The club has posted a reduced budget of some €600,000 for next season. Many of last season’s squad will have departed by the end of the month.
The club will rely on hungry young players together with a blend of experience such as 35 year-old attacking midfielder Neca who was recently released by SC Farense.
Other Farense players who could make the short journey along the EN125 include Lameirão (who lives in Olhão) and Bruno Carvalho.
Looking to the future, Olhanense, who run six junior teams, intend to enter an under-23 team in the 2nd Division of the Algarve Championship. This team would be a natural progression and encourage young players to stay with the club.
Respected coach Hélder Rocha – he was assistant to Jorge Costa the season that Olhanense were promoted to the Primeira Liga in 2009 – will lead the technical team.
The Professional League has announced that the 2nd Division – SC Portimonense, SC Farense and SC Olhanense are members – will be reduced from to 24 to 22 teams for season 2016-17 which will result in five teams being relegated at the end of the forthcoming season.
In addition, the League Cup will be restructured resulting in 48 games in total instead of 83.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
