Oriental Lisbon - One Step Closer

Pauker Thanks mate

pompeyblue Thanks pompey, it will be tough, but I'm up for it

Josh_MU Thanks Josh!

Feliks Thanks Feliks, I have a feeling it will be

Congrats Walt! Can't wait to see the signings for first league

2014-06-25 20:22#181438 AAN : Congrats Walt! Can't wait to see the signings for first league

Thanks AAN, I feel like we need a bit more experience this season!

"We've Created History" - Oriental Squad

Upon promotion to the Liga Zon Sagres for the first time in the club's history, Oriental Lisbon are revelling in their jump to the big time and eagerley await the challenge ahead. Many of the players have heaped praise on manager Vitor Martins for their recent successes.

Oriental secured promotion early on and lately sealed a historic title win to take themselves to the pinnacle of the Portuguese footballing pyramid for the first time in their 70 year history.

Fans have been in dreamland and the players have joined them there, too, with a few reportedly being seen drunken in a famous Lisbon bar. Manager Vitor Martins was not to be seen, however, as the 38-year old revealed he enjoyed a quiet celebration with friends.

"It is a momentous occasion, and I can't blame the boys for getting a little excited about it," Martins told A Bola. "They've done remarkably well this season and deserve a break for their efforts."

The players, however, ran out of superlatives for their head honcho Martins, with Nigerian winger Cedric Omoigui piling the praise on his boss: "He's done really well at keeping every one happy and confident, and he's made it fun for us as well as keeping it serious and disciplined."

Nigerian Omoigui has flourished under the Setúbal born manager this season, reeling in several important goals and assists from left wing.

Captain Hugo Grilo was also quick to sing Martins' praises, lauding the Oriental manager for his superb man management and tactical finesse. "Vitor [Martins] is first of all a great person and second a brilliant manager. He rarely ever gets it wrong.

"His relationship with the whole team is amazing. We all played so well because of the belief and confidence he instilled into us." Grilo was one of the key players for Martins' Oriental, the centre back managing to add 7 goals in a season where he was an ever present under Martins.

Sergio Liparoti, 22, also congratulated Martins on leading the club to promotion. Liparoti, who scored 14 goals in 40 games, said, "Vitor never lost faith in me, or any other team members. He creates this team mentality that got us over the line on so many occasions."

No doubt the Oriental squad are overjoyed about their promotion, but Martins insists they have to be fully prepared for the season ahead. "New signings will not be made for the sake of signing people," he said. "We need to spend wisely."

Oriental and Moreirense will be replacing Académica and CD Aves in the top flight for next season, and are both tipped to head straight back down. It remains to be seen, however, if Vitor Martins can work his magic again.

Vitor Martins really is a top quality manager!

2014-06-26 08:20#181528 pompeyblue : Vitor Martins really is a top quality manager!

I'm just writing about the stuff I see in my save

Season Three Player of the Season: Stefano Franchi

Oriental Fans' Spokesperson Daniel Almeida:
It was never going to be an easy task - filling the boots of Oriental's iconic winger Tiago Mota, who gave the fans a lot to cheer about in his two seasons under Vitor Martins. And after Mota's departure, I'll admit most of the fans were sceptical.

Mota's industrious play down the right had caused problems for opposition all over the country. His crossing, passing and finishing were vital for us and his replacement had a lot to live up to.

Stefano Franchi was the man unveiled, an Italian winger lauded by the manager upon his first press conference after his arrival. I for one was still doubting whether this guy was really the right choice - he was 30 and couldn't speak the language.

In all honesty, we didn't know that much about him. He was a foreigner and we'd never heard of him before. Serie B is a league that not many people follow and so any player out of there is generally not very well known to most fans outside of Italy.

Despite this, Franchi proved to be a replacement and a half. It's a credit to Vitor Martins for being able to get the best out of someone and replacing the talent he's left behind. Franchi, himself, was unstoppable at times.

The Italian dazzled opponents on the right wing and made an immediate impact. From day one he racked in not only assists but goals. He ended up finishing atop the assists charts with 23, and also went into double figures for goals.

We cannot be more pleased with Stefano's amazing form and we pray that it continues for a long time. Tiago Mota will always be a fan favourite here, but it's safe to assume that Franchi has more than earned his place in the club's history.

Vitor Martins: "Stefano has proved a worthy successor to Tiago Mota and this award for player of the season just caps off a fantastic season for him. He's worked hard and kept in shape, and he's repaid all his wages week in week out. He may be getting on but I believe he's still got a few years left yet and I can't wait to see what the future holds!"

Stefano Franchi: "It's an honour to receive such an award. I've had a wonderful time here in Lisbon, the transition has been made very easy by all the boys in the dressing room and the backroom, who make this club what it is. We've had a very successful season as a team and this is a welcome bonus. Now we must work on next season!"

what a great season from franchi!

Very good season for Franchi!

Feliks, Josh_MU He's proved quite the successor to Tiago Mota! Thanks for reading guys.

Season Three: Player of the Season!

It's been a fantastic year here at Oriental. We've made a historic leap to the Primeira Liga for the first time in our history and we have assembled a wonderful team. Today, though, is a day to recognise the efforts of our five best players.

#5 - Iago

Iago was a rock in defensive midfield this season, providing defensive solidity and a few vital goals here and there. Utilized as a deep-lying playmaker due to his poor marking, his passing from deep was more often than not vital and involved in our build up.

The Brazilian is only 22, and so I can see him developing into a top quality player in the future. His marking definitely needs work for his positioning so if he can improve in that I can see him maturing into a brilliant player!

#4 - Hugo Grilo

Our influential captain and rock solid defender, Hugo Grilo assumes 4th place in this season's Player of the Season award, after winning it last season. Grilo was an everpresent in this season's campaign, making 42 appearances out of a total 42.

He's approaching his 30's, but I'm positive we can still get more out of our leader and defensive stalwart. A new beginning in the Liga Zon Sagres should get even more out of him!

#3 - Sergio Liparoti

Our go to man for goals, Argentine Sergio Liparoti sure delivered. His burst of form meant we knew we could outscore anyone, and his contribution was pivotal in this season. At 22, like Iago, he has room to develop into a fine striker.

Next season will be a test for Liparoti. I'm not sure he has what it takes for the first division, so he may be forced to play a backup role - but ultimately, he has the power to surprise.

#2 - Cedric Omoigui

Cedric Omoigui's energetic play style and beautiful crossing have cemented him as a fan favourite amongst the vast majority of Oriental supporters. The Nigerian, a free transfer from Mallorca "B" in Spain, was a prime example of what team work can do.

Cedric is a player with a lot of promise and I greatly look forward to working with him next season. Hopefully the jump in ability of the Primeira Liga will speed up his development and give him a spring in his step.

#1 - Stefano Franchi

He may be ageing, but Stefano Franchi is at the peak of his form! He's been more than just a replacement for Tiago Mota, he's actually surpassed him, to be fair. The Italian racked up 24 assists and numerous goals to lead us to the title!

Despite him ageing he was always consistent and proved to be our best player throughout the season. I believe he's got one more season left in him, let's hope he continues to produce the goods!

Franchi is your Franchise player

Great update Walt, some great performers this season.

Mentals are shit in those players :(, but it doesn't mean the end of the world. Let's hope they will surprise everyone, especially the Lisboa giants! You should definitely change your title, as you're in the top division already