The project has not started yet. Hercules trains as a family seven days before the first friendly game of the season against Eldense at New Pepico Amat (19.00). The delay in today’s session makes it challenging to assemble an adequate squad for the duel, and it is unclear how much value the match will provide. With only three signings so far — Víctor Eimil, Carlos Abad, and Felipe Rodríguez Chacartegui — Hercules is concentrating on finalizing the renewal of Nico Espinosa, a process that could be concluded this Wednesday. Although promising, the contract remains unsigned.
As confirmed yesterday by the Alicante club, seven players from the Hercules academy are undergoing pre-season training with the first team at Rico Pérez.
Youth players and members of the reserve squad train under the guidance of the new coach, Ángel Rodríguez, along with José Fajardo, Ángel Marín, Damián Secilla, Nicolás Ortiz, Lucas González, David Velázquez and Salaheddine Bendrao.
Only Velázquez, the newly renewed striker, had the chance to debut for the first team in an official match. Sergi Molina is also involved in the ongoing training, which has recently been reorganized and will join the first team in the near future.
The Hércules squad, which will compete again in the Second RFEF next season, currently lists just seven professional players and plans to reaffirm its dedication to football by integrating homegrown talents into the core squad. The club’s emphasis on nurturing grassroots football has drawn criticism from some fans.
pre-season calendar
The club has released its pre-season schedule. The opener is the match against Eldense mentioned earlier. Following that, Hercules will face AlWahda FC on August 2 at Pinatar Arena. On August 9, the first competitive clash is set against Castellón at Rico Pérez, with kickoff time still to be confirmed. On August 12, Hercules will meet Alcoyano at El Collao in a noteworthy test. On August 17, the team travels to Cartagonova to play Cartagena B in a friendly ahead of the First RFEF season.
Hercules faces a lean spell
David Marin
The club aims to secure additional signings in the coming days to reshape the roster with the clear objective of returning to the First RFEF. The latest update came on Sunday with the renewal of Sergio Molina. Since then, no major changes have occurred at Hercules. Monday featured statements from Carlos Parodi, Valentín Botella, and José León at the Benalúa court. Tomorrow will bring further statements from José María Caruana, secretary of the Hércules Foundation, directors of Caja Rural Central, a prominent organization in the Prosecutor’s report, and a Tax Office official who is expected to testify in court.
The club hopes to announce at least one signing before the first friendly game to strengthen the squad during the pre-season phase.