Mature and realistic Elche fans faced a defining season, with only two victories at home and no available routes to retain their top-tier status.
This paper asked two precise questions of the franciverdes fan clubs: first, a concise analysis of the campaign; second, what they expect next season. The responses were candid and thoughtful, crafted by supporters who wear their green and white with a genuine, handmade pride.
In short, fans described the season as a disaster, a shaming chapter, extremely difficult, among the worst in memory, and deeply disappointing. They sent a clear message to Elche: the club must begin preparations for the next year now. Fan patience has worn thin. The objective should be to reclaim the lost division. It is painful to watch a club with such history miss the chance to reestablish itself in the top league, and some feared an early restart in the preseason era.
Tomás Domenes, president of Peña Franja Verde, confessed feeling embarrassed by the campaign. He noted that the signs were visible from the pre-season: the team did not seem to be working, and the start suggested trouble. He hoped for a turn during the break, but no decisive action followed. The season’s trajectory appeared mismanaged, and the community had clung to a sense of a miracle that never arrived. Consequently, he argued for a new sporting director and a coach who could build a team with guarantees to restore confidence, warning that if managers remain in control without results, influence would wane.
Carlos San José, president of Penya Altabix, labeled it an unfortunate season in every sense—poor planning, a timely misstep, and misguided decisions on the bench, along with inconsistent performances. He stressed a reluctance toward overt corporate politics and hinted that the Centenary year yielded disappointment for the Second Division. Looking ahead, he urged learning from mistakes, sensible planning, and the creation of a human team that reflects all supporters who can help organize the club’s centennial efforts.
For Paco Pérez, head of Peña Franjiverde Vega Baja, this year’s involvement amounted to a disaster. Relegation seemed possible even before the season began, yet it unfolded in a way that suggested the club did not compete or capitalise on opportunities. The centennial year ended with heavy fan engagement, but the outcome was crushing. His wish is to restart season planning in the Second Division, use available financial aid to relegate strategically, and pursue an immediate return to the First Division. He emphasized that relegation should not derail the club’s youth projects, which remain a major reference in the province, and where the club’s long-held sports-city ambitions began to take shape.
Juan Diego Molina, presidente of Peña Centenario, described a year of exceptional difficulty, noting relegation felt almost inevitable by October. Yet the steadfast support from the fans never wavered. The Centenary campaign in Primera was enjoyable but fell short in planning and long-term projection, which cost the team a top-tier place. Last-minute transfers failed, with a clear lack of participation evident. Molina urged for players who commit fully in every match, arguing that quick, decisive moves are essential for rebuilding a competitive roster. He urged that this summer bring a fresh start with a focus on players who live for every moment on the field.
Looking ahead, Molina urged planning in the Second Division starting in May, with a goal to return to the First Division swiftly. He advocated signing experienced players who understand the division’s rhythm and can push toward promotion. A model example cited was last season’s Éibar, which moved fast to sign top Division Two talent. He warned against misusing relegation aid and urged reinvestment to secure safety within a year, emphasizing the importance of personnel familiar with Spanish football. The federation vows continued support for Elche, in whatever category lies ahead. ¡Muy Elche!
Peñas Federation secretary Mario Payá offered a stubborn, if blunt, view: the season felt disastrous from day one. He argued that the squad lacked a cohesive physique, tactical unity, and the necessary chemistry. A toxic atmosphere around the club and inexplicable decisions compounded the issue. He noted that Centenary, the club, and the team did not rise to the task, even though the club boasted more than 24,000 subscribers and fans gave their all at every match. Looking to next season, Payá called for a focused approach: build a team by category with a clear, uncompromising aim to win. He urged the club’s largest owner to change course decisively and to partner with professionals who can guide both sporting and administrative operations toward a shared objective.
José Manuel Godoy of Peña Nino Leyenda shared the belief that the fans are among the best in the world, proven by steadfast support this year. He directed criticism at the owner, noting that Bragarnik had not reached 30% control and suggesting that decisions under his leadership reflected a priority on finances over footballing success. He pointed to the coach as a factor, asking for a plan that aligns with a broader, long-term vision rather than sporadic choices that hamper progress.
Valero Payá, president of Peña Franjiverde Petrer, described the season as very disappointing. He expected more from the team, the management, and the coaching staff. After an unusually difficult stretch, he believes the club fell short in January and then restarted in a way that produced far too many poor results. For next season, he called for renewed commitment from all sides, with a focus on competing for important positions and bringing joy back to the fanbase that does not deserve another underwhelming year.
María Cecilia Ballester, president of Peña Els Gafarrons Ilicitans, echoed the sentiment of disillusionment tied to the centennial milestone. She hopes for renewed enthusiasm and a return to the First Division in the following season, reigniting the passion that has kept supporters hopeful through tough times.
Raúl Rodríguez, secretary from Penya Rabuts Novelda, warned that the early season signaled potential trouble, with a slow trajectory toward relegation avoided only late. He attributed it to poor sports planning and insufficient club-led economic efforts during the centennial. The group must begin preparations for next year and strive to create a unified block that keeps fans engaged while plotting a swift return to the Premier League, acknowledging the challenge posed by second teams and the league’s structure.
David Aranda, president of the Peñas Federation, acknowledged a campaign marked by alternating lights and shadows. He praised the supporters for their mature behavior and unwavering loyalty, underscoring Elche’s deep roots and cultural significance, including UNESCO-recognized legacies and the Lady of Elche. He stressed that the club must not squander a unique opportunity due to complacency and slow responses. He warned against postponing decisive actions and urged a more proactive approach to club management that reflects the fans’ expectations. He highlighted the need for leadership and a shared sense of purpose, with a priority on elevating the club’s ambitions and restoring confidence among the community.
For the upcoming season, the federation’s message was clear: change is essential. The club must address professional standards at both corporate and sporting levels, ensure ownership is genuinely involved, and assemble a roster that aspires to rise. The fans expect a plan built on a strong lineup and consistent action. They want clear communication, accountability, and a demonstrated commitment to a bright future. The hope is that talks with players and reps have begun and will continue to shape a roster that embodies the determination to move upward. The fans insist that the club be bold—ambition should define the club’s path forward, not hesitation.