Fears over the professional future of Portimão FC have been laid to rest.
Fernando Rocha, who stepped down earlier this year, returned to the President’s office with a landslide victory over rival João Sintra.
“There are no winners or losers”, Rocha said after his success, “we are all Portimonenses.”
Life in the Liga de Honra on a reported budget of €600,000 will not be easy but at least the club has been saved from virtual extinction.
Another positive step has been the immediate appointment of Joao Bastos as coach. The 43-year-old has worked at Portimonense for the best part of two years under Lito Vidigal, Litos and finally Carlos Azenha.
Those experiences and local knowledge will stand him in good stead as he assembles a team capable of challenging for promotion.
Senegalese midfielder Madior and forward Zambujo have already arrived in Portimão while Jumisse is expected to return. More players are expected follow soon.
