Fortune in ship-shape for season
FOOTBALL NIGEL Kyte believes the feel-good-factor has returned to Temple Fortune following the appointment of manager Simon Linden.
Linden has overhauled the Fortune squad and they go into Sunday’s MGBSFL Division Two opener at Mill Hill Dons with high hopes.
Club chairman Kyte said: “We’ve endured three difficult seasons where we were forced to field relatively weakened teams. With Simon now on board, wehavestrengthenedconsiderablyand for the first time in a while we’re optimistic that we’ll hold our own.”
L’Equipe go into their 10th season full of ambition. “It is a true testament to the founding fathers of this club that we have managed to stick together and keep going,” says player-manager Nick Stern.
With seven new faces boosting the squad, Stern warned: “This is the year we can really challenge for silverware.”
Brothers Josh and Alex Hershman, Mark Korn, Max Martin and Matt Gil- bery will add quality, while big things are expected from Elliot Cantor and Australian star Ben Lazar.
Catford & Bromley recorded some impressive results against the top teams under Jeff Gotch last season and the manager has challenged his players to be consistent this year. “It’s the title or nothing” for Gotch who is confident that new boys Joel Lassman, Lawrence Bloom, Jason Shoffman, Richard Winton and Craig Edwards will make their mark.
Josh Hambling will spearhead the challenge of the newlyformed Redbridge C. He said: “I think we can push for the league, though it’s hard to say with so many new teams.”
Youth will play a big part in Hambling’s plans, with the Zartz brothers “impressing” in pre-season, along with the evergreen Barry Green.
RC UK FC appear title contenders, withbossAviMarkiewicz“bringingalot Simon Linden of talent and experience to the division” from a club featuring several former players from London Rovers.
JakeLewiscaptainstheteaminwhich Dudi Edreyi, Gideon Caller and Jonti Aremband are the “ones to watch”.
Chaim Gothold is targeting a top five finish for Real Hendon. Having finished fourth last season, Gothold believes they are in for a sterner test, “with several young, new teams joining the league”. “We know it’s going to be tough, but that’s our goal,” he said.
Hertswood Vale will be looking to the experienced Vivian Emanuel to ensure they build on solid foundations.
Emanuel has been working closely with managers Jacob Emanuel and Jack Shulmantoensurethey“workhardand are looking at a top four finish”.
Boca Jewniors, Faithfold B, FC Team C, Mill Hill Dons HNL Raiders C WEEK ONE FIXTURES Mill Hill Dons vs Temple Fortune, NL Raiders C vs L’Equipe, RC UK FC vs Real Hendon, Hertswood Vale vs Faithfold B