David Seligman will be looking to put a marker down against the treble winners when the new MJSL season kicks off this weekend.
Heaton Park Rovers host defending champions Leeds Maccabi – the two sides who went head to head at the top last season — in Sunday’s opening game.
And Seligman said: “It’s a great way for us both to start off. Leeds were the best side but we feel our new arrivals coupled with them losing some key players will make all the difference.
“I’m always confident but I fancy us to the win league this year. If we can set the tone early on then the teams will know we mean business again.”
Leeds, who have replaced Daniel Kristall with Jamie Warner at the helm, are also missing star striker Jordan Marks.
But a 6-1 rout against South Manchester Sports 2nd in the MJSL Shield suggests the Yorkshiremen will remain a force.
Rob Selwyn grabbed a hat-trick and Warner said: “It’s about reproducing the kind of form that ensured we were so successful. I’m confident we still have the players to do that.” Haroldeans begin life against Maccabi Manchester Yellow, who are now led by Anton Radiven.
The Merseysiders finished third last season and boss Jamie Harris said: “Numbers are always an issue but I expect us to be competitive.
“We were in the mix last season without ever really challenging. Hopefully we can rectify that.”
South Manchester Sports 3rd are new boys to the league and they will be looking to get off to a winning start against another rookie side in Maccabi Manchester Blue.
Reich Insurance Rangers, South Manchester Sports 2nd and Oakhill Lions will all have to wait before they return to action.
MJSL SNAPSHOT
LEEDS MACCABI
Manager: Jamie Warner
Major In: None
Major Out: Jordan Marks
One to watch: Johnny Goldstone
Prediction: Despite a change of manager, expect last season’s treble winners to be a force once again.
HEATON PARK
Manager: David Seligman
Major In: Ben Rich
Major Out: Richard Myers
One to watch: Harry Roache
Prediction: Shrewd summer signings suggests Seligman’s men are well placed to mount another MJSL title bid.
HAROLDEANS
Manager: Jamie Harris
Major In: Adam Graff
Major Out: Rafi Benmayor
One to watch: Adam Shiffman
Prediction: A lack of depth cost the Merseysiders last year and that could derail them again this time around.
SOUTH MANCHESTER 2nds
Manager: Mark Magid
Major In: None
Major Out: Ethan Krell
One to watch: Harry Nelson
Prediction: Will miss Krell’s goals but could yet prove the league’s surprise package.
SOUTH MANCHESTER 3rds
Manager: Mark Hamburger
Major In: Keith Herman
Major Out: None
One to watch: Felix Shalom
Prediction: A new and young side. But what the rookies lack in experience they will make up in endeavour and fitness.
OAKHILL LIONS
Manager: Daniel Rabinowitz
Major In: None
Major Out: None
One to watch: Maxwell Berg
Prediction: The students will need to come through some tough early examinations if they want to better a mid-table finish.
REICH INSURANCE RANGERS
Manager: Michael Freedman
Major In: Simon Kaye
Major Out: None
One to watch: Jordan Gold
Prediction: Kaye’s arrival should provide much-needed goals in attack.
MACCABI MANCHESTER YELLOW
Manager: Anton Radiven
Major In: Jason Deach
Major Out: None
One to watch: Roy Fux
Prediction: A baptism of fire during their debut campaign but expect an improvement this time around.
MACCABI MANCHESTER BLUE
Manager: Jonny Rose
Major In: Darren Loofe
Major Out: None
One to watch: Joey Castle
Prediction: Another young side, led by the Team Maccabi GB boss, who should make more of an impact than last term.
