Simon Linden has left no stone unturned in pursuit of glory as 10 new faces join his squad for their first season in Division One.
The BLIZZARD STORM boss received strong backing from his board, with Ben Ellis and Oli Henry dropping down from the Premier Division.
"Brad Cohen will also play a big part in the new-look team," said Linden. Centre half Conor Brand has caught the eye during pre-season. "He has massive potential and we look forward to the return of Andre Greyson following two years out through injury. He is set to return to training soon."
The absence of goalkeeper Oli Simons and top-scorer Dan Simons means squad depth will be tested. "It’s going to be a tough division with a lot of side capable of pushing for promotion,” said Linden. The first couple of months will be crucial."
NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS B
Jonathan Adelman has bolstered defence, midfield and attack as NLR B go in search of back-to-back titles.
The Division Two champions have kept the core of their side intact, with David Grossman, Josh Green and Lewis Blitz coming in. Strikers Jake Gilbert and Jacob Gold have joined from Athletic Bilbaum and Hendon respectively, giving L’Orange “some serious firepower".
Adelman believes that "despite Blizzard splashing some serious transfer cash, none of the teams looks weak so the gap between the promotion places and the bottom two may well come down to a matter of a few points and fine margins".
LOS BLANCOS
LB have capitalised on Hendon B folding, with Martin Smulovitch, Motty Korman, Danny Steel, Alon Blitz and Chaim Gothold welcomed to the squad by manager Jon Ison.
Entering the Peter Morrison Trophy for the first time, Jo Davis is the one to watch for a team looking for a top four finish.
Ison compared the departure of leading scorer Jono Gaon to that of Luis Suarez at Liverpool. “I don’t think he can be replaced by one player,” he said. “But the aim is for the whole squad to be stronger to make up for it.
"I am expecting more goals to be shared round the team, and a tighter defence."
Big things are expected from Adam Waters, James Joseph and Adam Hersh.
REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
It’s all change at RJC B, with Jon Jacobs’ plans decimated by university call-ups for the bulk of last year’s Division Two runners-up.
The organisational skills of stalwart Amir Nathan will be crucial, as will the presence of star midfielder Sam Rank who turned down an offer from KS Reunited. “”We have promised him football and training for six days a week plus a free tub of ice cream from the local Rossi's,” commented Jacobs. Goalkeeper Brad Grant is another key player.
"This season is all about consolidation so as long as we are still in Division One next season, all is good,” said Jacobs.
"We have a long-term plan for the Premier League which will only be unleashed when the boys are back from University.
SPEC FC
Ricky Lawrence and Michael Rhodes lead the challenge of SPEC FC team who are "looking to be a lot more competitive in the league and challenging at the right end of the table".
Brothers Brad Fox and Ryan Fox have bolstered the squad following the departure of Nick Berman and Brad Cohen in a team where Elliot Wallis and James Lesner are the “ones to watch”.
ATHLETIC BILBAUM
The loss of leading marksman Jake Gilbert was one of the first tasks Julius Judah and Nick Shinder needed to address after taking charge at the Baums.
But confidence remains high after a double promotion as the aim is "to become a household name of the league, providing attractive, yet direct and dynamic football".
Fans favourite Eli Lew has been appointed captain for a season which marks the fifth anniversary of club mascot Baum Baum the Elephant.
BRADY MACCABI
With only one Brady team entering this season, manager Josh Dagul has added three names to his squad, with the return of attacking midfielder James Joseph coming as a "major boost".
Having unveiled "explosive" striker Matt Frolich and young goalkeeper Sam Singer to the fans, Dagul told JC Sport: "We have high hopes that we can build on last season's impressive league campaign and make some waves in the cups, maybe sneaking into Europe.
"Matt follows in his brother's footsteps, treading the hallowed turf of Rowley Lane, while Sam returns to the Lane as one of the hottest goalkeeping prospects in the league.
"We're delighted that our prodigal son James Joseph is returning home. He claims that the little child inside of him couldn't turn down the chance to rejoin Brady when it arose and has signed a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee."
Captained by Danny Harrod, Brady have bid farewell to Dave Newman who has left the club by mutual consent after embarking on an American adventure, while Sam Frohlich is hanging up his boots."
Dagul predicts big things from Frohlich. "He will be a handful for defences at this level," he said. "A return to fitness for Michael Beaber has set tongues wagging among fans, who are excited to see him pull on a red shirt once again.
"Marauding veteran full-back Ben Hildebrand remains an exciting attacking outlet and a reliable defender, and is always worth keeping an eye on."
Brixton Old Boys and Camden Park complete the division.
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