By, Danny Caro
3 min read
ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
The gloves are off for Camden Park after Will Castle swapped the no. 1 jersey for pole position in the dug-out for newly-promoted Camden Park.
COMPETITIONS ENTERED: Premier Division, Peter Morrison and Cyril Anekstein Cup
HOPES FOR SEASON: Having luckily been promoted by default, we want to prove to everyone (and ourselves) that we deserve to be in this division. We came up a couple of years ago and it was clear we had the ability to compete but not the fitness or the experience and so we were relegated straight away. Our goal is to establish Camden Park in the Premier Division and stay in the league for next year. I think with our new management structure as well as a couple of cheeky signings we made, we have the potential to surprise a lot of people. We are also hoping for a decent cup run too as most of the boys haven't played at Wingate before and we are dying to get there.
SQUAD ADDITIONS: To the relief of my team-mates, I have hung up my gloves and am the new manager bringing some much needed structure that we were lacking last year. To replace me, we have signed Steven Murad from Neasden who is a top-class goalkeeper at this level. He brings a level head at the back and will strengthen our defence even more. He frustrated us when we played against Neasden last year and it's nice to have him on our side and to finally have a proper goalkeeper!
We have also signed Yoel Deal from King Crown. Yoel is a disciplined defensive midfielder, something we have lacked in the past, and is as solid as a rock. He's the type of player that every team needs and does all the dirty business no one else wants to do. Yoel is also very calm on the ball which suits the way we play perfectly.
Both Steven and Yoel have slotted straight into the team and are key additions to the team.
"Slick" Rick Harris, in a Thierry Henry-esque style, has joined for his second stint at the Graphites. Rick brings numerous years’ experience in this league and can prove to be hugely instrumental throughout the season. He also provides a wise influence in the dressing room that we have lacked in the past.
To continue our tradition of brothers in the team, we have also signed James Brookner, brother of Luke, who is a very tidy player.
We have another couple of potentials too that might be signed before the end of the window, watch this space! It's been a busy summer in the CPFC boardroom.
WHICH ONE EXCITES YOU MOST? All of our signings are top quality and have addressed weaknesses we had identified; they all excite me immensely and I am delighted to have secured them all.
PLAYER OUT: Will Castle
ONES TO WATCH: Rob Hershkorn, who was our top scorer last year, from midfield, has been moved into the no. 9 position. We sometimes struggled to put the ball in the back of the net last year and I think moving Rob up top will fix that. Hopefully this move will get the best out of him and he can lead the team from the front.
Dan "Don P" Baneth has looked as sharp as a razor in pre-season and has put in some impressive performances out wide and through the middle adding a couple of goals and assists too. I have a feeling this is going to be a big year for him.
Michael Khalastchi is getting married next week so hopefully it won't encourage him to let his "trimmed" physique go and maybe it will inspire him to have an incredible year on the pitch!
MAIN RIVALS: Because of some friendly family rivalry, we always enjoy playing against Harmen. We played them last year in the cup and they narrowly edged it in extra-time. We have also just played them in pre-season which was a hard fought contest that ended in a draw so will be interesting to see what happens in the league fixtures against them this year.
WHAT WILL YOUR TEAM BRING TO THE LEAGUE THIS SEASON? Most of the teams we will be playing against are established Premier Division sides so we are hoping to rock the boat as much as we can.
CAPTAIN: Rob Hershkorn
SPONSOR: We have yet to find a new sponsor for this year and any proposals are most welcome. As it stands we will be using last year's kits which were kindly donated by FIFA Coins Online.
HOME GROUND: The Magic Carpet, Capital City Academy