Real Mallorca have appointed 44-year-old Madrid-born Javier Recio as their new director of football. Recio (who looks a wee bit like Frank Lampard) comes from one of the best youth academies in La Liga - Espanyol - where he was assistant to the “Budgies” legend Jorge Lardin. The local media are already passing comment on his appointment before he's even got his feet under his desk and one was “it could be a big step too far for him”.
He'll start immediately, buying and moving in players as Real Mallorca look to build a squad capable of finishing in the top six next season. Talking of buying players, the club have brought in a staggering 50 players in the last three seasons, but this time it will be around 18 players with a mixture of youth and experience. Thirty-eight-year-old Argentinian midfielder Ariel Ibagaza, who had two terms at Real Mallorca and became one of the club's most revered ever players, now lives on the island, and has put himself in the frame for next season. His vast experience through playing with sides like Atletico Madrid, Villareal and Olympiakos would be invaluable on the training ground, but as to playing in a game ... That's doubtful.
It's been reported that Mallorca are looking to bring in Numancia's Moroccan international goalkeeper Munir Mohand. The 27-year-old from Melilla has been recommended by the Moroccan national team manager, ex-Mallorca “god” Ezaki Badou, who was probably the best goalkeeper we ever had when he played here between 1986/92.
The club's pre-season will take place in Sittard in Holland, which is evidently 200 kms from the Belgian border. It's expected we'll play four friendlies against Belgian and Dutch opposition between 22 July and 1 August. Good news for Mallorquinistas is that Thierry Moutinho, who surprisingly went on loan to Tenerife in January, will be back for pre-season. With Araña and possibly Pereira leaving, he will be part of the squad for next season – he's quality.
Referendum fallout: British football may fall behind the rest of Europe after they decided to sever ties because of the complications that would arise in bringing in players from overseas. A number of them who have EU passports, despite being born in the likes of Africa or South America, would lose their rights under current rules. West Ham board member Karren Brady said last week: “Getting out of the EU will have a devastating effect on football in Britain. It would put us all at a disadvantage when competing with the rest of Europe.” There is, of course, a chink of light. It would mean that young players in the UK could grow because their respective clubs couldn't just buy the best foreign talent and bring in so many mercenary foreigners.
Another situation is that Spanish clubs are only allowed three non-EU players. At Real Madrid they've already got James, Danilo, Casemiro and a certain Gareth Bale. Interesting! This leave vote has opened a massive can of worms.