Some nice signings there. Really like how said Padilla was fast for your division, so I was expecting to see a nice 14+ or something, but he's got 9 Pace. 9.

Some nice signings but your goalie has 9 reflexes .-.

Los Gallegos Preseason: 2015

Preseason was a mixed bag for the team

2015's preseason was one of variety as we scheduled friendlies against teams of differing class in order to give us a sense of what life would be like in the second division and so we could also maintain morale after some defeats to bigger clubs. So, how did we fare?

Preseason Results

Preseason got off to a relatively good start. Considering we have new signings still looking to assume their roles in the side a 3-2 win over Valencia (VEN), our local neighbours, was an acceptable result, although we would've liked a larger margin in the grand scheme of things.

What followed, however, was truly unacceptable, as we slumped to a defeat to UA Aragua, at best a good Lower Division side. Despite goals from Reyes and Murillo we were consigned to defeat and I let the players know of my displeasure.

The next game was more of a fitness test against our parent club Trujillanos. Although Eduardo Cañas managed to put two in to the back of the net we sunk to a 5-2 defeat. In reply to that, in the clash against Central Ítalo we got back into the right frame of mind with a victory through Reyes' brace.

Nearly a week later it was another match against a Liga Movistar outfit as we took on Deportivo Petare, the former team of our player Johnny Aranguren. It was only fitting then, that Johnny managed to put the icing on the cake in a shock win over our more superior opponents.

Preseason was done and dusted at home against Lanceros de Zamora, who we dispatched 2-1 at the Polideportivo Misael Delgado. The match was virtually over after half an hour when we took a comfortable two goal lead and despite conceding a consolation goal towards the end of the game we held on for another good result.

Preseason Player of the Month

I can't safely give it to any individual on the team, but I don't think anybody truly stood out which is a shame. It may sound harsh but we weren't truly at our peak this preseason, which is weird considering some of the results. Hopefully once the season really kicks into gear we can also kick on and the players can give me something to think about.

Tactics Talk

We'll be lining up with the same 4-4-2/4-2-2-2 variation that proved to work so well last season. Like usual we'll be relying on our wingers on the counter attack to carve out opportunities for either a striker or a late arriving midfielder. If in dire need, we may revert to a 4-5-1 to get a more solid base.

7 goals conceded in 6 matches, not too shabby ;). Good luck for the season ahead of you

Good luck this season!

gl walt

Best of luck this season, Walter!

Best of luck Walt! #Back2BackPromotion

Pauker Yes, my defence is probably my weak spot but luckily it was preseason
Justice, Josh, pompeyblue, Feliks Thank you all, hopefully we stay up.

Segunda Venezolana Team Watch

Media Prediction: 20th
Manager: James Bond
Key Player: Jesús Reyes
One to Watch: Alexander Padilla

In this week's edition of Team Watch by Fox Sports en Español, we preview minnows Hermandad Gallega ahead of their return to the Segunda Venezolana after a year's absence. We run everything there is to know about 'Los Gallegos' and what it will take to stay up and fight for another year.

Under the tutelage of English-Scottish manager James Bond the Valencia-based club have been known for their attacking brand of football and fast counter attacking style. Despite doubts from the media, Bond led the club to a third-placed finish: warranting promotion.

There was no doubt that Bond relied heavily on the goals from star strikers Jesús Reyes and Eduardo Cañas. That partnership produced no less than eighty goals between them - fourty-two from the latter. This combination up top could yet again prove vital if Hermandad Gallega are to survive the drop. To add to that, youngster Dervis Barrera proved a valuable asset off of the bench, pitching in ten goals in twenty five appearances.

Supplying the strikers was the job of wingers Freddy Granados and Víctor Archila. The former, naturally an attacking midfielder who likes to play in the hole between midfield and attack, was shifted to the left and that didn't stop him from exhibiting his creativity as he topped the league with twenty-six assists. Also, Granados proved pivotal in other area - the penalty area. Granados dispatched every single penalty he took last season and will look to maintain that 100% record again.

On the other flank, Archila proved more of a traditional winger rather than his teammate's more playmaker role. Archila utilised his pace to beat opposition full backs and whip in crosses to his strikers. The Venezuelan also regularly popped up to score important goals. Despite not being a consistent scorer he still possesses the ability to come up when the time is right.

In the middle of the park, new signings Joan Thomas, Alexander Padilla and Johnny Aranguren will provide a solid core and the services of Alberto Orta may be called upon provided an injury comes up. Padilla, the most notable of that quartet, is on loan from Liga Movistar club Monagas S.C and will be the club's main creative outlet whereas Thomas is more of a ball winning midfielder.

Down the back of the park, the partnership of Deibis Alfaro and Geder Barrios is set to be key. Bond must have stability in his defence and ensuring these two start as many games together as possible is key. Behind them, will most likely be veteran and journeyman Juan Jose Alvarez. If not younger alternative Kevin Marquez will be thrust in between the sticks. The former is known for his eccentricity but his experience may override the fact that he's been known to make costly errors in the past.

Hermandad Gallega certainly have their doubters, and their ambitious squad will be out to settle those doubts when they get the chance. Getting off on the right foot should be the first step and manager Bond should never cease to encourage his team because their definitely is potential in there. Is that enough to keep them up? Sadly we don't think so. Yet it gives the whole club something to prove.

20th ? With Bond in charge, I doubt that'll happen

Well, at least there's no possible way you could underachieve with a media prediction of last place!

Media prediction 20th, pfffft....

Since when did that mean anything in FM?

Ergh... media predictions, eh? Well, at least being predicted 20th gives you the opportunity to prove yourselves and there's a lot less pressure too. If you go down (unlikely with Bond at the helm) then it was what was expected, but if you stay up then you've led the club to another great achievement. C'mon Walt, you can do this!

Paukers Let's hope so
Neal Ha... ha ;P
Feliks Exactly!
pompeyblue Thank you for the support, pompey!