Copa del Rey, fichajes y más. By Steve.

KINGS CUP, NEW SIGNINGS AND MORE

BY STEVE HIBBERD

Sandwiched inbetween the opening 2 league div 2a matches, Cartagena start their Copa del Rey (Spanish FA Cup) campaign with a home match against fellow div 2a side Elche, on Weds 2 Sep.

Although not yet confirmed, it looks likely that Cartagena Ayuntamiento will take over from Relesa as next seasons main sponsor. One thing that is confirmed though, is that over 6,000 fans have snapped up season tickets, which is hugely encouraging considering the new season is still some 6 weeks away. With Cartagonova stadium having a capacity of 15,000, a good few sell outs must surely be on the cards.

With pre season training starting on 21 Jul, manager JIM has started to assemble a goodly looking squad. In the last week or so, he has signed on a further new 4 players, bringing the contingent up to 14 (6 new and 8 established), which is about par with last season - lucky omen maybe?

JIM has certainly made it clear that he considers experience is the key for survival in div 2a. His biggest signing so far has to be 35 yr old striker Victor Gutierrez from La Liga side Valladolid. Not only has Victor made 1 appearance for Spain (against Croatia), but he has the distinction of being the 13th highest goalscorer in the history of La Liga.

Hoping to provide Victor with assists that all Los Albinegros faithful know he is capable of, is old boy Lafuente. The diminutive wing man is rejoining his former boss JIM, to hopefully recapture the championship success they had when last together. Signed from div 2b side Granada, it is hoped that Lafuente can stay clear of injuries, which have unfortunately been the bane of his career.

Another excellent addition to the team that JIM built, is 28 year old midfielder Tonino. Born in Guardamar, Tonino played div 3 football for his home town team, before moving on to Alcoyano, via an unhappy period at Torrevieja where he went unpaid for months on end.

Finally, the most recent signing is 25 yr old defender Santi Santos. Signed from div 2b side Cultural Leonesa, it is felt that he is ready for elevation to the next division.