Local News – Kent Times | Sports Section:
> "An Eastchurch legend returns home! Former team captain and fan-favorite Emre McRay has officially been announced as the new head coach of Kızıltaş SK. The 129-year-old club, now playing in League Two, is dreaming big again!"
Social Media Buzz:
> @KiziltasFans_1896:
"Captain McRay is back! Time to rise again!"
> @UltrasOfRed:
"Even if we're in the 3rd tier, we are still a giant. Welcome back, legend."
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Club Statement – X (formerly Twitter):
> @KiziltasSK:
"A leader on the pitch. A commander on the sidelines. Welcome home, Emre McRay."
#RedLegacy #McRayReturns
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First Match of the Season: Kızıltaş SK vs Brighthill United
Venue: Kızıltaş Arena
Attendance: 4,800 (partially full)
Weather: Cloudy, 17°C
Starting XI (chosen by Coach McRay):
Langston (GK) – Shaw, Curtis, Doyle, Rowe – Shiels (C), Archer – Moses, Daniels, Fletcher – Murata
Substitutes: Doyle, Bartosz, Spencer, Kennedy
Kickoff:
The team looked nervous in the first half. Brighthill was more aggressive and took the lead in the 27th minute after a defensive error.
Halftime score: Kızıltaş 0 – 1 Brighthill United
Second Half:
Minute 58 – McRay makes a bold change: Bartosz comes on for Doyle.
Minute 69 – A beautifully delivered cross from Rowe finds Murata in the box.
GOAL! Kızıltaş equalizes – 1-1!
Minute 83 – Fletcher draws a foul near the box. Shiels steps up and curls it into the net.
GOAL! Kızıltaş 2 – 1 Brighthill!
Final Whistle: Victory in the first game of the season!
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Post-Match:
> @KiziltasSK:
"Three points, one heart. Together again, stronger than ever."
> Coach McRay:
"The boys fought like lions. This club isn't dead. It was only sleeping."
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