Club Departures
Krzysztof Musiał 🇵🇱
The first of seven summer departures is Krzysztof Musiał. Krzysztof recently became a father and leaves the club after making 28 appearances and scoring twice. The Polish midfielder had been with the Expats from the beginning of their B Klasa journey in 2019/2020 and will spend next season with B Klasa side Universum.
On the Polish man’s departure, Head Coach Ash Asani said about Krzyś “I am sad to see him leave, he was a part of the club for many years and we’ll miss his combative nature”.
Jacob Biddlecombe 🏴
Biddlecombe has decided to put family life first and waves goodbye to the club. The Englishman had been a member of Dragoons in the Kraków Sunday League previously. He returned to the club in his natural position of goalkeeper last year adding a new dimension to the position. Jake established himself as the number one keeper at the turn of 2022 and made 4 appearances in total.
On Jake, Asani added “we’ll miss his qualities on the ball and leadership at the back, he established himself as the number 1 goalkeeper and performed exceptionally”.
Adrian Paliś 🇵🇱
Also leaving the club is all-time leading goal-scorer Adrian Paliś. The Polish goal-machine has decided to move on to pastures new and will face-off against the Expats as he has rejoined his first club, Bieżanowianka.
Paliś has been with the club since the Sunday League days and has top-scored in all three seasons at B Klasa level. The hitman leaves us having scored 59 goals in 47 games and being only second behind Enrico Forabosco with 17 assists.
Gonçalo Rodrigues 🇵🇹
Last but not least, we also say adeus to another club icon in Gonçalo Rodrigues. The Portuguese Pitbull has decided to end his time with the Dragoons on a high.
Rodrigues has been with the club since day one and part of the first group of players who has held the captaincy, including leading the team in the historical official Dragoons debut against Fairant back in 2019. A fully-committed tackler, the Dragoons will certainly miss his combative displays in midfield.
Gonzi showed dedication to the team and such was his commitment to the cause, he’d probably run through a brick wall to win the ball.
The midfielder returned to the side at the beginning of last season, and we are all saddened that he is unable to continue his journey with the Dragoons on the pitch. Gonzi has retained his membership and we hold hope that we have not seen the last of the Portuguese in the famous blue jersey. Hopefully sooner rather than later!
Gonçalo made a total of 39 appearances, recording 5 assists and despite his robust nature has 6 yellow cards and one red card to his name.
Retirements
Three Dragoons have ended their footballing careers on a high and sadly have announced their retirement.
Daniel Finnegan 🇮🇪
Club stalwart Daniel Finnegan is an original member of the side and had been with the club since its inception. Affectionately known as Finn, he’ll be remembered for his no-nonsense defending and his headed goals. It is rumoured that a number of players jumped with glee at the news, celebrating the fact their calves will no longer be sore after training.
Finn has decided to call time on the playing side, but will very much continue to be a part of the club. He will resume his duties as a board member and club treasurer, chasing those who have not paid their club fees! Dan retires with 21 appearances to his name and 4 goals. Remarkably, the centre back never received a single yellow or red card during his time with the club.
Scott Halcrow 🏴
Another club legend retiring is midfield general Scott Halcrow. The Englishman has decided to call it a day after captaining the side to the B Klasa title. With the gold secured, Scotty has lifted a trophy at every one of the clubs he represented. Despite no-one understanding a word he says due to his high-pitched squawking on the field, Scotty proved to be a capable leader. He effectively organised the team on the pitch and caused referees a headache with his rants.
Whether dictating the play from the base of midfield or filling in at centre back, he always gave 100% and applied himself well since his arrival in 2019. Quick-witted, Scott provided much humour and entertainment in handling the club code of conduct and introduced special rules on the annual Warsaw trips.
Despite hanging up his boots, Scotty will be continuing to keep the players and referees on their toes as he transitions to the coaching staff. Halcrow made 32 appearances in total for the Dragoons, scoring 3 times.
Piotr Piątek 🇵🇱
Piotr Piątek, known and loved by all as Pedro Viernes has also decided to retire from playing. The playing and coaching staff will all miss his dedication to training and enthusiasm to the game. Despite a lack of match-time, Pedro has been a regular face around the Dragoons. All of the pictures produced on our site come from Pedro and we do hope he continues to make most of us (except Mark) look sexy!
Pedro made 2 appearances for the side and grabbed one assist during his time at the club.
Final Word From the Coach
Following the departures Head Coach Ash Asani had this to say: “It is sad to see 3 captains and experienced players leave the club. This does leave a gap that we will fill in time. I am pleased to announce that Mark Szczesnowicz will be the new club captain along with Daniel Silva”.
With seven players departing the Dragoons, the club has been busy recruiting replacements. We will be bringing you the news of our exciting new signings very soon!
For now, everyone at the club wishes Finn, Scotty, Pedro, Krzyś, Jake, Adi and Gonzi all the very best!
