Sporting go back to work

After achieving the best result since we came back to the Primera División finishing 10th, Sporting go back to work to prepare for the fourth season in a row in La Liga and the fortieth in the history of the most successful team in Asturias.

Manolo Preciado (above), the manager, the leader of the team, and a hero for the fans, starts his sixth season on the bench of El Molinon. With him at Gijón most of last season's squad remain for a new challenge. Only two players have left the team: Rafa Sastre is playing in the second division whilst Diego Castro has joined Getafe after being the top scorer and the most important player in recent seasons. In addition, in a few days, left wing-back Jose Ángel will join Roma where he will play the next four seasons alongside former Barcelona striker Bojan.

In compensation, three new players have joined Sporting. The Argentinian striker Oscar Trejo (right) from Mallorca, the midfielder Ricardo from Tenerife and the back winger Damián Suárez from Defensor (Uruguay). The team is still waiting to reach an agreement with Porto for Andre Castro. The young midfielder played for five incredible months in Gijón and the coach wants him back again. Apart from these players, the club is looking for another striker to complete the squad.

At the back, the team remains strong with former Barcelona centre-back Botía as commandant in the centre of the defence. Both Botía and Jose Ángel (left) were in the Spanish Under-21 team that recently won the European Championship in Denmark. The middle of the pitch looks strong with former Real Madrid player Rivera and the Uruguayan international Eguren currently playing in the Copa Americas Cup in Argentina. With De Las Cuevas as the new leader of the Sporting attack, players such as Nacho Novo, Ayoze and Carmelo must show they are worthy of the supporters respect after a poor campaign last season. Barral as the new captain and Sangoy have a great chance to remain at Gijón. However, if another striker arrives at Asturias, it is likely that the Croatian International Bilic will leave.

Preseason starts on Monday with a well known squad. Sporting will play again against the best Spanish teams of the moment, and again the goal is the same, to avoid being relegated and keep developing after many years of huge economic, social and sporting problems.