qualifying
Elche fans are pragmatic and hopeful yet aware of the harsh realities faced this season. The club won only two matches at home, and the chances of staying in their current division look slim. The road ahead demands clear planning and a renewed sense of purpose from every part of the organization.
This newspaper posed two focused questions to representatives of the franciverdes fan clubs. First, they offered a concise assessment of the campaign. Second, they shared expectations for the next one. The responses opened a genuine discussion, reflecting a shared passion and a green-fringed heart that accompanies every opinion.
opinions
That season was labeled by many as a disaster, a source of embarrassment, and a difficult hurdle to overcome. Fans sent a clear message to Elche: the club must begin preparations for the next year, and the patience of supporters is running out. The aim is unmistakable: recover the lost category. Some observers even feel the chance to establish a foothold in the Premier League was missed, and the sentiment carried into the preseason discussions.
opinions
Tome1s Domenes, president of Pe Franja Verde, described the campaign as embarrassing. He noted that, from the pre-season onward, it seemed the team had not been working and did not respond to early opportunities for improvement. Although a turn was hoped for during the mid-season break, no decisive action followed. Domenes stressed that a new sporting director and a coach should be sought to build a team capable of reclaiming the category; otherwise, the club risks losing control of its future.
Carlos San Jose9, president of Penya Altabix, called the season unfortunate in every sense. He cited poor planning, late reactions, and risky bench bets, framing the campaign as a missing game in many respects. He urged a centennial policy that balances tradition with openness to fan involvement, hoping for a future that learns from mistakes, crafts sensible plans, and builds a human team that represents all fans as the club enters its centennial year.
For Paco Pe9rez, president of Pe Franjiverde Vega Baja, the year was described as a disaster. Relegation loomed as a possibility before the season began, yet the outcome surpassed expectations with its severity. He highlighted the decline in attendance after strong subscriber growth during the centennial, urging an early start to Season 2 planning, leveraging relegation relief funds, and a determination to return to the First Division swiftly. He emphasized that the club should protect its youth achievements and the broader community role it has built, preserving Elche as a regional beacon.
Assuming decline since October
Juan Diego Molina, president of Peña Centenario, acknowledged a very tough year and described it as among the worst in decades. Support from fans remained steadfast, even as the team faced relegation from October onward. While celebrating a centennial, he criticized planning and projection that failed to secure top-tier placement. He noted that last-minute transfers did not suffice due to limited engagement and a noticeable gap between veterans and newcomers. The call was clear: players who commit fully to every game are essential.
Molina anticipated planning in Segunda for the following May, aiming to return to the First Division as soon as possible. His suggestion was to sign experienced players who are passionate about the category and ready to push for promotion. A comparison with last season’s Eibar, which moved quickly to recruit top Division Two players, offered a model. He also indicated that descent relief funds should be used to rebuild the squad, while acknowledging that familiar faces would not always guarantee positive results. The Peña Centenario affirmed continued support for Elche in any division, reaffirming loyalty and regional pride.
Elche fans, collectively, deserve a project that respects the club’s history while driving forward with modern management and competitive sports planning. The expectation is a roster that rises with every match and a leadership team that acts with urgency and accountability.
The 7 deadly sins of Elche’s relegation
Mario Paye1, secretary of the Penas Federation, shared a pointed critique: the season felt like a disaster from day one. He argued that, even before the season began, the team lacked physique and tactical cohesion, and the club atmosphere was off. He noted the disappointment of Centenary members who, despite substantial support with over 24,000 subscribers, faced a season that did not meet expectations. His sentiment echoed a broader plea for more decisive action in the future.
Looking ahead, Paye1 expressed a hope to build a category-specific squad with a singular objective: promotion. He urged the club’s majority stakeholder to overhaul the management structure and to surround the leadership with professionals skilled in both sporting and administrative tasks to guide the club back to prominence.
The desire is simple yet urgent: a coherent plan, a competent network around the team, and a renewed sense of purpose that resonates with fans who want reliable performance and genuine engagement from the club’s leadership.
Frangiverde duel fills the nets
VL Deltel
First Class Hobby
José Manuel Godoy of Pe Nino Leyenda voiced a steadfast pride: the fans are among the best in the world, proven by their support this year. He placed criticism squarely on the largest shareholder and questioned leadership decisions that affected the team and the coach. The sentiment was that money should not eclipse performance and integrity on the pitch.
Valero Paya, president of Pe Franjiverde Petrer, summarized the season as very bad. He expected more from the team, the management, and the coaching staff. After a difficult start, he believed they lost the category in January and urged stronger commitment across all levels to secure important positions next season, insisting the hobby deserves a year free of disappointment.
Regions take the cake in the year of Elche
VL Deltel
It hurts more for Centennial
Mareda Cecilia Ballester, president of Peña Els Gafarrons Ilicitans, expressed disappointment that the centennial year did not deliver the joy expected. The hope endures that enthusiasm returns and that the First Division is earned again next season. Rafal Rodredguez, secretary of Penya Rabuts Novelda, noted a rough pre-season and a difficult mid-season that nearly led to relegation due to weak planning and limited economic effort in the centennial year. He urged immediate work for the next year, building a block capable of competing and entertaining fans while aiming for promotion as soon as possible, even if the path in Segunda proves challenging for reserve teams.
Penas Federation president David Aranda reflected on the season as a mix of bright spots and setbacks. He highlighted fan maturity and continued loyalty to the club and its centennial identity, acknowledging Elche’s heritage and the broader regional pride linked to the club. He also warned that missed opportunities due to complacency can erode progress, and he urged a pace that matches the public’s desire for accountability and momentum, all while preserving the club’s legacy and community ties.
Elche CF players celebrate a goal against Rayo Vallecano
high demand level
For the next season, the hope is that mistakes, careless moments, and a lack of professionalism are addressed. The goal is a professional standard across both corporate and sporting realms, with the club clearly involved in rebuilding its identity. There is a sense that conversations with representatives and players must continue to shape a roster focused on rising in the standings, while fans demand visible ambition from both the club and its players. The path forward requires a team and leadership that embody that ambition, with the club taking the first, decisive step toward that future.