The Utenis Chronicle
Transfer targets24 Jul 2028
Marko Konatar is a medical away from Utenis
The deal with Kauno Zalgiris is done in every sense but the one that puts him on the pitch. Nothing goes wrong at this stage, except on the occasions when it does.
Squad24 Jul 2028
Tempers go at Utenis
Ander Marticorena was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Transfer targets24 Jul 2028
Kauno Zalgiris tell Utenis: Amit Mamut is not for sale
The approach was made and the answer came back in a sentence. There is no number on the table because there was no number that would have been enough.
Squad24 Jul 2028
Lukas Cernych signs on for more
“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Lukas Cernych and Utenis agree another 3 years.
Transfer targets24 Jul 2028
Utenis ask about Kenzo Noël
A loan enquiry to Siauliai: cover, or a look at somebody the club cannot afford to buy yet. Either way the answer will come back inside the week.
The dugout24 Jul 2028
The manager makes an example of Donatas Simkus
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
The dugout24 Jul 2028
When it matters, Andrius Novikovas plays
It is never announced and it is entirely visible: the biggest afternoons of the season keep containing him. A press box works this out long before anybody at the club confirms a word of it.
The dugout24 Jul 2028
Vincent Akpikpi knocks on the manager's door
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Utenis, and both men came out saying it was fine.
Squad24 Jul 2028
Maxim Axyutin has had enough of the bench
“I did not come here to warm up in front of people.” He is out of contract eventually, he is old enough to count the weeks, and Utenis will have to give him a reason to stay or an exit.
In brief
- Market The shop window has Filippos Roberts in it
- The dugout Ander Marticorena keeps his manager's vote
- Squad Welcome back, Modestas Vaitkunas