Real Mallorca 2016/17 is beginning to take shape, with several new faces coming in and season ticket renewals being given an extra boost. First to sign on the dotted line was Galician born and bred 26-year-old midfielder Juan Dominguez who's on a season-long loan from Deportivo. He comes as a priority on coach Fernando Vazquez's shopping list. Dominguez was part of the Depor squad who won promotion in 2013 when Vazquez was in charge. Also coming in is the vastly experienced centre-back Jon Ansotegi, who arrives from La Liga outfit Real Sociedad. Although no spring chicken (33), 6ft 4in Ansotegi has been around in both La Liga and the second division for years, also turning out for Eibar last term.
Signing on Wednesday for three years was Espanyol centre back Antonio Raillo. Expected to enter talks about a possible move from Ponferradina is goalkeeper Roberto Santamaria. The 31-year-old from Pamplona has also had spells at Las Palmas and Malaga and has played over 200 games in the second division. It's also been disclosed that veteran keeper Jesus Cabrero has penned a one-year deal and will continue to be our second choice custodian behind presumably Santamaria if he decides to come. The club has put in a bid of around half a million euros to bring back Santa Ponsa-born Xisco Jimenez to be our number nine for the next two seasons. He's got other offers on the table but it's presumed he wants to see his career out on the island.
As expected, local entrepreneur Monti Galmes from Manacor was elected president of Real Mallorca on Friday. Sr Galmes is president in name only and has no monetary connection with the club. He takes over from Utz Claassen who still retains a 5% interest and will now be just a board member.
Good news on the season ticket renewal campaign which began on Friday: prices are more or less the same as last season but with one exciting difference. If you attend 85% of the up-coming season's games and Real Mallorca win promotion to La Liga next June, season tickets for season 2017/18 will be free. Back of the net!
You have until 22 July (inclusive) to renew your season ticket. If you haven't done it by then, they'll go on sale to the general public from 26 July. That's also the date for changing your seating area if you so wish to do. Prices range from 50 to 175 euros and can be paid for by cash or credit card. Tickets can be obtained from the club offices (not ticket windows), Monday to Friday 9.30am-7.30pm (closed weekends and fiestas), or from your local supporters club or online. Again this year, tickets cannot be purchased through La Caixa bank. Please remember if you are coming to a game next season, match tickets can be obtained from the club offices. Ticket windows are only open on match days. Season tickets include all cup matches and B team games at the Son Bibiloni.
Our first game is the City of Palma cup match. The opponents are La Liga team Granada and that takes place on Saturday, 13 August at 9pm. This game is the official presentation of our new team to the fans.
Next season will see a name change in our league: La Segunda will now be known as La Liga 2. Spain's second tier has been known as Liga Adelante for sponsorship reasons. La Liga 2 will be even more difficult to get out of next season as relegated teams Rayo Vallecano, Getafe and Levante take part. Cadiz and Sevilla Atletico completed their play-off games last weekend and will join Reus and UCAM Murcia next season in La Liga 2. With their famous war cry “Ese Cadiz oé", they will be more than welcome with their highly exuberant fan base. Fellow fan Billy Morris reckons their Estadio Ramon de Carranza is the most atmospheric away ground he's been to. He should know, he's been to most of them, in both Spain's top leagues, Sevilla Atletico will be the only B team, filial (reserves), in the second division after the relegation of Bilbao Athletic.