From defeat to hope
Hercules heads out with keen caution as the winter market opens. The club knows what works and believes it best not to disturb the balance too much. The second team finished the first half atop the table, with Lleida just two points ahead as the leaders. Coach Torrecilla emphasizes that a solid dressing room should not be tampered with during a market where the consequences for the squad can be unpredictable. Yet the market moves began fast, with three exits already confirmed: David López-Guerrero, Jean Paul, and Rafa de Palmas, and a fourth potential departure, Cesar Moreno, seems likely. It appears Michel Herrero could also be on the way out, depending on negotiations with ownership and the path back to Hércules. The midfielder did not feature under Torrecilla in the first half and has signaled that he does not expect to be relied upon in the second half, so keeping him in the stands when the squad is needed would be pointless. The plus side is the consistent attitude the player shows in training, even while knowing he is not in the current plans.
There is no call-up continuity for Sergi Molina. He remains a senior figure who has not logged a single minute in the five occasions he has been named. The Alicante defender attends training with a professional demeanor, but he is not part of the coach’s tactical plans. In response, the club is actively seeking defenders in the market to strengthen the group.
It is not ruled out that more players who have not seen minutes under Torrecilla may depart in the coming days. All signs point to six or more exits, a small but deliberate revolution aimed at strengthening the squad to challenge for first place and secure direct promotion to the First RFEF.
For now, the club has announced reunions for Javi Moreno and Richmon Dapaah, two wingers who trained in a friendly against Torrellano at Rico Pérez last Friday. The arrivals were expedited to ensure they were ready for the important clash against Lleida on the 7th at 17:00. The team needs match rhythm and better integration with their new teammates.
Javi Moreno and Sarkodie Dapaah become Hércules’ first signings of the winter window. The club enjoys a short break until January 2, when Alicante will prepare to visit the leaders in a match where the team could claim the league crown and a winter title. Hércules closes 2023 with a social accord and a solid fan base that has surpassed 8,500 subscribers, looking ahead to a strong start in 2024 after a successful first half. The year begins with two league trips to Lleida and Espanyol B, followed by a visit from Formentera to Rico Pérez, a sign that the squad is ready to push for the top spot.