THE LATEST FROM U.D. LANZAROTE, 18th July 2019,

THE LATEST FROM U.D. LANZAROTE,   18th July 2019, 

Apologies for not updating any info over the last few weeks but I take my holidays over this period; also I don’t feel the need to write as speculation over signings and various topics only seem to bear fruit as we draw closer to the start of the season.

PRE SEASON

The players return to training this Monday 22^nd July at 8pm in Arrecife stadium and anyone wishing to watch this session is very welcome to do so.

NEW MANAGER

Ex Rojillo player Jero Santana is the new Mister of U.D. Lanzarote. The Gran Canarian had an outstanding campaign last season with the leagues surprise side CF Unión Viera. The 42 year old took his team to the playoff final for promotion to Segunda B (Third Tier). Unfortunately they fell at the final hurdle losing to Cádiz CF B.

Jero was part of the UD Lanzarote side that first gained promotion to Segunda B 20 years ago. Also in that squad was Rosmen and club director Pedro Cruz.

SIGNINGS

Whilst many players have left, the core of the team is still there including our three captains Ayoze Pérez, Josito and our own living legend Rosmen.

There are some that believe Rosmen who will be celebrating his 39th birthday in September is too old. I am certain that our inspirational skipper has at least two seasons left in him. He stills scores goals then sprints back in the 80^th minute to defend. He leads his troops by example and the new Rojillo players will certainly look up to him as will his admiring female fans.

Others players who have pledged their immediate futures to the Rojillos include last season’s Player of the Year Miguel Gómez, the exciting Argentine Nico González as well as the ever improving Alex Cruz.

It was reported that Alex Yunes had come to an agreement with UD Lanzarote over signing for this season but then the 30 year old striker had a change of mind and opted for the newly promoted CD Atlético Paso.

The La Palma side have also agreed terms with ex Rojillos Fran Gil, Javi Morales and last season’s Lanzarote manager Maxi Barrera.

There are plenty of new faces including local boy Miguel Gopar. The 23 year old central midfielder has been playing for UD Las Palmas B in the Segunda B for the past two seasons and is an outstanding signing for the club.

Currently the club has 19 signings which leaves just four spaces available.

The list of players are as follows : Alejandro, Ruyman, Camacho, Adrián, Enzo, Hamza, Pope, Alex Fuentes, Miguel Gopar, Rosmen, Nico González, Miguel Gómez, Juanma, Omar Velazquez, Josito, Ayoze Pérez, Juanda, Kevin Cabrera and Alex Cruz.

PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES

There will be several friendly matches but the only game currently confirmed is the huge match for the San Gínes tournament on the 10^th August at 7pm in Arrecife versus UD Las Palmas. The Segunda A (Championship) side were only relegated from the Primera Liga a couple of seasons ago and this season their target is a return to Spain’s Golden League. All other friendly matches will be announced once confirmed.

SEASON TICKETS (ABONOS) AND MEMBERSHIP (SOCIOS)

The club will begin their campaign for season tickets and membership very shortly. It has been mentioned that the Socios will receive a large discount on their season tickets in order to encourage fans to become Socios.

Becoming a Socio gives the club enormous strength in their search for funding from Government offices and other institutions as well as expressing your passion for your island club. The price is expected to rise but only by a little.

START OF SEASON AND FIXTURES

The season will begin on the weekend of 24/25^th August but the fixtures are always released by the Spanish Football Federation late July/early August so we do not know if we are home or away. This is a constant problem as many fans not living on Lanzarote wish to coincide their holiday with a match. I can only offer an apology but it is out of my hands however as soon as the fixtures are released I will post on Facebook Lanzarote football Club as well as the website www.lanzarotefootball.com

THE OPEN DAY BEACH TRAINING SESSION

The 6^th annual fun beach training session has not been confirmed as yet though is most likely to take place this year on Wednesday August 7th on Playa Grande beach in Puerto Del Carmen. This is a superb day where youngsters can train with the first team and take photos with players. Time and date will be confirmed soon.

THE GOAL

All the players, management and fans are well aware that the aim for this season is to finish in the top four to earn the right to compete in the playoffs for a return to Segunda B (Third Tier). Finishing in the top two would qualify the club to play in the Copa del Rey but no side in the Tercera Division (Fourth Tier) wins automatic promotion.

BITS AND BOBS

The squad will be wearing their current kit for another season and these are available from me at every Sunday Teguise market. The Friday Puerto Del Carmen market in the Old Town will not be on the 19^th, 26^th July and also the 2^nd of August due to Fiestas in the Old Town but on Friday 9^th August the market reopensMy colleague Stuart has opened a stall at the Marina Rubicon market in Playa Blanca and merchandise will be available from him every Wednesday and Saturday. I will also be opening up a shop in Costa Teguise mid August and details of this will follow in a few weeks.

We are hoping that each player can have his own squad number and possibly their name on their shirt which we have requested for many years. Unfortunately the Spanish Football Federation only permits numbers 1 to 16 but we are talking to them to see if this can change.

FINALLY

Thank you to all of Lanzarote´s fans whether you live on or off the island. It gives me immense pleasure to see so many foreign fans that go to the matches enjoy a beer, join in with the locals and behave in a way that makes me proud to be a foreigner living on this incredible island.

VIVA SAROTE!