
CEDC Run: Second Round
Stadium: Portsgate (57,000)
Nickname: the Dockers
Captain: Rutger Locke
Goal Tallies: Amokachi (31); Juquinho (24); Levy (17); Locke (14); Carragher (9); Styrn (8); Beckcamp, Sable (6); Wintergren (4); Hasselbaink (3); Gosforth (2); Shroveday, Steinberg, Bosetti (1) - 2 o.g. - 129 total
Predicted Starting XI: (4-3-3) 12 - Vintner; 18 - Rosewood, 22 - Calabrese, 6 - Finnan, 3 - Hasselbaink; 23 - Locke (c), 4 - Bosetti, 8 - Candela; 9 - Juquinho, 17 - Levy, 11 - Amokachi
In: Tanya Bottlegreen (AC Izotz Zubia, 20m), Osman Candela (Pradera FC, 20m), Gianluigi Calabrese (Burningham City, 7m), Malachi Rosewood (North Laithland, 6m), Chrysanthe Scafidis (returns from loan)
Promoted: Karin Drinkwater (ST, 18), Tessa Bayliss (LB, 18)
Out: Penumbra Amokachi (Ma Alameome, undisclosed), Ariadne Shroveday (Baskita FC, 10m), Meredith Towerman (Peynol-Lunas, 4m), Cheney Ralston (Cranequin Wanderers, 3m), Jess Carragher (Brookford Otters, 2m), Monroe Luque (Newrook City, 1.75m)
Retired: Ronda Judit Styrn (ST, 37)
RECENT HISTORY
62: Premiership; 1st, W31, D10, L5, GF129, GA52, 103 pts, Champions Cup
61: Premiership; 1st, W33, D10, L3, GF103, GA38, 109 pts, Champions Cup
60: Premiership; 3rd, W25, D10, L11, GF86, GA51, 85 pts, Champions Cup
59: Premiership; 2nd, W30, D9, L7, GF92, GA37, 99 pts, Champions Cup
58: Premiership; 2nd, W25, D12, L9, GF80, GA49, 87 pts, Champions Cup
57: Premiership; 7th, W23, D6, L17, GF73, GA50, 75 pts
56: Premiership; 5th; W23, D10, L13, GF78, GA56, 79 pts, Globe Cup
55: Premiership; 1st, W29, D9, L8, GF100, GA51, 96 pts, Champions Cup
54: Premiership; 1st, W29, D11, L6, GF105, GA51, 98 pts, Champions Cup
53: Premiership; 1st, W27, D11, L8, GF77, GA39, 92 pts, Champions Cup
Brinemouth romped to the double in bloodcurdling fashion, but can they keep up after a season of overhaul that saw seven first-team departures? One of whom being the league's best player last season? Yeah, this season's going to take some adaptation. Still, for any doubts anyone might have this is still a side looking to equal their own record of three straight titles, fresh off scoring a record goal total, and would you really bet against them managing the feat?
Nobody's denying that selling Penumbra Amokachi - suspected to be the most expensive Nepharim in history - came as a shock after it emerged that she intended to spend a nomadic career experiencing as much success in as many different places as possible. Evidently, she had unfinished business in Farfadillis. Shroveday and Towerman were picked up by Pasargan clubs while Ralston and Luque moved within the nation - as did the captain, Jess Carragher, a strong player but now 33. R. J. Styrn, legendary striker, retires in style at 37 - used sparingly last season but often to devastating effect. So who else did they get?They went for quality - expensive quality. Osman Candela is an exceptional playmaker who can pick up the roving advanced role while Tanya Bottlegreen was suddenly available after Zozi managed to sign Laborious Hawk. Loyal and intelligent defender Calabrese and the rightback Rosewood also bolster the side, while Chrysanthe Scafidis returns from loan.
It's lead to something of a reshuffle across the side. In goal, Matt Vintner continues to be a confident, assertive and technically skilled goalkeeper, a sure contender to be Nephara's #1 someday. A quietly intelligent heart of defence in Calabrese and Finnan should stand up and be counted against all-comers, though both are capable of moving upfield to join the attack, while Hasselbaink and Rosewood are quick, darting and versatile fullbacks capable of cutting inside to add more threat and dimension in attack. Jonathan Bosetti is a calming influence in midfield, always there with the crucial tackle and quick pass forward while the well-travelled veteran Locke and ideal playmaker Osman Candela create the league's strongest midfield unit, one already being called 'the Valladar Connection'. Up front are more jewels in the crown - Juquinho, ridiculously prolific goalscorer down the right. Scafidis, an everpresent physical threat down the centre. Tanya Bottlegreen, World Cup winner and wonderfully versatile forward. And there's plenty more where that came from on the bench - Sable, Levy, Beckcamp, Everheart, the rising stars Nkembe, Gosforth and Drinkwater... yeah, the Dockers are still terrifying.
PREDICTION - 2nd.
Manager: Stephen Frew (APX)
Asst. Manager: Erica Kenney (CAS)
Goalkeepers: 1 - Gerry Malone, 12 - Matt Vintner, 20 - Chase Rushden
Defenders: 2 - Cathmore Everheart (LGL), 3 - Saskia Hasselbaink, 5 - Malachi Steinberg, 6 - Lukas Finnan, 13 - Temperance Nkembe, 18 - Malachi Rosewood, 22 - Gianluigi Calabrese (OSR)
Midfielders: 4 - Jonathan Bosetti (VLD), 8 - Osman Candela (VLD), 14 - Rachel Sable, 16 - Rudolf Blondel, 21 - Konrad Gosforth, 23 - Rutger Locke (c)
Forwards: 7 - Theresa Wintergren, 9 - Juquinho (APX), 10 - Chrysanthe Scafidis, 11 - Tanya Bottlegreen, 15 - Christian Beckcamp, 17 - Sigmund Levy, 32 - Karin Drinkwater
Asst. Manager: Erica Kenney (CAS)
Goalkeepers: 1 - Gerry Malone, 12 - Matt Vintner, 20 - Chase Rushden
Defenders: 2 - Cathmore Everheart (LGL), 3 - Saskia Hasselbaink, 5 - Malachi Steinberg, 6 - Lukas Finnan, 13 - Temperance Nkembe, 18 - Malachi Rosewood, 22 - Gianluigi Calabrese (OSR)
Midfielders: 4 - Jonathan Bosetti (VLD), 8 - Osman Candela (VLD), 14 - Rachel Sable, 16 - Rudolf Blondel, 21 - Konrad Gosforth, 23 - Rutger Locke (c)
Forwards: 7 - Theresa Wintergren, 9 - Juquinho (APX), 10 - Chrysanthe Scafidis, 11 - Tanya Bottlegreen, 15 - Christian Beckcamp, 17 - Sigmund Levy, 32 - Karin Drinkwater
League Finish: 7th
Cup Run: Third Round
Stadium: The Rock (20,000)
Nickname: the Otters
Captain: Hadrian Belfast
Goal Tallies: Cantor (26); Bradburn (15); Keane (10); Whiteforest (7); Kirschester, Curtis (6); Kearney (4); Haubeck, Cirrincione, Karassalidis (2); Paterdown, Ruediger, M'Baye (1) - 3 o.g. - 87 total
Predicted Starting XI: (4-4-2) 1 - Cromwell; 16 - Karassalidis, 5 - Haubeck, 6 - Belfast (c), 3 - Cirrincione; 7 - Rivers, 17 - Carragher, 4 - Kearney, 19 - Kestrel; 9 - Bradburn, 10 - Loeher
In: Brigid Kestrel (Fligsive FC, 8m), Brendan Rivers (FC Endeavour, 7.5m), Nikita Loeher (Starling, 6m), Jess Carragher (Brinemouth, 2m), Hadrian Belfast (Dwile Warriors, free)
Promoted: Ellen Wheelock (GK, 18), Ulysses Mithradates (ST, 18)
Out: Igrene Cantor (Crisisbless, 20m), Sophia Milner (South Laithland, 2.5m), Morgan Kirschester (Coret Hawks, 2m), Joseph Paterdown (Corvette Maulers, 1m), Rook Alphonse (South Saints, loan)
Retired: Michael Keane (RCM, 36)
RECENT HISTORY
62: Premiership; 7th, W21, D8, L17, GF87, GA73, 71 pts, Globe Cup
61: Premiership; 15th, W14, D9, L23, GF66, GA76, 51 pts
60: First Division; 2nd, W26, D7, L13, GF106, GA72, 85 pts, Promoted
59: First Division; 11th, W17, D15, L14, GF48, GA40, 66 pts
58: Second Division; W28, D8, L10, GF76, GA34, 92 pts, Promoted
57: Second Division; 6th, W21, D12, L13, GF53, GA40, 75 pts
56: Second Division; 13th, W17, D9, L20, GF46, GA49, 60 pts
55: First Division; 24th, W10, D9, L27, GF42, GA84, 39 pts, Relegated
54: First Division; 17th, W16, D7, L23, GF42, GA59, 55 pts
53: First Division; 9th, W17, D13, L16, GF64, GA56, 64 pts
The Otters romped to seventh, securing a Globe Cup place in the final matchday as Igrene Cantor went home with 26 goals and Gerhard Thunder claimed the Manager of the Year award. Predictably and understandably, Cantor (who played her way into the national team, too) left for Crisisbless, but that money's been spent well. Things are looking up.
Maybe it's something about Gerhard Thunder's connections, but when Cranequin Wanderers edged into the Globe Cup places they weren't able to buy four Nepharim internationals with room left over. No slouches, either - Brigid Kestrel (29 caps, 3 goals) is a wonderfully versatile player able to play pretty much everywhere but the right wing, goalkeeper and centre-forward. Right wing's covered, anyway - by Brendan Rivers (58 caps, 8 goals). Carragher (10 caps) is fresh from lifting both League and Cup trophies. But who's this on a free? Yeah, it's the 35-year old Hadrian Belfast (172 caps, 11 goals), instantly given the armband in the wake of Michael Keane (another former international) retiring. Oh, and Nikita Loeher's a good shout to try and replace Cantor up front. Milner, Kirschester and Paterdown all depart - they each played out of their skin last season, but going forward the Otters need players who can get those results all the time. Rook Alphonse, next-goalkeeper-in-waiting, goes off to season himself on loan abroad.
So where does that leave this exhilarating side that plays a devastating, brawling 4-4-2 aiming to whirl forward into the enemy and inflict as much damage as possible? It leaves them... old, mostly. The average age of the starting XI is 30.4, easily the highest in the Premiership... but what a starting XI, however long it lasts. Daniel Cromwell has proven he still has it with his excellent shot-stopping, while he's ably protected by Katrin Haubeck and, of course, the bulwark Hadrian Belfast. On the flanks, Karassalidis and Cirrincione are far more interested in attacking than defending, particularly as they're supplementing the bombing, muscular Rivers and the quick-footed, quick-witted Kestrel. In the centre, holding it together, is Jess Carragher and Markus Kearney - both physical box-to-box players capable of going forward. Paul Bradburn has graciously ceded the armband and remains a club favourite, the one survivor of their last Premiership campaign - he's capable at this level, while Nikita Loeher just needs to keep her head down, stay as confident as she was last season and she'll be knocking them in all season. The depth is weak in places, and a couple of injuries could spell the end of the Otters' international journey and play havoc with their performances at home, too.
PREDICTION - 10th.
Manager: Gerhard Thunder
Asst. Manager: Davin Vernon
Goalkeepers: 1 - Daniel Cromwell, 22 - Morgan Bell, 30 - Ellen Wheelock
Defenders: 2 - Martin Bridge, 3 - Paolo Cirrincione (AUD), 5 - Katrin Haubeck, 6 - Hadrian Belfast (c), 13 - Jens Baumann, 16 - Penelope Karassalidis (PRV), 18 - Adrian Carradine, 31 - Marika Brind
Midfielders: 4 - Markus Kearney, 7 - Brendan Rivers, 8 - Carsten Ruediger, 11 - Kelpie Whiteforest, 17 - Jess Carragher, 19 - Brigid Kestrel, 20 - Freelove M'Baye, 21 - Elaine Brackwater
Forwards: 9 - Paul Bradburn, 10 - Nikita Loeher, 15 - Apollo Demetriou, 23 - Malakai Curtis, 33 - Ulysses Mithradates
Out On Loan: 12 - Rook Alphonse
Asst. Manager: Davin Vernon
Goalkeepers: 1 - Daniel Cromwell, 22 - Morgan Bell, 30 - Ellen Wheelock
Defenders: 2 - Martin Bridge, 3 - Paolo Cirrincione (AUD), 5 - Katrin Haubeck, 6 - Hadrian Belfast (c), 13 - Jens Baumann, 16 - Penelope Karassalidis (PRV), 18 - Adrian Carradine, 31 - Marika Brind
Midfielders: 4 - Markus Kearney, 7 - Brendan Rivers, 8 - Carsten Ruediger, 11 - Kelpie Whiteforest, 17 - Jess Carragher, 19 - Brigid Kestrel, 20 - Freelove M'Baye, 21 - Elaine Brackwater
Forwards: 9 - Paul Bradburn, 10 - Nikita Loeher, 15 - Apollo Demetriou, 23 - Malakai Curtis, 33 - Ulysses Mithradates
Out On Loan: 12 - Rook Alphonse
League Finish: 5th
Cup Run: Quarterfinals
UICA Run: Globe Cup Group Stage
Stadium: Westcroft (28,000)
Nickname: the Woodsmen
Captain: Brescia Stubbs
Goal Tallies: Kessler (17); Matheson (16); Corsie (7); Venetianer (6); Kuralay, Graz (4); Stubbs (3); Beresford, Thorn, Chaplain, Chilmark, Cohen (1) - 62 total
Predicted Starting XI: (4-3-1-2) 1 - Katsouranis; 6 - Miller, 21 - Melker, 5 - Stubbs (c), 3 - Chaplain; 7 - Kuralay, 4 - Beresford, 8 - Corsie; 10 - Venetianer; 9 - Matheson, 15 - Kessler
In: Maeon Vlahos (Chenoworth Harriers, 2m)
Promoted: Baltasar Gensch (GK, 19)
Out: Cheney Forsythe (Cypher Town, 1.75m), Brand Finnan (Extreme Hills, 1m)
RECENT HISTORY
62: Premiership; 5th, W23, D14, L9, GF62, GA36, 83 pts, Globe Cup
61: Premiership; 5th, W23, D12, L11, GF64, GA43, 81 pts, Globe Cup
60: Premiership; 6th, W20, D12, L14, GF45, GA32, 72 pts, Globe Cup
59: Premiership; 10th, W17, D14, L15, GF53, GA54, 65 pts
58: Premiership; 7th, W21, D11, L14, GF68, GA57, 74 pts
57: Premiership; 5th, W22, D13, L11, GF71, GA48, 79 pts, Globe Cup
56: Premiership; 4th, W23, D11, L12, GF65, GA45, 80 pts, Globe Cup
55: Premiership; 7th, W19, D16, L11, GF68, GA56, 73 pts
54: Premiership; 15th, W14, D13, L19, GF49, GA56, 55 pts
53: Premiership; 10th, W19, D9, L18, GF47, GA50, 66 pts
Chatswood continue to be themselves. Their charming, charming selves. They've build across a consistent long-term strategy - builld up as great a side as they can piece together, player by player, and let Lineker make something of them. Yet again, it brought them to the tightest defensive record in the league and 5th place, with June Kessler's 17 goals keeping the engines stoked up front. More of the same this season, then?
Well, they certainly didn't blow the budget on new signings, that's for sure. You have to feel bad for Chenoworth Harriers - first they produce Gareth Westmead, now with Violence Chariots. But it's okay, because another, slightly less good youth product emerges at rightback as one of their best players in the First Division. So Chatswood buy him. It pushes Cheney Forsythe out of the squad, and Cypher needed the experience, while loyal, stalwart backup goalkeeper Brand Finnan is permitted to fight for a starting place elsewhere.
So it leaves the same rock-solid foundation as ever, even if its joints are creaking a bit. Evan Katsouranis remains one of the outstanding goalkeepers of the league, a pure old-school Keeper of the Goal without any of this sweeping or distribution lark. A battle-hardened and compact defensive unit - Miller, Melker, the homicidal Stubbs and Chaplain - keeps things safer still, while Claire Beresford hopes to establish herself as the keystone of the midfield. Ahead of her, Gary Corsie remains an overweight, shambling playmaker who is the spark of the side, while Kuralay is a fantastic player with a great engine. The question of the side is goals - Venetianer's decent enough technically, while Matheson is a blunt object to ram repeatedly into the opposing defence to make space for cool finisher Kessler. Off the bench, there's a number of solid options (Graz, Keenan, Flynn, now Vlahos) but most exciting of all are Konoval, Chilmark and Cohen, all of whom are tipped for genuinely great things.
PREDICTION - 7th.
Manager: Emery Lineker
Asst. Manager: Shay Hurst
Goalkeepers: 1 - Evan Katsouranis, 12 - Ulrich Beresford, 30 - Baltasar Gensch
Defenders: 2 - Maeon Vlahos, 3 - Catheline Chaplain, 5 - Brescia Stubbs (c), 6 - Devane Miller (RKQ), 13 - Marisa Strauss, 20 - Rook Keenan, 21 - Linus Melker (POL), 31 - Dieter Konoval
Midfielders: 4 - Claire Beresford, 7 - Marijana Kuralay, 8 - Gary Corsie (SCH), 10 - Rudolf Venetianer (FEL), 14 - Kenneth Thorn, 17 - Gareth Flynn (OSR), 19 - Desdemona Schuster, 32 - Helmut Chilmark
Strikers: 9 - Harald Matheson, 11 - Gustaf Graz (TFI), 15 - June Kessler, 16 - Tzipporah Cohen, 22 - Carter Ambrose (WBO)
Asst. Manager: Shay Hurst
Goalkeepers: 1 - Evan Katsouranis, 12 - Ulrich Beresford, 30 - Baltasar Gensch
Defenders: 2 - Maeon Vlahos, 3 - Catheline Chaplain, 5 - Brescia Stubbs (c), 6 - Devane Miller (RKQ), 13 - Marisa Strauss, 20 - Rook Keenan, 21 - Linus Melker (POL), 31 - Dieter Konoval
Midfielders: 4 - Claire Beresford, 7 - Marijana Kuralay, 8 - Gary Corsie (SCH), 10 - Rudolf Venetianer (FEL), 14 - Kenneth Thorn, 17 - Gareth Flynn (OSR), 19 - Desdemona Schuster, 32 - Helmut Chilmark
Strikers: 9 - Harald Matheson, 11 - Gustaf Graz (TFI), 15 - June Kessler, 16 - Tzipporah Cohen, 22 - Carter Ambrose (WBO)
League Finish: 16th
Cup Run: Fourth Round
Stadium: The Aviary (30,000)
Nickname: the Hawks
Captain: Alex Beckett
Goal Tallies: Vastano (16); Kuepper (12); Foster (7); Laidlaw (3); Fletchclair, Freuen, Hall (2); Draxler, Neustadt, Beck, Oakland, Griffiths (1) - 2 o.g. - 51 total
Predicted Starting XI: (4-4-2) 1 - Godsflock; 2 - Beckett (c), 5 - Neustadt, 6 - Valkanis, 3 - Duffy; 7 - Kirschester, 17 - Oakland, 4 - Bickermann, 10 - Foster; 9 - Kuepper, 11 - Antonio
In: Gabriella Antonio (Anomalies, 4m), Gerry Duffy (Bellight FC, 2.5m), Eva Valkanis (Chenoworth Harriers, 2.25m), Morgan Kirschester (Brookford Otters, 2m)
Promoted: Jacqui Hastifer (RM, 18), Vedran Tarashaj (CM, 19)
Out: Kenneth Laidlaw (West Brinemouth, 1.5m), Pierce Griffiths (Olask Islanders, free), Daniel Freuen (Race Point, free), Trifon Draxler (Letson Town, loan)
Retired: Eudoxia Tzavaras (CB, 36)
RECENT HISTORY
62: Premiership; 16th, W14, D14, L18, GF51, GA67, 56 pts
61: Premiership; 16th, W12, D14, L20, GF56, GA70, 50 pts
60: Premiership; 12th, W18, D10, L18, GF46, GA40, 64 pts
59: First Division; 3rd, W25, D9, L12, GF61, GA33, 84 pts, Promoted
58: Premiership; 23rd, W9, D15, L22, GF38, GA61, 42 pts, Relegated
57: Premiership; 18th, W11, D18, L17, GF42, GA51, 51 pts
56: First Division; 1st, W27, D9, L10, GF61, GA33, 90 pts, Promoted
55: First Division; 5th, W23, D13, L10, GF68, GA29, 82 pts
54: First Division; 6th, W22, D10, L14, GF53, GA39, 76 pts
53: First Division; 8th, W18, D12, L16, GF48, GA51, 66 pts
Coret continue to float safely in the bottom half of the table - they were 12 points clear of the drop this time around. Can’t argue with that, when teams like Parrhesia and Crisisbless have fallen and the likes of Maximum Rovers are starting to skim the surface of trouble. Except Coret’s board evidently are complaining, though they feel Cliving is the right face to take the club forward… and to spend over ten million pounds.
These losses were offset a little by selling veteran midfielder Laidlaw to a West Brinemouth side desperate for offensive-minded inspiration. Fringe players Griffiths and Freuen were released, and the time was right for the slowing captain Tzavaras to hang up her boots - Draxler, definitely one to watch, is loaned abroad. But all the side’s weaknesses just got patched up in one swoop. Pace up front? In comes Chromatika international Antonio. Dynamism down the flanks, a player to match Foster? Kirschester shows up from the Otters. No pace in the heart of defence? Premiership-experienced 24-year old Valkanis arrives. Hell, leftback wasn’t even a weakness for them, and even then they managed to coax Duffy back from Mareibat (though their academy product, now 27, didn’t take much convincing). This isn’t even mentioning the promise of Hastifer and especially Tarashaj, who come through the academy.
This leaves them with a very strong and capable side who should definitely inch a little further up the table. In goal, John Godsflock is just Textbook Premiership-Standard Goalkeeper - he doesn’t do a lot that’s exceptional, but he doesn’t make mistakes. Beckett, who becomes a trivia question this season (as the first non-binary club captain in Premiership history) and Duffy are solid, fast, Coret-reared fullbacks who just motor down the wings for 90 minutes, while Neustadt is a cool, collected head of international class in the heart of defence. New signing Valkanis does occasionally make rash mistakes, but she’s very quick for a centre-half - just what the doctor ordered for a side caught too often by pace. The centre of midfield is probably the side’s weak point - Bickermann and Oakland form a rock-solid double pivot, but only Bickermann can run, only Oakland can aim a long pass and neither of them can score. The physical, pacy cross-smasher Kirschester was an underrated part of the equation for Brookford last season while Foster is a more incisive, entirely two-footed winger capable of playing on either flank. Antonio is 23 years old, a star striker in her native country and looks on paper to have what it takes to succeed at this level. Hadrian Kuepper, a Nephara youth international in his own right, will do the physical hard yards needed to make her transition to the Premiership as smooth as possible. There’s tons of depth, too - Beck isn’t a name you’d blink twice at as a starter, Hall still has a fantastic left foot even if at 33 she’s immobile, Tarashaj has bags of promise and while fan favourite striker Graziana Vastano has only grown vaster with her time at the club, the 34-year old is still an incisive finisher and an invaluable asset off the bench.
PREDICTION - 12th.
Manager: Anna Cliving
Asst. Manager: Claire Antioch
Goalkeepers: 1 - John Godsflock, 20 - Virgil Slaven, 30 - Alisander Ellery
Defenders: 2 - Alex Beckett (c), 3 - Gerry Duffy (BRE), 5 - Ulrich Neustadt (PAS), 6 - Eva Valkanis, 13 - Jess Beck, 16 - Rudolf Bowditch, 21 - Liam Scherzer, 31 - Amalie Sulzer
Midfielders: 4 - Sherry Bickermann, 7 - Pierce Griffiths, 8 - Scarlett Hall (OSR), 10 - Konrad Foster, 14 - Justine Manning, 17 - Tana Oakland, 33 - Vedran Tarashaj, 39 - Jacqui Hastifer
Forwards: 9 - Hadrian Kuepper, 11 - Gabriella Antonio (CMT), 12 - Graziana Vastano (OSR), 21 - Natasha Sixpence, 25 - Dorian Fletchclair
Out On Loan: 32 - Trifon Draxler
Asst. Manager: Claire Antioch
Goalkeepers: 1 - John Godsflock, 20 - Virgil Slaven, 30 - Alisander Ellery
Defenders: 2 - Alex Beckett (c), 3 - Gerry Duffy (BRE), 5 - Ulrich Neustadt (PAS), 6 - Eva Valkanis, 13 - Jess Beck, 16 - Rudolf Bowditch, 21 - Liam Scherzer, 31 - Amalie Sulzer
Midfielders: 4 - Sherry Bickermann, 7 - Pierce Griffiths, 8 - Scarlett Hall (OSR), 10 - Konrad Foster, 14 - Justine Manning, 17 - Tana Oakland, 33 - Vedran Tarashaj, 39 - Jacqui Hastifer
Forwards: 9 - Hadrian Kuepper, 11 - Gabriella Antonio (CMT), 12 - Graziana Vastano (OSR), 21 - Natasha Sixpence, 25 - Dorian Fletchclair
Out On Loan: 32 - Trifon Draxler
League Finish: 15th
Cup Run: Quarterfinals
Stadium: Claringstone (18,000)
Nickname: the Terracotta Army
Captain: Andreas Pennyfeather
Goal Tallies: Scafidis (17); Jevdjevic-Hadsic (10); Purrington (9); Tesselaar (5); Oakwood, Sutton (4); Frostmarris, Merson (2); Scherzer, Carruthers-Perry (1) - 55 total
Predicted Starting XI: (4-3-1-2) 1 - Kilgallon; 2 - Cook, 6 - Harridan, 18 - Silverstein, 3 - Tenenbaum; 17 - Sutton, 5 - Pennyfeather (c), 12 - Buchanan; 11 - von Maelstrom; 10 - den Johannes, 15 - Crane
In: Faith Tenenbaum (West Brinemouth, 2m), Sander den Johannes (free agent), Ulrich Crane (Bellight Wanderers, free), Maxwell von Maelstrom (Halholzer United, free), Reinhard Buchanan (Crisisbless, free), Lara Silverstein (returns from loan)
Out: Ror Jevdjevic-Hadsic (Crisisbless, 7.5m), Diedrich Frostmarris (Molsbik Arkjet, 6.5m), Marion Scherzer (Jena, free), Sophia Rondell (Fernando de Honduras, free), Chrysanthe Scafidis (returns from loan), Brad Carruthers-Perry (Morningstar, loan)
RECENT HISTORY
62: Premiership; 15th, W16, D10, L20, GF55, GA68, 58 pts
61: Premiership; 14th, W14, D14, L18, GF46, GA60, 56 pts
60: Premiership; 20th, W14, D10, L22, GF49, GA66, 52 pts
59: Premiership; 19th, W13, D9, L24, GF36, GA57, 48 pts
58: Premiership; 16th, W16, D10, L20, GF52, GA69, 58 pts
57: First Division; 2nd, W24, D13, L9, GF61, GA35, 85 pts, Promoted
56: First Division; 8th, W19, D17, L10, GF54, GA42, 74 pts
55: First Division; 9th, W18, D15, L13, GF61, GA53, 69 pts
54: First Division; 11th, W18, D13, L15, GF54, GA47, 67 pts
53: Premiership; 23rd, W10, D11, L25, GF29, GA52, 41 pts, Relegated
This season is going to be ugly for City. Out go their three best players. In comes... um... well, for now, best to focus on how last season went. And it went very well indeed. Fairly comfortable lower-midtable all season? Avoiding even the relegation battle? Edmund Agincourt is aging like a vintage wine, going from pretty average foundation manager of the league into strategic genius. But still, this is going to be his toughest challenge yet.
So the transfer window was like pulling teeth for them. Their incredibly good Farfish midfielder Jevdjevic-Hadsic and their rock-solid centre-half jumped ship, their leading striker returned to Brinemouth and Scherzer and Rondell were released. Carruthers-Perry was sent on loan and might not return if CIty are still in the top flight next season. They paid for a good rightback in Faith Tenenbaum, at least, and it's been supplemented by a 33-year old former Brinemouth midfielder from the A-League, and two big target strikers - a Semar journeyman and another, the 32-year old Crane, who's Premiership record stands at seven from 39. 21-year old Silverstein, meanwhile, returns from a productive season on loan in Schottia. Most important of all of these is, yes, another free - back from Crisisbless after running down a three-season contract as a squad player, the veteran Reinhard Buchanan returns.
What this leaves them with is a good shot-stopper who really only found her feet at the Terracotta Army despite a lot of early promise. The entire back four - Cook, Harridan, Silverstein and Tenenbaum - are similar, defence-first no-messing defenders. Harridan's another unearthed gem, though at 32 her pace needs to be covered by Silverstein. Andreas Pennyfeather is the glue holding the defence and midfield together, and he's pretty good at passing, too. Sutton is a set piece specialist who is useless in open play. Buchanan is a bustling, energetic presence with a good technical level... but he's 34, and von Maelstrom at 33 is hardly a charging aggressive presence even if he's a classy technical player. Out of Crane, den Johannes, Purrington and Oakwood, none actually convince as strikers - the former two, big lads, are likeliest to start, though the quick (if profligate) Purrington is an option off the bench.
PREDICTION - 24th.
Manager: Edmund Agincourt
Asst. Manager: Monica Redgrove
Goalkeepers: 1 - Sheila Kilgallon, 20 - Zoe Cathcart, 30 - Apostolos Tsattalios
Defenders: 2 - Emma Cook, 3 - Faith Tenenbaum, 4 - Gunther Manning, 6 - Jayce Harridan, 13 - Liam Corter, 18 - Lara Silverstein, 19 - Kelsey Worner, 24 - Katherine Deisley
Midfielders: 5 - Andreas Pennyfeather (c), 8 - Derek Pratchett, 11 - Maxwell von Maelstrom, 12 - Reinhard Buchanan, 17 - Kelsey Sutton, 21 - Louise Merson, 22 - Jade Tesselaar, 23 - Hadrian Lilyfield
Forwards: 9 - Ash Purrington, 10 - Sander den Johannes (SEM), 15 - Ulrich Crane, 16 - Claudia Oakwood
Out On Loan: 7 - Brad Carruthers-Perry
Asst. Manager: Monica Redgrove
Goalkeepers: 1 - Sheila Kilgallon, 20 - Zoe Cathcart, 30 - Apostolos Tsattalios
Defenders: 2 - Emma Cook, 3 - Faith Tenenbaum, 4 - Gunther Manning, 6 - Jayce Harridan, 13 - Liam Corter, 18 - Lara Silverstein, 19 - Kelsey Worner, 24 - Katherine Deisley
Midfielders: 5 - Andreas Pennyfeather (c), 8 - Derek Pratchett, 11 - Maxwell von Maelstrom, 12 - Reinhard Buchanan, 17 - Kelsey Sutton, 21 - Louise Merson, 22 - Jade Tesselaar, 23 - Hadrian Lilyfield
Forwards: 9 - Ash Purrington, 10 - Sander den Johannes (SEM), 15 - Ulrich Crane, 16 - Claudia Oakwood
Out On Loan: 7 - Brad Carruthers-Perry
League Finish: 12th
Cup Run: Third Round
UICA Run: Globe Cup Group Stage
Stadium: Ebony Lane (48,000)
Nickname: the Wanderers
Captain: Diandra Behan
Goal Tallies: Lynwood (18); Hari (11); Rook (5); Scuffett, Roebuck (3); Kearney, Conomore (2); Bismarck, Conagher, Behan, Brooklyn (1) - 48 total
Predicted Starting XI: (4-4-2) 1 - Brennan; 2 - Westerveld, 22 - Kearney, 13 - Green, 17 - Ralston; 20 - Rook, 11 - Bismarck, 4 - Behan (c), 19 - Roebuck; 10 - Scuffett, 9 - Lynwood
In: Cheney Ralston (Brinemouth, 3m)
Promoted: Heron Kendall (ST, 18), Lance Diebeck (CM, 18), Matthias Whyteleafe (CB, 19)
Out: Dirk Conomore (Iron United, 1.5m), Barry Huth (Rochford, 750k), Rainer Hildebrandt (Armstrong, 750k), Markus Salone (Martella Jazz, loan)
RECENT HISTORY
62: Premiership; 12th, W16, D15, L15, GF48, GA46, 63 pts
61: Premiership; 6th, W22, D12, L12, GF62, GA43, 78 pts, Globe Cup
60: Premiership; 17th, W14, D14, L18, GF47, GA66, 56 pts
59: Premiership; 15th, W15, D14, L17, GF50, GA66, 59 pts
58: Premiership; 19th, W14, D7, L25, GF49, GA71, 49 pts
57: First Division; 1st, W27, D12, L7, GF79, GA32, 93 pts, Promoted
56: First Division; 6th, W23, D11, L12, GF70, GA37, 80 pts
55: First Division; 11th, W16, D17, L13, GF54, GA48, 65 pts
54: Premiership; 24th, W11, D11, L24, GF48, GA81, 44 pts, Relegated
53: Premiership; 20th, W12, D12, L22, GF49, GA71, 48 pts
Well, that's all the excitement over with, then. But it was pretty exciting. The Wanderers didn't progress from the group stage of the Globe Cup but away wins over Hastmead Diamante and Draig Goch will live long in the memory. Midtable in the league on top of that? They'll take it, and expect more of the same this time around. More route one stuff can be anticipated this time around.
They'll be doing it with a promising crop of youths - Kendall, Diebeck and Whyteleafe are all expected more or less to make it for the club, or at least in the Premiership, while Cheney Ralston has done plenty as a squad player for Brinemouth over the years. Meanwhile, there's three departures of squad players. Dirk Conomore was reared at the club but, in his thirties, was no longer a Premiership-quality player, and Barry Huth (who was as well) probably never was that good. Hildebrandt, even at 34, still is, which is why promotion-chasing Armstrong wanted him. Finally, young Markus Salone needs the experience of starting regularly that only the second tier would give him.
What's left is a pretty good team. Snowy Brennan wanted a move abroad, but couldn't get one, but she's still an excellent and nation-renowned old-school shot-stopper. At the back, former Treason stalwart Rachael Green seemed rejuvenated at a club where she could properly lead, and she's ably supported by Kearney in defence and the industrious fullbacks Westerveld and Ralston. In the heart of midfield, there's more bustle - the captain, Behan, mostly breaks down the play these days while Bismarck's an industrious box-to-box sort with an eye for a clever pass. Rook on the right wing is quick with his feet, has a great change of pace and sense of close control to make him a genuine incisive presence who combines well with Westerveld on the overlap - mostly Roebuck's just quick and crosses a lot, but that's useful too. Up front, local talent Scuffett is a big, powerful lump of muscle to complement the incisive finisher Lynwood, though 33-year old Coden Hari remains a powerful option to have on the bench.
PREDICTION - 13th.
Manager: Catheline Allister
Asst. Manager: Harriet Leijer
Goalkeepers: 1 - Rachel Brennan, 12 - Luna Castelen, 25 - Oskar Rourke
Defenders: 2 - Michael Westerveld, 3 - Orlando Sarasua (AUD), 5 - Rainer Hildebrandt, 6 - Daniel Bolt, 13 - Rachael Green, 17 - Cheney Ralston, 22 - Gareth Kearney, 32 - Bernadette Pietersen
Midfielders: 4 - Diandra Behan (c), 8 - Steed Conagher, 11 - Paul Bismarck, 14 - Lowen Falkirk, 19 - Dorcas Roebuck, 20 - Seth Rook (MRT), 23 - Matt Payne
Forwards: 7 - Coden Hari (COS), 9 - Maxine Lynwood, 10 - Connor Scuffett, 16 - Sigrid Brooklyn, 36 - Heron Kendall
Out On Loan: 18 - Markus Salone
Asst. Manager: Harriet Leijer
Goalkeepers: 1 - Rachel Brennan, 12 - Luna Castelen, 25 - Oskar Rourke
Defenders: 2 - Michael Westerveld, 3 - Orlando Sarasua (AUD), 5 - Rainer Hildebrandt, 6 - Daniel Bolt, 13 - Rachael Green, 17 - Cheney Ralston, 22 - Gareth Kearney, 32 - Bernadette Pietersen
Midfielders: 4 - Diandra Behan (c), 8 - Steed Conagher, 11 - Paul Bismarck, 14 - Lowen Falkirk, 19 - Dorcas Roebuck, 20 - Seth Rook (MRT), 23 - Matt Payne
Forwards: 7 - Coden Hari (COS), 9 - Maxine Lynwood, 10 - Connor Scuffett, 16 - Sigrid Brooklyn, 36 - Heron Kendall
Out On Loan: 18 - Markus Salone
League Finish: 17th
Cup Run: Fifth Round
Stadium: Gardengate (26,000)
Nickname: the Oathmen
Captain: Eden Hereford
Goal Tallies: Farrier (16); Leadbetter (12); Xafagoulis, Bryson, Bittner (4); Kearney (3); Trelawney, Stamford (2); Hornbyrne, Hereford, Herron (1) - 1 o.g. - 51 total
Predicted Starting XI: (4-4-2) 1 - Kennedy; 2 - Hereford (c), 5 - Herron, 4 - Merlot, 3 - Thrush; 22 - Alemane, 21 - Bittner, 8 - Trelawney, 11 - Kearney; 9 - Leadbetter, 13 - Farrier
In: Diana Thrush (Crisisbless, 2.5m), Corvid Alemane (returns from loan)
Promoted: Dragan Stavanger (ST, 18), Orchid Basclif (LM, 18)
Out: Harry Xafagoulis (Centralis 90, 2m), Darren Stamford (Tshemanda Clube, 1.3m), Bertha Martane (Lorelei Eevees, free)
Retired: Linda Randall (LM, 33)
RECENT HISTORY
62: Premiership; 17th, W14, D12, L20, GF51, GA66, 54 pts
61: First Division; 1st, W25, D12, L9, GF55, GA28, 87 pts, Promoted
60: First Division; 10th, W18, D13, L15, GF53, GA47, 67 pts
59: First Division; 14th, W16, D14, L16, GF56, GA56, 62 pts
58: First Division; 9th, W21, D6, L19, GF58, GA55, 69 pts
57: First Division; 12th, W18, D9, L19, GF59, GA61, 63 pts
56: First Division; 16th, W16, D10, L20, GF60, GA72, 58 pts
55: First Division; 10th, W18, D12, L16, GF61, GA56, 66 pts
54: Second Division; 1st, W23, D16, L7, GF73, GA40, 85 pts, Promoted
53: Second Division; 8th, W20, D10, L16, GF53, GA39, 70 pts
A likably midtable team, the Oathmen should be perfectly happy with a 17th-placed finish and a reasonable offseason. They just seemed to combine all the 'team that has to stay up' components - Kennedy, a reasonable goalkeeper. Herron and Merlot a not-error-prone defence. Bittner, star from midfield. Farrier, starting every match with 16 goals to show for it. Just rock-solid, in a 'conceded 66 goals' kind of way.
That said, they've made the big decision to sell Harry Xafagoulis, their LigAnaia veteran winger and an important, muscular part of the equation last year, back into the league in which he's made his name. Darren Stamford tired of only having a handful of appearances last term and left for Banguela while Bertha Martane's release was unsurprising - the veteran leftback tried her best when called upon, but that wasn't enough at the top level, and the same story with the retired Randall. Instead, Diana Thrush is brought in as a massive upgrade on the vulnerable Caulson, Corvid Alemane returns from an exceptional season on loan in Schottia and most importantly of all Danica Farrier was retained despite more than passing interest from top A-League and other Premiership sides. The 27-year old has clearly doubled in value over the course of one season.
So it leaves them looking strong for the coming season, in the solid, versatile and traditionally balanced 4-4-2 that the rigorous disciplinarian Ezekiel Statham favours. In goal, Aidan Kennedy occasionally showed his age when leaving his line but the veteran goalkeeper was still a reliable shot-stopper when called upon. Captain Eden Hereford and the centre-halves Herron and Merlot made fairly comfortable steps up from the second tier while Diana Thrush's experiences with Crisisbless should stead her well on the left. Karena Bittner and Michelle Trelawney were a reasonably skilled and quick platform in the centre of midfield. Corvid Alemane is a wonderful, incisive winger, all pace and energy on the right, though she's untested at this level, while Arran Kearney has that energy but lacks that thrust, and his crossing can sometimes be blunt and predictable. Nothing flawed up front, though - Bryce Leadbetter offered the brute force and occasional finishing prowess needed to give the lethal Danica Farrier time and space to operate. The big lad-quick lass partnership's a classic for a reason. On the bench and in the reserves, a stable of solid First Division stock will keep them afloat in a crisis.
PREDICTION - 17th.
Manager: Ezekiel Statham
Asst. Manager: Mavis Oliver
Goalkeepers: 1 - Hansel Farthing, 12 - Aidan Kennedy, 20 - Byron Caldwick
Defenders: 2 - Eden Hereford (c), 3 - Diana Thrush, 4 - Destiny Merlot, 5 - Stefan Herron, 17 - Ellen Penny, 18 - Jan Caulson, 19 - Jack Temner, 24 - Micaiah Cohen
Midfielders: 6 - Elsa Livesey, 7 - Melissa Colfenton, 8 - Michelle Trelawney, 11 - Arran Kearney, 21 - Karena Bittner, 22 - Corvid Alemane, 23 - Damien Hornbyrne, 36 - Orchid Basclif
Forwards: 9 - Bryce Leadbetter, 10 - John Bryson, 13 - Danica Farrier (BRE), 14 - Jayce Alnwick, 34 - Dragan Stavanger
Asst. Manager: Mavis Oliver
Goalkeepers: 1 - Hansel Farthing, 12 - Aidan Kennedy, 20 - Byron Caldwick
Defenders: 2 - Eden Hereford (c), 3 - Diana Thrush, 4 - Destiny Merlot, 5 - Stefan Herron, 17 - Ellen Penny, 18 - Jan Caulson, 19 - Jack Temner, 24 - Micaiah Cohen
Midfielders: 6 - Elsa Livesey, 7 - Melissa Colfenton, 8 - Michelle Trelawney, 11 - Arran Kearney, 21 - Karena Bittner, 22 - Corvid Alemane, 23 - Damien Hornbyrne, 36 - Orchid Basclif
Forwards: 9 - Bryce Leadbetter, 10 - John Bryson, 13 - Danica Farrier (BRE), 14 - Jayce Alnwick, 34 - Dragan Stavanger
League Finish: 2nd
Cup Run: Third Round
UICA Run: Globe Cup Quarterfinals
CWC Run: Champions
Stadium: Godswatch (63,000)
Nickname: the Heelers
Captain: Luxulya St. Cleer
Goal Tallies: Engstroem (21); Sternberg (14); Tarrant (11); Keast, Kilbane (8); Sundu (6); Knutsen (4); Rashford, Knutsen (3); Scharner, Machan, Buchanan (2); St. Cleer, Nodtveit (1) - 86 total
Predicted Starting XI: (4-1-3-2) 1 - Marciak; 2 - Machan, 4 - Gallardo, 5 - Scharner, 3 - Stockinger; 11 - St. Cleer; 24 - Urso, 13 - Tarrant, 15 - Jevdjevic-Hadsic; 17 - Engstroem, 21 - Cantor
In: Igrene Cantor (Brookford Otters, 20m), Isaia Urso (Grasshoppers Turic, 8m), Ror Jevdjevic-Hadsic (Cranequin City, 7.5m), Catheline Stockinger (FC Brimstone, 6m), Rebecca Larkland (Crystopolis City, 4m)
Out: Diandra Kilbane (Northern Union, 5m), Birgit Sternberg (Starling, 4m), Diana Thrush (Creed United, 2.5m), Jon-Perohlin Nodtveit (Versiaville SC, free), Reinhard Buchanan (Cranequin City, free)
RECENT HISTORY
62: Premiership; 2nd, W32, D3, L11, GF86, GA37, 99 pts, Champions Cup
61: Premiership; 3rd, W24, D14, L8, GF60, GA37, 86 pts, Champions Cup, Cup Winners
60: Premiership; 5th, W22, D13, L11, GF57, GA41, 79 pts, Globe Cup
59: Premiership; 1st, W31, D10, L5, GF81, GA29, 103 pts, Champions Cup
58: Premiership; 3rd, W25, D9, L12, GF79, GA48, 84 pts, Globe Cup
57: Premiership; 2nd, W27, D11, L8, GF82, GA48, 92 pts, Champions Cup
56: Premiership; 2nd, W27, D13, L6, GF78, GA38, 94 pts, Champions Cup
55: Premiership; 3rd, W22, D11, L13, GF76, GA53, 77 pts, Globe Cup
54: Premiership; 3rd, W25, D15, L6, GF68, GA34, 90 pts, Globe Cup
53: Premiership; 2nd, W28, D6, L12, GF69, GA37, 90 pts, Champions Cup
The Heelers do what they do best - come second. They’ve been second or third in eight of the past ten seasons. Still, this time they’ve broken past their slight post-championship slump by looking ferocious up front and indomitable at the back - just in a year where this particular Brinemouth side… well, exists. So they splashed out on transfers, avoided any major bloodletting over the window and arguably look best-set to win the title. At least they’ve got a Cup Winners’ Cup to their name - the trophy’s rejuvenated the side.
They certainly haven’t done things by halves. Four players arrive expecting to start, as well as former Nephara youth international Rebecca Larkland. The 27-year old’s been slumming it in the Crystal Empire for a while, but with a need to boost depth in the centre of the park the capable, technical Leichhardt youth product is an underrated purchase. A number of faithful club servants, however, are let go. Diandra Kilbane, reaching her 30s, wanted to return to her homeland to finish her career, and with Isaia Urso in the Heelers’ sights they weren’t about to deny her that chance. One-cap wonder Birgit Sternberg moves to find regular starts with the Passerines, youth product Diana Thrush makes a similar move for similar reasons, while veterans Buchanan and Nodtveit are released.
A trimmer, sleeker, younger squad for the new season, then. 26-year old Pawlo Marciak remains the goalkeeper of choice, an acrobatic goalkeeper who became a defensive bulwark once Reinhard Shale talked his confidence up, while he’s ably shielded by the calm, intelligent Gallardo and the vicious scrapper Scharner. On the flanks, Karin Machan is a player of genuine quality but it’s national heroine Catheline Stockinger at leftback whose arrival was a cause for celebration, a tough scrapper and incisive overlapper. Luxulya St. Cleer, the captain, safeguards a midfield of fluid creative presences - the Project +90 graduate Tarrant flanked by new signings Urso and Jevdjevic-Hadsic. Up front, Crisisbless might lay claim to the best strike partnership in the league - Anders Engstroem needs no introduction as a floating shadow striker behind and around pure centre-forward Igrene Cantor, second-highest goalscorer in the league last season and renowned for her thumping left-footed belters. Crisisbless could probably field a team of Globe Cup starters from their bench - veterans Knutsen, Brandon and Keast the obvious names but Sundu, Larkland and Haukmann are proven at this level, too - while much is hoped for half-Rulandese striker Lukas Rashford. It’s a side that fits the bill for Shale - technically very adept, physically no pushovers and with a strong work ethic.
PREDICTION - 3rd.
Manager: Reinhard Shale
Asst. Manager: Markus Blackwell
Goalkeepers: 1 - Pawlo Marciak (BYN), 12 - Henna Morgan, 20 - Karena Hesketh
Defenders: 2 - Karin Machan, 3 - Catheline Stockinger, 4 - Fabricio Gallardo (OSR), 5 - Malachite Scharner, 18 - Rebecca Larkland, 19 - Johan Haukmann, 23 - Harald Sable, 32 - Christine Burrell
Midfielders: 6 - Augustine Brandon, 7 - Sante Sundu (SEM), 8 - Espen Knutsen (BYN), 11 - Luxulya St. Cleer (APX, c), 13 - Auburn Tarrant, 15 - Ror Jevdjevic-Hadsic (FFD), 24 - Isaia Urso (OSR), 25 - Camilla Priest
Forwards: 9 - Lukas Rashford, 10 - Osric Keast (APX), 17 - Anders Engstroem (COS), 21 - Igrene Cantor, 34 - Agaete Sabbath
Asst. Manager: Markus Blackwell
Goalkeepers: 1 - Pawlo Marciak (BYN), 12 - Henna Morgan, 20 - Karena Hesketh
Defenders: 2 - Karin Machan, 3 - Catheline Stockinger, 4 - Fabricio Gallardo (OSR), 5 - Malachite Scharner, 18 - Rebecca Larkland, 19 - Johan Haukmann, 23 - Harald Sable, 32 - Christine Burrell
Midfielders: 6 - Augustine Brandon, 7 - Sante Sundu (SEM), 8 - Espen Knutsen (BYN), 11 - Luxulya St. Cleer (APX, c), 13 - Auburn Tarrant, 15 - Ror Jevdjevic-Hadsic (FFD), 24 - Isaia Urso (OSR), 25 - Camilla Priest
Forwards: 9 - Lukas Rashford, 10 - Osric Keast (APX), 17 - Anders Engstroem (COS), 21 - Igrene Cantor, 34 - Agaete Sabbath