The season started off well enough, unbeaten for the first 4 matches, then a perfect 4 out of 4 victories in October.
When Torry recorded a superb 4-2 conquest over Muro in mid January, they deservedly reached the dizzy heights of 2nd place, but a disastrous run of 5 straight defeats, then 2 draws, signalled the end of manager Galiana’s short lived reign.
Enter Pedreno, and what an amazing initiation it was. A 6 match unbeaten run, commenced with a superb 6-1 thrashing of Acero, as the fans were treated to positive attacking football, the likes of which had been sadly lacking for some while. Although a defeat at Novelda proved near fatal regarding their slender play off aspirations, a 3 match unbeaten run, resulted in a final league div 3 position of 10th.
So, what went wrong? After promising so much, Galiana appeared to have lost the support of the players, who were constantly asked to apply negative tactics, whilst hardly adhering himself to the fans. Pedreno lifted the shackles, allowing players to express themselves, restoring a smile, which sadly had been missing for too long.
Unfortunately, goals were in short supply. Apart from top scorer Rafa (10), and Cesar (9), the next highest scorer was shared amongst 5 players, who scored 3 goals each. Even though Spanish referees at this level are infamous at lacking common sense, regarding when and when not to caution or send off a player, discipline was undoubtedly very poor. Key players missed a whopping 22 matches through suspension, as Jorge headed the list with 5.
A total of 33 players were named on team sheets, although only 22 actually played, in a season when an unchanged side became a rarity. Having said that, a number of cruel injuries put paid to any form of continuity, none more so than promising youngsters Sergi and Ruben, plus Martin, who was missing for a large chunk of matches.
Pedreno is already arranging pre season friendlies, including a provisional one on 23 or 24 July against Hull City, whilst they are taking a summer training break at Campoamor. Hopefully, season 15/16 will see him lead his side to a play off place, whilst continuing to entertain the fans with imaginative attacking football.
End of season player awards went to the following:
Young player of the year – Ruben
Most improved player – Adrian
Golden Boot – Rafa
Val Lancaster Trophy – Vicente
Players player of the year – Rafa
Player of the year – Oscar
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47394/
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