Football Season Guide

A significantly worst season than the previous one, last year. Nuno Manta’s boys were only able to avoid relegation in the very last round, staying only one point above the red line. While there won’t be much pressure for anything fancy (like the good starting season Nuno Manta had at Feirense, on 2016-17), the fans will hope for a less problematic season, with more victories collected, particularly when playing away home, where Fogaceiros could only pick a total of ten points, last season. Manta’s good first season, together with some flashes of good football (despite the bad results) should be enough to continue giving him enough room to work with tranquility. The squad didn’t suffer much changes, for good or for worst. Influent winger Hugo Seco was the biggest blow, having left to join eastern Europe football once again. The irregular, yet also important Luís Aurélio is also leaving. Luís Rocha was an important unit at the back and might be also missed. Since no centre-half was brought in (yet, at least), the recovered Bruno Nascimento might be Manta’s plan to replace Luís Rocha at the back. Nascimento spent almost all entire season on injury, last year, and should be considered a sort of new signing for this next one. Sturgeon should be the weapon to replace Hugo Seco in the right wing. Veteran Edinho arrived from Setúbal to provide experience and goals, even if it is expected that João Silva will also be having much exposure to first team football. All eyes will be lying on youngster Tosin Kehinde, though. The 20-years olf Nigerean arrives from Manchester United, and that alone is enough to make him a prime attraction at Santa Maria da Feira.