MONTE LOCAL BOY TAKES CHARGE

youth and senior appearances for CD Montesinos over two decades,taking up an Under-15-16-17s coaching role.

"My family are from Montesinos,my father was a player for the club and President for many years,the club is very close to my heart," said Joni.

His father Jaime - Pepe - sadly passed away in 2019,with the club having a minutes silence in honour of his services to the club.

“I never dreamt that one day I would follow in the footsteps of my father as President.

"Being President never crossed my mind.But I knew that one day I was going to be involved,in one way or another," said Joni.

The club have a solid fan base and 'Full Monte' Supporters Club President Eddie Cagigao told The Leader: "The message to the fans is 'Keep The Faith'.

"It might be a little bit difficult at first.We've got a lot of new players,with pre-season starting in August,with four or five friendlies,and the Fred Griggs Full Monte Trophy v Saladar on August 27,prior to the 2023-24 season kickingoff on September 10."

By Andrew Atkinson

Los Montesinos born Joni Lorente has stepped in to save the town's football club CD Montesinos,taking over the mantle of President ahead of the 2023-24 season. Speaking exclusively to The Leader,Joni,affectionately known as 'Macan',who succeeds outgoing President Alfredo Macia,said: "I'm very excited to become President of CD Montesinos.

"It's a new challenge for me,and I'm very happy and determined to succeed.

PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE 2023/2024 SEASON

The new Premier League season is nearly upon us and for some fans, the pre-season and transfer window is one of the most exciting times.

With lots of new players snapped up from around the world, as well as new and talented players rising from the Championship, there’s lots to look forward to. Lets look at three new players worth keeping an eye on for the new season.

SANDRO TONALI - NEWCASTLE

After a very impressive season, Newcastle United has looked to build upon their squad, adding depth, with extra games to play in Europe in 2023/24.

One early signing is Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali. Signed from AC Milan on a five-year deal, Newcastle has arguably tied down the 23-year-old for the prime years of his career.

The young international has already played in the Champions League, reaching the semifinals in 2022/23, and has a Serie A title under his belt from the 2021/22 season.

Tonali is a bit of an all-round midfielder. He’s physical, hardworking and technically gifted, and can chip in with goals and assists. He scored seven goals and assisted in 13 in 130 games for Milan. He’s certainly one to watch for The Magpies this year.

JOSH CULLEN - BURNLEY

Republic of Ireland international midfielder Josh Cullen enjoyed a superb year for Burnley as he helped them romp to the Championship title last year.

Cullen began life at West Ham, but unable to break into the team, he joined Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht in 2020. The diminutive playmaker works incredibly hard for the team but also chips in with the odd assist and occasional goal.

When Kompany got the Burnley job, Cullen was his first sign-

"Montesinos is my town - it's where I have spent my life, and I've played for the club at different levels during that time.

"I went to Elche FC for a few years,but this is where I belong.Montesinos is my club,my team."

Following the shake-up,that saw ex-Racing San Miguel coach Dani Williscroft 'Willy' appointed as manager ahead of the 2023-24 season,a new Committee was formed,consisting of Monte former players,and a group of associates.

Joni retired in 2022 from playing after a career spanning

CD Montesinos will play in the newly formed (FFCV) G8 2nd Valencia Federation this season.

On Macan,Eddie said: "Montesinos is part of Macan's DNA,he's been here since he was a kid.His love is hereit's his town,born here,as was his parents.

"It's in his heart and soul - that's why I think he's going to do well."

*CD Montesinos-Leader Exclusive interviews with Macan, Eddie Cagigao and new manager 'Willy' continue next week.

Carp-R-Us Fishing

Round two of the Carp-R-Us Summer/Autumn Series was fished at the El Bosquet complex on pegs 26-40. The previous couple of days had been very hot, but fortunately the match was fished in mainly cloudy conditions with the odd light shower and a light breeze helping make the conditions not too bad.

Over the last year or so this stretch has seen a large increase in the number of mullet and a gradual drop in the number of carp caught and so was the case today when, if you wanted to fish for them, there were mullet aplenty, but the carp were more elusive. First was Jeremy Fardoe with 13.00kg caught on pole and bread from peg 28.

ing. In his debut year, he was voted Players’ Player of the Season and Fans Player of the Season.

He’s pipped to be ever-present for Burnley again this year, and as he’s proved at international level, the step up in quality in the Premier League won’t faze him.

EBERECHI EZE - CRYSTAL PALACE

Eberechi Eze enjoyed something of a breakout year for Crystal Palace last season. Eze particularly flourished under manager Roy Hodgson, when he was brought in at the end of last season to save the club from relegation.

Eze proved instrumental in that last push. His driving runs, skill with the ball, and crucial goals and assists propelled Palace up the league and finally had people talking about his ability.

It even led England manager Gareth Southgate to call him up to the squad, and in May 2023, he made his international debut against Malta.

Hopes are high for this talented young man. At 25 years old, it’s potentially a make or break season for Eze. Palace fans will hope he can build upon his impressive form, but only time will tell.

Unfortunately, Jeremy’s day ended with him stripped to his underwear and entering the water to rescue a couple of sections of his pole that had fallen in. Second was Dave Hutchinson on peg 34 who did include a couple of good carp in his 8.64kg caught on pole and maggot. Third was Richard Crawshaw with 8.42kg caught using feeder and maggot and fourth was the ever-consistent Willy Moons with 6.80kg also on feeder.

Further information about the club can be found on its website www.carp-r-us.weebly.com or on the Facebook page Carp-R-Us Fishing Costa Blanca