Bigguns ready to go again
improved teams last season and jointmanager Ric Blank believes the return from injury of “key men” Eddie Manson, Josh Rubin and Adam Levine will help them challenge for silverware.
“We have better strength and depth whichwillbecrucialwhenthe‘northern weddings’ take hold this winter,” said Blank.
“TheboysatOakwoodknowtheyhave somethingspecial–andwe’reonlygoing to get stronger. I’ve challenged everyone to be part of something big – something they can look back on with pride.”
Lee Warner and Simon Davies have also linked up with the squad for what Blank is predicting to be “an unbelievably competitive division”. He said: “Like everyone we want to be in the mix, but weneedtostopconcedinggoals.No-one will enjoy playing us and if we get a good start we’ll take some stopping.”
were one of the surprise packages last season and Tony Charles expects his boys to deliver once again. New names include Antony Costa, goal machine Glenn Michaels and former Sawbridgeworth defender James Powell. And the experience of former Maccabi London Lions midfielder Aviel Schwarz will ensure quality at set-pieces, wi t h Mi t c h Hahn and Harrison Midda l o o k i n g t o benefit once again. James Ryan, Ashley Stanton and Jason Goldstein have left the club.
Rob Richman has replaced Phil Peters in the hotseat at NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A, but very little else has changed at L’Orange who hope to go from bridesmaid to bride after a season of heartbreak in league and cup.
Richman insists new boys Ben Joseph and Liron Mannie will give the team more of a cutting edge, with young goalkeeper Jake Doffman the “one to watch”. David Rhodes captains the team for the 10th consecutive season.
FC TEAM A head coach Ben Gilbey promises “lots of goals” from a side relishing the prospect of Premier Division football for the first time. “We’re looking to maintain a solid league position and to have a good cup run,” he said. “Wingate & Finchley is calling.”
Gilbey made a dramatic move to beef up midfield, with Yoav Lebens joining from champions
Hendon. “He’s a great player who was pivotal to all of Hendon’s success,” said Gilbey who also welcomes the freescoring Alon Hershkorn.
There is also a nice sprinkling of youth in the shape of “JFS wonderkids” Adam Aminoff and David Joseph Cohen. “With Aminoff’s masterful footballing brain and quick feet, Dave’s skill and pace, the defences of the Premier Division will be having sleepless nights this year,” said Gilbey.
NORTH WEST NEASDEN make a welcome return to the division, with boss Stirling Kay confident Sam Franks, Steve Green and Josh Wiener will hit the ground running.
He said: “We’re want to be competitive in every game and to finish in the top half of the league. Winning a cup is another target.”
REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE boss Sam Rosenthal has replaced top-scorer Adam Stolerman with Steve Summers – one of four signings from Chigwell Athletic. Having scored some goals in the lower divisions, Craig Sanford is expected to return to defensive duties.
In captain Richie Caplin, Rosenthal believes RJC have “the best player in the league” and the team are aiming high. “We have a nice mix of youth and experience – everything you need to be champions.” Former winners FAITHFOLD A are looking for an improved showing. Manager Zuriel Solomon has appointed Alex Taylor as his new captain. Dan Perkins and Roie Spitzer have moved on.
MaccabiLondonLions completethe division.
WEEKENDFIXTURES:
Faithfold A vs Oakwood A, ML Lions vs Hendon Utd SC A NW Neasden vs Woodford