A letter from the Gaffer

Dear 2008 Almaty Squad,

You will be pleased to know after months of wrangling I finally put pen to paper and signed a deal with the Almaty Board to retain my services for another season. Consequently, my mind has turned to organising a squad for next year’s campaign. As always, I’m looking to recruit a squad of well-balanced players. All the players must have true Almaty characteristics: a strong work ethic; reliability; good looks and of course a few tricks in the bag in order to please the fans!

So far we have lost the services of two stalwarts of the original Almaty panel. Jim “Alright Mate” Butler has gone across the waters for his big move… time will tell whether he will return with his tail between his legs begging the Gaffer for place in the squad. Morgan “Who are you Axel?!” Foley also got his wish for transfer. He is moving down under to play for Carlton in the hope that it will boost his ambitions to play international football with Australia (apparently all his relatives were convicts!).

However, all hope is not lost! I’m hoping to sign some world class players before the transfer deadline. In particular we are anxious that “Fat” Spratt will lose the 12lbs required to satisfy the clause in his contract that he is below 15 stone at the start of pre-season.

I know a few of you may be considering retirement and would like to bow out on a high after winning the title last year. However, I would encourage you to reconsider and to pull on those sexy yellow socks for another year.

Once a squad has been assembled the Board will assess its potential and make a decision on whether to launch an assault on the “premier” division.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Gaffer