The competition…

Like last season, I’ll give a run down of some of the competition for the next season. If I’ve missed you out, don’t be offended, but I wasn’t about to do a team profile (from memory) of everyone’s teams in the league! In no particular order:

Eagle Warriors

Last years deserved champions set a terrifying pace. I was encouraged that my side kept up with them, and that, ultimately, my side had the chance to win the title in their own hands and let it slip. Alex Leeman has brought in a few new players, including the impressive Ashley Young for the left wing. We’ve played each other twice in the AEFA preseason tournament and I’ve come away with two wins, but it being preseason, that doesn’t count for much.

Key players: Jo, Leandro Lima, Ashley Young


Beaulieu FC

In the three seasons of the Premiership, my side has finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd, so we’ve proven that we’ve got the staying power and consistency to remain title challengers for the coming season. With a new and improved left wing in place, things are looking good for the coming season.

Key players: Martin Caceres, Julio Baptista, Guilherme


Bohemians FC

Derek Tobin’s side has progressed nicely through the rankings and finished very strongly to claim 3rd and a gold cup place for this season. He still holds the #1 ranking for youth and has started to bring through world class players into his first team. The signing of Antonio Valencia fills a hole in his right wing that could see him push for the title. Once again, Bohemians are my pick as the dark horse for the league title (which will probably be much to his amusement).

Key players: Adrian Mutu, Fausto Rossi, Luca Cigarini


Huntstown Villa FC

Derek pipped his brothers’ side to the gold cup place, but Mark still has a strong side. My personal bogey team has reinforced defensively, signing Marcel Jansenn for left back and Erick Delgado for between the sticks. I expect another strong season, although I’m hoping to avoid him in the cup this season!

Key players: Christian Chivu, Jeremy Matthieu, Oleg Husyev


AFC Carpathia

Barry has always been a top 10 side in the premiership and has bought well over the last few weeks. Scott Davidson (wonderkid regen) has come in on the right wing while Adriano has arrived in the place of Defoe upfront. His team has seen some impressive results of late, so there’s no reason he can’t go one better this season and push for trophies.

Key players: Adriano, Matthieu Valbuena, Leighton Baines


Worksop Wednesday

Neil’s side are perennially unlucky and he was hit fairly hard by stadiums, but he’s once again brought together a strong side of the coming season. Everton and Jonas remain on the wings, with Insua pulling the strings from midfield. Strong at the back, no-one will enjoy playing Neil away from home.

Key players: Jonas, Frederico Insua, Everton


Monobrow City

Alun’s side has been partially gutted by the huge problems he’s suffered as a result of the introduction of stadiums. His team will be weakened for the first few weeks of the season with Ramsey and Dzeko still out on loan, but he’s bought sensibly. Lucas Biglia comes in to act as the holding midfielder and he’s still got many bright young prospects such as right wing sensation Barry Campbell. Come the end of the season, I expect his side to be there or there abouts.

Key players: Lucas Biglia, Rene Adler, Gareth Bale


Toon Town

Arno’s side fell away a little at the end of the last season to let Barry Welch overtake him into 5th. He’s still got quality players, but most of the players he’s bought in over the off-season have been focused on youth, while he’s let Metzelder go on a free. Ruben Garcia remains a quality addition, however, and with his young players gaining maturity, I wouldn’t discount a very good season from Laurito & co.

Key Players: Frederico Laurito, Andersen Azvedo, Osvaldo Torres