There’s plenty more where this came from, says Kristall
FOOTBALL LEEDS Maccabi signalled their intent to win the MJSL title after scooping the first silverware of the new season.
The Yorkshire club lifted the Community Shield as goals in either half from Nick Vale and Oshri Amar downed Haroldeans.
Leeds became the fifth different name on the trophy in as many years in the curtain-raiser.
Led by captain Gidi Amar, Leeds will fancy a crack at the title in what is expected to be an wide-open league.
Leeds boss Daniel Kristall believes Shield success shows they can push for the title. “The win bodes well for what lies ahead,” he said.
“We looked organised and solid at the break and we carried a threat going forward.
“James Landes, who created the first goal, has added another dimension. He has returned after three years in Australia and his pace and agility on the right flank will frighten teams.”
The MJSL season could begin with just seven teams, but league chairman Brian Myer remains confident of adding another side to the mix.
That will depend on Maccabi Manchester creating a new team out of the influx of players at their disposal.
However, last season’s champions Maccabi 2nd have moved into the Manchester Accountants League while Flixton Reserves disbanded.
This will open the door for other teams to seize their chance and DEANS will be confident of mounting another assault.
Chairman Fraser Saville said: “I believe we will get stronger as the season develops. Once the students return, we will have more players to pick from.
“You need a strong squad and I expect us to have that. There’s no reason why we can’t go one better than last season.” HEATON PARK ROVERS are another side who can expect to be in the shake-up. Keeping hold of prolific striker Jonny Franks will provide a major boost and joint-player manager David Seligman is in bullish mood over his side’s chances.
“We want to win everything,” he said. “Our form towards the end of last season suggests we should feel confident.
“The league is more open and we are a better team now. I expect and want us to be challenging on all fronts.”
It’s all change a t M A C C A B I MANCHESTER 3RDS with Andy Hatton in the hot-seat.
Hatton wants his side, made up of veterans and rookies, to ruffle some feathers. He said: “We will catch some teams by surprise. It’s difficult to know notoriously slow starters which is no surprise. But they would love to emulate their form towards the end of last season under player-manager Josh Daniels at the start of this season.
HEATON PARK ROVERS
Joint player-managers: Jordan Warents/David Seligman Captain: Jack Roach Key signings: Danny Lewis, Mark Williams One to watch: Richard Myers Verdict: Keeping hold of the likes of goal machine Jonny Franks and star defender Matt Broadie bodes well for HPR. Will mount a challenge. how we will do but we will give 100 per cent and will be up for every game.
“There is some quality in our ranks but we realise we will take a little bit of time to find our feet.”
SOUTH MANCHESTER SPORTS 2ND are another club in transition.
After finishing bottom last season, Marc Magid will be looking for some magic from winger Harry Nelson in their bid to climb the table.
Magid said: “We have a group of talented players but they are young and many are still learning the game. But we feel if we can finish mid-table it will be seen as progress.”
REICH INSURANCE hope that competition for places will be the key to a good season.
Striker Michael Gatswirth said: “A new manager has been brought in and we are looking to challenge on all fronts this season.
“If people commit and buy in to how we want to play, we can have a good campaign.
The students of OAKHILL LIONS do not begin their assault until later in the month.
They will once again be forced to play catch-up after Freshers Week but will be looking to replicate their strong finish to last season at the start of this.