Since Hercules announced on Wednesday the appointment of Luis Castillo as the new president of the blue-and-whites, social media reactions have seemingly leaned against the move. Fans associate the Alicante businessman with the disappearance of Lucentum, and many call for a reorganization from the Nacional. Fan associations, clubs, and various groups oppose Castillo’s arrival and demand Enrique Ortiz depart. In response, a group of Hercules supporters calling themselves “We Can Take It Back” demonstrated this Thursday, expressing disagreement with the club’s governance and Luis Castillo’s elevation to chairman.
The group, known for organizing campaigns and rallies against the current council, argues that Castillo’s election reflects a nepotistic pattern and favors the Ortiz family, noting the historical disappearance of Lucentum as a city symbol tied to public funding controversies. They argue that the club’s leadership should not be tied to a single family’s influence, and they urge accountability from Castillo to address what they view as mismanagement.
Luis Castillo, the new head of Hercules
The position has intensified a tense atmosphere among supporters, with debates about the club’s direction and its place in Spanish football.
“The losses connected to disqualification, debt, and damages to public and private institutions, including regional bodies like the Provincial Council, the City Council, or the Generalitat, weigh heavily on the club”, the platform notes. They point to previous public investments that funded Lucentum and argue that its disappearance has been a financial burden carried publicly for years, estimated at hundreds of thousands of euros annually.
The collective insists that the only news they want to hear from the club is the departure of the Ortiz family’s influence.
A statement from the Alicante group said, “No current or future decisions that imply wealth growth can be allowed to continue to reflect what the Ortiz family and their entourage symbolize for the city, or even figures as controversial as Enrique.”
The recent episodes, which unfolded amid a blue-and-white tense climate, occurred during a season that many perceive as disappointing and out of step with prior campaigns.
Michel, self-criticism
Hércules midfielder Míchel Herrero said at a press conference that the image of the team, which seems unlikely to reach promotion to the First Federation, is not what the club or its fans deserve.
“Two games remain and all we want is to win and restore our image. This is on us. You have to play well and show it to the fans. What’s more,” the Valencian added, “nobody likes to be escorted from work by the police,” referring to recent events at Rico Pérez when fans gathered in the stadium’s parking area.
“That shows we’re not doing it right. We must listen and respect differing opinions, and it’s time to keep our heads down and keep working until the end. There is no one else. We have to do it for them, for the city and the fans. That’s the minimum,” he continued.
Stating that he is not afraid of fan reactions, the player noted that the team faces these pressures “for better or worse.” “We have to perform. We must stay focused so that a repeat of such moments does not happen,” insisted Míchel, acknowledging the frustration among Hercules supporters and the wider community. He suggested that future success will require enduring critical periods and that the club’s struggles began at the start of the season.
“I wasn’t here in the pre-season, yet the whole situation is the result of many factors. If preparation is lacking and opportunities are not seized, anxiety grows. Our aim is to finish as strongly as possible and avoid a season like this again. It’s not easy, especially for a club fighting to leave the lower tier,” he added.
“I came back to help, but the club’s situation isn’t what it was thirteen years ago, nor is the level of competition or Míchel Herrero’s role,” the midfielder concluded, underscoring the broader changes facing the team and its leadership.