The new MSFL season is gearing up to be one of the most exciting in recent years. There have been some interesting moves in the transfer market with Hendon United Sports Club this week raising the ante with the signing of GB gold medal star Ben Lauffer. Described by Barnet coach Michael Stone as a "Rolls Royce of a passer", this rivals Neasden's move for Paul Babai in terms of the signing of the summer.
I think that it's fantastic for the league to have players of this calibre, and I have a feeling that we may not have seen the end of the big name signings.
After confirming his new addition, Hendon manager David Garbacz said: "We are delighted to have persuaded Ben to make the short journey to the Hendon ranks. He is a major signing for us and is one of the best Jewish footballers in the country.
"He has lots of good mates in the team and should settle in well."
And in a warning to Hendon's Premier Division rivals, Garbacz said: "Expect at least two more major coups before the new season commences."
● Ben Joseph has been appointed as club captain of London Maccabi Lions A for 2011/12 season.
The former MSFL Young Player of the Year has been an integral member of the side for several years and managers Malcolm Newman and Josh Newman believe the team will benefit from his leadership for the coming season.
"We feel Ben will prove to be an excellent captain, who will lead by example," said Malcolm Newman. "There is no question he is one of the most talented players in the league and the added responsibility, we feel, will take his performances to the next level."
Josh Newman commented: "Ben has been a top player in the league for many years. Going into his ninth year at Lions, the time seems right for him to take on this official leadership role."
● Another team I expect to be the real deal this season is FC Team. Manager Mitch Young explained why the club chose not to re-enter the Middlesex County Junior League.
He said: "We suffered a few injuries during the second half of last season while some other players were not fully committed. Furthermore, players failed to pay registration fees and we simply cannot afford to run a club in that way.
"We enjoyed our time in the Middlesex County League with the highlight being our first Cup final. We will focus all our attention on our first season in the MSFL Premier Division."
● The new MJSL season will commence with the traditional JC Charity Shield curtain-raiser, when Republic of Mancunia and South Manchester meet at Frederick Road on August 21. The league season gets under way with midweek fixtures during the last week of August.
● This coming season will also see the introduction of North West London Jets, a new club, affiliated to the London Football Association. .
NWLJ will field teams of Under 7s, 8s, 9s and 10s playing in the Maccabi Junior Football League and Under 12s playing in the Excel League.
The club will provide young male and female players the opportunity to focus on development, training and matches for a variety of levels.
See Danny Caro’s weekend round-up at thejc.com. Email dcaro@thejc.com and/or follow Danny on Twitter:@djcaro
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