Top 5 debutants in major European Leagues for 2015/16
The European football season kicks off next month and we’ve already seen the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Inter Milan et al, strengthen their squads significantly. Whether it be the title, or a Champions League spot, or even the ‘Ol Big Ears themselves, these teams have set their priorities well in advance - it is make-or-break time now. However, this season also sees a bunch of new boys waiting to stake their claim of the pie among the big boys. These are teams with long, and storied histories, who have been on the verge of realizing their biggest dreams, yet fell at the doorstep every time. For the five teams who will be strutting their stuff with the veterans of Europe this season, this is hopefully the dawn of a new era. While they maybe the bookmakers’ favourites for the dreaded drop next May, these teams will definitely have the support and following among the quintessential romantics that we fans are. We take a look at the newcomers among Europe’s top leagues.
#5 Gazelec Ajaccio - Ligue 1
Four promotions from lower leagues in five years. An entire seasonal budget of €4.5 million, an eleventh of what Raheem Sterling cost. And a stadium capacity of 2,885, which is going to be expanded to 5,000. In one of the most remarkable footballing stories of this century, a club which turned professional only in 2012, is going to compete with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais.
Living under the perennial shadows of their big brother SC Bastia and AC Ajaccio, Gazelec finished in the bottom of Ligue 2 at the end of 2013. However, they got promoted immediately and then went on to finish behind Troyes to reach the upper echelons of French football. With a shoestring budget of €12 million, a fortieth of that of PSG, the Corsican minnows have their task cut out to survive in the league.
However, their incredible story will always remain in folklore, irrespective of the travails they might face over the coming years. From the days when there was talk of dissolving and merging with AC Ajaccio, to the day when a John Tshibumbu brace propelled them to the promised land, Gazelec’s has been one, gutsy ride. Here’s to wishing them more glory.