Following rumour and counter-rumour, it has now been confirmed that Cristiano Bacci (pictured) will continue as manager of SC Olhanense.
The 40 year-old Italian, who has taken a pay cut as the club halves its budget, did a tremendous job at the end of last season in lifting the team well clear of relegation and in the process producing some of the best football seen for many a long day.
Marco Trovarelli, who worked in Italy with Bacci, has taken on the dual role of assistant manager and fitness trainer.
On the playing side new signings include right-back Rodolfo Lourenço (ex Nogueirense), defensive midfielder Guilherme Ferreira (ex Santa Clara), Mickael (ex Limianos) and winger Zé Miguel (ex Sertanense).
Goalkeeper Tiago Maia, 22, who played 13 games last season, has re-signed for a further season. With the budgetary controls in place, manager Bacci will be working with a blend of experience and youth together with a few loan signings from other clubs; predominantly in Italy.
The Venezuelan Andrés Ponce, 18, was held at Frankfurt Airport due to issues relating to his visa and work permit. He was detained and interrogated by two police officers regarding incomplete paperwork and his employment contract. The young player, who is on-loan from Italian club Sampdoria, was fined €270.
Supporters can now renew their membership and season tickets (new members very welcome) at the ticket office of the José Arcanjo Stadium in Olhão, Monday to Friday from 10am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 5.30pm.
This Friday (July 17, 9.30am) Olhanense play English League Division One club Chesterfield at the Colina Verde Sports Resort, Maragota. The Spireites’ new manager is former Welsh international Dean Saunders who played for Benfica in 1998/9 scoring five goals in 17 outings.
Former Olhanense and Farense manager Abel Xavier has taken on the leadership role at Segunda Liga side Aves. Xavier still remains the only player to have played for Liverpool and Everton in Merseyside derbies in the same season.
