ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
There is a real buzz about the start of the JC MSFL campaign which kicks-off on Sunday. With clubs completing their preparations for the new season, it appears that the problems of last year have been long forgotten and teams are only looking forward.
Players have been put through their paces on the training ground with the cool temperatures making those dreaded bleep tests all the more manageable.
David Wolff, the league chairman, said: "We've welcomed quite a few new teams and the numbers are up. It's clear that the thirst for Jewish football is still there. There's no doubt about the future of the league which I believe remains healthy. But I'd still like to see the numbers return into the sixties. We've also got some new referees and I can't underline enough the need for everyone to follow the RESPECT campaign."
There are two stand-out games in the Premier Division with defending champions North West Neasden A entertaining Redbridge Jewish Care A while title rivals Faithfold A and Hendon United Sports Club A go head-to-head at The Hive.
A full version of the divisional previews can be found on thejc.com. Several clubs have adopted Barnet's Centre of Excellence as their new home despite a £1 surcharge for use of the car park.
● The start of the season coincides precisely 34 years to the day that Temple Fortune 1sts played an MSFL fixture. Only Nigel and Peter Kyte remain at the club from that inaugural league match; Peter played and scored the Club's first ever league goal from open play, sandwiched in between two Danny Espinoza penalties. Fortune lost 4-3 that day to Bushey United, a game attended by chairman David Wolff attended.
● Manchester Maccabi 1sts' have been rattling in the goals in preparation for the new season. Josh Rubin, Michael Green and Ryan Sylvester struck in the 4-3 defeat against Smedley Rangers of the Manchester Saturday League. Then Adam Lavin (4), Ashley Loofe (2), Dan Selwyn, Josh Rubin and Adam Lavin netted in the 8-2 mauling of Republic of Mancunia 8-2. Moshe Hasid and Mike Gastwirth replied.
● Jose Pekerman, the former manager of Argentina, missed out on the Japan job after former Alberto Zaccheroni, the former head coach at AC Milan and Juventus, signed a two-year contract worth $2.36 million.