The 51 year old has an incredible amount of experience as a coach beginning when he was just 21 years of age coaching junior sides of Real Sporting de Gijón.

His career began to take off in 2001-02 when he led fourth tier club Ribadesella CF to promotion to Spain’s Segunda B.

The following season he was snapped up by Segunda A (Championship) side UD Las Palmas and finished the season in a very respectable fifth spot.

Season 2003-04 has to be the highlight of his career to date when he took Madrid club Getafe CF into Spain’s golden league (La Primera Liga) for the first time in the clubs history.

The new Lanzarote manager has managed a further five Segunda A (Championship) clubs Elche, Hercules, Alaves, Eibar and Girona as well as third and fourth tier clubs.

Josu has arrived from Xerez Deportivo FC where his side just missed out on promotion in the playoffs.

We welcome Josu with open arms to Lanzarote.

Today is also the clubs 50th birthday. Unión Deportiva Lanzarote was formed on the 29^th July 1970 and this season there will be various events celebrating the 50^th Anniversary.

VIVA SAROTE!

The post WELCOME TO THE NEW “MISTER” OF U.D. LANZAROTE  JOSU URIBE,   30th July 2020, appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

This season’s Champions CD Marino have the advantage

As we all know these are not normal times and the Spanish football federation have sensibly decided that each province will decide their own playoffs. UD Lanzarote never threatened a top four finish this season having ended their campaign in 14th spot.

The top four teams were decided on average points won per match and this placed Tenerife side CD Marino as Champions, second was La Palma side SD Tenisca with the two Gran Canarian sides UD San Fernando and UD Tamaraceite third and fourth respectively.

UD Tamaraceite finished fourth in the league

The playoffs are being held on the Covid free Canarian island of El Hierro at the “El Municipal De Frontera” stadium with the semi finals being played on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th of July, with the final on Saturday 25th. All games kick off at 11am and were due to be played behind closed doors but permission has just been granted for a 50% fan capacity.

There will be no extra time or penalties so if a match ends in a draw the team with the higher league position will be the winner. At first glance this does not seem a good idea however Champions CD Marino would have just played the one off two legged match if times had been normal.

UD San Fernando, a team in form

This is probably the fairest way to give back an advantage to the league Champions. It does mean that should CD Marino draw both of their matches they will win that single ticket for promotion. One thing is certain and that is another Canarian team will be playing their football in Segunda B alongside UD Las Palmas B next season.

It does make for a fascinating scenario as these teams have gone over four months without a competitive match and have been in training for this competition for six weeks.

For many of these players promotion to Spain’s third tier is the platform that is needed to put themselves in the football “Shop Window” with many big clubs scouting this league.

What team is likely to win this? It is so hard to call. Obviously CD Marino has the advantage as Champions but their recent form is the worst of all the four sides. Nobody can predict SD Tenisca. Last season they only survived relegation on the final day with a win which relegated Yaiza, then on the opening day this season they were thrashed 5-0. Expect the unexpected with them but with the league’s top scorer Dani López in your ranks with 22 strikes only a fool would write them off.

Third placed side UD San Fernando are the form team going into the playoffs winning eight of their last nine matches notching up 28 goals and conceding just seven. The final side is UD Tamaraceite and they have a good solid squad with players that have had an abundance of Primera Liga experience and are also unbeaten in their last seven outings.

My wife and I talked about visiting another Canarian island whilst times are quiet and she suggested that we try El Hierro. We have never been there so we have decided to go over and checkout this mysterious island on Friday for three nights with the hope that we can get tickets for the matches.

I am sure that these games will be streamed so anyone who knows a link please paste it in the comments below.

What team is your tip for promotion? Mine is UD San Fernando.

The line up of matches is as follows:

Sat 18 July CD Marino (1st) v UD Tamaraceite (4th) 11am

Sun 19 July SD Tenisca (2nd) v UD San Fernando (3rd) 11am

Sat 25th July FINAL at 11am

The post THE CANARIAN PLAYOFFS FOR PROMOTION TO SEGUNDA B (THIRD TIER), 15th July 2020 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The Spanish Football Federation confirmed the end of the league season on the 12th May however the playoffs still have a great chance of happening though nothing has been confirmed.

SD Tenisca were top when the final match had been played though they had played a game more so the final placing has been decided by how many average points a team has earned per match. This leaves Tenerife side CD Marino in first place followed by SD Tenisca, UD San Fernando and finally UD Tamaraceite.

If possible a mini tournament may be held in La Gomera involving those clubs with CD Marino v UD Tamaraceite and SD Tenisca v UD San Fernando with the winners meeting in the final and whichever club succeeds in the final would be promoted to Segunda B (Third Tier).

These matched may be played over 90 minutes with no extra time or penalties. If a match were to finish in a draw the club with the higher league position would claim the win. Leaders CD Marino would therefore have a huge advantage going into each game with an unofficial 1-0 advantage.

UD Lanzarote had hit their best form of the season in their final five games, remaining unbeaten and taking nine points in the process which in turn moved them six points clear of the relegation positions but they were nowhere near competing for a playoff spot.

The club is now looking forward to the 2020/21 season which will mark the 50th Anniversary of the club. At this moment it is impossible to assume how things will turn out though there is the possibility of the league being split up into two groups of either 11 or 12 teams. This would mean the season would consist of a minimum of 20 games or a maximum of 22. There is also the possibility that it could still be one league with 22 sides meaning nobody would have been relegated but two sides would have gained promotion.

I haven’t updated the situation in recent weeks because it is all speculation and for everything to be resolved it may yet take some time. Season ticket prices would obviously have to be adjusted to take into the amount of games and that is assuming that matches won’t be played behind closed doors. I do feel that this won’t be the case as it is being played outside and September is a long time away however the authorities could allow only a certain amount of spectators but once again this is speculation.

Once I have more concrete information I will update.

The post THE SEASON FOR UD LANZAROTE IS OFFICIALLY OVER, 17th May 2020 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

This Sunday 15th March Lanzarote were due to play Tenerife side Club Atlético Tacoronte in Arrecife. This match, next Sundays away game and the away fixture that was postponed because of the Clima (sandstorm) versus UD San Fernando will all have to be played at a later date.

Please keep an eye on this page as things can change very quickly. I would appreciate it if you live on the island if you could share this post as to let bar workers etc know so they can inform holidaymakers to save a wasted journey.

At present Lanzarote doesn’t have a single person diagnosed with the virus on the island.

As soon as I have any more info I will let you know. STAY SAFE and WASH those HANDS!

The post LANZAROTE’S HOME MATCH THIS SUNDAY HAS BEEN SUSPENDED, 11th March 2020 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

Lanzarote edged the first half but chances for Rosmen, Aday and Miguel Gómez could not be converted as the sides headed into the interval with the game scoreless.

Only a minute into the second half and the Rojillos went 0-1 in front in bizarre fashion. Ayoze Pérez swung in a free kick and there was no movement from either strikers or defenders, the only person to react was centre back Omar who stabbed the ball home at the far post.

Players and fans were surprised and looked at the officials to see if there had been any infringement but all three were running back to the halfway line to restart the match.

Up until now Lanzarote had looked the better side but as the game progressed the nerves of the Rojillo players increased as has been the case on many games this season.

The Tenerife side knew that even a draw would move them out of the bottom three. In the 55th minute striker Jesua fired narrowly wide and moments later the same player forced Lanzarote´s keeper Rúyman into making an excellent save.

The home side kept pressing and in the 79th minute scored a belter from a 20 yard free kick by Jesua to make the score 1-1.

In the 94th minute a long ball over the top led to indecision in the Rojillo defence. Sub Revi capitalised on the defensive error firing the ball into the top corner leaving Rúyman gasping at air.

The hosts 2-1 up looked as though they were going to get their first victory in their last seven matches and earn three priceless points but as we all learn as youngsters the game is never over until the referee blows for full time.

Rojillos midfielder Ayoze Pérez is never a man to give up and it was him who laid the ball on for sub Rami in the 96th minute for the in form striker to blast home with the last kick of the game to earn his side a golden point.

Rami to the rescue

This is Lanzarote´s 16th draw of the season and there are only two sides in all of Spain’s 24 pro and semi pro leagues that have drawn these amount of games and they are both from Segunda A (The Championship), mid table Rayo Vallecano and bottom club Real Racing both of whom have played more than Lanzarote´s 27 matches.

With this point the Rojillos remain in 15th spot and move six points clear of the drop whilst Guímar leapfrog UD Ibarra who now replace them in the final relegation position.

Next Sunday 15th March at 12 noon at home in Arrecife Lanzarote face the side one point and one position immediately below them in the league Club Atlético Tacoronte.

GOALS

• 0-1 min 46 Omar
• 1-1 min 79 Jesua
• 2-1 min 94 Revi
• 2-2 min 96 Rami

The post ATLÉTICO UNIÓN DE GUÍMAR 2 LANZAROTE 2, 8th March 2020 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The opening stages were dominated by Lanzarote but it was the Tenerife side with 41 year old and ex Primera Liga player Jonathan Sesma who fired in a blistering cross causing mayhem in the Rojillo defence. The ball fell to striker Airan, he hit a crisp volley from 12 yards and only a superb save by keeper Alejandro low to his right that prevented the Rojillos going a goal down.

Lanzarote’s first good opportunity came in the 19th minute when a strike from the hugely impressive Miguel Gopar was blocked, the rebound fell to Adib but his effort was well saved by the keeper at full stretch to his left.

Ten minutes before the interval and the Rojillos finally broke down the Ibarra defence. A corner from Miguel Gómez fell to Kilian, the super January signing did very well adjusting his body before striking a sweet half volley from the edge of the box into the top right hand corner to send Lanzarote 1-0 up.

A cracking strike by Kilian gives the Rojillos the lead.

In the space of three minutes the Rojillos had four good opportunities to double their lead with Nico, Ayoze, Omar and Kilian all coming close. Lanzarote continued their domination as the second half began when Aday López was denied by a late block from his thunderous effort from 10 yards.

This couple loving the winter sun.

In the 57th minute winger Alex Fuentes who had been running the Tenerife defence ragged all afternoon turned his defender inside the box and was clearly brought down, it s not often that you see a clear undisputed penalty and there was certainly no need for modern day technology, if anything a police report for GBH from the defender would have been more appropriate.

Alex Fuentes earning his side a penalty and having an excellent match.

The responsibility fell to Aday López. The Rojillo fans and players all know the work rate that Aday puts into a match but his lack of goals has been a real concern so everyone was willing the striker to score.

Aday López putting in a shift but in need of a goal.

His body language as he stepped up didn’t look good and his low powerful strike was corner bound but the Tenerife keeper guessed correctly and made a good save low to his right.

The Rojillos were still creating good chances but as time passed the home fans began thinking “Oh no, not again.” The local supporters have only seen their side lose at home once this season but they have also only witnessed three home wins. Was this going to end up in another draw after being in complete control of the match yet again?

The flag once again flying high.

The visitors grew in confidence as they fed on the increasingly nervous home side. Lanzarote became lethargic in their play and in the 74th minute veteran Jonathan Sesma beat the replacement Rojillo keeper Rúyman to the ball but fortunately from Lanzarote’s perspective his high chip was just wide of the right hand post.

Striker Rami was introduced and he injected some pace back into Lanzarote’s play but on everyone’s mind was that the Rojillos were just one kick away of conceding another two points and ending up with their 16th draw of the season.

Sub Rami reigniting the Rojillos.

Last season’s player of the year decided to take matters into his own hands in the closing minutes. Firstly he supplied an insane reverse foot cross deep from the left that Rami just headed wide of the left hand post. The ability of Miguel Gómez should never be in doubt.

Miguel then struck an extremely poor effort into the keeper’s hands but one thing this player does not lack is confidence in his ability and why should he? On his day he is as good as any player in this league.

Seconds after his terrible effort on goal the 28 year old picked the ball up at the half way line took on all defenders, he then unleashed a stinging low strike into the bottom right hand corner to seal three priceless points.

Miguel Gómez deservedly milking the applause.

Next Sunday is a game where Lanzarote can seriously pull away from the relegation positions with a win as they travel to Tenerife to face the side occupying the final relegation position, Atlético Unión de Guímar.

Photos of this match are on the Facebook page Lanzarote football club.

GOALS

• 1-0 min 35 Kilian Benitez
• 2-0 min 93 Miguel Gómez

The post LANZAROTE 2 U.D. IBARRA 0, 1st March 2020 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The Tenerife side are only one position and two points shy off the relegation positions and the Rojillos are one place above them with just two points separating the sides.

The post HOME THIS SUNDAY AT 12 NOON appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The Rojillos come back from conceding an early first half goal to level in the 87^th minute and came ever so close to snatching a victory in added on time.

Another incredible February day with temperatures in the mid 20´s greeted the 600 plus fans and they were rewarded with a great game of football.

Whilst Britain is suffering with Storm Dennis spare a thought for Lanzarote´s fans as Sunburn Steve produces temperatures into the mid 20´s without a cloud in the sky.

The visitors at the start of play were sitting in the last playoff position 4^th spot, whilst the Rojillos were just three points off the relegation places.

The Gran Canaria side are heavily supported by UD Las Palmas and have attracted some ex Primera Liga players to their ranks. After comfortably winning this fixture last season 0-2 Lanzarote knew that they had to be at their best.

Last season’s Champions (failing in promotion in playoffs) looked the much superior side in the opening exchanges. Lanzarote could not find any rhythm but Tamaraceite were pinging the ball around with pace, precision and intent.

In the 8^th minute a cross from the right produced an excellent bit of strike pair understanding when Padron cushioned a header back to his partner and from 12 yards Samuel Casais hit the sweetest half volley low into the bottom left hand corner to give his side an early 0-1 advantage.

After seeing the team sheet prior to the match surprisingly three of the four Lanzarote Captains were sitting on the bench. Was it foolish or brave of the Rojillos manager leaving Rosmen, Ayoze Pérez and Miguel Gómez sitting alongside him as play began?

The midfield of Lanzarote battled for everything but it was only striker Aday López up front who looked to have some confidence, this was not enough as the visitors were better in all departments and went in hunt of extending their league before the interval.

Aday López one of the Rojillos brightest players in the first half.

The Gran Canarian side had two great opportunities before the break. Rojillos midfielder Kilian was hustled off the ball in the centre but to his credit won the ball back before the striker pulled the trigger and four minutes before the break a well worked move led to a free strike at goal from Ortega. The Lanzarote defence looked on in prayer as he hit a free strike from 10 yards and their prayers were answered as the ball flew straight at the Lanzarote keeper Alejandro who kept the score down to 0-1 at the half time interval.

The visitors coming close to giving themselves a 0-2 half time lead.

Lanzarote´s failure to hold onto possession in the first ended immediately with the introduction of midfield maestro Ayoze Pérez and captain Rosmen. It is often said in football, it’s a game of two halves and this match was a prime example.

It was now Lanzarote that were making their opponents chase the ball and Ayoze Pérez´s refusal to allow his opponents a second on the ball was paramount to his sides change of attitude.

A free kick from Ayoze found the glancing head of centre back Omar but his effort from 10 yards went inches wide of the right hand post. Nevertheless this was the first effort of any note in the match but you could feel it was not going to be the last.

In the 54^th minute a great low cross from the left by Aday López invited Rosmen into a diving header but once again the ball narrowly flew past the left hand post.

In the 63rd minute Rosmen sprinted on to a throw by Aday and managed to shrug off his defender but as the inspirational Rojillo captain was pulled the referee blew for a foul. In hindsight I am sure the official would have wished that he had played the advantage as Rosmens cross was superbly tucked away by Rami into the far right hand corner but it all meant nothing other than a Rojillo free kick and a yellow card for the defender.

The Rojillo cafeteria staff doing an excellent job.

Rojillos manager Jero Santana then played his last hand by bringing on midway through the half the exciting Miguel Gómez.

Lanzarote kept on applying the pressure but they were up against a hugely experienced defence with centre back David Garcia who has the all time leading amount of apperances for UD Las Palmas with 454 games to his name, many of those as captain and it was only a couple of seasons ago he was trying his best to stop Ronaldo and Messi in Spain’s Golden league.

The Rojillos kept on knocking. In the 81^st minute Miguel Gómez saw the keeper off his line and from 35 yards tried a powerful chip. The keeper got his hands to the ball but it spilled out and dropped agonizingly wide of the upright though the Rojillos were getting closer.

With three minutes remaining on the clock Ayoze took a short corner giving the ball to Alex Fuentes. The winger curled in a medium height powerful cross to the far post and coming in on the blind side with that huge outstretched leg was Rosmen to fire the ball home from close range and deservedly Lanzarote were level at 1-1.

Rosmen once again rescues a point.

The noise level of the fans increased with every pass, tackle and cross urging their side to go for the winner.

Deep into injury time the Rojillos hit the playoff hopefuls on the break. Miguel on the right sent Alex Fuentes through the centre with a precise pass, the 20 year old timed his run to perfection but from 12 yards and with only the keeper to beat he had a rush of blood to his head and completely mishit his shot not even testing the Tamaraceite keeper.

Alex Fuentes so disappointed that he didn’t score the winner which would have capped off a great game for the winger.

Overall this was another super performance in an extremely good game of football played on a spectacular glorious February day in Arrecife. On the final whistle players collapsed in exhaustion whilst fans stood up and applauded both sets of players.

Flat out in the February heat.

The result leaves Lanzarote in 16^th spot but they have extended the gap to the relegation positions to four points. Tamaraceite have slipped out of the playoff places and have been replaced by Lanzarote´s opponents next Sunday away in Gran Canaria UD San Fernando.

Fans appreciate the effort of both sets of players.

San Fernando is possibly the best team in this league currently and are the only side this season to beat the Rojillos at home. They have also won their last three matches scoring four goals on each occasion.

GOALS

• 0-1 min 8 Samuel Casais

1-1 min 87 Rosmen

The post LANZAROTE 1, U.D. TAMARACEITE 1, 16th February 2020 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

This Sunday 16th February at 12 noon in Arrecife Lanzarote will host UD Tamaraceite.

The Gran Canarian side are sitting two points clear in the final playoff position, 4th spot and are desperate for promotion after just missing out last season.

The Rojillos are just three points from the relegation positions so it’s vital they pick up maximum points at home.

SEASON TICKET OFFER

With 8 home matches remaining the club are offering fans a season ticket at a greatly reduced price.

Left to right : Rosmen, Josito, Ayoze and Miguel.

The Rojillos captains are shown here with the season tickets and an adult is now 30 Euros with Pensioners priced at only 15 Euros. These are available at the club house in Arrecife at Calle Isleño 4, Monday to Friday between 6-8pm or simply buy one on match day this Sunday at the ticket booth. They will also be available from the shop in Costa Teguise at CC Nautical, local 25 (up from Decades Bar and behind Cafe Bonjour) Open Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm.

The price for match day ticket is 8 Euros non residents and 6 Euros residents with Pensioners paying 6 Euros non residents and 4 Euros for residents. The savings are clear and this could be a great Valentines present for your partner or even your lover.

Dont forget this Sunday 16th Feb at 12 noon in Arrecife the Rojillos are in urgent need of points as they battle against promotion chasing UD Tamaraceite. Loud voices are needed.

The post HOME IN ARRECIFE THIS SUNDAY appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

There was no doubt that Lanzarote at the start of play would only have been content with a victory, however 1-0 down and deep into stoppage time a point in those circumstances is welcome.

Both of these football clubs are normally fighting in the top half of the table and battling for a playoff finish. This season has been a struggle for both sides with the Rojillos only three points from the relegation positions but the Gran Canarian side ended the day one point closer to safety, though they are still eleven points adrift of relegation.

The first half of the match was evenly balanced though it was the Rojillos who had the better chances with Miguel Gómez and Rami coming close to giving their side a halftime lead.

The second period began in similar fashion. Miguel Gómez had a terrific opportunity to give his side the lead when he found himself with just the Gran Canarian keeper to beat but struck his effort wide.

In the 64^th minute a strike from Álvarro Arencibia came crashing back off the woodwork as Lanzarote went on the hunt for all three points.

Three minutes later and a second yellow card for Santa Brígida midfielder Miguel reduced his side down to ten men and Lanzarote looked as though they could take advantage of the situation.

The Rojillos dominated play but they could not break down the stubborn defence of a side doomed to play their football in the Regional league next season.

In the 85^th minute the home side seemed as though they were going to steal all three points when striker Santi went down from a pull from a defender and the referee ordered a spot kick. The same player picked himself up and fired past Lanzarote keeper Alejandro to give his side a shock 1-0 lead.

In the fourth minute of added on time new boy Adib was fouled inside the penalty area and his side was flung a lifeline. Rosmen fired home the penalty kick and rescued a point for the Rojillos.

Rosmen to the rescue

Lanzarote´s next couple of games are far from easy. First up this Sunday 16^th February at home in Arrecife at 12 noon is fourth placed side UD Tamaraceite. The following week Lanzarote are away against the 5^th placed side UD San Fernando who trail the last playoff position by two points.

In another match in the Third division Lanzarote footballer Saúl Coco who plays for Las Palmas C suffered a horrific injury when under a challenge he smashed into a back wall behind the goal.

Both his wrists are broken and he has also fractured his knee. From all who love football and follow UD Lanzarote I am sure that we all wish him a speedy recovery.

Best wishes to Saúl

  GOALS

• 1-0 min 85 Santi (penalty)
• 1-1 min 94 Rosmen (penalty)

The post UD VILLA SANTA BRÍGIDA 1 LANZAROTE 1, 9th February 2020, appeared first on UD Lanzarote.