From the brink of extinction to Segunda leaders: The remarkable rise of CD Castellón
How CD Castellón went from nearly disappearing in regional football to topping Spain's Segunda División in just over a decade, under the data-driven ownership of Bob Voulgaris.
A century-old club that nearly vanished is now dreaming of La Liga, leading Spain’s Segunda División after a remarkable resurrection from the depths of Spanish football.
From the abyss to the summit
It’s proper mad to think that just 12 years ago, CD Castellón were on the verge of dropping to Regional Preferente (Spain’s fifth tier) - a fall that would have likely meant curtains for the historic club. Now they’re sitting pretty at the top of Spain’s Segunda División after 26 matches, eyeing promotion to La Liga on merit.
The club’s troubles began with an administrative relegation to Tercera División (fourth tier) in 2010-11, just a year after dropping from Segunda. What followed was a seven-year slog through the lower divisions that nearly saw this centenarian institution - one that has played in the top flight and even reached a Copa del Rey final - disappear completely.
Loyal supporters kept the dream alive
During those wilderness years, Castellón:
- Suffered through disastrous management
- Endured periods of unpaid wages
- Narrowly avoided relegation to Preferente in 2013-14
- Survived largely thanks to their passionate fanbase
The supporters deserve a proper Bobby Moore medal for their loyalty - they were the club’s backbone during its darkest days.
The turning point
Salvation came in 2017-18 when a new investment group arrived, which included current manager Pablo Hernández. That same season, they escaped Tercera División, beginning their climb back up the pyramid.
The real game-changer happened in July 2022, coinciding with the club’s centenary, when Canadian Bob Voulgaris purchased Castellón. The new owner set an ambitious target: reaching La Liga within “five or six years.” Just four seasons in, they’re already ahead of schedule.
Innovation driving success
Voulgaris has implemented a revolutionary approach at Castellón:
- A data-driven recruitment strategy that’s delivering remarkable results
- One of the division’s least expensive squads, yet highly competitive
- Commitment to attacking football without sacrificing defensive solidity
- Investment in a new training complex that will be completed within a year
The appointment of Pablo Hernández as manager on matchday six proved a masterstroke. Previously a player under Voulgaris, Hernández has elevated the team to new heights since taking the reins.
For a club that was nearly brown bread just over a decade ago, Castellón’s current position atop the Segunda table represents an extraordinary revival. The sky’s the limit for this phoenix from the ashes.