U.D. Lanzarote is proud to report that manager Maxi Barrera has renewed his contract with the club for one more season.

This is possibly the greatest signing of this season as the 36 year old manager has had a great first season with the club and in such a short time has created a great rapport with the players and fans.

As always there will be players that will be leaving the club but there is absolutely no doubt that players will want to play for Maxi and he will be a magnet for the club.

The 36 year old Gran Canarian will also be much more involved with the junior categories which can only be good for the clubs future. His first job will be to talk to existing players and begin the process of signing a team.

It was great to meet two England F.A. coaches Antony and Peter whose immediate boss is England manager Gareth Southgate. They observed a couple of training sessions and were hugely impressed with Maxi and the quality of player we have at the club.

England F.A. coaches. Antony (left) and Peter with Maxi Barrera

I often get asked what category Lanzarote would be compared to in England. Football is all about opinion; whether it is the laws of the game or the team you follow. I believe Lanzarote would be comparable to a good conference side but the two England coaches said that they travel throughout the UK and believed the Rojillos would be comparable to a League two side. It’s all about opinions because nothing can be proved though I would tend to listen to their professional opinion.

I had a great evening with the two lads and they did tell me that they would try and invite me to an England match. I told them that I would even be happy if I started on the bench.

Pre season normally commences mid July with the first pre season games coming at the end of that month. The more notable tournaments take place early August with the first league game normally taking place mid to late August. Fixtures usually come out mid to late July and will be posted both on Facebook Lanzarote football club and website www.lanzarotefootball.com.

I will be at the Puerto Del Carmen Friday and the Sunday Teguise markets with all of the products including replica shirts in all sizes and colours as well as scarves, caps etc. Both markets are between 9.30am and 2pm.

Lanzarote official products available from Teguise and Puerto Del Carmen markets.

Our thoughts and best wishes go out to former Lanzarote player Maykel Padrón. Last week the ex Rojillo midfielder began suffering with headaches, he went to the A and E department on the island and was immediately admitted as a patient.

Wishing Maykel Padrón (right) a speedy recovery.

It is believed that the 34 year old suffered a small stroke and has been sent to Gran Canaria for further tests. Maykel played for Lanzarote in Segunda B (third tier) and was involved in many of Lanzarote´s cup classic matches.

Maykel intended to return to lower league island football this forthcoming season. I am sure that we all wish him a speedy recovery and hopefully to get back into those boots.

On an absolute tragic note open water swimming champion 18 year old Alejandro Candela passed away suddenly last Tuesday.

The local boy had some lunch on the Tuesday and felt tired so went to rest in bed. Terribly it was the last time the young man closed his eyes as he never woke up.  It is thought that he suffered a heart attack.

Alejandro Candela who tragically died last Tuesday aged just 18.

Having children of around that age myself I cannot bear to think of the pain his family and friends are going through right now. My heart, soul and spirit are with you all. Rest in peace young man!

The post GENERAL UPDATE, 21st June 2018, appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS HELPED THE CLUB OVER 2017/18 SEASON,   2nd June 2018,

Whilst the Rojillos missed out on promotion via the playoffs during the 2017/18 season I am sure that the majority of fans will be happy on how the team performed throughout the season.

In his first season in charge manager Maxi Barrera has delighted the fans with his style of flowing football. The 36 year old Gran Canarian has not had it all his own way, this season mid January to mid February his side lost all their four matches and were nine points off a playoff finish. His warriors then went on to win ten and draw three of their following thirteen games guaranteeing a playoff spot.

A terrific first year in charge for manager Maxi Barrera.

Maxi has personally asked me to thank all of the fans for the terrific support that he has received.

There are many people behind the scenes that continue to help the club. Carole Spendley and her family continue to assist the club in so many areas as well as helping me put up the posters for the matches in Puerto Del Carmen and Costa Teguise.

Nina and Carole such a major asset for the club.

A huge thanks goes to Martin and Sarah Hancock owners of the brilliant Rooftop cinema at the Biosfera shopping complex for producing all of the posters free of charge for their fourth consecutive season. Their company Colorworks in Tias and all their staff have been a wonderful support throughout the season always producing total quality.

Then we have the helpers who manage to put up the 300 posters around all the bars and hotels over the island.  Kenny and Kelly are getting fit during the season covering the vast length of Playa Blanca, if it wasn’t for them the posters would not go up down there as my knees just cannot manage that distance.

Diane and Kenny who put up all the posters in Playa Blanca.

I cover a large part of Puerto Del Carmen but Kevin and his wife Kelly also cover the other half and both of these couples are so dedicated in doing this.  It really does spur me on. I hope that your support and effort continue.

Kelly and Kevin just about to drink a bottle of wine to reward themselves for putting up the posters in Puerto Del Carmen.

At the beginning of the season Frank Moehle donated 1000 Euros to the Rojillo cause and a massive thanks to the support of all the bars in the tourist resorts that always make space for the poster. Your support for your island club has shocked the locals.

Kamara making this young lads day by giving him a high five.

There are just too many people to thank but the players have all been outstanding. Whenever there are children who go on as mascots the players go out of their way to make them feel welcome, many of these young mascots will not only to continue to support the club but will also continue with their families to holiday in this paradise island.

Young fans proud to be a Rojillo mascot

Our Madrina (Mother) of the club is Nina and just about everyone who has passed through that wooden door to get into the ground would have seen Nina and her daughter Pilar selling the raffle tickets.

Our secretary at the club Davinia works tirelessly and also operates the ticket booths on match days as well as organising our away days in Fuerteventura and is invaluable.

Davinia with that lovely smiling face. Secretary, organiser of excursions and match day cashier.

The club President Domingo Machín and Club Secretary Domingo Gil with Club organiser Roy Gonzalez keep the club ticking and their love for the Rojillos is undeniable.

Left to right : President Domingo Machín, Club organiser Roy Gonzalez, Club secretary Domingo Gil.

The most important thanks of all are to all the fans. This year more than any other years the foreign resident fans and Conejero (local) fans have combined as one to make it a memorable season.  Each campaign tourists who visit games increases and become new Rojillo fans and this delights the locals as well as giving the club critical funds.

A great mixture of foreign and local fans.

On a personal note many thanks to all who buy the club merchandise as this helps keeps my family up and running. I don’t think anyone has an idea of how proud I feel to represent the club and seeing a child wearing a Lanzarote shirt on the street always brings a smile to my face.

Assistant manager Aday Gil with manager Maxi Barrera enjoying a well earned beer, me in the middle Ian Lane notably without a beer.

U.D. Lanzarote merchandise can be bought from me at the club stall every Friday Puerto Del Carmen and Sunday Teguise markets between 10am to 2pm..

Viva Sarote !

The post THANKYOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS HELPED THE CLUB OVER 2017/18 SEASON, 2nd June 2018, appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The Rojillos dream of Segunda B (Third Tier) football ended within the opening 45 minutes of this second leg quarter final with the side from Albacete progressing to the semi final and fully deserving their 3-1 aggregate win.

The home side were out of the blocks far quicker than Lanzarote and their passing, tackling and movement were noticeably much sharper even though it was two defensive errors that ultimately gave them the win.

In the 12^th minute the Lanzarote defence were caught napping when striker Piojo easily stole the ball and with a free run at goal he let the Rojillos keeper Alejandro commit himself before slotting the ball home from the edge of the box into the far right hand corner and the nerves of the home side were settled with this early 1-0 advantage.

Before this goal the Rojillos edgy start seemed to have improved and even after the goal both sides enjoyed the same amount of possession but there was no doubt that the home side were by far the most threatening side going forward.

The only sight of goal in the first half for Lanzarote was a free kick from 20 yards taken by Captain Ayoze Pérez but the Villarobledo keeper made light work of the save.

In the 41^st minute the Rojillos gave themselves a mountain to climb. After cheaply losing the ball in midfield winger Fran Minaya waltzed through the Lanzarote defence and slid a low ball across from the left to the far post. Winger Juanma Acevedo had the simple task of stroking the ball home to give his side a 2-0 half time lead with a 3-1 aggregate score.

Rojillos manager Maxi Barrera brought on Gastón Cedres and Miguel Gómez at the beginning of the second half though Lanzarote never really found their rhythm. Miguel Gómez did offer some strikes at goal and looked alert but against a side of this quality he needed all of his teammates to be on the same wavelength which unfortunately was not the case.

Over the course of the season many fans had supported their team on the their travels though with such short notice and the cost of flights as well as three days away only a handful made it.

Flying the Lanzarote flag

One of those to go was Fran who is with the Trifulka supporters club. He was well looked after by some away fans who so typically in lower league Spanish football was proud to offer him some of their finest food from that region. How good is that?

A nice little selection of food offered to our supporter Fran.

Despite losing in the preliminary rounds of the playoffs it has been a great season for new manager Maxi Barrera. His slide has played some great football and really came from nowhere to make the playoffs so I am sure all of you are with me hoping that Maxi extends his stay with the club.

GOALS

• 1-0 min 12 Piojo
• 2-0 min 41 Juanma Acevado

The post CP VILLAROBLEDO 2 LANZAROTE 0, 27th May 2018, appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

Lanzarote´s quarter final playoff second leg away in Albacete on the Spanish mainland will be shown live on local television channel LANCELOT TV. The game kicks off at 11am local time and this is the link to receive the match.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HwUr6Ci2zM

If you have local television you can simply watch it on the Lancelot TV channel.  Following the 1-1 home draw last week Villarobledo have the luxury of that away goal but that is not always so simple to set out your tactics, do they protect that because if the game ends goalless then they are through. It is simple for the Rojillos in that they must score. Should the game end 2-2 then Lanzarote will be in the semis. A 1-1 draw would lead to extra time then penalties.

An omen on their side is that they will be playing in their third strip of pink. This season Lanzarote have played twice in pink away and have won on both occasions 2-4 and 1-3.

I have had several people who are on holiday asking whether any bars will show the game. If anyone knows of a bar that will show the match please state on here which bar and in which resort. Thanks.

VIVA SAROTE !

The post CP Villarobledo vs UD Lanzarote to be shown LIVE Sunday 27th May at 11am appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The Rojillos came back to level after being a goal down in the first half to give themselves a fighting chance of winning this two legged quarter final for promotion to Segunda B (Third Tier) in a highly entertaining match.

By far Lanzarote´s biggest crowd of the season with 2500 souls created a wonderful atmosphere inside the Arrecife stadium.

The game took just 15 seconds to spring into life. Lanzarote had barely finished their warm up when they gave the ball carelessly away in midfield. Striker Piojo pounced on the mistake and had a clear strike at goal from 12 yards, the ball came back off the far right hand post and fell invitingly for his fellow striker Aitor to tap home from eight yards with the goal at his mercy, fortunately for Lanzarote´s point of view he managed to hit the crossbar and the ball flew to safety. An unbelievable let off for Rojillos manager Maxi Barrera´s men.

A large crowd and a terrific atmosphere.

Needless to say the side from Albacete in Spain had settled well and for the next five minutes Lanzarote were held against the ropes.

In the 4^th minute Aitor once again fired in a stinging shot forcing Rojillos keeper Sasha into an excellent diving save to his left to palm the ball away for a corner.

Lanzarote began to find their feet and in the 8^th minute number 10 Borja weaved his way free in midfield and chipped over a pass to the left hand corner of the box to Alex Cruz. The Lanzarote winger arrived to the ball momentarily before the keeper Javi López, however the Villarobledo Captain managed to smother the ball.

Alex Cruz with Lanzarote´s first chance.

On the half hour Lanzarote were awarded a free kick on the right hand side of the 18 yard box. Midfielder Enrique Castaño fired in a dipping free kick and the Villarobledo keeper produced a stunning diving save to his near post and cleared the ball to safety.

A great save by Captain Javi López from an Enrique Castaño free kick.

Seconds later the ball was up the other end and winger Fran Minaya found himself free eight yards from goal but his first touch was poor which allowed Sasha to narrow the angle and block his strike.

The Rojillos were looking much better in midfield with Javi Betancort, Enrique Castaño, Borja and Captain Ayoze Pérez finally on the same wavelength and began passing the ball around with ease.

Lanzarote Captain Ayoze Pérez.

In the final action of the first half a hopeful ball was pumped into Lanzarote territory, the Rojillos defence didn’t react assertively and Aitor managed to get around the back of the defence and cleverly toe poked a chip into the far left hand corner leaving Lanzarote´s 19 year old keeper Sasha with no chance.

The Rojillos deflated conceding with the last kick in the half

The referee didn’t even restart the match and blew immediately for half time with the Rojillos going into the break in shock trailing 0-1.

Six minutes into the second half and the visitors again showed why they were their leagues highest scorers when a tremendous header by defender Pedro from 12 yards bounced off the top of the bar and away for a goal kick.

Midway through the first half the tempo and emotions started to rise. A strike from Piojo from the edge of the area was deflected inches wide of the Lanzarote right hand post and a couple of minutes later Sasha produced an excellent save with his left foot from six yards to prevent the visitors doubling their lead.

Trujillo just about to come on and change the game.

The crowd were urging their side forward and in the 76^th minute a cross from the left by Enrique Castaño fell to Trujillo on the far post, the Lanzarote striker had only been on the pitch two minutes but stroked the ball past the Villarobledo keeper from close range to level the score at 1-1.

The fans go wild as Trujillo levels the score.

Lanzarote were now firmly in control and in the 83rd minute a great cross from the hardworking Rosmen saw Trujillo darting through the centre timing his leap to perfection but his neatly guided headed effort shaved the right hand post and away for a goal kick.

Trujillo inches away from giving the Rojillos the win.

With just three minutes remaining the Rojillos had another great opportunity to take a lead into next Sundays second leg when Josito swung a dangerous cross into the six yard box, sub Gastón did well to lose his marker but his side footed effort went wide of the left hand post. It could have been a wonderful present for the now 20 year old who celebrated his birthday the day before the match.

The team 150 kilometres from Madrid weathered the storm and were grateful to hear the final whistle. Whilst this wasn’t the perfect result for Lanzarote but it won’t be easy for the mainland club next Sunday. Do they defend the away goal or come out in force for the second and third goals? Lanzarote simply have to score. If the game remains goalless Villarobledo will head into the semi finals, if it were to be 2-2 then Lanzarote would book their place in the semi final.

Many Lanzarote fans managed to watch the game on the live stream on Youtube. Again next Sunday the game will be shown live courtesy of Lancelot Television so if you wish to watch the match go on Facebook Lanzarote football club and I will confirm time and link later in the week.

Buddy watching the game on the live feed with owner Dale Parker in Newcastle.

GOALS

0-1 min 45 Aitor

1-1 min 76 Trujillo

The post LANZAROTE 1 CP VILLAROBLEDO 1, 20th May 2018, appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

U.D. Lanzarote are playing at home this Sunday in the playoffs for promotion to Spain’s third tier of football, Segunda B, versus CP Villarobledo from the Castilla La Mancha region of Spain.

There is no need to reserve tickets but there is expected to be a large attendance and the ticket office at the entrance to the Arrecife stadium will be opening around 10.15am with kick off at midday. Adults 8 Euros(Residents 6 Euros) Pensioners 6 Euros (Residents  4 Euros) and all persons under 18 years are admitted free of charge.

The Spanish fan club Peña Trifulka has asked me to ask the foreign fans if you would like to join them outside the stadium at 10am to greet the players on their arrival shortly after.

This game will be special and the atmosphere should be electric so get there early. Viva Sarote!

The post PLAY OFF ¼ FINAL 1st Leg on SUNDAY 20th May at 12 noon appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

Lanzarote have been drawn against Club Polideportiva Villarobledo from the Castille- La Mancha region of Spain some 150km from Madrid.

Our visitors finished second in their group just one point behind league winners UB Conquense and have scored more goals and conceded less than any other team in their division.

The 1^st Leg of this ¼ final playoff will be played  at home and is scheduled for this weekend but it will depend on the availability of flights for our visitors with the return leg a week later in the mainland.

The club is expecting a good turnout so getting to the game a little earlier than normal is recommended and make sure your tonsils are in good working order as Lanzarote strive to return to Spain’s Bronze league, Segunda B.

Season tickets won’t be valid for this match but prices are expected to be as normal with adults at 8 Euros (Residents 6 Euros) Pensioners 6 Euros (Residents 4 Euros) with all children under 18 years admitted free of charge.

The post LANZAROTE vs CP VILLAROBLEDO ¼ final 1st Leg on SUNDAY 20th May at 12 noon. appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The Rojillos may have lost their 13 game unbeaten run on their final match of the league campaign but manager Maxi Barrera will be delighted that his makeshift side suffered no injuries or suspensions and will have a full squad for next Sundays playoff match.

Having the luxury of already qualifying for the playoffs last week the Rojillos manager rested many key players including Captain Ayoze Pérez, Kamara, Miguel Gómez, Javi Betancort and leading scorer Rosmen.

Two junior players made their first team debuts Falou Sarry and Alejandro Vera whilst fellow junior player Sergio Moreira played his second first team game for the Rojillos.

Lanzarote´s young blood.

The Tenerife side came close to opening the scoring in the 7^th minute when striker Arturo´s effort just cleared the crossbar. In the 15^th minute a good centred cross by Fede Manzi found Lanzarote striker Javi Melian but he failed to convert.

The hosts took the lead midway through the first period when their Captain Vicente finished off a good cross and even though Rojillos striker Trujillo came close at the end of the half it was the home side with the 1-0 advantage at the break.

Lanzarote improved early in the second period and Dani García and Trujillo were close to levelling the score to continue the unbeaten run but it was the home side who were threatening late on.

Even with this defeat Lanzarote are in tremendous form heading into the quarter final playoff match 1^st Leg this Sunday at home at 12 noon. It was just three months ago when the Rojillos trailed a playoff spot by nine points following four consecutive defeats.

The spirit in the camp is on a high and hopefully the local fans will come out and support their team in their attempt to return to Spain’s third league, Segunda B. Lanzarote will find out who their opponents are on Monday 14^th May at 4.30pm.

GOALS

1-0 min 24 Vicente

The post CD SANTA ÚRSULA 1 LANZAROTE 0, 13th May 2018, appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The Rojillos booked themselves a playoff spot for the right to compete to reach Spain’s third league (Segunda B) following this wonderful display against ninth placed side Las Zocas.

Needing just a point in their remaining two matches Lanzarote made no mistake about it after producing a five star master class performance. The Rojillos will be able to rest one or two players for next week’s final league match in Tenerife before the intensity of the playoffs begins.

Prior to kick off the Madrina (Mother) of Lanzarote Nina and British fan Jacci Doherty presenter the Player of the Season award to our inspirational Captain, Ayoze Pérez.

Left to right, Juani Gil (Club Director) Jacci Doherty (fan), Nina, Ayoze Pérez and vice President Paulino presenting the Player of the Season award to Ayoze.

The first opportunity came in just the third minute when the lively Alex Cruz swept in a terrific low cross but Rosmen at full stretch could only get enough on the ball for it to hit the outside of the post and away for a goal kick.

The Tenerife side that had been victorious the week previous in a 5-4 thriller of a match began to get joint custody of the game but were offering very little in the final third of the pitch.

In the 25^th minute Ayoze Pérez swung in a cross from the right and by all accounts and means the ball should have been the keepers but when the towering frame of Rosmen is in full flight it is a terrifying prospect for any keeper, Rosmen fairly put in a challenge and won the ball but his header came off the top of the crossbar and away to safety as the goalkeeper crashed to the surface.

The Big Man was not going to denied for long and three minutes later a free kick from the right taken by Enrique Castaño found Rosmen, with the keeper misjudging the flight and ending up in no man’s land the 37 year old nodded home to give his side a 1-0 lead.

Lanzarote striker Rosmen in breathtaking form.

In the 37^th minute good work from Alex Cruz combining with Rosmen allowed the Rojillos striker a free crack at goal from 12 yards. Rosmen planted the ball low into the bottom right hand corner for his and his side’s second goal.

Lanzarote now looked as if they were going to score in every attack and only two minutes later Alex Cruz tried to place a shot from six yards into the only space available, the top right hand corner, unfortunately he leaned back a little too much and his effort flew over the bar nevertheless his side went into the half time break 2-0 to the good.

Alex Cruz firing over on this occasion but he was not to be denied.

The Rojillos came out for the second period and killed the game stone dead in the opening five minutes. In the 47^th minute Javi Betancort sent Borja through the middle and the player that came second in Player of the Season comfortably fired past the Tenerife keeper to extend his sides lead to 3-0.

Borja with the third goal.

Three minutes later and Alex Cruz underlined his team’s superiority when his strike from the edge of the area flew low into the bottom left hand corner to give Lanzarote a commanding 4-0 advantage.

Immediately with the job done Rojillos manager Maxi Barrera took off Rosmen to keep him fresh with the playoffs in mind. I doubt if he will be involved in next week’s league match away in Tenerife.

After only returning to the club late January he has scored 12 times and has been instrumental in his team’s success. He needs to be wrapped up in cotton wool, in fact I think I know a few of Lanzarote´s female fans who would love to do the wrapping.

The intensity of the game began to drop, though in the 77^th minute Borja committed the keeper and then squared the ball to sub Fede Manzi who fired home from six yards to make it 5-0.

Fede Manzi firing home to make it 5-0

Lanzarote switched off a little and in the 81^st minute the visitors capitalized on this when defender Erik overlapped down the right wing and toe poked the ball into the far right hand corner giving keeper Sasha no chance.

Rojillos keeper Sasha at full stretch but unable to prevent a consolation goal

After next Sundays final league match the draw for the playoffs will take place the following Wednesday 16^th May with possibly Lanzarote being at home on Sunday 20^th May but this is NOT confirmed. As soon as the draw has been done I will confirm.

Lanzarote´s other team in this league Yaiza left it late with a 91^st minute goal to win 1-0 and finish in ninth spot, they have also become the first club to finish their league season in this division. Haria took another beating, this time away 4-1 to CD Buzanada and have only 90 minutes left in this division before they are relegated.

GOALS

• 1-0 min 28 Rosmen
• 2-0 min 37 Rosmen
• 3-0 min 47 Borja
• 4-0 min 50 Alex Cruz
• 5-0 min 77 Fede Manzi
• 5-1 min 81 Erik

The post LANZAROTE 5 UD LAS ZOCAS 1, 6th May 2018, appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

Congratulations to the Lanzarote Captain Ayoze Pérez who has been voted Player of the Season by the fans.

Ayoze has had a terrific season having being man of the match on many occasions, scoring goals and being at the front leading his side to the brink of a playoff finish.

Lanzarote play their final home league game this Sunday 6^th May at 12 noon versus UD Las Zocas and will be presented with the trophy prior to kick off.

The team has played some great football this season and every single squad member has contributed in their side’s success.

In the last 12 matches the Rojillos have won nine and have drawn the other three matches. Lanzarote need just a point to guarantee a playoff spot in their final two league matches.

Fans voted for their top five players of the season and the result is as follows:

1. 1. Ayoze Pérez
2. 2. Borja
3. 3. Josito
4. 4. Miguel Gómez
5. 5. Sasha

The post U.D. LANZAROTE PLAYER OF THE SEASON 2017/18 AYOZE PÉREZ, 3rd May 2018, appeared first on UD Lanzarote.