Football Season Guide

An unusually low season, last year, for Insulares. For a considerable part of the campaign, Verderrubros were struggling to get away from the relegation places, which is something the fans won’t accept to happen twice in a row. Petit, expert in saving teams in trouble, was replaced by a more project-oriented Nuno Manta. At least on paper, Manta is a young manager with good ideas that can now be put in practice in a more ambitious side than Feirense, his former club. There are hopes for a much more solid season this time, mostly because the squad had very few changes. Joel had a heart disease detected and may not play at all this season. But that is about it, as all the other important squad players will remain at the club. Kerkez in defence, Jhon Cley and Bambock in the midfield seem ready to make an immediate impact, while Marcelinho showed good skills this year while at Londrina and seems the typical second half agitator. Keeping the likes of both goalkeepers Charles and Amir, defenders Zainadine and Grolli and especially midfielders Vukovic and Correa is a great (and quite surprising) move from the club. Commanded by a more positive coach, Marítimo should be presenting a strong 4-3-3 that could cause problems to any side when playing at Barreiros. Marítimo is known for being a tame visitor. Getterson and Rodrigo Pinho are talented but seemed irregular last season, and the club may miss Joel if the Cameroonian is confirmed to be unavailable.