Heineken Red Star FC: Open the Footballing World - Season 2 Midpoint - Push for Promotion

How quick has this already been? Less than a month since taking the position with HRSFC, and we are back with the Season 2 Midpoint. The team, experiencing some change in our personnel and a slight tweak to the tactic, have been thriving!

TRANSFERS OUT/IN:

Out - Sekou Keita - $900k + installments - Reims

First of our change in personnel, was the sale of last years leading goalscorer, Sekou Keita to Reims. This deal was somewhat like the Mhirsi deal in the sense that he was the highest valued player at the club, and was wanted throughout Europe. The other side of this sale was that the player was unsettled, and starting to destroy our locker room. The strife with S. Keita all began when teams were sniffing around and inquiring for him in the January transfer window. I was able to keep him until the end of the season, and although he was unsettled, he did ultimately help FM Peels keep his job with HRSFC.

In - Enzo Ebosse - Loan - RC Lens

After the sale of S. Keita, the club allocated a majority of the funds into the debt that we were in. As a result, we would need to strengthen the squad by bringing in a few loaned players. Having Mendy as our RCB of the future, I wanted to find a left-footed CB to partner him with. If I am honest, Ebosse was serviceable, but nothing to write home about. I was enamored with his Marking, Tackling, and Heading, plus his size. Ultimately, thank goodness we only loaned him.

In - Lassana Coulibaly - Loan - Angers SCO

Lassana. Coulibaly. A key component to our success this season. The RPM helped boss our midfield alongside Lefebvre and Mfulu. Of the three, he was the most forward-thinking, and provided a multitude of assists. Ideally, next year we could bring him to the club on a full-time basis. With his current value, we may find that difficult unfortunately.

In - Amir Adouyev - Loan - Montpellier

The second loan-letdown of the season. Adouyev was ideally going to be playing as our SS in the place of an out-and-out striker in the system. After about, 3 games, he suffered a 5 month injury, and we changed the tactic. Once he was healthy, he featured sparingly as a sub on the wing, but nowhere near the player we thought we had signed. Once again, thank God for the loan.

In - Alexis Flips - Loan - LOSC

A very close second to Coulibaly for loan-signing of the season. Playing on the RW as our IF-A, Flips technique and dribbling really helped the team this season. Another player we would love to have back next year, but it seems like we will look for a similar option without the high upfront cost.

In - Jovan Kokir - $125k - Partizan

Signing of the season. Hands down, signing of the season. At Christmas, tied for first in goals in the league with 11, he has been a massive boost offensively for the club. Cutting in from his LW position, the IF-A has been pivotal in our push this season. The $125k price we paid is looking to be a bargain. Oh, and he already broke a club and league record. Big man is going places.

Table - Midway Point

The promotion/title race is really hot right now. From 18 matches, the league, for the most part at least, is pretty wide-open. No one, not even CS Sedan or ourselves, have pulled out to a sizable lead. Definitely okay with the situation, as we hold our fate in our hands, more or less.

Fixtures and results from the first half of the season above.

Team leaders. Notice Coulibaly and Flips tied for most assists, and Kokir as our leading goalscorer. The youth in the team are exciting.

Will we sign anyone in January? Will we win promotion?

Check back soon for more from HRSFC and Head Coach FM Peels. To follow along with the save more regularly, follow @RattledCrossbar over on Twitter for steady updates!

-FM Peels