After a few seasons in the wilderness Rayo Vallecano and coach Paul Lowes will return to the big time for Season 40.
Lowes admitted whilst they are happy to be back that they have nothing to lose and will continue to play the attacking style of play that Lowes's teams have always done. "We are one of the favorite's to go straight back down and its a fair call, but we will try and entertain as always".
Last season they won the Div 2 title with a bit hand. And they wasted no time in the pre season to strengthen the squad.
Nick Pope was the first arrival in a swap deal for Dominik Livakovic in net in which the keeper would head to the North East to team up with [USER=356]S8TY[/USER] and Newcastle United. S8ty would then return to Spain to capture David Raum who had been a star at left back for Lowes last season for the sum of 15 million. Lowes acted quickly and headed to the English capital where he would capture the signature of Theo Hernandez from [USER=14]TheAshCohen09[/USER] Arsenal in a deal worth 30milion.
A few fans voiced their concerns on social media after the sale of last seasons top scorer Antonin Barak to league Rivals Villareal. After [USER=614]TopCat FC[/USER] offer of 18 million was accepted, Fans questioned Lowes but within hours rumors were flying round that a major player had boarded a flight in Italy , and was due to land in Madrid. Pictures soon were circulating and by 4pm Jack Grealish had been announced as a Rayo player in a 26 million deal from Sampdoria , Lowes said the deal with [USER=7]Emotionalworm[/USER] was a smooth one.
It was no surprise to the fans that Miggy Almiron left the club after failing to make into the side in the second half of last season, After Juventus came in with a 15million bid from [USER=25]Harryn9000[/USER] , The Rayo board were quick to accept and wished the player well for the future. Lowes did have one piece of business left and that was to bring in 21 year old Brennan Johnson from Brighton. After agreeing a 5 million deal for the youngster with [USER=53]payne wales[/USER], Lowes said he will get his chances this season. We are excited to see how he fits in and gels with the rest of the team.
Asked about other deals, Lowes said "we were close on two other big name players , but with the wages so high we had to put the club and making sure we didn't go into the red first".
Going into the season Lowes was asked about his opponents and what he thought about each manager and their chances.
[USER=88]Burga boii[/USER] - Cadiz
He sets the bar, league champion and goes against Jeff tonight in the Super Cup, strong from back to front and has some fire power up top.
[USER=46]Dx I Jaminator[/USER] - Atletico Madrid
Great player, 3rd last season, strong looking defence for me and Bruno pulling the strings going forward.
[USER=677]Gardner I 8 I[/USER] - Athletic Bilbao - An unknown in the league, but no doubt he wouldn't get put in their for nothing. Took on a decent team and hearing he may be a dark horse in the top flight this season.
[USER=49]ItsOnlyJEFF9108[/USER] - RCD Mallorca
Great season last season for Jeff, and shows he deserves to be in the top flight. Can see another good season for him.
[USER=42]MarcTheSharc[/USER] - Real Sociedad
Came up with me from Div 2, Scores goals for fun and has that beast Sanches in the middle, tough player.
[USER=616]mikafika[/USER] - Real Madrid
Another tricky player who just missed the drop last season, he's a lot better than that position, and may surprise a few.
[USER=78]RFC Buncey[/USER] - Valencia
Only 4 pts off second in finishing 6th, a lot of quality in the team and brought in Chiesa who will cause everyone problems.
[USER=379]ShaunC92[/USER] - Real Betis
Stayed up via the playoffs , but is a better player than that and he may expect a better showing this season.
[USER=152]SuitedRecluse[/USER] - Barcelona
Runner up, and another top player. Defensively sound and can knock them in, May be a contender to Burga's crown.
[USER=614]TopCat FC[/USER] - Villarreal
Made some signings and I think like a few others could well better his position last season. Good on his day.
Good luck to everyone in all divisions this season.