Your guide to season 2018/19 of the MGBSFL

FC Team vs Faithfold Doc MM A

Oakwood B vs Faithfold Doc MM C

North London Raiders Masters vs Los Camden A

Hendon Utd Sports vs Temple Fortune

Hertswood Vale vs Brady Maccabi

North London Galaxy vs North London Raiders

HMH Old Boys vs Mill Hill Dons

Faithfold Doc MM B vs Redbridge Jewish Care A

--------------------------------------

YOUR SEASON PREVIEW STARTS HERE:

PREMIER DIVISION

BRADY MACCABI

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Cyril Anekstein, Peter Morrison Trophy, London FA Sunday Cup

Hopes for the season: Pre-season has gone well as we adapt to the loss of leading marksman Reiss Mogilner. With the Premier Division so small this season, there are no weak teams so every game will be tough, and therefore I’m not predicting too much. But one thing is for sure - we are going into the season with the mind-set that we can beat anyone on our day in all competitions

Players in: Sam Lipton (back from a year away), James Doffman, Oliver Levy, Aaron Diamond and Alex Bowman (making a welcome return to Sunday football)

Key player departed: Reiss Mogilner (Lions)

One to watch: Marc Rister

Manager: Joel Nathan

Captain: Rob Cohen, but Jordan Nathan will wear the armband until he returns

Home ground: Rowley Lane

Kit colours: Red and black

Team sponsor: Fusion Students

What will your team bring to the league this season? 11 players every Sunday!

--------------------------------------

FAITHFOLD MM DOC A

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Peter Morrison Trophy, Cyril Anekstein Cup

Hopes for the season: Pre-season has gone well, but the truth is you never know until things actually get going. Last year we were just hoping that we stayed up and we ended winning the league unbeaten. When we had our full team out, we hammered Redbridge A, however, when we were missing a few against both Redbridge A and B plus Lions we got totally annihilated, so the key is really to have our regulars available every week

Players in: More important than new signings is really to make sure as said above that our key players are there week in, week out. Having said that, Eli Davila, the heartbeat of Bayern Mincha’s midfield, has joined

Rumour mill: We’re hoping to wrap up the signing of Lorian Madanes - he can play both full-back positions as well as on either wing and behind the striker so really useful addition. New ‘Faithfold Doc MM’ chairman, Avi Garson, taking over from his retiring older brother, works on most of the signings and has a couple of players he is looking at. The rumour mill tells me Jordan Sharifian is one but whether as goalkeeper or striker is unclear which leads us to the next point.

We are still looking for a top stopper who is available every week. We have several who can play from time to time but none committed regularly

Players out: No-one has left. Avi Mocton has returned from America and will be a huge boost to the team. Having him alongside either Josh Wagner, Jonny Gahan or both is a prospect no striker is going to fancy

Ones to watch: David Leiwy, last season’s Division One player of the year, David Kirzneris, our young Lithuanian full-back, and goal-poacher Ben Shirbini

Management set-up: The key news is we have merged with Real Hendon who will become the B team and our cup winners from last year, will become the Cs. This gives us a much larger pool to choose from and hopefully from time to time we can help each other out. The man dealing with finances for the A’s will be Aaron Luftig, Dovi Vogel focuses on admin, Avi Garson as Chairman, Sporting Director, Social Media manager and every other job that needs doing and Avi Markiewicz will be the matchday manager. Rob Shooman’s advice on the senior advisory committee is much appreciated too

Home ground: Capital City Academy

Team colours: Nothing other than the green and white hoops of Faithfold, new kits though! New badge as well that can be seen on Twitter

Team sponsor: Doc MM —a fantastic local children’s doctor

What will the team bring to the league this season? As mentioned earlier, I believe we have the potential to really push some of the better teams. However, a lot of that will depend on the availability of the squad; if we can get the regulars week in week out then we will thrive, if however that doesn’t happen we will really struggle

--------------------------------------

HENDON UNITED SPORTS

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Cyril Anekstein Cup, Peter Morrison Trophy

Hopes for the season: As a team, the only hope is to win some silverware. We would love the treble and have a strong enough squad to compete on all fronts. We enjoyed a good pre-season - winning four out of four - and then a good win over an Oakwood team in the Charity Shield

Players in: Jonti Aremband, Jonny Kay and Charlie Kasler will be available occasionally, too, and there are potentially a couple more to come in

Key players departed: We have kept the majority of the squad intact

One to watch: Player of the year Zac Lewis and Yehuda Korman—- you can pretty much choose anyone from the squad such is the talent

Management set-up: Jordan Sapler as manager and a senior team of Russell Corin, Avi Korman and Josh Harris

Captain: Ari Last

Home ground: Hadley 

Kit colours: All red

Team sponsor: CMC Markets have very kindly sponsored us again this season, so a huge thank you to them

What will your team bring to the league this season? Good football, a great bunch of lads and one of the best pitches at this level

--------------------------------------

HMH OLD BOYS

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Peter Morrison Trophy, Cyril Anekstein Cup, London FA Cup

Hopes for the season: August was spent on the beach preparing a tan for the season ahead; pre-season gets underway in earnest next week when 90 per cent of squad should be back from beach. Everyone in the squad is aged under 23. What did Alan Hansen once say about kids?

Players in: We are a new team but you might find a few faces from Oakwood, Brady, Lions, and Raiders

Ones to watch: Can’t wait to see all of them in action but if you force me ... the old guard who have been through the HMH academy, alongside manager Avi Goldberg - Adam Abadi, Jake Norton, Thomas Prais, Eli Wegrzyn and George Goldberg, plus some new arrivals from Nottingham University, including Sam Monjack and Alex Moss

Manager: Avi Goldberg - self-styled on Pep

Home grounds: Powerleague Finchley and the Hive

Kit colours: Sky blue

Team sponsor: Powerleague

What will your team bring to the league this season? Apparently, and according to Twitter, “the storm is coming …”

--------------------------------------

LONDON MACCABI LIONS

Competitions entered: All the Jewish competitions as well as the Hertfordshire Senior Sunday County Cup

Hopes for the season: Build a group of players who support one another on and off the pitch. Pre-season has gone well so far, attendance has been great and the quality is improving week on week

Players in: Awaiting medicals!

Key players departed: Adam Abadi and Ben Winters to HMH JYC

Ones to watch: Adam Arnold and Reiss Mogilner

Management set-up: Max Kyte and Samuel Marchant. Coach - Marc D’amici, Physio - Jeremy Hasson

Home ground: Rowley Lane

Kit colours: Blue

Team sponsor: Marchant Asian Art

What will your team bring to the league this season? We hope to be competitive and give each opponent a tough game

--------------------------------------

LOS CAMDEN

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Peter Morrison Trophy, Cyril Anekstein Cup

Hopes for the season: It’s never easy when two clubs merge and the merger between Los Blancos and Camden Park has been no exception. There has been so much to do and with players away on summer holidays, it’s been difficult to get to know 20 new players, with nearly 30 players expecting to be in the A-team squad. Under the circumstances, we have had a very good pre-season all things considered. We undoubtedly have a lot of talent and the future looks bright

Ones to watch: Too many to mention but we have players all over the pitch who will thrill our supporters

Manager: Stirling Kay

Home ground: Hertswood Academy

Kit colour: Royal blue and white

Sponsorship: Khalatschi Bros

What will your team bring to the league? Organisation, exciting to watch going forwards and we’ll be hard to beat. We could surprise a lot of people. Don’t rule us out for silverware and the B-team promotion!

--------------------------------------

OAKWOOD A

Competitions entered: Challenge Cup Cup (we have been drawn to play against Omonia in early November), MGBSFL, Peter Morrison Trophy, Cyril Anekstein Cup

Hope for the season: To challenge on all fronts. We know how tough it will be but we believe we have the squad to compete. The league will be even more competitive this year, especially with the addition of HMH. This can only be a good thing

Players in: Josh Bharier. We’re still working on other deals and are confident of getting some over the line but we’re staying quiet for now

Key players departed: Jake Norton and Thomas Prais to HMH

Ones to watch: Josh Cuby, Josh Bharier, Sam Cantor

Management set-up: Dan Kristall and Dave Cohen will manage the first-team. Lee Collins will be first-team coach 

Home ground: Nicholas Breakspear School 3G

Kit colours: Home - Navy, Away - Green

Team sponsor: Woolbro Homes

What will your team bring to the league this season? A tough, competitive edge and quality all over the park. Physically strong with match-winners, we hope to be challenging on all fronts

--------------------------------------

WEEK ONE FIXTURES

Hendon Utd vs HMH - DC Prediction: Hendon 1 HMH 1

ML Lions vs Faithfold Doc MM A - DC Prediction: Lions 2 Faithfold 1

--------------------------------------

--------------------------------------

DIVISION ONE

BAYERN MINCHA

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Anekstein, Peter Morrison Trophy

Hopes for new season: To complete back-to-back promotions is the aim. However, this division is a massive step up from last year, with every team in the division possessing huge amounts of quality.Fairlop are probably the favourites to win it, whilst even a top-five finish would represent a success for our young team. Pre-season has gone well with wins against Whetstone Wanderers and Faithold, though it has been difficult to arrange many friendlies with so many players abroad. However, our friendly against Oakwood B gave us a good indicator of where we are

Players in: So far we have made four additions, bringing in Ben Levene (CM), Philippe Auret (wing forward), Tomer Tricot (FB) and Daniel Jacob (CAM). We are hopeful of bringing in a couple more before the season starts

Key departures: Eli Davila has joined Faithold A. Aside from that, all core members of our squad have remained at the club

Ones to watch: Star striker Adam Ellis is still in our ranks and we expect another big season from him, despite his desire to play at right-back. Ex-JFS captain Ben Levene gives us huge quality in midfield with his play-making abilities, while Philippe Auret will be looking to hit 15-20 league goals. Others to watch include Jake Dayan (captain), Leader, Beezus and the speed merchant Harry Salter

Management set-up: Daniel Holder will continue to manage the team with Alon Pinhas

Captain: Jake Dayan remains as captain providing us with much needed stability into the new season

Home ground: Capital City Academy

Kit colour: Maroon

Team sponsor: AJH Films

What will your team bring to the league this season? We will be the youngest team in the division and will have bags of pace in the side. However, we will also have much needed physicality with the presence of Beezus, Ozin and Gav Nussbaum. Finally, we have a top-class keeper in Joseph Nyman who has had an exceptional pre-season after hearing a move for goalkeeper Scott Igel was gathering pace

--------------------------------------

FAIRLOP FC

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Cyril Anekstein Cup, Peter Morrison Trophy

Hopes for the season: Pre-season has gone very well and we’ve been playing some really attractive football. The aim is to have the title in the bag by February and we can then focus on reaching a cup final

Players in: Harrison Grant and Arron Rosen, both quality additions

Key players departed: We’ve lost Pierce Prince, our consistent right-back, has moved to LA

Ones to watch: Ryan Cole – Division One top-scorer, mark my words

Manager: Aaron Dias

Captain: Bradley Gayer

Home ground: Seven Kings High School 3G

Kit colours: The famous orange and black again

What will your team bring to the league this season? Goals, banter and just like we did to Mill Hill Dons last year, we’ll be serving up a nice big slice of humble pie to North London Galaxy and Jewdinese

--------------------------------------

JEWDINESE

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Peter Morrison Trophy, Cyril Anekstein Cup

Hopes for the season: Of course it is an exciting time for everyone involved with the club. The decision to go straight into Division One was based on the fact we have a young and very talented squad which can compete with any team in any of the three divisions. Obviously the aim is to get promoted and on the back of an encouraging pre-season, we see no reason as to why we can't achieve this. We really do believe we have a great squad and with the quality in the league being very high, we are looking forward to testing ourselves against many Jewdinese old boys and other teams in the division

Players in: Scott Oldstein, Arron Goldberg - the former Redbridge duo have shown unbelievable signs in pre-season, bringing flair and most importantly great skill to an already talented side

- Billy Lee - the heartbeat of our midfield, Billy is the general in the middle of the park.

- Brad Lander - you might recognise Brad from his goal in the final at Wingate for London Lions who has now officially joined the home of Jewish football. 

- James Van Straten – Straw Hat Pirates’ finest. After a great first season in the league last year, our scouts recommended we make an offer which thankfully was accepted

- Josh Platt and Jack Balsam - the magical left-footed duo. Hopefully we can get them playing when it's raining but no promises!

- Sam Stern - signed purely to provide half-time bagels

Key players departed: Ashley Lawrence, Ollie Brill and Harry Marks. Harry has hung up his boots and taken a role as assistant-manager which he has put down to 'injury purposes' but most have put down to 'lifestyle choices'

Ones to watch: We could list our whole squad but to single a few out:

- Adam Gold - the skipper the heart of our defence and with many other teams coming in for him, we are confident he can help us achieve promotion this season

- Billy Lee - Billy's engine in midfield combined with his technical ability make him the perfect signing of the summer. No doubt Billy will prove his worth in the coming games

- Ben Berrick - It's very rare you see Ben Berrick make a mistake on the pitch. He is definitely someone to keep an eye on and would highly recommend getting him straight into your fantasy team

Management set-up: - Manager - Darren Lawrence, Chairman - Jake Erlich and Zac Brin,Assistant-manager - Harry Marks

Captain: Adam Gold

Home ground: Queens’ School

Kit colours: White and Black

What will your team bring to the league this season? As I'm sure most people will remember, we will bring a lot of excitement. Our attacking style of play will hopefully take the league by storm and with our very tough start to the season, we hope to put the marker down early. As well as on the pitch, off the pitch we will provide you with great content on social media as well as giving you a great looking kit to admire

--------------------------------------

LOS CAMDEN B

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Peter Morrison Trophy, Cyril Anekstein Cup

Hopes for the season: Promotion

Manager: Greg Mellor and Rick Harris

Home ground: Hertswood Academy, Borehamwood

Kit colour: Royal blue and white

What will your team bring to the league this season? Good, passing football

--------------------------------------

NORTH LONDON GALAXY

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Peter Morrison Trophy, Cyril Anekstein Cup

Hopes for the season: League title. Either of the cups would be a bonus. Worst-case scenario is promotion. Pre-season has been excellent – we’ve progressed massively on the pitch, playing excellent football in each match. Individual players are getting better and collectively we are beginning to master out formation

Ones to watch:

- Jack Mattey - Mattey – one of the deadliest ballers you’ll see

- Jake Rinsler - potential player of the year. A leader of men, Kante, Viera, Keane and De Bruyne molded into one

- James Belchak - aka Viera, Dan Brennan – progressed immensely since joining. There is no better left-wing-back in the division

Management set-up: We have three players-managers/board of directions/captains – Luke Lewis, Jess Alexander and Jake Rinsler

Home ground: Ark Elvin Academy

Kit colours: Navy

Sponsor: Gavsy Media

What will you bring to the league this season? We’re the new boys people want to beat. It’s as simple as that! Teams may not like us but we bring an excellent calibre of football, constant battles and charisma to the league. We want to start an empire and we’ll ensure all those we play feel like they don’t want to play against us again. Welcome to the jungle!

--------------------------------------

NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Peter Morrison Trophy and Cyril Anekstein Cup

Hopes for the season: To enjoy our football, be competitive and then you never know

Ones to watch: Josh Bloom, Matt Warner, Alex Jacobs, Aron Gale, Max Wegoda, Scott Waissel and Charles Senchal

Managers: Jake Yudelowitz, Gideon Gale, David Isaacs and Tal Cohen

Captain: Jake Doffman

Home ground: The Ark, Wembley

Colour: Orange

Team sponsor: Harris Balcombe 

What will you bring to the league this season? Unity — 90 per cent of us were in the same year at JFS — decent banter, average football and an even more mediocre Instagram page!

--------------------------------------

OAKWOOD B

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Cyril Anekstein Cup, Peter Morrison Trophy

Hopes for the season: To win the league. We’ve been in the division a few years now and improved every season. Third place last year was a good achievement and an improvement. But now we’ve got to kick on and get over the line. We play positive and front-footed football and I believe we’ll approach each Sunday in a positive frame of mind 

Players in: Over the last few seasons we’ve been able to add one or two quality players to the squad, meaning we’ve steadily improved over a number of years and been able to keep a strong spirit and familiarity in the dressing room. Last season centre back Jordan Sherne and attacking midfielder Louie Libbert were fantastic additions; just like left back Ben Loofe and central midfielder Ben Feingold before them. Josh Pugh, Elliot Espinoza We were on the look-out for another right-sided player but couldn’t quite get a few deals over the line. This summer we’ve added midfielders Josh Pugh from Scrabble and Elliot Espinoza from Raiders B. They bring so much experience and skill with them and I’m hoping they’re the final piece of the jigsaw for us. I was on the look-out for another right sided player but we couldn't quite get a few deals over the line

Key players departed: Goalkeeper Dean Caplin departed for Redbridge. We were sad to lose our veteran part-time defensive midfielder and full time mensch Dan Linton

Ones to watch: Attackers Daniel Seligman and Daniel Selwyn always get the attention from media, fans and full-backs. But fellow attacker Louie Libbert could give them serious competition and the other one we’ll earmark is right-back Dani Dennison who is getting fitter, better and more dangerous every week. He’s worked extremely hard on his fitness and crossing and it’s paying off

Manager: Jason Stein

Captain: Simon Field

Home ground: Nicholas Breakspear

Kit colours: Green

Team sponsor: Woolbro Homes - we’re hugely grateful for the support they give us. And they do lovely fixtures and fittings 

What will your team bring to the league this season? We took great pride in the number of managers who took the time to compliment our football last season. We really do try and keep the ball down and play. It’s Sunday League, let’s make it fun. We’ll try and bring that with us every week

--------------------------------------

REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Peter Morrison Trophy, Cyril Anekstein Cup

Hopes for the season: Potentially this will be another season of restructuring, but with two good RJC teams, we’re aiming to win the title. Pre-season has been good with some very high-tempo performances

Players in: Dan Orgel, Dean Caplin

Ones to watch: James Berkley, Nate Kashket

Management set-up: Sam Rank, Assistant-manager: Johan Simberg, Coach: Richie Caplin

Home ground: Seven Kings High School 3G

Kit colours: Purple shirts, white shorts and purple socks. Purple represents Jewish Care

Sponsor: Jump Evolution

What will the team bring to the league this season? The boys are all very committed lads and are determined and motivated to work for each other and to bring home silverware. With the structure we have in place we believe we are destined for the title

--------------------------------------

SCRABBLE FC A complete the division. They will play home games at the Hive in Edgware and at Aycliffe Park, Borehamwood, playing in navy kit with a yellow trim.

WEEK ONE FIXTURES

Bayern Mincha vs Los Camden B - DC Prediction: Bayern 2 LC 1

Fairlop FC vs Jewdinese - DC Prediction: Fairlop 2 Jewdinese 2

North London Raiders A vs Redbridge Jewish Care A - DC Prediction:Raiders 1 Redbridge 1

--------------------------------------

--------------------------------------

DIVISION TWO

FAITHFOLD DOC MM B

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Cyril Anekstein Cup

Hopes for the season: Consolidation

Players in: There are several new faces, including a whole new batch of youngsters coupled with some players from Faithfold A

Players out: A number of older players have retired but we’re still negotiating with a few to stay

Managers: Martin Smulovitch and Motty Korman, with assistance from Doron Shooter. Captaincy will be rotated

Home ground: West Hendon

Kit colours: Yellow shirts, black shorts

Team sponsor: Doc MM

What will your team bring to the league this season? Hopefully some fast-flowing, exciting football and perhaps some silverware

--------------------------------------

FAITHFOLD DOC MM C

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Cyril Anekstein Cup

Hopes for the season: Consolidation

Players in: Scott Igel looks to have secured the No. 1 jersey. Gibraltarian Danny Cohen is an exciting prospect

Players out: Club stalwart David Garson has hung up his boots/gloves. Mark Singer, Nick Stern and Josh Lewis have joined Temple Fortune

Ones to watch: Daniel Clements and Jamie Nessim have impressed in pre-season and will be key to Faithfold's season hopes. Turkish midfielder David Can Benun is another one to watch

Managers: Ben Kfir and Rob Shooman

Captain: JJ Marrache

Home ground: Roger Bannister

Kit colours: Green and white hoops

Team sponsor: Doc MM

What will your team bring to the league this season? Battle and grit

--------------------------------------

FC TEAM

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Peter Morrison Trophy, Cyril Anekstein Cup

Hopes for the season: We hope to be challenging near the top of the table, highly competitive in every game and scoring lots of goals. Pre-season has gone well, we have utilised the full squad and have challenged ourselves against higher opposition

Players in: The stand-out addition is Josh Morris. Ricky Shafier returns while veteran Gabe John will add versatility. We also have club legends Richard Sternberg and Gideon Moss returning from long-term injuries

Key player departed: Marc Hecht has retired 

Ones to watch: Jamie Breslaw, Stalwart Adam Rones, and boss Mitch Young has a “feeling Richard Salmon will be near to his best this year, competing with me for leading scorer”

Management set-up: Player-manager — Mitch Young, Assistant-manager — Johnny Pearl, Captain — Jon Breger

Home ground: Hertswood Academy

Kit colours: Yellow shirts, blue shorts

Team sponsor: Fusion Consulting - www.fusionconsult.co.uk

What will your team bring to the league this season? Experience, organisation and lots of goals

--------------------------------------

HERTSWOOD VALE

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Cyril Anekstein Cup, Peter Morrison Trophy

Hopes for the season: This season is a big one for the Vale. After finishing mid-table last season, we’re looking to better ourselves and hopefully challenge for a top-four place. We’ve strengthened our squad across the board, bringing in players with big price tags and a plethora of experience at a higher level. But most importantly, we now possess a squad that has, for the most part, experience of playing 11-a-side football for the past two seasons. The key for us was not only to strengthen this summer, but keep the squad together where possible. We also challenged ourselves throughout pre-season against higher opposition

Players in: Ollie Marshall (unattached after uni), Svi Freedman (Los Blancos), Adam Zaidman (NLR A), Ben Kaye (NLR C), Jonny Kaye (free agent), Zach Mandel (free agent after uni)and Ben Mandel (Straw Hat Pirates)

Key players out: We’ve said goodbye to a few players over the summer, but most notable is Vale’s record goal-scorer Josh Cohen who has moved on to pastures new with North London Galaxy. We wish him all the best. Joni Hirschowitz is another notable departure. The league’s best keeper last season has started his university degree

Ones to watch: I’ll pick three players who have a growing reputation within Jewish football:

- Adam Zaidman (GK) – following Joni Hirschowitz’s departure to university, there were some big gloves to fill. Snatched from Raiders A in the Prem, we believe we have signed Jewish football’s very own David De Gea in Adam. His reflexes and distribution are second to none and hopefully will be a big factor in us tightening up our defence this season

- Svi Freedman (CM/CAM) – another played snatched from the loftier heights of Division One. Having featured in the MGBSFL Division One team of the season last year, he needs no introduction. Svi has copious amounts of experience that we’ll be looking for him to display both on and off the pitch

- James Millet (CAM) – having FINALLY graduated from university, holding onto James was one of our greatest achievements going into the new season. After being approached by HMH and NL Galaxy, James has decided to stay with the Vale, claiming in true Clean Bandit style “there’s no place I’d rather be”. James has already confirmed that he’s targeting Josh Cohen’s record of 14 goals last season

Management set-up: Danny Hirschberger has activated his one-year rolling contract and will continue as co-manager alongside Jacob Emanuel for the upcoming season. Jack Shulman and Vivian Emanuel continue in their roles as Director of Football and Chairman respectively, whilst Ashley Hirschberger steps up to player-coach for the season.

Home ground: Ark Elvin Academy 4G

Kit colours: Burgundy & mustard yellow top, with burgundy shorts and socks

Team sponsor: We’re excited to announce a partnership with Borehamwood’s very own Pizoyo for the upcoming season. Pizoyo will assume the role as home shirt sponsor, while global restaurant brand Chopstix will continue as away shirt sponsor. 

What will your team bring to the league this season? In line with the club motto “Focus, vision and energy,” the club will be looking to be competitive in all our games this season, while our move to a 4G pitch this season will demand an attractive brand of football, next to the national stadium in Wembley. We’re hoping our third season will be our best yet

--------------------------------------

MILL HILL DONS

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Peter Morrison Trophy and Cyril Anekstein Cup

Hopes for the season: To win the title. We were top for the majority of last season but just missed out on promotion. Unfortunately, we were unable to get over that final hurdle. The boys are extremely determined now to right the wrongs from last season and get both the title and the promotion that we need. We know it won’t be easy as there’s some good teams coming into the league. I expect to see SPEC, Temple Fortune, Redbridge B, FC Team and maybe even Hertswood Vale and Faithfold B all mounting a solid title and promotion challenge. SPEC, Redbridge B and Temple Fortune have their credentials of playing in the division above in the past - they have the experience and know how to do it in this league. FC Team, Hertswood Vale and Faithfold B have all strengthened over the summer, so they should prove to be tougher tests this season

Players in: We have brought in two players so far; Jordan Stein and full-back Daniel Lande - they could help take us to the next level and make a stronger team as whole

Key players departed: Lee Stern and James Silverman. The legacies they have left behind though will live on in the hearts of Dons fans for many years to come

Ones to watch: Harry Moss and Jamie Nagioff. These two will be given different roles and positions to last season. We will see both push on even more in their new roles and have very productive seasons

Management set-up:

Manager, Chairman, Owner, Secretary and Co-Treasurer: Brandon Hammé

Assistant-manager, First Team Coach and Director of Performance: Jamie Nagioff

Captain, Player Liaison Officer and Co-Treasurer: Nick Phillips

Director of Communications: Jordan Rinsler

Head of Emerging Markets and The Middle East: Josh Moses

Home ground: Goffs Academy, Cheshunt

Kit colours: Gold shirts, black shorts

Team sponsor: Food Story London 

What will your team bring to the league this season? We want to bring sexy football back to the MGBSFL. We will bring fast, attacking, expansive football, with lots of swagger and conviction. Boss Brandon Hammé has "never played for a draw in my life and I don’t intend to start doing so any time soon!"

--------------------------------------

NORTH LONDON RAIDERS MASTERS

Competitions entered: MGBSFL

Hopes for the season: Having joined from the Masters League, this is new territory for the squad. It will be a challenge but it’s one we are looking forward to

Players in: Matt Kleinman, James Kaye, Oliver Kenner, Adam Leveson

Key players departed: Alex Bourne, Mark Brahams

Ones to watch: Dave Fox, Nicky Skone, James Kaye

Managers: Jonny Blain and James Cartmell

Captain: Dan Hodes

Home ground: Ark Academy 3G

Kit colours: Orange shirts with royal blue shorts and socks

What will your team bring to the league this season? Experience. We suspect we will be one of the oldest teams in the league

--------------------------------------

REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Peter Morrison Trophy, Cyril Anekstein Cup

Hopes for the season: We are predominantly an experienced team where family comes first, so each week will see a different starting XI

Ones to watch: Some Essex and MGBSFL legends, namely Steven Summers, Danny Berg,  the Hakimi brothers,  Craig Sandford, Adam Shafron, Alex Aviram  and Dan “Flash” Gordon

Manager: Richard Bronzite. He will be assisted by Danny Berg, Craig Sandford and Adam Hakimi

Captain: Steve Summers 

Home ground: Fairlop 

Kit colours: Purple shirts, white shorts. Purple represents Jewish Care

Sponsor: Jump Evolution

What will the team bring to the league this season? Zimmer frames, “old dad” jokes and some quality football!

--------------------------------------

SPEC FC

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Peter Morrison Trophy, Cyril Anekstein Cup

Hopes for the season: Pre-season improved as the weeks progressed. The squad looks more settled now after a tricky start and we’ve looked much better

Players in: Lots of exciting recruitment has taken place. We’ve managed to keep a lot of the “old guard” and added to it with a mixture of experience and youth. We’ve also made a few additions that on paper look like fantastic business for the club, including former NLR midfield general Adam Joselyn

Key players departed: We’ve lost goalkeeper Simon Roth, which is a shame, but we’ve managed to bring in Josh Frey, much to the relief of the whole squad

Ones to watch: Our two youngsters - Sam Martin and Tommy Lustigman

Manager: Ricky Lawrence

Captain: Ashley Burns

Home ground: Queens’ School, Bushey

Kit colours: Navy blue

Team sponsor: Chick P Street Food

What will your team bring to the league this season? Old legs, tired minds, possibly some babies on the sidelines, but hopefully a few victories too

--------------------------------------

TEMPLE FORTUNE

Competitions entered: MGBSFL, Cyril Anekstein Cup, Peter Morrison Trophy

Hopes: Pre-season could have been better. It was a struggle to get the majority of our squad available throughout August. Results-wise, we won one and lost three 

Players in: The experience of former L’Equipe players Mark Singer, Nick Stern, David Prager and Josh Lewis has boosted the squad. There are also high hopes for ex-Camden Park centre-forward Danny Sherman and boss Simon Linden is “expecting one more surprise signing out of the Israeli leagues that should catch the headlines”

Key players departed: Brett Stead, Conor Brand and Michael Woolfe have all moved on

Ones to watch: Dan Vandermolen is crucial for us and Simon Cohen is sure to be a big hit 

Management set-up: Simon Linden is the manager. Lee Fegan, Steven Black and Darren Zitren are also involved in the Fortune’s management team

Home ground: Silver Jubilee Park

Kit colours: Yellow shirts with red trim, red shorts, red and yellow socks 

Team sponsor: Ellis & Co (Golders Green branch)

What will your team bring to the league this season? This is our 50th year. It’s a huge achievement and credit goes to the chairman Nigel Kyte for continuing to deliver such a well-run football club. Like every other season, TFFC are a credit to the league. Boss Linden is “confident we can back it up with a competitive season in league and cups”

--------------------------------------

--------------------------------------

WEEK ONE FIXTURES

Faithfold Doc MM B vs SPEC FC - DC Prediction: Faithfold 0 SPEC 2

FC Team vs Mill Hill Dons - DC Prediction: Team 1 Dons 1

Hertswood Vale vs Temple Fortune - DC Prediction: Vale 3 Fortune 1

Scrabble FC B vs North London Raiders Masters - DC Prediction: Scrabble 1 Raiders 2