Hungry Redbridge primed for big title challenge

“Whether it’s the league or a strong cup run, we’re here to challenge and make our mark from the very first game.”

Sivan believes their “intense and consistent” preparation over the summer for the forthcoming campaign will bear fruit.

He said: “Weekly games and regular training sessions have helped to build sharpness and chemistry across the squad.

“We’ve put a real focus on fitness and developing a clear playing identity, especially with such a young group.

“The improvement has been clear to see, results have picked up, the team is gelling on well and there’s a real sense of confidence heading into the season. There are a lot of strong characters and talented players in this squad, but two names in particular stand out. Ben Linton, our vice-captain, is going to be absolutely key for us. He’s tall, dominant in the air, and reads the game brilliantly.

“And Charlie Marks is a serious talent. He plays with a maturity and presence that sets him apart.

“He’s sharp, fearless, incredibly intelligent on the ball, and will cause defenders problems every single week. We expect him to light up the league.”

[Missing Credit]

Beitar Bushey are another club aiming for the top. Coach Daniel Gold said: “We’re looking at a title push. Our results at the back end of last season proved that we are capable of doing so.”

Gold said new recruit Zach Israel from South Africa has “looked promising” while he’s also hoping star players Ben Mandell, Ricky Jayes and Ross Mansell continue to make an impact for the team.

Another club steeped in Jewish football history, but reformed under a new guise is Scrabble, and like the two aforementioned clubs, they also have high expectations for the coming campaign.

Manager Ollie Sugarman said: “We’ve assembled a strong squad with quality, experience and a real sense of unity.

“The ambition has been set from day one. We’re not here to make up the numbers – we’re here to compete, to set the standard and to bring silverware to the club.

“Winning the league is the goal, and we believe we’ve got what it takes to make it happen.

“As a new team, this summer has been all about building the foundations – and so far, things are really coming together. We’ve brought in a strong group of players with experience, hunger and a shared drive to succeed.”

Pinpointing several names to look out for, Sugarman continued: “Captain Noah Graft will be the heartbeat of the midfield.

“He’s calm on the ball, reads the game brilliantly, and has a real eye for a line-breaking pass that sets our attackers free. Our vice-captain Max Pearson will be a rock across the back four, he’s strong, powerful and fully committed, while Alfie Sugarman, our 17-year-old shot-stopper, is fearless, sharp and a huge presence between the sticks. He’s one for the future – and for right now.

“We’re a new team, but we’re not starting from scratch. The squad is built largely from ex-JCoSS students – a group with real chemistry, strong friendships and a shared understanding on and off the pitch.

“We want to bring excitement, energy and something fresh to the MGBSFL. We’re proud to carry the name Scrabble FC – a club with history dating back to 1980 and still going strong in the Masters League today. This is the next generation of Scrabble – young, ambitious and here to stay.”

There are also four new clubs entering the fold, one of whom, Chopped Villa, are eyeing a dream debut season.

Manager Noah Abrahams said: “Despite it being our first season, a lot of our players have played a lot of football together and all know each other well on and off the pitch.

“We’ve also got great coaches within our ranks, who come with an abundance of experience, passion and energy and as such, the club would be disappointed with anything beside a league title, while a cup run or two would also be nice.”

Abrahams said the squad was “feeling really confident” after lots of training sessions, inter-squad friendlies and impressive results against good opposition.

He said star man Jack Rodol will do “some serious damage in the league”.

Summarising their expectations, he added: “Anything besides winning the league would be a disappointment for everyone at the club.

“We know we have the ability to achieve great things this year, so now it’s time to let the football do the talking.

“We will bring goals, flair, respect for referees and a league title.”

Real Masmid, Schleppfield Wednesday and Wolverhampstead Wanderers complete the Division Two line-up.