DNZY - Comments

DAFABET WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE



Well up against it at Maes Tegid, taken apart by champions Bala Town. Alex Mason headed in the first from a free kick just four and a half minutes in, to which we wouldn't recover. Daniel Davies stretchered off with a neck injury made the task a whole lot more grueling, but survived at 1-0 after the first 45. Shane Hannen put the game beyond doubt from close range and it could've been worse when Iwan Owen's header hit the post from 6 yards out. Not a single shot on target, it was all about damage limitation from our point of view. The Lakesiders unfazed to take a comfortable win.



Not as bad as first feared, but losing Davies for a couple of weeks is a bitter blow.



Recently promoted Haverfordwest will probably enjoy this result more than us, second best for the entire game yet somehow seized a point. Our boys looked comfortable in the first half, opening our account in the 20th minute from Aaron Jenkins with help from the shins of Shane Wilson-Fenlon to divert it home. Young Zyaac Whitehouse had to slot in as the lone striker for this game, impressive movement and positioning but his finishing left a lot to be desired, bursting away from the Haverfordwest defence but skewed his shot awkwardly wide. Aaron Jenkins nearly wrapped up the points soon after but his vicious strike from range cannoned off the bar. Then came the sucker punch, a free kick on the right floated in, the ball jostled around the area before Steven Boyle belted it in to leave us frustrated. Vital points dropped.





Another newly promoted side in Porthmadog went a little bit more conventional, with an historic goal for the young Zyaac Whitehouse. Set away by Ross White, Whitehouse picked his spot and blasted the ball home accurately and becoming Connah's Quay's youngest ever goalscorer at just 16 years and 29 days. Unlike the Haverfordwest game, we took advantage of the game and Aaron Jenkins low 20 yard strike emphasised the gulf in quality. The home side perhaps could've found a way back into the game, a one on one saved with ease by Michael Crowe in goal. Back to winning ways against a nervous Porthmadog.



Back to back wins for the first time this season, coming from behind to bury Newtown. Matty Wynne cashed in on Brian Parry's whipped cross for the opener following a rather cagey looking start from us. Zyaac Whitehouse almost had the perfect response, defender Ian Rush (not that Ian Rush) dallying on the ball for Zyaac to steal and could only fire straight at the keeper. Whitehouse had another effort, but with the same outcome and slowly we began asserting our dominance. It paid off just before the interval, Jenkins setting up Whitehouse who made it third time lucky for his second goal in two games. That goal seemed to knock Newtown off their perch and started to fall apart after the restart, statuesque defending allowed Nathan Fox on the left to pick out Peter Richards with ease to turn the scoreline in our favour. Ilan Hafal replaced the tired Whitehouse just after the hour mark and paid serious dividends, first put through by Jenkins and neatly tucked under the keeper for 3 and Peter Richards bombing down the right channel again picked out Hafal brilliantly to prod home from close range. A strong comeback from the Nomads to romp home to a 4-1 win.



TNS' strikeforce looked scarily good going into the preview to a hard fought draw. Wayne Wilson scored 1 against Haverfordwest, 3 against Port Talbot, 4 against Airbus UK and 5 (yes, FIVE GOALS) against Porthmadog, giving him 13 goals in 5 games, and added to his tally from an early penalty given away by Adam Norman, who denied a goalscoring opportunity yet despite him being the last man only received a yellow card. Didn't unsettle us, in fact we bounced back with immediate effect through Aaron Jenkins ploughing into the roof of the net. Wilson's partner in crime Matt Molyneaux should've restored Saints' lead but timidly tried lobbing Michael Crowe in a one on one, which was at the perfect height for catching with ease. It really wasn't Adam Norman's day, got in the way of Ron Lemar's shot and caught his leg to deceive Crowe and put TNS in front after a breathless first half. Second half settled a little, with TNS happy to control possession and Lemar nearly ended it with his free kick hitting the bar. The return of Daniel Davies from injury came a lot sooner than expected, replaced Ilan Hafal and restored balance to the game late doors with a beautiful pass into the bottom right corner away from the diving Saints keeper. Very happy with a draw, the presence of Daniel Davies is so key.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



Good month, despite a defeat to Bala. The Haverfordwest results tripped us up a little but it's now kickstarted us into form. Still have yet to beat TNS on FM in the Welsh league but very happy with a draw.

LEAGUE TABLE



Despite the good form, only fifth for now but only a point off second place Bangor City and third place Llangefni. Bala coasting along so far at the top of the pile. Sat in just behind TNS. Next month could be crucial to how it all unfolds.

NEXT UPDATE: October 2029

EFL looking into why Huddersfield made 10 changes at the weekend....are they not allowed to rest players for the playoffs? What a joke.

@Shedender - It all went wrong when Craig Harrison left.
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TheWord CUP

FIRST ROUND



Serenaded in cheer before deafened by silence in a horrific second half collapse to Bangor City. Came out of the traps strongly, Nathan Fox unmarked from a free kick planted home before Peter Richards blazed down the right channel to set up Daniel Davies for 2-0 in just 20 minutes. Ryan Price was the unfortunate casualty of an own goal after blocking Ken Palmers effort that still found it's way into the back of the net. Bangor's fightback succeeded shortly into the second half, Palmer assisting sub Daniel Williams only 80 seconds after coming on. Ken Palmer was on another level in this game; turning it around to 3-2 with a strike from 20 yards, grabbing a hat-trick of assists for Leon Burgess to make it four before breaking away with enough energy in the tank to run a third of the length of the field and still finish with power to complete our misery. Out of the cup and not giving a great first impression to the fans.

DAFABET WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE



Polarized our cup exit with a Flintshire derby day victory at home to Airbus UK. After a forgettable first half display, the touchpaper was lit straight after the second whistle as a ploy started deep in our own half helped us carry the ball forward, Peter Richards once again bossing down the right flank, cut inside and instead of going for goal himself picked out a free Daniel Davies for a tap in. Richards had a hand in the second goal too with a delicious cross met by the head of his parallel winger Nathan Fox. Gary Dixon salvaged something back for the visitors but the game was done and dusted thanks to Richards again (sort of) as he hit the post but Daniel Davies pounced on the rebound. Substitute Adam Norman got on the scoresheet too, unmarked at the back stick from a corner that had been flicked on by the head of Ryan Price. Erasing the disaster in the cup to make a perfect start in the league.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



Goals aplenty, despite losing heavily in TheWord Cup we followed up nicely with the first league game of the season. Peter Richards and Daniel Davies could be a match made in heaven.

LEAGUE TABLE



Llangefni were the big winners of the opening weekend, the other club I had pondered before making my decision to join CQ. TNS and Bala also picking up maximum points.

NEXT UPDATE: September 2029

@Dan - Indeed they have, no league title since 2023 for TNS. Bala carry the torch now with five straight league titles. Cheers my man!

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TRANSFERS

IN



A slow transfer window, no outs and only one coming in. Not trying to unsettle the ship before we set for sea.



Dave Birch - DM/M(C) - unattached free agent

Previous spells at TNS and Llandudno, Dave comes into a system which I'm testing out which you'll see below. Despite lack of composure, he looks like a well crafted deep lying playmaker. His preferred move of dictating tempo could let us down from time to time but I'm certain he'll make an impact in the centre of midfield.





New kits rolled out for the 2029/30 season, our kit manufacturers of Macron and sponsored by pan-equality charity, 'Diverse Cymru'.

FRIENDLIES



Preseason went somewhat well, gathering a great crowd for the Millwall friendly (without seats being ripped out of the stands) which we lost narrowly. Showcased a number of different players to test my tactic and decide who my best XI will be down the line. A win over AFC Telford and draws away to Brickfield and Coedpoeth concluded the friendly season.



Paddy Power obviously don't favour us with the 'new man' in charge, TNS aiming to reclaim their crown after a drought of six years just ahead of Bala and Bangor City. Top half finish claim the bookies, estimating we won't squeeze past sixth place.

TheWord CUP

FIRST ROUND DRAW



Home tie against Bangor City will open our season, plus my hopefully successful reign as CQ manager.

NEXT UPDATE: August 2029

Into more familiar territory as my next adventure turns to Flintshire in the north-east of Wales, close to Deeside. gap Connah's Quay are the club, renamed in 2008 due to the sponsorship takeover by gap personnel, an independent Welsh recruitment firm. The club are nicknamed 'The Nomads' and play in a red kit for home matches and a yellow kit for away matches, though they formerly wore claret kits up until 2013.



The area of Connah's Quay (Cei Connah) is situated on the River Dee and lies on the edge of the border with England. It is the largest town in Flintshire with an estimated population just short of 25,000. Unfortunately, there isn't much sightseeing here apart from the Flintshire Bridge, the largest cable-stayed bridge in Britain which crosses over the Dee estuary and spans just under 300 metres.



The Nomads play at the Deeside Stadium, built in 1998 and estimated to hold a capacity of 3,500 but only 420 lucky people get seated due to only a single stand (as shown) while the rest slum it out by standing at the grass side. The pitch is standard grass for a change.



Trophies haven't come often at CQ, you'd have to circle back to 1929 to the last major honour the club has achieved, beating Cardiff in the Welsh Cup, but that was when they were known as Connah's Quay & Shotton before disbanding two years later. Connah's Quay were officially founded in 1946, but only one major honour to their name - the Welsh League Cup (or theWord Cup as it's known now) in 1996 after beating Ebbw Vale in the final. Things have been looking up for the Nomads, qualifying for Europe for the first time in 2016 and now recording their highest ever finish in the Welsh top flight finishing second behind The New Saints and sealing European football in consecutive seasons. In game, they've gone even further, winning theWord cup in 2026 & 2028 and lifting an historic Welsh Premier League trophy in 2024 just ahead of Port Talbot while TNS faltered down in third and broke their sequence of league wins at 12. Best youth facilities in the league, plus quite reputable training facilities to accompany. Will the Nomads hold their heads high this season under my watchful eye?

SQUAD



Squad depth will be important to get on top of, given that not a lot of them surpass the 3* CA mark. The saving grace is there are some very interesting youth prospects coming through who may break their way into the first team. Defensively, we don't look too strong especially at centre back but at least we've a goalkeeper playing in his prime. Offensively, somewhat impressive with one player topping the lot. No idea what sort of tactic I may set up with.

KEY PLAYER: Aaron Jenkins - M(C)/AM(RC)/ST(C)



Phwoarrr, the physical stats on this lad! At 21, he could be a weapon at this level, nearing his 5* potential already. On the mental side he may need improvement and certainly if he's to be an auxiliary striker down the line that finishing needs work but I like the look of him, definitely.

HOT PROSPECT: Zyaac Whitehouse - ST(C)



Some Irish blood runs through the veins of this young Welshman. 15 years old and already on my radar; solid composure and OTB stats, overall as an advanced forward he looks encouraging. Physicals are a real let down though, especially his quickness, balance and strength but that may come with experience.

EXPECTATIONS



In the job preview I spoke about how high they're setting the bar. I'm looking at finishing pretty much in the top three along with a Welsh cup semi-final. No pressure then? A kitty of £40k may come in use to achieve that.

NEXT UPDATE: Preseason 2029/30

#ShedenderOut

Damn, that defeat to Real Madrid! Stay strong, you can stay up this season.

Glad to see another succession save especially with you two. Best of luck!

Arsenal Fan TV should be a good watch this evening.

Only watched the fight today, explosive stuff from both AJ and Klitschko. Thought AJ was a goner in round six with that right hook and seven looked shaky too but he recovered to deliver that outstanding uppercut when Klitschko just had nothing left in the tank. I'd like to think Tyson Fury is next but I'd personally like to see him go head to head with Deontay Wilder first because that would be a huge test to his strengths.

Bye bye top four. Justified for the penalty but still awful. More injuries pile up.

Interesting save idea, nice to see someone take on a Burton Albion save.

Bye bye Sunderland, good riddance. Moyes has to take the blame.

I do tend to follow a lot of La Liga, among other European leagues. The El Clasico last week was breathless and I do see Barcelona fighting until the end but Real Madrid have a fairly easy run in bar Sevilla at home.

As far as English managers are concerned, I do perhaps think the 'English' style of manager and their methods are pretty outdated which is why no English manager has won a top flight title since Howard Wilkinson, 25 years ago.

Be nice also to see Leganés stay up. Also Eibar, what a season they've had for such a small team.

Nation: Kosovo
Media Prediction (Odds): 2nd/14 (13-4 2F)
Expectations: Around top of the table
Pros: League holders. Budgets not too restrictive.
Cons: Only one goalkeeper in the squad. Very young squad (80% of squad 21 or younger).

RESULT:






Nation: Kosovo
Media Prediction (Odds): 1st/14 (Evens F)
Expectations: Winners
Pros: Strongest squad in the league. My best hope of winning the Kosovian league.
Cons: No wriggle room for expectations. Supporters laughing off my chances.

RESULT:






Nation: Wales
Media Prediction (Odds): 1st/12 (11-4F)
Expectations: Winners
Pros: Without question the biggest team in Wales. Almost a guarantee to make it into Europe.
Cons: No league title in six seasons (yes, really!). No longer the dominant force in Wales. 10 injuries in the first team.

RESULT:






Nation: Wales
Media Prediction (Odds): 2nd/12 (3-1 2F)
Expectations: Winners
Pros: Five back to back Welsh league titles. Money aplenty. Champions League football.
Cons: One recognised striker in the team.

RESULT:






Nation: Wales
Media Prediction (Odds): 5th/12 (15-2)
Expectations: Around top of the league
Pros: Best youth facilities in Wales. Won a Welsh title not too long ago.
Cons: Very small squad to work with. Expecting a lot despite only tipped to finish top half.

RESULT:






Nation: Wales
Media Prediction (Odds): 7th/12 (30-1)
Expectations: Mid table
Pros: Established in the Welsh league for six seasons. Not too much pressure to succeed.
Cons: Cash strapped, therefore very low budgets. See them as a last resort.

RESULT:



NEXT UPDATE: Who do I go for?

Such a poor derby, classic Mourinho strikes again with his park the bus antics, completely camped in our final third for the second half. 3 shots on goal and 30% possession for a side destined to make the Champions League is embarrassing.

Fellaini, you absolute plonker.

Could seriously regret that miss from Herrera. Should've at least hit the target.

@Dan - I love the optimism but it'll have to be something special with the amount of injuries we're picking up!
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BOV PREMIER DIVISION



Had a feeling this game would be the road to redemption, not a chance. Two sides struggling always involves cageyness and certainly showed it against Vittoriosa. The only action the game saw were two red cards, firstly for the home side as Matthew Micallef tackled Orji Maduka from behind to earn him a second yellow and then balanced out with Daniel Zammit's second yellow to make it ten versus ten. No shots on target, we could have played until sundown before anything exciting happened. My job is under real threat.



Odds were stacked against us at home to Valletta and harshly denied a credible point. Mark Grech with the opener, capitalising on a poor missed header from Fenech. Surprisingly we were asking a lot of the questions towards the end of the half, Maduka bringing a point blank save from Bugeja and Matthew Falzon's whipped cross took a swerving detour onto the frame of the goal. Maduka looked dangerous going forward, straight after the restart denied again from Bugeja in goal. Calleja Cremona became more involved later on, denying Dione Grech to extend Valletta's lead. A stealthy counter attack answered our prayers, Mateus Regis made a vital interception to put substitute Michael Zammit through on goal and calmly slotted low from 20 yards in off the post to deservedly equalise. Valletta broke the Pembroke hearts a moment later, too exposed at the back and Mark Grech delivered his second crushing blow to allow the visitors to snatch the three points. Valiant effort, but doesn't give us points on the board.



A dramatic U-turn required, no win in eight for our boys.



Ah. The vultures start to circle around my frying body.



Buying me some time at least.



Another game we were well up against the sword, Floriana are always a tough opponent. No prizes for guessing who the more dominant team were, we contained them in the first half but the emerald army came close when Keith Mallia hit the post midway through. Floriana hit the bar again from a corner from centre back John Grech and followed up by a stop by Calleja Cremona to deny David Bugeja at a second bite of the cherry. The resistance couldn't hold out for the full ninety, a free kick half cleared allowed Tomás Andrade to fire one from range, crashing off the bar and swept in by Matteo Piciollo on the rebound. The response was good, Dzelil Asani tried his luck on the left wing to aim one at the keeper's near post and oh so nearly caught him out. Two minutes later, the referee pointed to the spot as Joe Fenech appeared to have been fouled in the area from our attacking free. Andrei Borg missed the initial penalty but made no mistake on the rebound and earning a rather fortuitous draw. Keeps me going for another week hopefully.

FA TROPHY

THIRD ROUND DRAW



Għajnsielem are the first obstacle in a potential cup run. Third tier side, should be routine.

THIRD ROUND



....... Can't really offer an explanation here, we were utterly rubbish in a fairly rotated side. Omar Mallia sunk our battleship late on to which we had no retaliation. Think that's me well and truly on the firing line.



*sigh* can't be dealing with this.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



Poor month again, however I can forgive it a little bit with teams like Valletta and Floriana. The cup exit is unacceptable.

LEAGUE TABLE



Dropping like a stone, Pembroke find themselves bottom of the league with only one win to their name. The observant may have already guess what happens next.



End of the road at Pembroke. Failed to turn up to the second meeting as I knew that it was only a matter of time. A free agent once again.

NEXT UPDATE: ??? (Job Hunting)

BOV PREMIER DIVISION



Touted as a relegation six pointer, Gżira United got the better of us in another disappointing display. Lawrence Chiedozie took us by surprise, netting a low 25 yard effort which Calleja Cremona really should have got nearer to, handing the visitors the lead midway through the first half. Gabriel Mensah had our best chance of the first half but his header clipped the bar from a corner. An uphill task became a mountain to climb once Joe Aquilina took advantage of Neil Grech's missed aerial to power a header home for 2-0 at the break. Calleja Cremona kept the match at two, saving one on ones from Joseph Borg and Neil Schembri, while we only tested their keeper once from Fonseca's effort. We look so bereft of confidence it's not even funny as we slump to another defeat.



Well, there goes any chances of staying afloat as Mensah misses a huge portion of the season with a broken foot. This is truly becoming a nightmare.



This match isn't even worth a match report. A brutal game with no highlight reel apart from one 25 yard effort which went high and wide from Balzan. Never looked in the game. Onto the next one.



Another game that really just sucked. The only groundbreaking focal point is when we managed to actually take the lead in a match, thanks to a gift from right back Ebiabowei Bakeronly who's crossfield pass was intercepted by Orji Maduka who tucked it into bed. Typical us, two minutes later and Tarxien found parity from a superb 50 yard pass through the middle to Simon Magri who's shot was blocked by Calleja Cremona but snuck into Christopher Azzopardi who couldn't miss. Shot ourselves in the foot again.



The struggle is becoming greater and greater. Now six matches without a victory.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



Another poor month of results with no green in sight. Only one goal and two points. Worrying times.

LEAGUE TABLE



Forget fighting for European places, this is now a fight to stay up. Big guns including Valletta and Floriana next month.

NEXT UPDATE: November 2028

BOV PREMIER DIVISION



Not a great start to the month, our strongest left back ruled out for a couple of weeks.



No Perdomo no problem as we hung Zebbug Rangers out to dry in a convincing display. Mateus Regis let fly from nearly 30 yards out which unsighted the goalkeeper and could only get a hand to it but still went in. Regis failed to increase his tally as we were awarded a penalty in the 26th minute but 'keeper Russell Zarb redeemed himself from his earlier error to keep it out. Zarb also kept out Orji Maduka's effort to keep it at one at the break. That soon changed when Zach Buttigieg brought down Matthew Falzon, resulting in a second penalty and also a dismissal for the Zebbug defender. Andrei Borg stripped Regis of his penalty duties and mad no mistake. The visitors were new to the division and gave very little to worry about. Inaugural win as Pembroke boss.



Oh so unlucky in a match we were definitely second best in. That said the first half only produced one chance of note that fell to us, Gary Gauci hit an effort straight at Andrea Vella in goal. Birkirkara's 4-3-3 system was a menace, especially having someone called Maverick Farrugia leading the line. His first came from a floated cross which should've been supervised by Andrei Borg but Maverick crept in behind him and headed in with his shiny dome from a tight angle. The second was down to poor marking, allowing him time to compose and lump one into the net away from Calleja Cremona. Gabriel Mensah returned from his injury to come on in the 77th minute, five minutes later he was on the scoresheet thanks to great work from Falzon on the right to square it for Mensah to stab it home. Soon enough, Birkirkara's lead was wiped, Dzelil Asani putting a lovely through ball into Mensah's path and arrowed it into the top corner to wheel away in jubilation. Jubilation turned to heartbreak, Maverick Farrugia restored the Stripes' lead into time added on to win the game. Hint of offside, but can't really argue with how we played. Better team won.



Briffa was forced off with injury and now without him of a number of weeks.



It's just as I feared, returning to face my former club and fell flat on our faces. Melita were up against it in the first half, we were within a whisker of hitting the front as Asani raced through and only for the inside of the post it would have been us in front. Our control in their half left us exposed at the back, committing too many men and getting caught on the counter. Robert Văduva loves to smash them in and smashed he did into the roof of the net to give the lead to our former club. Perhaps flustered by the first half, it led into the second half as Văduva grabbed another just four minutes after the restart, outmuscling Daniel Zammit to the ball to place one in the top corner. Karl Spiteri nearly made it an embarrassment but for Calleja Cremona stopping it in it's tracks. Fabián Fonseca made it more of a game, curling in from 20 yards out and reducing the margin. Sadly, we couldn't create anything clear cut and had to succumb to a shameful defeat to my previous employers.





A credible draw against Hibernians who redefined the term 'parking the bus'. Very defensive minded game correlating to minimal glimpses of attacking excellence, though Hibs hit the post twice in the first half from set pieces. The game did come to life in the second half, Christian Thomas striking first before Asani maneuvered around the great wall of bodies to set up Matthew Falzon for his first Pembroke goal. Hibs were probably more likely to grab the next goal and hit the woodwork for the third time in the game from Ayuba's long range effort. Ultimately a stalemate, but a point is something we'll gladly take.



The injury list continues to grow, Daniel Zammit becomes the latest casualty.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



Not what I was expecting, only taking four points from twelve in September. May have bit off more than we could chew in this job.

LEAGUE TABLE



Still early days even though we hang close to the bottom rung, need to get on a good run to perhaps turn this around.

NEXT UPDATE: October 2028

@Dan - Glad you're still enjoying it! Yeah, Melita was always going to be a 'stepping stone' kind of job to keep the engine ticking along. Hopefully I'll put that straight here.

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BOV PREMIER DIVISION



First match in charge and salvaged a point at Mosta in an even game. Calleja Cremona is supposedly the best keeper in the division, doesn't even look like the best in our club after a glaring error of judgement by coming for the ball, only to smash it into the Slovakian striker Gabriel Bezak who said thank you very much only seven minutes in. Our own Gabriel Mensah came closest for us in the first half as he hit the bar after 23 minutes before injury forced him off. Mosta hit the woodwork themselves in the second half to restrict them from doubling their lead. We looked more likely to get the next goal and our persistence paid off when Mensah's replacement Orji Maduka rescued us in the last four minutes from Falzon's low pass into the area. Positive signs on the opening day.



As feared, Mensah will sit on the sidelines for a few weeks.



But he wasn't the only one, centre back Tanti out for a similar length of time.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



Starting off with a point in our opening month.

LEAGUE TABLE



Too early to make a judgement.

NEXT UPDATE: September 2028

Favourable draw for United, but there's never an easy game in Europe when you get to a semi-final. Ajax and Lyon will be a tough one to call.

Juve to win it. Would love to see Buffon lift the trophy at 39.

What a lad. RIP.

TRANSFERS

OUT



Wasted no time in offloading some liabilities, but some I couldn't prevent. Holding midfielder Aleksandar Komljenovic retired out of the blue much to our disappointment, likewise with centre back Roger. Two others left on ventures to other Maltese clubs and another was released in Dillon Sciberras.



Daniel Galea - DM/D(C) - free transfer to Sliema Wanderers

Having him off the wage budget would be quite useful, but if the ratings haven't given it away already I have found a worthy replacement.



Mario Zerafa - M(C)/AM(C)/M(R)/AM(R) - free transfer to Vittoriosa Stars

Despite the lad's versatility, couldn't see him fitting into my plans with weak physical stats. I may regret it down the line, but we'll see.

IN



Cheque book at the ready and scouts firmly positioned, we snapped up four new players plus three familiar gents from a certain Melita FC.



Julian Briffa - AM(L)/AM(C) - free transfer from Melita

Saporetti v2 is coming home with me. Julian made such a great impression at Melita that I had to put him as one of my first priorities. Still only 18 so plenty of time for him to bloom with his twinkle toe speed and relatively apt technicals to make him a threat.



Matthew Falzon - M(R)/AM(R) - free transfer from Melita

It's like buying a pair of shoes, you can't leave with just the left shoe, you also need the right. Matthew Falzon also coming in to be that pacy, complementary winger required to penetrate the channels. Definitely a reunion.



Gabriel Mensah - ST(C) - £5k from Pietà Hotspurs

It's rare to see a 5* player lying around in the open in this neck of the woods, despite shelling out on him I feel it's well worth it as we're crying out for a new striker. At his prime, outstanding mentals and well rounded physicals for this level of football, as long as the man contributes we may just get our money's worth and more.



Gary Gauci - DM/M(C) - free transfer from Tarxien Rainbows

Komljenovic's and Galea's replacement comes in the form of Gary Gauci. Some may see it as a downgrade, but just that little bit stronger and more involved in team play with headroom to develop further I see Gary making a promising impact.



Michael Zammit - ST(C) - free transfer from Naxxar Lions

Turns out Pembroke were spending before I even arrived, first of two pre-arranged transfers and both with Zammit as their surname. Looks quite average but at least his physical stats are good. Not sure he'll flourish any time soon in the first team, but someone to call upon should we need to.



Matthew Zammit - M(R) - free transfer from Naxxar Lions

Second of two pre-arranged transfers from Naxxar Lions, which is a shame because I do like the look of him. However, Matthew Falzon remains the first choice but I wouldn't rule him out if there is a change required in tactic. Almost a clone of Falzon.



Michael Zammit - GK - free transfer from Melita

No, you're not seeing double...well you are sort of. ANOTHER player called Michael Zammit, but one you'll recognise. Wanted to snatch him before any other clubs did, but I hate to tell him that Calleja Cremona is our first choice between the sticks. On the plus side, the ideal tutor for the young keeper.



On the business side of things, Greek club OFI Crete announced to be our senior affiliate club to the tune of nearly £21k per annum. Sadly, their youth prospects had no intention in joining for a loan spell.



Speaking of business, we unveiled our home and away strips for the 2028/29 campaign thanks to the manufacturing design by Joma and our sponsors Maltese recruiters, Tipico.

FRIENDLIES



Our preseason...let's say it didn't go as well as we expected. Mensah hitting the back of the net as well as Falzon and Briffa. No idea what happened in the Mqabba game, but it wasn't pretty.



U*BET might just be patronising me, but I feel 13-2 might be a little bit generous given the circumstances. Sixth place on the cards, we'll see about that.

NEXT UPDATE: August 2028

4 kilometres north and a 10 minute drive up the road and we'd end up at our new club, Pembroke Athleta. Unlike Melita, Pembroke have some sort of pedigree in the Maltese top flight since their promotion in 2015. They also play in red but in a darker shade, plus a trim of both navy and white to accompany it.



Pembroke Athleta understandably are the main team of Pembroke, sharing a border with the larger region of Naxxar and of course San Ġiljan. The entirety of the Pembroke land was used as a British military base from the 1850s up until 1979, hence where it got it's name from the Earl of Pembroke in 1859. One noticeable landmark to look out for is the Madliena Tower, a small watchtower built in 1658 but also acted as an artillery battery in 1908-09 until WWII.



Luxol Stadium in Pembroke is the home stadium, the same one as where Melita had to be accommodated for their home matches so nothing new there. To recap, the stadium complex holds a capacity crowd of 800 with a synthetic, artificial turf surface.



Pembroke Athleta were an amateur level club up until 1994 but didn't take them long to make the ascent up to the Premier Division in 2015. Incorrect info provided in their background as they've only won the BOV Premier Division ONCE which came in 2026, so none in real life but still very recent success. Apart from that, the trophy cabinet is quite bare with no FA Trophy wins nor a finalist to their name.

SQUAD



A lot of experienced heads at the club at their peak ability but not a wide array of younger talent to bring through which could be an issue down the line.

KEY PLAYER: Mateus Regis - AM(C)/M(C)



Lightweight but crafty with Brazilian flair, Mateus could be the midfield instrument to success. Technically very capable, physically declining but not ready for the doghouse yet. Is hinting at a move to a bigger club, but at his age I'm not really sure he'll get many nibbles from a well known club.

HOT PROSPECT: Andrei Borg - D(R)



Been on loan for a bit of his career, this 17 year old could have much to offer at the back. Mentally and physically encouraging at a young age but his marking, passing and positioning need a lot more work. A protégé in progress methinks.

EXPECTATIONS



To recap on the previous season, such a contrast in performance with my old club Melita being the overachievers in 8th while my new club Pembroke in the opposite direction who only managed to stay up in 11th.



Top half finish in the league is certainly doable, but putting a bit of pressure on the FA Trophy as they expect a semi final place. Here's hoping I can deliver.

NEXT UPDATE: Preseason 2028/29

Topping the popularity charts this season was Luke Sammut by a mile, the veteran midfielder was integral to our forward play and centre of distribution. Julian Briffa coming up second but his efforts certainly didn't go unnoticed, inside forward role fits him like a glove and reminiscent of Saporetti at Tre Fiori. Chris Sciberras took third.

Karl Ciantar's ninetieth minute piledriver helped us to a 1-0 win against Naxxar Lions and significant to ensuring our safety in the top flight, therefore it took goal of the season. Let's see it shall we?

https://streamable.com/fye96

Neil Schembri...signing of the season? Get real. Not fit to tie Robert Văduva's shoelaces.

No surprise that Julian Briffa claimed young player of the season, the 18 year old has a bright future ahead of him if he continues this projection.



As for stats, Văduva was most clinical with 10 goals in his debut season, not a lot but he still kept Roderick Pace out of the team for the most part. As mentioned, Luke Sammut was a little magician in the middle and was most consistent for us plus most accurate at passing with 7.2 and 90% respectively. Julian Briffa on the left was lethal at delivering crosses and killer passes, setting up nine goals for the season plus scooping four man of the match awards. Discipline was very decent, no red cards but consistent yellows were an issue to Jurgen Grima at times.

So the journey ends here for me at one Maltese club, next stop is another in Pembroke Athletic.

NEXT UPDATE: Preseason 2028/29

BOV PREMIER DIVISION



Better team won, but disappointed that we couldn't hold out for a point. Stakes were higher for Valletta as they needed the win to secure back to back titles and Carmelo Camilleri's header did just that with seven minutes remaining. The greasy pitch prevented this game from being a more entertaining game, as the goal was pretty much the only action of note. Can't really complain.



Another match which offered precious little goalmouth action. It was seen as a must win to keep up with the pace makers ahead of us and Luke Sammut delivered a screamer in the first half from 25 yards to get us on our way. Roderick Pace's half chance hit the post from a tight angle to thwart us from doubling the lead. Fgura's only shot on target denied us all three points as Joe Parnis broke the offside trap to finish comfortably past Michael Zammit. Honours even in a game we probably should have won.



My final game as Melita manager ended in disappointment, pipped at the post by overachieving Mosta. This game offered a little more bite, however it was the visitors doing most of the pressing. Michael Zammit was called into action, saving efforts from our former player Jurgen Farrugia and Alex Borg but couldn't prevent Mosta's inevitable opener, Alex Borg set through by Jurgen Farrugia to slot past Zammit for 1-0. Looked brighter in the second half and fortunately nabbed an equaliser as Dylan Sciberras' cross-cum-shot floated over the keeper and into the back of the net. Did he mean it? Who cares?! Two minutes later the game was nearly overturned, Robert Văduva rattled a shot off the post from close range. End to end, Mosta came up with another opportunity from top goalscorer Gabriel Bezak but Zammit was equal to it to force a corner. Sadly Mosta had the last hurrah, Ebiesuwa found space to pick out Dillon Sammut who won them the game. I made my way around the ground to leave with a round of applause to keep this amateur side in the Maltese top flight for another season.

FA TROPHY

QUARTER FINAL



Choked in the penalty shootout to hand Fgura a place in the semi finals. Came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half, Nigel Farrugia's header bounced off the crossbar and scrambled clear. Glimpses of quality were very rare in this game, but we looked more likely to score and when Fgura were reduced to ten through Neil Muscat's red card, we knew this game was there for the taking. Sadly, neither halves of extra time produced anything and so it came down to the lottery of penalties. Fgura missed their opening two thanks to Michael Zammit and we were ready to celebrate, however Julian Briffa and Nicolò Clericò couldn't guess right to allow Fgura to claw back. 6-6, Davide Martini allowed us a window of opportunity to Toriano Singleton...but HE MISSED TOO! Circled around to the first spot kick taker again, Robert Văduva denied by Aaron Grima to end the game at 9-8 in favour of Fgura. Cruel game we didn't deserve to lose.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



Definitely not our finest month, succumbing to three defeats from four. If only we could've made it to a cup semi-final.

FINAL LEAGUE TABLE





Sadly, we just missed out on top half by a point behind Ħamrun Spartans and two behind Tarxien Rainbows. 8th place is somewhat of a disappointment, given that the team in place were capable of reaching higher. Nevertheless, for a team of Melita's stature any season where they stay up is a big achievement to the fans. Meanwhile, Pembroke Athletic had a hairy end to their season, only just about staying up this season. Will need to work my magic to ensure that they don't derail entirely next season.

NEXT UPDATE: Postseason 2027/28