GOODBYE TO OLD AND WELCOME THE NEW, RAÚL FIRST TO COMMIT

Behind the scenes at UD Lanzarote work has been underway for some time for the 2025/26 season and over the course of the summer I will update the situation every couple of weeks. If you would like up-to-date info then follow the official club Facebook page UD Lanzarote.

FAREWELL JUAN CARLOS SOCORRO

The Rojillos finished the season in 6^th spot which was one point and one position from the playoff places. Any coach taking over the realms of Lanzarote will understand that a playoff finish is a minimum requirement and unfortunately for Juan Carlos Socorro his time as the head coach of the Rojillos ended with his contract in May.

The Venezuelan manager is a likeable man and was always available to speak to me. All of his home matches were played away from home in Tías and also because of the work carried out in Arrecife on the home pitch all his training sessions were in different places; this is not the consistency that any manager wants. I am sure we all wish him well in the future.

WELCOME ÁNGEL LÓPEZ

This managerial vacancy has been filled by Gran Canarian coach Ángel López (main photo). The 44 year old had a distinguished playing career as an attacking wing back spread over 16 years with 493 first team games shared between UD Las Palmas, VIllareal, Celta Vigo whilst also spending a season with Real Betis. He also had the honour of representing his country Spain on five occasions.

The Gran Canarian´s coaching career began in 2017 when he was assistant manager of UD Las Palmas Atlético then in the third tier, this was followed by being the coach of UD Las Palmas youth team and in 2020 he became Pepe Mel´s assistant for the first team of UD Las Palmas.

For the past couple of seasons he has been with UD Villa Santa Brígida and in his first season led his side to the playoffs beating UD Lanzarote in the first round. He certainly has good credentials and I am sure every Rojillo supporter will be behind him from the start.

CONGRATULATIONS SERGIO AND IVÁN

Manager Ángel López will have former UD Lanzarote assistant manager Sergio Hernández as his new sporting director. Sergio has been second in command to several Rojillo managers over the past few years and has a great understanding of the Canarian league. This has been a popular appointment as Sergio is extremely well liked and respected within the club by the players and management.

Sergio will be working alongside the newly appointed technical secretary Iván Manrique. Iván will be responsible for analyzing the first team opposition whilst liaising with the B team and youth sides in order for any player to have access to the first team.

RAÚL SIGNED AND SEALED

I suspect many Rojillo supporters when they see a team sheet one of the names they first look out for is centre back Raúl. Last season the 30 year old won the “Nina Gil” trophy for being voted the fans best player of the season and he has rewarded those fans by being the first to commit in what will be his 12^th season for the club. Raúl has been vice captain of the club for many years but it is now up to the new manager if he will be captain following the departure of Ayoze Pérez.

PLAYOFFS

The first round which is effectively the ¼ final of the playoffs have just finished. Second placed UD San Fernando beat fifth placed CD Mensajero 2-0 aet and are through to the semi final 3-1 on aggregate. Third placed UD Tamaraceite comfortably beat Diego Maradona Jnrs side UD Ibarra 3-0 to progress to the semis 4-1 on agg. The winners of this will meet a side on the mainland to determine who goes through to the RFEF 2 (Fourth Tier).