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A bit about yourself and your background
A lifelong football fan of Blackburn Rovers and football in general. Since moving to Spain 14 years ago for academic and professional reasons my interest in Spanish football has only increased. In that time I have watched many Spanish football games of many different teams both on TV and in different stadiums across the country. Of course Blackburn Rovers will always be my team!
How long have you been a fan of UCAM Murcia and what made you support them in the first place?
I have been following the fortunes of UCAM Murcia CF for the last 3 seasons, this current season being the first I have held a season ticket for any Spanish club. Televised live games on PopularTV when UCAM Murcia CF were in Segunda B made me want to see the games in the stadium and not just on TV. When UCAM Murcia CF made the decision to play their home games in La Condomina, this facilitated the possibility as the stadium is only a 15 minute walk away!
Given the transfer windows and the squad that was assembled at the start of the season, is UCAM Murcia where you want it to be?
As a newly promoted team to Segunda A and being the debut season for the club at this level I would say the club has exceeded all expectations. If the club manages to stay in Segunda A then the season will have been more than successful. However, I would say that certain signings haven't lived up to their expectations and have greatly underachieved. One also has to highlight the number of players that have come in and the number of players who have left the club since last June. An adaptation period was always necessary.
Of the signings made this season, which one worked out the best/had the most impact and why?
The obvious choice would be Jona Mejía. As the clubs main offensive threat, his goals have been crucial in helping the club pick up vital points throughout the season.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of UCAM Murcia this season? Any standout players?
The strengths: the decision to change manager at an important stage of the season and the response to this change by the players. Also Francisco's decision to allow players to leave in the January transfer window who didn't want to fight for the cause - a master stroke! The weaknesses: a fragile defense on and off all season making silly schoolboy errors and costing us valuable points. Also, an injury-plagued second half of the season has weakened the squad considerably.
List some things you appreciate and some things you can’t stand about the club management.
The club has a very generous ethos. The club is always looking to support different causes and charities. However, giving away free tickets for games or selling tickets at a reduced price for certain acts of generosity could aggravate those who have paid full priced season tickets.
What has the mood among the fans been during the campaign? Do you generally agree/disagree with them?
Very difficult to gauge really. Sometimes the atmosphere in La Condomina is like a morgue. From comments made by fans on other social media e.g. twitter, I would say the overall mood among the fans is one of satisfaction at how things are panning out!
If you could make one realistic signing for UCAM Murcia this summer who would it be?
A very good question. As the club has had a shortage of defenders all season I would have to choose a center half or fullback. I would sign the murciano Héctor Yuste. A player who can also play just in front of the back four.
Finally, predicted finish for UCAM Murcia?
Fingers crossed a mid-table finish. To be honest any position above the dreaded bottom four!!!
A bit about yourself and your background
A lifelong football fan of Blackburn Rovers and football in general. Since moving to Spain 14 years ago for academic and professional reasons my interest in Spanish football has only increased. In that time I have watched many Spanish football games of many different teams both on TV and in different stadiums across the country. Of course Blackburn Rovers will always be my team!
How long have you been a fan of UCAM Murcia and what made you support them in the first place?
I have been following the fortunes of UCAM Murcia CF for the last 3 seasons, this current season being the first I have held a season ticket for any Spanish club. Televised live games on PopularTV when UCAM Murcia CF were in Segunda B made me want to see the games in the stadium and not just on TV. When UCAM Murcia CF made the decision to play their home games in La Condomina, this facilitated the possibility as the stadium is only a 15 minute walk away!
Given the transfer windows and the squad that was assembled at the start of the season, is UCAM Murcia where you want it to be?
As a newly promoted team to Segunda A and being the debut season for the club at this level I would say the club has exceeded all expectations. If the club manages to stay in Segunda A then the season will have been more than successful. However, I would say that certain signings haven't lived up to their expectations and have greatly underachieved. One also has to highlight the number of players that have come in and the number of players who have left the club since last June. An adaptation period was always necessary.
Of the signings made this season, which one worked out the best/had the most impact and why?
The obvious choice would be Jona Mejía. As the clubs main offensive threat, his goals have been crucial in helping the club pick up vital points throughout the season.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of UCAM Murcia this season? Any standout players?
The strengths: the decision to change manager at an important stage of the season and the response to this change by the players. Also Francisco's decision to allow players to leave in the January transfer window who didn't want to fight for the cause - a master stroke! The weaknesses: a fragile defense on and off all season making silly schoolboy errors and costing us valuable points. Also, an injury-plagued second half of the season has weakened the squad considerably.
List some things you appreciate and some things you can’t stand about the club management.
The club has a very generous ethos. The club is always looking to support different causes and charities. However, giving away free tickets for games or selling tickets at a reduced price for certain acts of generosity could aggravate those who have paid full priced season tickets.
What has the mood among the fans been during the campaign? Do you generally agree/disagree with them?
Very difficult to gauge really. Sometimes the atmosphere in La Condomina is like a morgue. From comments made by fans on other social media e.g. twitter, I would say the overall mood among the fans is one of satisfaction at how things are panning out!
If you could make one realistic signing for UCAM Murcia this summer who would it be?
A very good question. As the club has had a shortage of defenders all season I would have to choose a center half or fullback. I would sign the murciano Héctor Yuste. A player who can also play just in front of the back four.
Finally, predicted finish for UCAM Murcia?
Fingers crossed a mid-table finish. To be honest any position above the dreaded bottom four!!!
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