Starting over with the sense of ongoing struggle, facing almost nothing but the stubborn certainty of a setback. That resilience repeats nine times. Hercules confronts perseverance in its tenth attempt, now outside of professional football, focused on club leadership, roster planning, and the long road of building a team. History repeats itself on the field. Little can be salvaged from what is described as the worst season in a century for a club with a storied past. Any remaining progress will likely hinge on the high costs of termination that may still loom.
The technical secretariat remains active after the regional government’s shift in leadership, led by Carlos Mazón, a well-known figure in Herculaneum circles, with stadium renovations underway and a search for a cartel president to chair the board. There is an understanding that transferring ownership will require an investment close to the last campaign to avoid a big splash into the RFEF First Division.
CONTRACTS IN ACTION
- Cesar Moreno
- Michel Herrero
- alvarito
- Jose Artiles
- Nico Espinosa
- John Paul
- salah
TERMINATED AGREEMENTS
- ander victoria
- Sergio Marcos
- felipe chacartegui
- Mario Gomez
NO AGREEMENT REACHED
- Carlos Abad
- ivan martinez
- Roger Riera
- Exhibition Molina
- Maxi Rivero
- Raul Ruiz
- Sandro Toscano
- Diego Jimenez
- Victor Eimil
- Christian Cedres
- manu navarro
- dani marine
- Jack Harper
- Alberto Retuerta
- Luke Junior
The blue and white locker room needs nourishment once again, perhaps more than the logic of a team that spent over a million euros in the fourth tier would justify.
15 more times?
► With the team on holiday from Friday, seven players are scheduled to return to Fontcalent in early July: César Moreno, Míchel Herrero, Alvarito, José Artiles, Nico Espinosa, Jean Paul, and Salah. They form the seed of Hercules for the 2023-24 season, all with professional experience, none under 23.
In 2019, fifteen footballers ended their association with the Alicante club by 30 June. The priority remains retaining players. Carlos Abad is the only one reportedly able to improve after joining the team following two campaigns with limited minutes for various reasons.
The continuation of Carlos Abad remains a priority, with possible terminations still on the table
The Canary-born goalkeeper received an initial offer from the asset, which does not meet his current expectations. He remains interested in staying with the team, though the proposed amount is notably lower. The discussion is in its early stages, so anything could happen.
Negative moves
► The sports commission noted that Roger Riera could see a significant salary increase if the team earns promotion. The Barça veteran did not find a time to explore offers in a higher tier than the blue and whites, choosing to keep the door open for the future if a satisfactory project does not emerge. He continues to believe football demands more than just a spot in the Second RFEF.
Renewals will stay flat or decrease
To persuade him to stay, a contract must be compelling enough to keep him motivated to push forward on the eroded pitches again. The defender remains crucial for coach Lolo Escobar, who must accept Mario Gómez’s departure for now, despite having another season under contract. The Extremadura technician pressed hard but could not secure a convincing case to retain him.
New direction
► The plan is to inject fresh energy by focusing on talented and ambitious young players who can balance any veteran burden and the pressure they carry. The first-year Paco will lead the rebuild, with César Moreno, Míchel, Alvarito, Artiles, and Nico Espinosa aiming to complement the elder core with energy and ambition to conquer new ground.
Contrary to the events of a year ago, Hercules moved swiftly after the setback, determined to bounce back in a short window. They have about six weeks to begin rebuilding on the rubble of a difficult season.
Group 3 duel for promotion
► The third group was notably weak, with Hercules finishing seventh. This is not a subjective view; it is a fact. Four clubs qualified for the promotion play-offs to reach the First RFEF, and one-round ties broke the path to the next level. The blue-white rivals did not pose a lasting challenge through the season. Atlético Madrileño eliminated Espanyol B; UCAM defeated Peña Deportiva; Navalcarnero toppled Manresa; and Cacereño beat Mestalla. Teruel rose as the champion alone, just him, securing the ascent.
[citation attribution: internal club assessment and press briefings overview]