[FM26] An Argentine's Journey

The full release of FM26 is just around the corner. As such, I will - if all goes well - finally be able to get my long-term save underway. It's… a journeyman. I know, shocking. Anyway, here's a quick introduction.

Although I've played FM for yonks, I still wouldn't class myself as a great player of the game. So, as I always mention at the beginning of my saves: do not expect greatness. I'm certainly not, not because it's impossible but because I'm just in it for the journey itself. I like seeing where and who I manage across a manager's lifespan. Anything else is a bonus. Whether I'm managing Northwich Victoria or Bayern Munich by the time my manager retires, I'll (hope to) be enjoying it no matter what. Let's see what happens!

I'll reveal my manager and his backstory (which I've never previously explicitly mapped out like I have this time, so forgive any lame or overly wordy storytelling - it isn't my forte) shortly, but first: the overall nature of the save. I'm starting with a manager that played only at amateur level, is known “part-time” and has a past as an assistant manager. He does hold the bottom coaching badge, I usually start with nothing across the board but due to the story behind the boss it makes more sense he'd have at least the first badge. His overall reputation is still on the bottom level under ‘Obscure’, however.

My plan is for the manager to travel the globe, but his starting point will be Southwestern Europe - as such, I'll load Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar, with the rest of the top five nations and the manager's home nation on view only. I'll be adding/removing leagues as we go, depending on how the manager's career organically plays out. Spain's lower leagues will be the starting point, that's all that's certain.

Before the save gets underway early next week: Introducing… Diego Correa.

Early life:

Correa was born in Mar del Plata, Argentina on 22 June 1986 to parents Jorge and María (née Fernández) Correa. He was named in honour of Diego Maradona, having come into the world midway through that famous Argentina vs. England quarter-final at the 1986 FIFA World Cup; his father, in fact, missed the birth of his only son as he had sneaked into the doctor's office to listen to the match via radio. His grandfather, César, played Liga Marplatense regional football for Club Atlético Aldosivi (who they all support) in the 1960s.

In July 2000, the Correa family - mother, father, son and twin sisters Paulina & Carolina - moved to Spain due to the ongoing great depression in Argentina at the time. The rest of the family, aside from a few cousins, remain in his homeland, with Correa desiring to one day return to Argentina as a respected manager.

Youth career:
Correa started his footballing career in his homeland as a 4-year-old in 1990, participating in the small-sided "baby fútbol" with local Mar del Plata team Club Atletico Nación. He remained with them until the age of 8, when the player moved to the big courts with Cadetes de San Martín; a club known for producing players like Emiliano Buendía and Roberto Pereyra.

In 1997, Correa headed across his hometown to Club Atlético Kimberley. Two years later, the promising midfielder was scouted and snapped up by Club Atlético Aldosivi, arguably the most well-known team from Mar del Plata. He would impress in their youth system, though his time with Tiburón would prematurely end in July 2000 due to his parents decision to emigrate to Spain.

Upon arriving in Southwestern Europe, the Correa family settled in Badajoz - a municipality situated in the autonomous community of Extremadura, which sits on the border with Portugal. He was almost immediately enrolled in Asociación Deportiva Lobón, a small team from the eponymous municipality about 20 minutes down the road from Badajoz proper.

Within a year, the municipality's biggest club, Club Deportivo Badajoz (in the second tier at the time), took interest and signed the midfielder in 2001. He would progress through their academy, though wouldn't ever make it into their senior set-up and was later released at the age of 20.

Senior career:
Ahead of the 2006-07 campaign, Correa headed into senior football by signing with Primera Regional side Club Polideportivo Carcaboso; who were plying their trade in tier two of Extremadura's regional leagues, which worked out as tier six of Spain as a whole. He would feature on/off across the season, though the club would be one of three teams to receive two-year bans after failing to fulfil their end of season matches. A move to Club Deportivo Alconchel followed for 2007-08, where he stayed for a further season but it was one that finished more pleasantly as the club placed 4th; two places (albeit by 19 points) away from promotion.

In mid-2008, Correa headed to another Primera Regional team in Club Deportivo La Albuera-Faesal. Blanquiazules would end the season with promotion to the top-flight, Regional Preferente, after finishing atop a Group 1 campaign that saw him feature in 21 of their 22 fixtures. He missed the final day after suffering a knee injury, which he believed to be minor at the time. However, months later in pre-season, Correa suffered a serious secondary setback with his right knee and would miss the entirety of 2009-10 as La Albuera-Faesal finished 14th. Correa returned to action for the subsequent 2010-11, turning out 11 times across their 38 games on the way to ending 17th. The midfielder would leave the club in June 2011.

In the succeeding July 2011, Correa was contemplating retiring from football. However, on the back of belief from his friends and a few former coaches, the midfielder would attend an off-season trial with Racing Club Polideportivo Valverdeño; who had placed 7th in the preceding 2010-11 in Regional Preferente. To his surprise, the club decided to sign him; albeit on the understanding that he would be seen as deep squad depth.

Racing would go on to have a fantastic 2011-12 season, as they secured promotion as Group 2 winners. Correa did not feature much, appearing only 4 times across their 30 fixtures. However, all four of those appearances would arrive near the campaign's completion when injuries had hit his teammates. Such was his perceived influence on the team's late-gained promotion, the manager decided to extend his terms for the club's upcoming season in the Tercera División.

2012-13 saw Correa attached to a club in Spain's pyramid proper for the first time. He started pre-season with Racing like a house on fire, so much so that the local media were tipping the Argentine-born midfielder to start on the opening day of the season against Díter Zafra. However, disastrously, in the club's final pre-season encounter, Correa ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in that troubled right knee; thus missing all of 2012-13.

He would remain out of action for the majority of 2013-14, eventually making his way back into Racing's first-team fold for the last few matches as he made sub showings in May 2014 versus Azuaga, Miajadas and Olivenza to add belated fourth tier appearances to his name. Racing were relegated at the conclusion of that campaign, with Correa released soon after.

Aged 28, Correa would retire from football in October 2014; following continued discomfort in his knee, which routinely flared up during summer trials with a few teams back in the Extremadura regional leagues.

Coaching career:
Correa desired to remain connected with football, even if he couldn't step onto the field of play himself.

In January 2015, he was soon appointed as a youth coach at former club Club Deportivo Alconchel. Within 6 months, Correa was invited to fulfil the same role at Club Deportivo Badajoz. His stint with Lobos lasted until midway through 2019, when a former teammate requested him as assistant manager at Club Deportivo Hernán Cortés - a team in the top-flight of Extremadura's regionals. The pair would lead the Badajoz-based outfit for three seasons, with the team placing 11th, 2nd and 3rd. They were subsequently poached by a former team of Correa's in Racing Club Polideportivo Valverdeño ahead of 2022-23.

Correa as the right-hand man to Spanish manager Roberto Velarde proved to be the perfect match for Racing, who would conclude the campaign with promotion to the Tercera Federación; now the fifth tier following 2021 pyramid reorganization. Their magic wouldn't quite work across their second season in charge, as the Valverde de Leganés club were relegated in the subsequent 2023-24. Correa planned to remain with Velarde, though decided to part ways after receiving an offer to work as an assistant for newly-promoted Tercera Federación side Club Deportivo Extremadura. It was another smart move for the Argentine, as José María Cidoncha's side earned a second consecutive promotion by topping Group 14; thus earning a spot in fourth tier Segunda Federación for 2025-26. Despite this, Correa would depart the Estadio Francisco de la Hera outfit in June 2025.

It's worth noting that during his coaching career, Correa successfully completed the National C licence course. The Argentine (who speaks Spanish, Portuguese and English) now plans to go it alone in a hot seat of his own, with murmurs of a first managerial job arriving in Segunda Federación; Spain's fourth division.

Sorry, put your Manager Profile in a Wikipedia style is pure genius! Massive well done there!

This is going to be one hell of a save, and I think Correa has some unfinished business with that Spanish league system. I look forward to seeing him accomplish great things!

excellent start and looking forward to following along with it

I'm someone who loves reading through footballer career paths on Wikipedia, so it made sense to create one for my FM manager.

I hope it's going to be a great save! Correa certainly does indeed have things to put right with the Spanish system, time will tell…

Thanks! I appreciate you joining the ride. I'm looking forward to getting it started for real.

Okay fine, you've got me hooked, let's go!

😁

Can't wait to get it started!

001: Diego Correa is appointed.

After departing the assistant's hotseat at Club Deportivo Extremadura back in June 2025, Correa was left twiddling his thumbs for months into 2025-26 as he awaited the right opportunity to step into lead management for the very first time. November saw concrete interest arrive from Spanish fourth tier Segunda Federación side Club Xerez Deportivo. After a harmonious job interview, the Argentine received a positive response to his job application a few days later.

Correa has been appointed as the new manager of Xerecistas. He replaces the sacked Antonio Fernández.

Xerez Deportivo Fútbol Club 🇪🇸 were founded in 2013 and are based in the town of Jerez de la Frontera, itself situated in the province of Cádiz in the autonomous community of Andalusia; southwestern Spain, between Seville and Gibraltar. They were set-up 12 years ago by supporters who were disgruntled by chairman Joaquín Morales' running of Xerez Club Deportivo, who still exist to this day and feature in the same league as Xerez Deportivo; albeit under different ownership. The two teams almost merged in July 2015, Deportivo voted in favour though CD voted against.

Xerez Deportivo rose up their leagues fast, placing 1st in 4 of their opening 5 seasons as they went from the depths of Andalusia's regionals in 2013-14 to the Tercera División for 2018-19. They remained in the then-fourth tier for three seasons, before obtaining promotion to Segunda Federación (the new fourth tier; Tercera became fifth tier) for the 2021-22 campaign. They were relegated back to Tercera after two seasons, but would win their Segunda spot back at the first time of asking in 2023-24. 2025-26 makes for their second straight season in tier four's Segunda Federación.

Xerecistas play their football at the sizeable and impressive Estadio Municipal de Chapín, which has a capacity of just over 20,000. They share the venue with the aforementioned Xerez Club Deportivo, who also play in Segunda Federación.

As for the here and now, Xerez Deportivo currently sit 8th in an 18-team Group 4; there are 5 groups overall, each split by geographical proximity. It's a simple format, in that the team that finishes top wins promotion, 2nd to 5th head into the promotion play-offs and the bottom 5 clubs get relegated to the (unplayable) Tercera Federación. In real life, 13th would go into a relegation play-off round, but I can't see that listed anywhere in-game; might just not be showing at the moment, as it is only select 13th place teams that participate, based on the 4 teams who have the lowest points in that position.

Xerez Deportivo, who are 2 points ahead of relegation and 4 points off the promotion play-offs with 21 games left, are coming off a victory over relegation-threatened Estepona. Overall record so far is P13, W5, D3, L5, GF15, GA15, GD0, 18pts. Correa's first match in charge will come at home to Yeclano Deportivo, who are currently 12th. After that, the big match with Xerez Club Deportivo (11th). Club Deportivo Extremadura are also in this division, with Correa's reunion with his former employers set for April 2026. The board desire a mid-table finish, with the media's season preview placing Xerez Deportivo in the top half.

According to the staff, left wingers Ilias Charid and Christian Dieste (can also play upfront) are our best players.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: November + December.

The Save So Far:

002: The first months in charge.

Fresh off his appointment as Xerez Deportivo manager, Diego Correa headed into the final months of 2025 searching for a positive impact.

His first game in charge came at home to relegation candidates Yeclano Deportivo. The match would finish 1-1, fortunately so for a below par Xerez Deportivo. Babacar Fedior gave the visitors a deserved lead on 38 minutes, though that advantage was vanquished nine minutes into the second half by Christian Dieste. Work to do, but a point on debut is seldom negative.

Game 2 saw the rivalry match with Xerez; the club, as noted in my last post, that shares an uncomfortable history with Diego Correa's new team. It would, sadly, be the original Xerecistas who took the three points at the Estadio Municipal de Chapín. Josete netted a brace, the first an outstanding free-kick and the second a penalty. Christian Dieste made it two in two under Correa, but it would be defeat for the Argentine manager and his players.

Then came a tricky match with promotion-chasing Real Jaén. A penalty from Connor Ruane and an Iván López goal gave the guests a merited win. 3 games into his tenure at the club and Diego Correa's impact has not been good, Xerez Deportivo have been outclassed on each occasion thus far. An improvement was needed.

An improvement did not arrive next time out, as somewhat of a six-pointer with fellow strugglers Puente Genil ended in a comfortable 2-0 victory for the home side. Isma and Salva Vegas with the goals for the Córdoba-based outfit. And to make matters worse, Diego Correa's only goalscorer so far, Christian Dieste, picked up a 2-3 week injury.

Thankfully, in the final match of 2025, Diego Correa managed to secure the first win of his managerial career - and it was a surprise one. UCAM Murcia visited Chapín in search of top spot, which they were heading for early on in this match. However, a 16th-minute Pepe Greciano goal put them behind and behind they stayed, as Xerez Deportivo claimed just their sixth competitive win of the 2025-26 season. This fixture saw Correa changed tactics, having played the preceding matches with ideas that were suggested by his (limited; e.g. assistant manager only signed by DoF post-match) already in-place backroom staff. He went with his own ideas here and it paid dividends.

Not the best impact on Xerez Deportivo from Diego Correa, but there is reason to be hopeful going forward after that noteworthy home win over high-flying UCAM Murcia. They have dropped into the relegation zone, though only sit behind Malacitano by one singular goal difference. 2026 begins with 7 matches spread across January and February, with the run of games to begin with a trip to third place Almería B. It doesn't get much easier with Recreativo Huelva (7th) and Águilas (8th) following across Jan. Feb does look more kind, with all opposition currently in the bottom half; two of 'em are in the drop zone alongside Xerez Deportivo.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: January + February.

The Save So Far:

003: The feet are under the table.

With a new tactic and subsequently a first win in tow, Diego Correa and Xerez Deportivo walked into the New Year with fresh optimism - and it was needed, after an iffy beginning to life in Jerez de la Frontera for the Argentine.

Correa's boys made it back-to-back victories - something the club hadn't done since September - to begin 2026, as 1st-chasing Almería B were put to the sword thanks to goals from Ilias Charid and Fran Viñuela. Marsu pulled one back late on for Almería to force a nervy conclusion, but it was Xerecistas who held their nerve to take home the points.

Two wins in a row became three wins in a row next time out, as Recreativo Huelva were deservedly beaten 2-0. Fran Viñuela notched again, preceding an own-goal from Manuel Bonaque by an hour. All three triumphs have impressively come against teams inside the top seven.

A bit of housekeeping: after that match, Ione Megías was elected as the new president of Xerez Deportivo; replacing Sebastián Alonso de Medina. Mostly a superficial change at boardroom level, given nothing tangible has happened because of it as yet.

The win streak came to an end to conclude January 2026, as top half Águilas held Xerez Deportivo to a 1-1 draw at Estadio El Rubial. Seth Vega equalised for the hosts, after Diego Iglesias gave his namesake's team a 15th-minute advantage.

Winning ways were resumed on 1 February 2026, as a Diego Iglesias brace - which included a late spot-kick - extended Xerez Deportivo's unbeaten run to five matches.

Another two-goal and clean sheet success was secured a week later, as Yeclano Deportivo were handed a defeat thanks to goals from Ilias Charid and Fran Viñuela.

Unfortunately for Diego Correa and his squad, the undefeated streak came to a close midway through February 2026 - arguably to the worst possible opponent: rivals Xerez, who had already beaten Correa in the Argentine's second game in charge back in November. An unpleasant bogey team to have! Mati Castillo and Nané García sent the ‘visitors’ on the way to victory, with Marco Gutiérrez's late goal for the ‘hosts’ proving futile. Xerez Deportivo were just 3 points off the promotion play-offs before this loss.

It was disappointment in the previous fixture, but the players of Xerez Deportivo hit back supremely with arguably their best performance under Diego Correa's guidance. Ekerette Udom, who penned a pre-contract agreement to seal his July departure back to his homeland of Nigeria with Rangers International in midweek, came up with a 45th-minute opener. Fellow African Stéphane Emana (Cameroon) made it 2-0 on 48 minutes, prior to Ilias Charid (of African descent; Morocco) adding a third on 59 minutes.

What a difference a few months make! From sitting in the relegation zone at the end of December, to being just four points off the promotion play-offs heading into the run-in across March, April and May. 11 points clear of the five-team drop, relegation ought to not be on the agenda across those final few months for Xerez Deportivo. Diego Correa's team appear to be looking up, not down.

There are 9 fixtures left to play. March has 5 matches, with fellow play-off chasers Minera (9th, A) up first. Linares Deportivo (6th, A), Melilla (5th, H), Atlético Malagueño (17th, H), Antoniano (18th, A) are the rest of that month's opposition. Correa's former team Extremadura (4th, H) open April, a period of time that also has Malacitano (12th, A) and Real Jaén (1st, A) on the schedule. The regular campaign concludes with one May match: Puente Genil (16th, H). A mix of oppo.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: March + April + May.

The Save So Far:

Good to see the wins have started to appear and improve that win percentage too.

You're in touch here, time to kick onwards and break into the top five: I take it's one automatic and one from play-offs?

Keep going chief.

Well, those wins have started to come thick and fast! Nice to see your tactic settling in and starting to work well!

Keep it up, and you never knwo what may happen this year!

That's the format, correct. Turns out the play-offs are more in-depth than I thought, ha. The format is as follows: 2nd-5th join those that finished in those positions from the other four regional groups. Those 20 clubs then head into a two-legged first knockout round, with the winners playing each other in a secondary two-legged knockout round. The winners from that stage are then promoted. Phew!

After that period of positive results, play-offs were certainly a possibility.

 Indeed you don't! Play-offs would far exceed my expectations, but how nice it would be to get a crack at clinching a spot in the third tier.

004: Play-offs on the horizon?

Diego Correa's time at Xerez Deportivo in Spain's fourth division started poorly, though a sharp uptick in form made promotion play-off football a fair possibility heading into the business end of the campaign. With 9 fixtures left to play and the gap above at 4 points, would Xerecistas keep up their form to earn a place at the end of season bash? Let's take a look.

Correa's team dropped points to open March 2026, as fellow mid-table team Minera held Xerez Deportivo to a 1-1 draw. Kike Carrasco got them off to a perfect start on 3 minutes, though Diego Correa's side would find an equaliser on 21 minutes through Stéphane Emana.

It was a 3-0 loss in their next encounter, as a David Velázquez hat-trick gave play-off chasing Linares Deportivo a thumping victory over Xerez Deportivo. It was a flattering scoreline for Azulillos, admittedly.

Xerez Deportivo belatedly got their opening win of March on the 15th, as they took points off a promotion rival with Melilla losing 4-2 at Chapín. Christian Dieste and Ilias Charid gave the hosts a two-goal advantage, which was cut by one by Álex Ortolà on 58 minutes. Dieste would, however, restore the lead for Xerez two minutes later. Álex Claverías made it 3-2 in the 78th minute, but Fran Viñuela again added a gap in the scoreline for 4-2 six minutes before the end.

It became consecutive triumphs next time out, as strugglers Atlético Malagueño - Málaga's B team - were defeated thanks to a late goal from Ilias Charid.

Another relegation-threatened side in Antoniano were up next, as the all but relegated bottom side were easily disposed of with a 3-0 road win. Diego Iglesias opened the scoring on minute 9, with that man Ilias Charid hitting the back of the net three minutes before the interval. Stéphane Emana added another on 61mins.

After that match, the Xerez Deportivo board decided to offer Diego Correa a one-year contract extension to June 2027. The Argentine ended up putting pen to paper, but with a fairly significant wage cut from £650 p/w to £500 p/w - something the boss insisted on due to the club's iffy financial position, which is looking like costing them in the upcoming off-season with a fair few key players either unaffordable or desiring to depart. Correa has done his part, but a rebuild of sorts is on the cards.

Back on the field, that last victory meant Xerez Deportivo were 3 points off the promotion play-offs with 4 matches remaining. Help was needed from elsewhere, as well as a pretty much flawless last set of results from themselves.

April's opener was a costly loss to Extremadura; the club that gave Diego Correa his final assistant manager's role last season, of course. It was a match that Xerez should've won, but too many missed chances came back to bite them as Frodo (no, not him) hit a 69th-minute winner for the 8th placed away team.

More points were dropped on 12 April 2026, as Rafa Parejo's goal for Xerez Deportivo in minute 11 was neutralised by Malacitano who struck an 82nd-minute leveller.

Heading into the final two matchdays, Xerez Deportivo needed two wins out of two and plenty of help from other teams. A 5-point gap looked too much to bridge, though a win on the penultimate day away to 5th place (the final play-off spot) Real Jaén would certainly help.

…and an unlikely victory at Real Jaén was secured. Connor Ruane scored another penalty against Xerez Deportivo, just like back in November, but a comeback was secured thanks to a goal in each half from Christian Dieste and Stéphane Emana.

Xerez Deportivo went into the final day of regular season action sitting 2 points off the play-offs, but were sat in 8th so major fortune was required. Would they get lucky?

Well, Diego Correa's boys did their job. They secured a 4-3 home win over already relegated Puente Genil, with the final score making it look a closer game than it actually was. Ilias Charid, a brace from Diego Iglesias and Rafa Parejo meant it was 4-1 after 49 minutes; Tommy Montenegro, a countryman of Correa, had made it 2-1 for a literal minute late in the first half. Jesús Pozo and Cacho added late goals for the guests to add some gloss for them.

Unfortunately, no help was received around the grounds. Xerez Deportivo end the season in 8th, frustratingly just 2 points off a place in the promotion play-offs.

Despite a pretty solid end to the campaign all in all, the points that Correa and Xerez did drop would turn out to be decisive.

To recap the entire division: UCAM Murcia were promoted as Group 4 winners, with Linares Deportivo (4th) and Real Jaén (5th) coming through the rather mammoth play-offs to move up to Primera Federación (third tier). Almería B and Xerez miss out. Down the bottom, five teams brutally drop to Tercera Federación: Estepona, Lorca Deportiva, Puente Genil, Antoniano and Atlético Malagueño. Yeclano Deportivo also join them, as they went down via the relegation play-offs after losing to Valencia Mestalla.

The board and supporters are pleased. Diego Correa plans to remain in place at the Estadio Municipal de Chapín for 2026-27, though it could end up being a tough first full season in charge if the finances don't improve and summer arrivals don't bring the required level. Time will tell.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: Pre-Season.

The Save So Far:

005: Season 2 gets underway.

After missing the promotion play-offs by just two points at the end of 2025-26, Diego Correa and Xerez Deportivo go into 2026-27 with hope. However, with a number of key players departing and a limiting financial situation, a tricky off-season was in store.

That's what was facing Diego Correa on July 1st, a squad that had had it's entire spine ripped out due to contractual-related departures.

French goalkeeper Florentin Bloch had been one of Xerez Deportivo's better players last season, but with the club unable to afford his new terms he headed back to his homeland with Laval of Ligue 2. The missing centre-back was David Morante, who was another who couldn't been retained due to wage demands; he remains a free agent. In midfield, Curro was also out of the club's reach in terms of money, he is also unattached but has interest from a few teams. The departed striker was (the still free) Christian Dieste, who made for a major loss but he wanted £5k p/w - the club could barely offer over £1k p/w.

Stéphane Emana was also a cost-related exit, he wasn't an absolute starter but found himself involved a great deal and netted throughout last season. Correa also lost squad depth in Ekerette Udom and Yago Gandoy for the same reason, making an already small squad even smaller. Some money came into the coffers during the summer, so cash was found but nothing noteworthy so there was barely any room to manoeuvre in the market. Xerez did end up doing business, though could only really afford three new arrivals. Extra depth is needed (e.g. just 1 proper LW in the squad) but no-one good enough is currently obtainable so unless that changes it'll be a threadbare squad.

First through the door was Equatoria Guinea international striker Armengol; loaned from third tier Ceuta. There were a couple of options but no-one stood out, so Correa decided to go for a player that has experience in the fourth tier (with, funnily enough, rivals Xerez Club Deportivo a few years back) and who scored 15 goals in the fifth tier last campaign for Ceuta B. The Equatoguinean hasn't been amazing (bar one game) in pre-season, but time to settle he will probably get due to a lack of other options.

The second summer signing was quite a good one. Real Madrid youth product Roberto penned terms after departing Real's third tier Castilla team back in June. The midfielder slots in alongside Rafa Parejo in CDM, but can also play in central midfield too. He rejected two other clubs to join, most notably tier three's Antequera.

The third, and at the minute final, arrival was Manu Alemán, a centre-back that was actually snapped up by director of football Antonio Bello (who has been delegated most DoF-y tasks, though the Argentine manager holds a final veto of signings); Bello was very persistent, Correa initially rejected the signing as he wanted the funds put elsewhere but after Bello struck a deal again it was decided to accept the move. Over pre-season, it's been a worthwhile signing as Alemán offers valuable DM back-up too.

Now, that is all for players purchased. However, in the previous regime - pre-Correa joining - there were players that were deemed surplus to requirements. At last season's end, they returned and have actually turned into, effectively, new signings.

Javi Montoya is the goalkeeping replacement for Florentin Bloch. The Spaniard was unregistered from the beginning of 2025-26, probably due the squad registration limit of a maximum of 16 over-23 players and the fact that Bloch was first-choice. He saved Correa having to sign a ‘keeper, though time will tell if he is up to the required level.

Yonier Calvo (was on loan at Manchester 62 in Gibraltar) was the next, the Colombian is fairly versatile but would play at right-back; giving needed competition to current starter Juanjo Mateo. Elsewhere, left-back Fran López (loan return from Olivenza), right winger Juanca Garcés (loan return to Manchester 62) and striker Ingoma Mwanza (loan return for Melilla) make for necessary squad depth. Without these returns, Xerez Deportivo would be in further bother. Marco Gutiérrez, who barely featured last year, was also sold to Badalona for £3k; better than nowt.

On the pitch, the club scheduled 6 pre-season friendlies across July and August; all bar one versus lower division opposition.

Real Betis' C team were up first and were swept aside with a 3-1 win. Diego Iglesias, a Migue Romero o.g. and Julen Ekiza appeared on the scoresheet.

Algeciras B were the subsequent opponents and shipped four unanswered goals to Diego Correa's team, whose cause was very much helped by a 5th-minute red card to Algeciras' David. Armengol got his opening goal for the team, as did Roberto with a stunning free-kick. Ilias Charid and Julen Ekiza netted goals three and four.

A 7-0 away friendly win was secured next time out against Almonte. Julen Ekiza continued his impressive start to pre-season as he notched a hat-trick, with Ilias Charid, Rafa Parejo, Diego Iglesias and Juanca Garcés also scoring.

It was seventh heaven again a week later. Armengol netted four goals against lowly Dos Hermanas, with centre-back Mauro Lucero popping up with a brace. Ilias Charid, arguably the team's best player, rounded off the scoring. Dani Miranda did get one back for the visitors late on.

The penultimate exhibition encounter came against Antoniano, who were relegated from our division last season. Julen Ekiza, Diego Iglesias and Armengol added to their respective pre-season tallies.

Xerez Deportivo's final pre-season opponent came in the form of Sevilla Atlético, who were relegated from tier three in 2025-26 to our division for this upcoming campaign. Julen Ekiza struck again, with Carlos Daniel - David Morante's replacement, he was back-up last season - adding the second. A good win against a league rival, on paper anyway.

The season proper begins next! Diego Correa has another reunion with Extremadura to kickstart the campaign, with recently-relegated Atlético Sanluqueño following to open September 2026. Due to the many promotions and relegations, there are so many new teams to face this year - as such, it's a little tricky to tell who will be the top dogs. It'll be interesting to find out. I have no idea how Xerez Deportivo will fare, though the proof will soon be in the pudding.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: August + September + October.

The Save So Far:

Well well well, I turn off for one day and miss a whole season. A good but slightly frustrating first season, finishing so close to those playoffs.

It looks like season 2 could be the one with how str9ng that pre season is!

Ha, I'm fortunate that I've had a good amount of time to play - and with only a few leagues loaded, FM does tend to fly nowadays. Plus the old ‘just one more game' and all that.

Pre-season was good, albeit against relatively weak oppo. But to score so many goals is indeed promising.

006: A busy opening two months or so.

After an off-season that saw many (too many) changes to the starting eleven, as well as minimal incomings for an already small squad, Diego Correa - according to local media - didn't seem all that confident of success ahead of his first full season in charge of Xerez Deportivo. However, after a pre-season that featured 26 goals from 6 matches (albeit versus weaker opposition), perhaps there was reason for the Argentine to be more hopeful for the upcoming season.

Mr. Correa took on his former club Extremadura to open the 2026-27 Segunda Federación season, eventually coming away with a convincing two-goal victory thanks to goals from debutant Armengol and fan (heck, everyone's) favourite Ilias Charid. A promising beginning against a promotion-chaser from last campaign.

Days later in midweek, Xerez Deportivo made it back-to-back wins. Atlético Sanluqueño, recently relegated from the division above, were eased past on their own turf, as Diego Iglesias produced an impressive hat-trick.

Make that three wins in a row. Minera offered a firm fight, but Diego Correa's team eventually wore their visitors down as Diego Iglesias and Julen Ekiza struck goals between minutes 69 and 75.

Xerez Deportivo would drop their first points of the season in league match #4, as another relegated team in Teruel held their visiting flyers to a 2-2 draw. Ángel Estrada put the hosts ahead, prior to Armengol hitting an equaliser in the 32nd minute. On 56 minutes, Estrada claimed his second goal of the game for Teruel. Thankfully for Correa, Diego Iglesias popped up with a goal nine minutes from time to secure a merited point.

In the subsequent midweek, Xerez Deportivo produced a fantastic 4-0 triumph over Numancia. Armengol hit a brace, with Julen Ekiza and that man Diego Iglesias (he can certainly be our Hero… sorry!) also getting on the scoresheet. That makes it four wins from their opening five fixtures, what was Diego Correa worried about?!

Almería B were up next for the early league leaders. It was to be an impressive fifth win of the campaign for Xerez Deportivo, as Julen Ekiza scored twice inside the opening 20 minutes to give his team another set of points.

Yet another victory arrived to finish September 2026, as Cartagena B threw away an early lead (given to 'em by Gonzalo on 39mins) to fall to a 2-1 loss at the Estadio Municipal de Chapín. Julen Ekiza hit a brace for the second match running - not bad for a midfielder!

October opened with… yep, you've guessed it, three points. Ilias Charid netted the only goal in a narrow success at Ciudad Deportiva to Recreativo Granada (Granada's B team). This made it 7 wins from 8 for Diego Correa and his Xerecistas.

From one B team to another, as Cádiz Mirandilla became the latest victim of this outstanding Xerez Deportivo start. Roberto hit a splendid free-kick on 11 minutes, before centre-back Carlos Daniel scored impressively from the edge of the box. Isaac Obeng did pull one back for El Submarino Amarillo, but Xerez wouldn't drop any points here.

Dropped points did, however, arrive in October's penultimate encounter. Águilas, a good team aiming for the promotion play-offs, managed to hold Xerez Deportivo to a goalless draw at El Rubial. Not much to note about this one, as you'd expect.

Are the wheels coming off? Premature to say, especially as Diego Correa and his squad remain undefeated, but it was a second straight draw for the first time this season as Malacitano tied 1-1 at Chapín. In truth, the away side deserved to win - based, at least, on the statistics, as Xerez only managed one shot on target. This opponent and Águilas are play-off contenders, so only time will tell if this is a drop in form or if Xerez simply managed to dig deep when not at their best in tricky fixtures.

How about that? Xerez Deportivo - only tipped to finish 9th in the season preview - have started 2026-27 in rather sensational form, winning 8 and drawing 3 from their opening 11 league fixtures. As you would anticipate, that leaves Diego Correa's team atop the Segunda Federación table. They hold a two-point lead over second place Extremadura, though do have a game in hand; versus promoted strugglers Huétor Tájar on 1 November. More importantly, they sit inside the play-offs by 8 points. Still a long way to go, but it has been quite the (unexpected) start.

November and December features 7 encounters, all of which are league matches; no cup competitions in store for Xerez Deportivo this season. It's a real mix of opposition, as all clubs are spread across the 18-team Group 4. It'll be interesting to see if those two most recents draws represent - as noted above - a drop in form or just a blip.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: November + December.

The Save So Far:

That's a great start to the season! Good job in the transfer market as well, considering all the difficulties you mentioned. It seems like this can be Correa's year.

Frustrating to miss the play-offs, but I know how crazy they are at this level so it might be a blessing! 

Fingers crossed! I have to say, I wasn't expecting this start. Hopefully the table-topping form doesn't fall off as sharply as it did in my #MUWomen save!

You're not wrong! You'd almost prefer to either win promotion outright or just finish 6th to save the hassle.😄

007: Loss in form incoming?

Xerez Deportivo started their first full season under Diego Correa like a runaway train across August, September and October, though the latter month did end with a fairly sizeable question mark: after two iffily obtained draws, would Xerecistas regain traction or would (somewhat inevitably, given they have been overachieving) a loss in form be on the way?

Well, in the November opener, Xerez Deportivo returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win at struggling Huétor Tájar, with Rafa Parejo, Armengol and Julen Ekiza scoring.

A more promising victory arrived next time out, as promotion hopefuls Sevilla Atlético were narrowly beaten thanks to a Armengol brace on 72 and 78 minutes. Baldo had given the visitors a 60th minute advantage, which thankfully - for Correa & Co. - didn't last.

Then came a 2-2 draw with Xerez Club Deportivo. Correa failed to beat those club rivals twice in his half-a-campaign in 2025-26, so it evidently appears that they remain an unfortunate bogey team. Jaime López gave the oppo a lead in minute 7, prior to Diego Iglesias setting up Julen Ekiza twice as the away team went 2-1 ahead by the 52nd minute. Ángel Mancheño would, however, find Xerez an equaliser nine minutes from full-time.

Diego Iglesias again assisted Julen Ekiza a week later, but it was Badajoz - the team that Correa, of course, played for and coached at youth level earlier in his career - who came away with a win to inflict the first defeat of Xerez Deportivo's season; which arrived thanks to a Andrés Carrasco double.

After the unbeaten streak ended to Badajoz, the Xerez Deportivo board decided to conduct a show of faith in their manager by offering Diego Correa a new two-year contract at £575 p/w. The Argentine agreed to extend, though only after raising that initial small payrise to £650 p/w - thus regaining his old wage that he let go as part of cost-cutting measures back in March.

Back on the field, a disappointing 0-0 draw arrived at the Estadio Pedro Escartín to mid-table Guadalajara.

Another goalless draw followed, as December opened without goals at home to now second-bottom Recreativo Granada.

The final match of this November/December period saw a second loss of the season, as promotion rivals Cádiz Mirandilla came from 0-1 down to claim a priceless 3-2 home victory. Armengol had put Xerez Deportivo ahead on 13 minutes, though by the interval it was the hosts that were leading 3-1; through goals from Raúl López, Luis Simon and Moussa Diawara. A rare Xerez goal from Manu Alemán followed, but this match would end up making it four without a victory for Diego Correa's team… not good!

Xerez Deportivo remain top of the tree heading into 2027, but it was a troubling conclusion to 2026 that raises severe questions about what lies ahead. They are 3 points clear in 1st, though there are three teams behind sat on 33 points and two beyond that on 32pts. By the end of January, you could feasibly see the league leaders out of the play-off places - which will likely happen if form doesn't majorly improve.

There are 8 matches to come across January and February; 4 in each month. Recreativo Huelva, currently sat in the relegation zone, at home to open Jan presents a good opportunity to get back on the right track results-wise. Another underachiever, Huétor Tájar, is also to be played next month, though they other two fixtures are away to chasers Extremadura (3rd) and Sevilla Atlético (2nd); with Xerez (7th) to begin February, which is a month that admittedly looks relatively more favourable. January looks set to be a decisive month, one way or another.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: January + February.

The Save So Far:

008: Sink or swim.

That flying start under Diego Correa for Xerez Deportivo feels like a long time ago now. They came into this next period still top of the table, but were coming off five matches without a win as the chasing pack got closer and closer. Could they rediscover their best form?

January 2027 started with Xerez claiming their first competitive win since mid-November 2026, as struggling Recreativo Huelva were beaten 2-0 thanks to goals from Ilias Charid and Roberto.

The image speaks for itself. Third place Extremadura slaughtered Diego Correa's team 4-0, as Frodo (x2), Carlos Cordero and Yerai Dávila all got in on the act. That win sent Rojo y Azul above Xerez into 1st; H2H is the first tiebreaker, GF/A/D all the same regardless.

A home match with another relegation candidate in Huétor Tájar offered some respite for Xerez Deportivo, who secured a 2-1 win thanks to Armengol and Julen Ekiza. Pau Silva got a late one back for the visitors, but it was a straightforward triumph for the boys on home turf. This result also put the club back on top of the table, as the scorelines elsewhere went in their favour.

The alternation of good/bad opposition continued on the final day of January 2027, as chasing Sevilla Atlético hosted the table toppers. The match ended 1-1, with both goals arriving within a minute of each other at the end of the first half. Ibra Sow put Sevilla 1-0 up, before Armengol levelled for 1-1 - and that's how it remained.

Next up was a home fixture with bogey team and big rivals Xerez Club Deportivo. It was to be a consecutive low-score draw, but boy was this one dramatic. Jaime López scored for CD against Deportivo for the second time this campaign, but the story of the game came right at the death as goalkeeper Javi Montoya headed home an incredible late equaliser. What a moment! A personal note: I don't think I've ever had a GK score in a game on FM before.🤯

No real momentum was generated from those amazing scenes last time out, as Xerez Deportivo limped to a 0-0 draw with Almería B. And post-match, Malacitano overtook Xerecistas into 1st - making it the first time all season that Xerez weren't either top or joint top.

In February's penultimate match, Xerez Deportivo took on all but relegated Cartagena B - and managed to lose 2-1. Diego Iglesias gave them a lead too, though an Iker Losa brace sent the long-term league leaders crashing to defeat.

…and things didn't get much better in the month's finale, as play-off outsiders Numancia ran out clear 3-1 victors at Nuevo Estadio Los Pajaritos. Héctor Peña scored twice, with Juanma netted Numantinos' other goal. Juanja Mateo had equalised for 1-1 on 24 minutes, but the away side were never truly in this game.

Diego Correa and his team are sinking without much of a trace. It was mentioned in the November/December update that the team could find themselves out of the play-off spots by the end of January if form didn't improve. Well, I was a month out with my prediction as it has happened after February instead. Quite the fall from grace for Xerecistas. All is not lost, given they are only off first place by 5 points. However, with form like this, Xerez Deportivo are certainly looking over their shoulder more than they are looking ahead.

As for reasoning for this drop-off, it's purely down to a lack of good performances and goal threat; xG has been very low in all bar a few outliers. Armengol only pops up every now and then, but behind him there's the toothless Zambian international Ingoma Mwanza and 16-year-old U19 player Christian. The strikers weren't even firing incredibly throughout that wonderful early season form, but players like Ilias Charid, Diego Iglesias and Julen Ekiza were supplementing the attack - but now their outputs have dried up. The goalscoring goalkeeper, Javi Montoya, has even be poor since his goal, so much so that there are reports that he will be dropped for March's opener.

There are 8 more matches left to play. The majority of fixtures are against teams that Xerez ought to be beating, but after these last few months nothing is certain anymore. An upcoming March double-header with promotion rivals Águilas (2nd) and Malacitano (1st) is daunting, though does at least offer a chance to turn things around quicker.

It's real tough times for Diego Correa. Can he and his team find something to save their season? It's not looking good.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: March + April + May.

The Save So Far:

009: Late recovery?

Diego Correa and Xerez Deportivo crashed and burned across the opening months of 2027. From flying at the top of the table across the latter months of 2026, the team all of a sudden dropped like a stone in early 2027 to now find themselves outside the play-off positions. The situation was just about salvageable heading into the final 8 fixtures, but an unlikely major recovery was needed to save face.

Another 0-0 arrived to begin March 2027, as 15th place Atlético Sanluqueño earned a merited point in their fight for survival. Not the start Mr. Correa had in mind.

A credible result followed, as first place hopefuls Águilas were held to a 2-2 draw at the Estadio Municipal de Chapín. Beny and Roberto got the goals for the hosts, both of which were equalisers for Seth Vega strikes for the guests.

The acid test of league leaders Malacitano came up next and, well, the test was unequivocally failed. A Chus Ruiz hat-trick, a Karim El Kounni double and one from Mario Gómez (not that one) condemned Xerez Deportivo to a humilating 6-1 defeat in Málaga. Ilias Charid netted the most consolation of consolations on 83 minutes.

A rare victory was claimed on 28 March, Xerez Deportivo's first after going 8 winless. Teruel mercifully didn't turn up, as Roberto and Julen Ekiza struck with second half strikes.

Minera, a team fighting relegation, managed to hold Xerez Deportivo - what's new? Julen Ekiza continued with his refound scoring boots, though a Victor Socorro leveller meant the points would end up being shared.

Another relegation-threatened opponent, further points dropped. It was Badajoz's turn to frustrate Diego Correa's team. Aron Rodrigo put Badajoz ahead very early on, with Roberto eventually finding an equaliser eight minutes into the second half for Xerez.

A week later, Xerez Deportivo narrowly found victory against mid-table Guadalajara on home soil. Neskes actually gave the away side a 15th-minute advantage, with it lasting until the 68th minute when Armengol scored. The winner would arrive from Roberto on 86 minutes.

To conclude the campaign, Recreativo Huelva and Xerez Deportivo looked to be heading for a goalless draw until Ángel Cidoncha struck on 88mins. A fitting way to end.

Nothing short of a disastrous second half of the season for Diego Correa and Xerez Deportivo, though they do technically improve upon last season as they move from 8th to 7th - huzzah! The gap to the play-offs, though, has expanded from 2pts to 9pts. Elsewhere, Malacitano won the group to gain promotion, with only Cádiz Mirandilla going up from Group 4 via the play-offs. Relegation came the way of Minera, Badajoz, Atlético Sanluqueño, Huétor Tájar, Cartagena B and Recreativo Granada.

Ultimately, the pre-season worries came true. Correa's boys started on fire, but as initially expected the lack of squad depth hampered them hard. Once the star player goals dried up, they whole squad shrivelled up. The likes of Diego Iglesias and Julen Ekiza couldn't continue that blistering form and there was no-one to step up in their absence. Armengol upfront failed to deliver all in all, even if he did manage a respectable 12 goals; again, there wasn't anyone to step up to help the Equatoguinean. Looking at the table, 13 draws - (too) many of which 0-0 - kinda tells the story in the end.

Yikes. The Xerez Deportivo board have announced that the club will soon revert to semi-professional status, with all players and staff likely heading onto part-time contracts.

Who knows what's in store this coming off-season, but Diego Correa remains fully committed to the club and has no plans to depart; especially after extending his contract until mid-2028 back in November. Another summer of rebuilding is guaranteed, though how much room to manoeuvre there is remains to be seen.

The club is, despite all these 2027 issues, a happy place, at least.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: Pre-season.

The Save So Far:

010: Another season on the way.

Diego Correa is all set to begin his second full (or so he hopes) season in charge of Xerez Deportivo in Spain's fourth division. First up: pre-season.

Those four players - all free agents - make for the Xerez's summer signings.

Miguel Morro (26, ESP) is set to be the new goalkeeper, replacing the goalscoring Javi Montoya. He was actually snapped up by assistant manager Alejandro Alepuz, who is standing in as DoF after Antonio Bello's contract end back in June. Morro has been a free agent since being released by Rayo Vallecano at the end of 2025-26, so is probably a bit rusty; he got a red match rating (~5.8) in his friendly debut against low-quality opposition, which is a little concerning it has to be said.

Carlos Camacho (22, ESP) is the club's new striker, replacing outgoing duo Armengol (end of loan; now a free agent, but Correa decided against going for the Equatoguinean) and Ingoma Mwanza. A further back-up forward, given third-choice (makeshift) striker Fran Viñuela also left, is still on the to-do list, it's a must because Camacho is currently the only senior forward in the squad. The new signing was with relegated Atlético Sanluqueño last campaign, but managed 15 goals (with 5 assists) for the strugglers.

Moussa Diawara (20, MLI) is a winger, predominantly on the right side. He offers competition for Diego Iglesias, who faded the longer last season went on so is currently second in the pecking order behind Diawara. The Malian youngster turned out for promoted Cádiz Mirandilla in 2026-27, netting just once but notably notched 15 assists.

Hugo Bacharach (26, ESP) is a centre-back/defensive midfielder who was discovered by the assistant manager. He'll offer good squad depth, at worst. Alepuz also got deals agreed for a few other players, though none of which were suitable; mainly due to wage demands.

As for unmentioned outs, now third-choice goalkeeper José Perales (34, ESP) was sold to Lleida for a whopping £390. La Liga's Rayo Vallecano actually wanted him (presumably as depth) but offered an insulting £0. If third tier Lleida could at least offer something, then Vallecano should've stomped up a tiny fee too. There was also some interest in our youngsters, with Andrés Estupiñán (17, ECU) and Javi Navarrete (17, ESP) - both of whom have made some first-team apps - receiving academy offers from Real Sociedad and Valencia; again, though, at £0, so both deals were firmly rejected; there was also Real Madrid academy paper talk for one of them too.

The finances, meanwhile, are looking better, so credit to the board for that to be fair. Some wages have been freed up.

On the pitch, pre-season would see four fixtures.

Barbate met Xerez Deportivo in the opening friendly, with the two teams playing out a seven-goal thriller. Roberto, Hugo Bacharach, Ilias Charid (pen.) and Carlos Camacho got goals for the victors, with Víctor, Juanjo Mateo (o.g.) and Agustín netting for the home side.

Next up were third tier Cádiz Mirandilla, who ran out 2-1 winners. Ilias Charid got his second goal in as many games, though Diego Correa's team lost to goals from José González and fellow Argentine Brandon Varela.

An exhibition encounter was scheduled with Dos Hermanas for the second pre-season running. Just like in August 2026, the match ended in a 7-1 success for Xerez Deportivo. Carlos Camacho hit a hat-trick, with Julen Ekiza and Ilias Charid converting twice each.

Another pre-season opponent from last year returned, as Antoniano visited the Estadio Municipal de Chapín looking to make-up for a 3-0 loss twelve months prior. However, Xerez Deportivo improved by two as they won 5-0. Carlos Camacho (x2), Rafa Parejo, Moussa Diawara and Julen Ekiza got on the scoresheet in the friendly finale.

A visit to newly-promoted Yeclano Deportivo is on the agenda to open the competitive campaign, with UCAM Murcia (relegated), Elche Ilicitano, El Palo (promoted), Real Jaén (relegated) and Extremadura coming up in September. Not to repeat what I said at the start of 2026-27, but it's unclear what exactly awaits Diego Correa and his team this year. The season preview, however, has them at third place, surprisingly. We'll soon found out if that's accurate, I'm not convinced.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: August + September + October.

The Save So Far:

Tell you what my mate, you're building something here! (sorry, Diego is building something here). 

I really like the signing of Carlos Camacho, he seems to know where the back of the net is which is the important thing. Is he staking a case to be the full time starter?

Some big results there to start the league, long may it continue!

Diego is I, I am Diego, we are all Diego.

Sadly those results so far were only worth friendly bragging rights, though similar results last pre-season did lead to a strong start so here’s hoping for more of the same. Always unsure of what to expect at this level, though. And Camacho better be the starter, as he’s the only option at the moment! Further wheeler-dealing needed.

011: Another flying start?

Following a short but fruitful pre-season, Xerez Deportivo went into 2027-28 looking to replicate their blistering start to the preceding campaign. Would they?

Before the competitive campaign got underway properly, two new signings were made. It was previously noted that a back-up striker to Carlos Camacho was needed, given the latter was the only senior forward in the squad. Diego Correa ended up snapping up not one but two new players that can play upfront. Rubén Mesa (35, ESP) initially joined on trial across the friendly period and, although he barely featured, impressed the Argentine enough to earn a non-contract termed deal. Next in, also on non-contract terms, was Iker Gil (22, ESP), who was an unexpected find - so much so that there were instant rumours that Gil would displace fellow summer signing Camacho from the XI.

On the opening day of the official season, Xerez Deportivo did indeed begin in a great vein of form as newly-promoted Yeclano Deportivo were dispatched with a 5-1 away victory. Iker Gil hadn't completed his move just yet, so Calos Camacho was the starting striker at La Constitución and how glad Diego Correa was with that fact as Camacho hit a 47-minute hat-trick! Ilias Charid, meanwhile, struck twice.

Xerez Deportivo made it two wins on the bounce on matchday two, as recently-relegated UCAM Murcia were sent packing with a 3-0 defeat. Ilias Charid scored again, with Diego Iglesias and third-choice new forward Rubén Mesa netting on debut as a late substitute.

In September's second match, Elche Ilicitano were beaten 2-1 to extend Xerez Deportivo's winning streak to three matches to start 2027-28. Diego Iglesias with a brace.

That winning beginning was ended in game four, as promoted El Palo ran out 2-1 victors in Málaga. Lauren Egea and Kevin Castro with the goals for the fellow Andalusians, as centre-back Mauro Lucero got one back late on for Correa's team.

In the days after that match, Xerez Deportivo suffered a major midfield loss as Roberto's release clause was activated by Portuguese club Torreense. The Spanish window had already slammed shut, so no replacement could be found for the Real Madrid youth product. £210k is, at least, a good fee for a club like Correa's.

A meeting with fellow promotion hopefuls Real Jaén arrived on 19th September, with Xerecistas claiming triumph as Iker Gil hit a double across a four-minute spell early in the second half. Pablo García made it a tense finale by getting one back for the visitors, though Xerez would hold firm.

Iker Gil then hit a second consecutive brace next time out away at Extremadura, another opponent that will likely be in the play-off hunt. Quite the impact from Gil, who around this point became the starting striker - largely due to an lengthy injury to left winger Ilias Charid (back in November), so forward Carlos Camacho had to move out there as he is the only other attacking option for that position.

Linense - broken record: another promotion contender - were met to open October's action. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, as Diego Iglesias equalised Víctor Mingo's go ahead goal for the visiting club.

Another tie followed, as Sevilla Atlético - a team struggling early on despite getting play-off football last campaign - hosted Xerez Deportivo. Tamiou Kpebane and Eric Alcaide netted early first half goals to give the hosts a lead at half-time, though thankfully Iker Gil hit a third brace for the club to salvage a point.

A week later, recently-relegated Marbella came to the Estadio Municipal de Chapín and went back home with a draw. Two goals arrived across two first half minutes, as José Cambra scored on 38 minutes for the guests before Diego Iglesias levelled for the home team on 39mins.

San Roque, just promoted, condemned Xerez Deportivo to a bad 3-0 loss in October's penultimate match, as Alberto Rubio, Bakary Traoré and Raúl Ruiz grabbed goals. A bad day at the office.

October's conclusion saw Diego Correa make his managerial debut in the Copa del Rey. It would be a short first stint in Spain's premier cup competition, as third tier Ourense snuck past their fourth tier opponents with a narrow 1-0 win. Adrià Mercadal got an even game's only goal. The match was scheduled for the midweek prior, though was postponted due to a waterlogged pitch.

It was a great start to the campaign for Diego Correa's Xerez Deportivo, but a winless October sees them slide down to 7th heading into the festive period. They do have a game in hand though (due to the cup rearrangement) at home to early relegation contenders Real Sociedad C, so a win there would close the gap to 1st to just three points.

That aforementioned Sociedad C game is to come in a few days to open November, which also sees matches with Huétor Vega, Almería B, Eldense and rivals Xerez. Those last two November fixtures start a rough-looking period for Xerez Deportivo, given it opens a run of subsequent fixtures with Águilas, Recreativo Huelva and Marbella - so they'll be facing all of the current top five back-to-back. On the one hand: a perfect chance to get back on top. On the other: a slippery slide down the rankings may arrive.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: November + December.

The Save So Far:

Great started halted by a sudden inability to win a game. Still, plenty of time to go, and Diego will get his team going again I'm sure! 

Nothing more annoying that not being able to have time to replace a player you didn't want to leave anyway!

Based on what's happened across Diego's 24 months, more or less, in charge now is that this squad does blow hot and cold. A struggle saw Correa able to get the job in the first place but then promotion play-offs were almost secured, then in that first full season it was great for six months before a collapse and already this campaign they've gone up and then sharply down. That's gonna take some sorting!